The evolutionary design of wind turbines

The human urge to achieve power from nature has shaped the evolution of wind turbines, enabling the conversion of wind into useful energy. This article unveils the evolutionary aeroelastic design of wind turbines from the perspective of Constructal Law, the physics of design that analyzes, explains, and predicts how energy flow configurations evolve to survive. Witnessing the evolution of wind turbines from early vertical axis to modern horizontal-axis configurations, the article highlights changes in tower height, rotor size, and material quantity that follow predictable patterns in design and performance, while identifying scaling relationships and structural constraints that influence efficiency. Key predictions include proportional relationships between rated power and tower mass, as well as among nacelle mass, rotor mass, and tower mass. The study demonstrates that several design shifts in history have consistently enhanced energy flow configurations, conceived as designs, and structural performance. These insights empower designers to fast-forward with confidence the evolution of wind turbine power systems.

Duke Scholars

Author Adrian Bejan Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materia ...