Similitude Requirements and Scaling Relationships as Applied to Model Testing of Windrotors

 Delfin C. Suministrado¹

 

ABSTRACT

The theory of similitude as applied to modeling of windrotors is presented in this paper. It demonstrates the method of dimensional analysis using Buckingham Pi Theorem to determine the conditions of similarity of windrotor models and prototypes. It explains the applications of the derived conditions of similarity to be able to conduct laboratory performance testing and evaluation of windrotor models and predict performance of fabricated and installed proto­types. Research work involving tests of horizontal and vertical axis windrotor models conducted by different researchers are also discussed.

Keywords: similitude, modeling of windrotors, windrotor, wind energy

¹ Professor, Agricultural Machinery and Farm Power Division, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, 4031 College, Laguna, Philippines.