A Study of Power Production and Noise Generation of a Small Wind Turbine for an Urban Environment

Wind energy has had a major impact on the generation of renewable energy. While most research and development focuses on large, utility-scale wind turbines, a new application is in the field of small wind turbines for the urban environment. A major design challenge for urban wind turbines is the noise generated during operation. This study examines the power production and the noise generated by two small-scale wind turbines tested in a small wind tunnel. Both rotors were designed using the blade-element momentum theory using either the NREL S823 or the Eppler 216 airfoils. Point noise measurements were taken using a microphone at three locations downstream of the turbine: 16% of the diameter (two chord lengths), 50% of the diameter, and 75% of the diameter. At each location downstream of the turbine, a vertical traverse was performed to analyze the sound pressure level (SPL) from the tip of the turbine blades down to the hub. The rotor designed with the Eppler 216 airfoil showed a 9% increase in power production and decrease of up to 7 dB(A).