ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the aerodynamics of various types of wind power machines and indicates advantages and disadvantages of various schemes for obtaining power from the wind. Propeller-type wind turbine theory is reviewed to the level of strip theory including both induced axial and tangential velocities. It is intended that this publication be of use in rapid evaluation and comparative analysis of the aerodynamic performance of wind power machines. The success of wind power as an alternative energy source is obviously a direct function of the economics of production of wind power machines. One of the key areas associated with development of wind power is rotor dynamics. A Savonius rotor requires 30 times more surface for the same power as a conventional rotor blade wind turbine. The Madaras rotor works on the principle of the Magnus effect. The Darrieus rotor has performance near that of a propeller-type rotor and requires power input for starting.
