Development of a measurement technique for low-noise airfoil design and validation

The project has contributed to better and cheaper methods of measurement of noise from wind turbines, and developed a method for the design of low-noise airfoils.

The modeling tool used to model the trailing edge noise has been improved to better reflect reality. No wind tunnels in Denmark contains acoustic measuring equipment, so a better modeling means that the number of measurements in foreign wind tunnels can be reduced.

Noise from wind turbines is a growing problem, not least in Denmark. As larger turbines are noisier than smaller turbines, the problem is accelerated with the trend towards larger turbines. This seriously restricts installation options. The project contributes to better understanding of noise from wind turbines and better tools for modeling. The commercial prospects for noise-optimized turbines are significant, and noise is today an important competitive factor. The improved airfoils are expected to be used on new commercial blade designs within a time frame of approx. two years.