Optimization of Cylindrical Blades for Wind Turbine Based on Magnus Effect

Wind turbines based on the Magnus effect open new prospects in terms of energy generation for areas with low average wind speeds. The main feature of these turbines is rotating cylinders which are used to create lift instead of blades. Due to this unconventional design, different parameters of the cylinder, such as mass and moment of inertia, can greatly affect the dynamic characteristics of such energy systems. The goal of this paper was to present an approach to structural optimization of a cylinder flange of the experimental Magnus effect-based wind turbine. The proposed approach, presented as an algorithm, allows us to determine input data for the preferred structural optimization software and achieve lightweight, low-inertia parts. Control simulation has shown that optimized parts ensure a high enough factor of safety while also significantly reducing the moment of inertia.