A Study of Noise Generation on the E387, S823, NACA 0012, and NACA 4412 Airfoils for Use on Small-Scale Wind Turbines in the Urban Environment

Abstract

Four airfoils typical to small-scale wind turbines were studied for noise generation: Eppler 387, NREL S823, NACA 0012, and NACA 4412. Wind tunnel sound pressure level (SPL) data were collected directly downstream of the airfoil for angles of attack from −10 deg to 25 deg and for Reynolds numbers from 50,000 to 200,000. Vertical and horizontal wake traverses define the extent of the noise generated. The data were analyzed by frequency and compared with a noise prediction from NREL AirFoil Noise (NAFNoise). The noise trends found can be applied to improve other airfoil selection when designing small-scale wind turbines.