
Analysis of multiple operating points of the propeller, wind turbine, tidal or kaplan turbine, fan

propeller efficiency

The optimization of the propeller through the analysis of its performance at multiple operating points. The operating point of a propeller, Whether in turbine or propulsion way, is defined by the rotational speed and the speed of the fluidThe propeller must of course be created with a twist corresponding to a nominal operating point. So Heliciel creates twisting adapted to the operating point, it is sufficient to use the "build optimum twist" function: In reality, the propeller does not always work at the nominal operating point of the "design".it must be possible to determine the performance of the propeller when it leaves its point of design. Heliciel allows you to change the speed or velocity of the fluid, and test performance by keeping the twist, you are then in "off-design": L' analyse multiple permet de tracer des courbes et de collecter les performances "hors design" d'une géométrie d'hélice fixée. Cette géométrie peut avoir été donné par la fonction Re construire le vrillage optimum ou bien être déterminé en mode rétro-conception (modelisation d'une hélice existante) . To display the interface of multiple analysis click on "multiple analysis" in the toolbar:

analysis of multiple points of propeller operation

Or under the tab 3:Optimize, use the "multiple analysis" button

variants parameter propeller

Selection parameter varying

range of propeller operation

performance analysis of the propeller

    1. "Refreshing twist":If you want the optimum twist is rebuilt at each operating point tested, héliciel updates twisting, and calculates the performance of the propeller at each test point. You can then test the optimum performance that offers your propeller blades with the given dimensions.
    2. "Off design/Reverse Egineering":Twisting and rigging of the propeller will be constant and the propeller will be analyzed in "offdesign" way. So you see the evolution of performance of a given propeller outside of its design point.
It remains only to start the analysis.Graphs can be saved, a "compare" graphic used to display the selected curves, data calculations can be recorded as text or spreadsheet ...

performance analysis of the propeller

Ranges selected test can give results that completely out of the mode of operation of the propeller and give such negative returns: below for example, the rotation speed range tested for this thrust propeller, tells us that in the fluid velocity of operating point of design (2 m / s) ,our propeller has a propulsive efficiency of 0.2 at 140 rpm,But at 60 rpm performance is negative, our propeller operates in energy harvesting ...

negative efficiency

Research of the actual rotational speed (point of operation) for electric motors and generators coupled to the propellers: In 2 cases, the actual rotational speed of the system is determined by the balance of the resistive torques and torque motors.


To quickly see what will be the operating speed of your system: generator / turbine or motor / propeller, Simply place on a same graph, the torque curve of the propeller, and the torque curve given for the motor or generator.To facilitate graphics resolution, of the actual operating point of the system, it is possible to insert your torque curve (provided by the manufacturer of the generator or motor) and make it appear superimposed:

input torque curve:

motor curve

It is possible to enter multiple torque curves representing several motors or generators (3 motors curves in the example below) and editing performance curves, depending on the rotational speed, to view directly the speed of rotation and the performance of the same propeller mounted on a variety of motors or generators of different powers:


thrust  power propellers

So here we find that: We can also overlay performance data and thrust to know the performance of the system in all three cases:

puissance traction


ISo here we find that: Of course these values ​​are valid only if the propeller has a strength appropriate to the calculated thrust, and that cavitation does not spray fluid. We must therefore control these parameters, at speeds of rotations found!