The small wind turbines have not become widely used due to their pour power generation efficiency. They are operated at low Reynolds number (Re≦2.0×10^5) because the rotor size is small. In general, wind turbine performance becomes low due to the blade surface boundary layer separation at low Reynolds number. In urban areas where small wind turbines are operated, the blade elements are subjected to significant variation of angle of attack. This variation causes the fluctuation of power output and loads. In this study, by using blade surface boundary layer control, M01-26 airfoil which has shown superior performance at high Reynolds number (2.0×10^5≦Re≦4.5x10^5)was applied to small wind turbines operated at low Reynolds number. Static and dynamic characteristics of 2D airfoil were evaluated, and the validity of boundary layer control on wind turbine rotor was verified by wind tunnel experiment. As a result, wind turbine performance has improved significantly in low wind speed with stall.
