PROPGA is a genetic-algorithm based optimization method for
blade geometry of HAWTs. In brief, PROPGA mimics Darwin's theory of
the survival of the fittest over a population of candidate blade
shapes that evolves from one generation to the next. Blade designs
having a large fitness according to the objective function for the
optimization process (maximum energy capture, minimum cost of energy,
etc.) have a larger propability to "reproduce" in creating the new
generations compared to those with a small fitness value. A binary
string represents each candidate blade geometry, and the reproduction
process involves crossover and mutation operators. PROPGA uses PROPID
as its analysis tool. Therefore, PROPGA has the same inverse design
capabilities of PROPID.
For more information on PROPGA, please refer to the following
publications:
- Selig, M.S. and Coverstone-Carroll, V.L., "Application of
a Genetic Algorithm to Wind Turbine Design," ASME Journal
of Solar of Energy Engineering, Vol. 118, March 1996, pp. 22-28.
- Giguère, P. and Selig, M.S., "Aerodynamic Blade Design Methods
for Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines," Proceedings of the 13th
Canadian Wind Energy Conference, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada,
Oct. 19-22, 1997.