Abstract

The transition to renewable energy sources is increasingly urgent as fossil fuels remain a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Wind energy represents a promising option due to its low cost, environmental benefits, and continuous technological advancements. Although several high-potential locations have been identified in North Macedonia (RNM), wind resources remain underutilized and studies on turbine designs adapted to local conditions are limited. This study investigates blade design for a selected site in RNM through a comparative evaluation of several blade geometry analytical approaches for a horizontal-axis wind turbine, together with an iterative BEM-based refinement aimed at improving geometric feasibility. Airfoil selection considered both aerodynamic and structural requirements along the blade span, using a thicker DU-97 profile in the inboard region and FFA-W3 airfoils toward the mid and outer blade sections. Numerical simulations were performed to analyse aerodynamic performance, loading characteristics, and expected energy production, providing insight into blade configurations suitable for site-specific wind conditions in RNM.