Rotorvalg

Rotorvalg is the process of selecting an appropriate rotor configuration for a machine. The term is used across engineering disciplines and encompasses choosing rotor type, size, materials, and mounting to meet performance, reliability, and cost requirements.

In wind energy, rotorvalg involves determining the rotor diameter and blade count, hub design, and pitch control strategy to maximize energy yield while withstanding site loads and offshore or onshore conditions.

In aviation and rotorcraft, rotorvalg refers to choosing between rotor systems such as rigid, semirigid, or fully articulated in helicopters, as well as blade materials and hub configurations. The choice affects flight characteristics, autorotation behavior, control responsiveness, maintenance needs, and safety margins.

In turbomachinery and marine propulsion, rotorvalg covers selection of axial, radial, or mixed-flow rotors, the number of stages, and materials to optimize efficiency, pressure ratio, and reliability under varying operating conditions.

Key factors include aerodynamic efficiency (thrust or power per rotor area), structural weight, inertia and startup torque, noise and vibration, operational envelope, maintenance availability, and total cost of ownership. Analysts use computer simulations, wind tunnel or rig testing, and life-cycle assessments to compare alternatives.

Regulatory and standards bodies influence rotorvalg through safety, environmental, and performance requirements, prompting designers to consider serviceability, redundancy, and certification paths. Rotorvalg thus integrates physics, economics, and risk management to identify the most suitable rotor configuration for a given application.