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Aerodynamic response and wake evolution of floating vertical axis wind turbines under different motion modes and parameters

Author

Listed:
  • Yang, Hongkun
  • Zhao, Muyu
  • Tian, Zhitong
  • Yan, Han
  • Tian, Gaoliang
  • Lai, Wenbin
  • Zheng, Xiongbo

Abstract

The motion of the floating platform causes the vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) to behave differently when there is a wind direction skew, impacting its conventional performance. Based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, a numerical wind tunnel is established, using overlapping grid and dynamic grid interaction techniques. Motion functions are added to simulate the aerodynamic response and wake evolution of the floating VAWT (FVAWT) under different degrees of freedom (DOF) and motion parameters. A wind tunnel experiments model and a motion mechanism are designed to simulate the forced motion of the VAWT. The numerical method is validated based on the experiment results from typical operating conditions. The results indicate that heave motion achieves the highest energy conversion efficiency, with a power coefficient (CP) of 0.386. Additionally, it demonstrates effective turbulent energy dissipation, with a velocity recovery of 62 % at just twice the VAWT diameter (2D). Under pitch motion, high-frequency pitching demonstrates a more efficient energy capture capability. Low-frequency pitching offers better thrust stability, enhances vortex diffusion, and reduces the backflow instability caused by vortex accumulation. Large-amplitude pitching results in higher energy output, with significant vortex nonlinear phenomena, including non-uniform backflow and flow reattachment. The thrust load is more stable under large-amplitude motion during the downwind phase and small-amplitude motion during the upwind phase. The study reveals the transient effects of motion on the aerodynamic performance and wake evolution of VAWT, aiming to drive the high adaptability development of FVAWT technology in marine environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang, Hongkun & Zhao, Muyu & Tian, Zhitong & Yan, Han & Tian, Gaoliang & Lai, Wenbin & Zheng, Xiongbo, 2025. "Aerodynamic response and wake evolution of floating vertical axis wind turbines under different motion modes and parameters," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 337(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:337:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225043221
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.138680
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    References listed on IDEAS

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