An aerodynamic modelling methodology for an offshore floating vertical axis wind turbine

Wind energy has witnessed a consistent expansion in the past decade especially with the move to offshore generation. There is an increasing need to further exploit offshore wind resources which is pushing wind farms into deeper water locations where the current popular horizontal axis wind turbine configuration may not be entirely suitable. Subsequently, a transition from fixed to floating wind turbines is essential to ensure offshore wind farms are economically viable in the future. In particular, there has been a renewed interest in the vertical axis wind turbine configuration due its clear inherent attributes for an offshore floating application. A review of current conceptual floating vertical axis wind turbines and associated aerodynamic modelling methods are presented. Also, an efficient two stage aerodynamic modelling methodology delivering initial analysis using the Cascade model and secondary stage analysis using detailed Navier-Stokes numerical simulations for the aerodynamic optimisation of a new offshore floating vertical axis wind turbine is outlined.