Characterization & Modelling of the Wake of a Disruptive Floating VAWT for Yield Assessment

Abstract The paper presents the results obtained through the development of an innovative and disruptive floating VAWT concept. It focusses on both experimental and numerical approaches launched within the purpose to characterize the wake of the VAWT concept and calibrate analytical model to be further considered for Offshore Wind Farm Yield Assessment. Model tests performed in the basin facilities operated by Ifremer (Boulogne-sur-mer) allowed to accurately characterize the wake of the VAWT thanks to LDV measurements. They have highlighted the resorption mechanisms which take place in VAWT wake and that considerably reduced turbine wake compared to HAWT concepts. Based on this exhaustive experimental database, the adaptation and calibration of the analytical Ouro-Lazennec model offer strong capabilities for front end developments and yield assessment allowing optimizing farm configuration depending on annual wind conditions and production maximization.