Implementation and parametric analysis of the linear actuator cylinder model with correction factor for offshore vertical wind turbines

• Grant number: 25/04521-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Transport Phenomena
• Principal Investigator: Gabriel Bertacco dos Santos
• Grantee: Diogo de Souza Alves
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Ilha Solteira. Ilha Solteira , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project aims to implement the linear actuator cylinder (CA) model with a correction factor (MODLIN) for the analysis of Darrieus turbines in the offshore environment. The main focus is on understanding and improving a computationally efficient and sufficiently accurate tool to predict the performance of Darrieus turbines. The MODLIN model, a simplification of the nonlinear actuator cylinder (CA) model, will be implemented using the Python programming language. While the nonlinear CA model, based on two-dimensional Euler equations, is computationally expensive for use in preliminary aerodynamic simulations, the MODLIN model uses a linear solution corrected by a factor (ka), obtained through theoretical comparisons derived from momentum theory. Thus, the MODLIN solution provides accuracy similar to the nonlinear CA model but with significantly lower computational cost. The research will include the study and validation of the code applied to Darrieus turbines operating both individually and in clusters. Additionally, parametric analyses will be conducted to examine the performance of the turbines in different configurations, considering both design parameters and operational conditions, such as airfoil profile, number of blades, turbine diameter, wind speed, and rotational speed. Previous studies suggest that the MODLIN model significantly reduces computational costs, making this approach promising for preliminary aerodynamic analyses of Darrieus turbines. It is expected that this project will contribute to the development of more accessible and effective methodologies for modeling wind turbines in offshore environments. (AU)