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Three-dimensional simulation of a pair of vertical-axis wind turbines with a longitudinal arrangement in urban environments: An analysis of wake characteristics and power output

Lin Wen, Xiulan Ye and Xuelin Zhang
Pages: 1-10Published: 21 Jul 2025
DOI: 10.33430/V31N5WINDENGI-5
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Wen L, Ye XL and Zhang XL, Three-dimensional simulation of a pair of vertical-axis wind turbines with a longitudinal arrangement in urban environments: An analysis of wake characteristics and power output, HKIE Transactions, Vol. 31, No. 5 (HKWES Special Issue), Article WindEngi-5, 2025, 10.33430/V31N5WINDENGI-5

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Abstract:

Vertical-axis wind turbines are often used to capture wind energy in urban environments. The arrangements of vertical-axis wind turbines have important effects on the recovery of wind energy and power generation. The longitudinal arrangement is a common element in wind turbine arrays but has been explored less in previous studies. This analysis simulated a pair of vertical-axis wind turbines with a longitudinal arrangement under three-dimensional (3D) simulation. It analysed the wake characteristics and power output by setting the two layouts of C-C and CO-C for two turbines. The results revealed that the maximum wake deficit of C-C is about 10% larger than that of CO-C due to the wake superposition effect in the same direction. The wake velocity in both the C-C and CO-C cases can recover by 80% at a downstream distance of 5.5D behind the turbines, which is also a suitable distance to place the additional turbine. The Coefficient of Power (Cp) of C-C is larger than that of CO-C, which means that the layout of C-C should be prioritised in the longitudinal arrangement.

Keywords:

Wind energy; urban environment; sustainable development; wind turbine layout; renewable energy

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