Variable geometry wind turbine for performance enhancement, improved survivability and reduced cost of energy

The conceptual design and proof-of-concept testing of a furling vertical axis wind turbine, suited to large-scale offshore deployment, is described. Through the implementation of variable geometry capabilities, extreme storm loads can be reduced, and unsteady flow-related fatigue loads can be minimized thereby reducing capital (structural) and maintenance costs. Moreover, annual power generation can be optimized in real-time to account for unsteady wind effects related to weather and siting thus improving efficiency and annual power generation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.