Adjoint based optimisation for efficient VAWT blade aerodynamics using CFD

The objective of this work is to demonstrate the viability applying Adjoint methods aerodynamic optimisation VAWTs. are very powerful techniques which have been implemented effectively in other fields, yet there an absence such within VAWT literature. A ‘semi-transient’ process proposed, using data from single instances time improve performance. This challenging due unsteady nature aerodynamics. pitching aerofoil model approximates flow field, drastically reducing computational cost. Details given on necessary CFD model(s), solver settings, and philosophy. was applied a typical commercial software ANSYS Fluent. high tip-speed-ratio case chosen minimise affects. results show novel blade geometries average power coefficient when compared original NACA0018 blade. Such method field VAWTs, use with low cost models provides efficient methodology that can be readily adopted by design community. sets foundation for new promising avenue research.