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In the last few decades vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have gained increased interest among researchers worldwide. This paper aims to present full two-way Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) approach to model operation of the Savonius-type VAWT. The developed methodology couples the set of Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes Equations (URANS) with the unsteady linear elasticity equations and dynamic mesh approach to comprehensively describe the deformations of the turbine rotor. The obtained results provide detailed information on the unsteady flow fields around the operating wind turbine as well as deformations of a turbine rotor caused by an interaction between solid and flowing air. This allowed us to determine the influence of the unsteady deformations of a turbine rotor on the instantaneous and average performance of a wind turbine. Computations were carried out for the wind speed equal to 15 m/s and the tip speed ratio equal to 0.8. The simulations were performed using the commercial ANSYS software. The obtained results showed that deformation of the turbine rotor increases the wind turbine power coefficient by around 5%. Moreover, it was shown that the centrifugal force has a significant effect on the rotor deformation and turbine operation, hence it cannot be neglected. • Development of the fully coupled Fluid Structure Interaction model of Savonius wind turbine. • Results of the fully coupled FSI model was compared with validated CFD model of the Savonius wind turbine. • The influence of the centrifugal force on the turbine operation was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to present structural topology optimisation of the structural topology of the H-Rotor wind turbine combined with the one-way Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) approach. The developed methodology couples the set of Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes Equations (URANS) with the steady state linear elasticity equations and density based topology optimisation method. This approach allowed us to reduce the mass of the blades with respect to the maximum stress and deformation limits. The results obtained provide detailed information on the unsteady flow fields around the operating wind turbine, as well as optimised topology of the blade interior without affecting the external aerodynamic profile. The load of pressure profile from the CFD simulation was implemented at the point of rotation at which the force values observed on the blade surface were the highest. The centrifugal force was considered in the structural model. Computations were carried out for wind speed equal to 30 m/s and rotational velocity equal to 90 rad/s. The turbine operating parameters were chosen to represent extreme operating conditions. The results obtained showed that the blade mass, made of the same material, can be easily reduced by around 60% with the reduction of the observed stress values and deformation. [Display omitted] • One way FSI model of operating H-rotor wind turbine was developed. • Topological optimisation of blade under realistic loads has been carried out. • Two blade manufacturing processes in the optimisation have been considered. • Significant reduction of deformation and stress values and over 60% mass reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]