On the use of secondary rotors for vertical axis wind turbine power take‐off

Abstract This work introduces and explores the use of secondary rotors for vertical axis wind turbine power take‐off. A parametric framework based on optimally designed secondary rotors is developed which calculates the maximum achievable efficiency of power conversion between the primary and secondary rotors. It is shown that practicable rotor designs can convert between 87% and 90% of primary rotor power to the secondary rotors whilst facilitating nacelle mass reductions between 85% and 87% compared to traditional reference turbine drivetrains.