Patent ID: 8949097
Filing Date: 2015-02-03
Classification: F03D,F03G,G06F,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for providing low-order potential flow elements for a vertical axis turbine, the low-order potential flow elements usable for configuring an array of vertical axis turbines, the method comprising: executing, using one or more computer systems, executable instructions to perform at least the steps of receiving acquired flow data around an array of vertical axis turbines; assigning one or more variables, each to a set of potential flow elements, the one or more variables representing potential flow around the array of vertical axis turbines; receiving and applying a fitness function configured to evaluate a matching of acquired flow data around the array of vertical axis turbines with potential flow data given by the one or more variables representing potential flow around the array of vertical axis turbines, according to one or more set thresholds, the set thresholds each being associated to a particular region around the array of vertical axis turbines; and applying an algorithm to the one or more variables, the algorithm configured to output values for each of the one or more variables which match the acquired flow data around the array of vertical axis turbines according to the fitness function, thus providing values for each of the one or more potential flow elements representing potential flow around the array of vertical axis turbines, wherein the one or more potential flow elements comprise a turbulent energy source field consisting of wind, other than crosswind, coming from above the array of vertical axis turbines.