- Institution: University of Strathclyde
- Primary supervisor: Professor James Carroll
- PhD student: Conn Murnin
Project summary
This project investigates the aerodynamic potential of the 3-bladed X-Rotor concept to enable reduced turbine spacing in offshore wind farms. Achieving tighter spacing could significantly increase energy density and lower the Levelised Cost of Energy (LCOE).
The X-Rotor is an innovative offshore wind turbine design that combines a vertical-axis primary rotor with horizontal-axis secondary rotors. This hybrid configuration aims to reduce both capital and maintenance costs, with the potential to lower LCOE by 20–30%. The concept also offers advantages for floating wind applications, high-density wind farms, and low-wind-speed sites.
Funded by the EU H2020 programme X-rotor Project, EPSRC, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and industry partners, the project’s primary goal is to assess whether the 3-bladed X-Rotor can support tighter turbine spacing without compromising performance. The study will quantify this potential and evaluate its impact on overall efficiency and cost.
The research methodology includes aerodynamic analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling of the X-Rotor concept.
Meet the researcher
Hi, I’m Conn. All my life I’ve been driven to understand the complexity of the natural world.
I completed a Master’s in Astrophysics at Queen’s University Belfast, and I’m now pursuing a PhD at Strathclyde as part of the EnerHy group, focusing on the aerodynamics of the novel X-Rotor wind turbine.
My work aims to validate this radical design as a transformative technology that can accelerate our transition to clean energy and help achieve Net Zero.
When I was younger, every time I visited my Granda we watched Blue Planet. This sparked my care and love for the natural world and climate change is that world’s greatest threat. Advancing clean energy along with strong policy is essential to protecting biodiversity and safeguarding life on our planet.