VAWT physics and optimization
 

Hello all,

I'm brand new here, and was hoping to get some input from you all. I am starting a masters thesis project at school regarding a drag-type vertical wind turbine. I want to model an existing turbine design and run CFD studies that will lead to optimization. I have taken fluid dynamics, and learned a bit about CFD theory.

However before I do that, I want to understand the physics behind what will make the best type of drag-type vawt. In other words, what features of the air flow here will influence the performance so that one can suggest improvements to geometry.

I hope my question was clear. I look forward to hearing from you.