The Darrieus wind turbine: Proposal for a new performance prediction model based on CFD

► Numerical methodology for vertical-axis Darrieus wind turbine performance prediction. ► Blade Element Theory approach applied using CFD. ► Performance as a function of azimuthal blade positions using unsteady aerodynamics. ► Correlation between flow characteristics to rotor torque and power. ► Azimuthal spectra showing maximum torque values useful for design/analysis.