Fluid Mechanics in Energy Harvesting: Harnessing the Wind

This talk is the first part of a two part overview designed to introduce the special session on Fluid mechanics in energy harvesting technologies: from airfoils to the sun aimed at highlight the role of fluid mechanics in advancing advancing a range of established and emerging renewable energy generation technologies. This talk will focus on a range of technologies designed to harness the wind, including traditional vertical axis turbines (in onshore and offshore settings), vertical axis turbines and airborne wind energy. The focus will be on introducing the role of fluid mechanics in these technologies and highlight the related talks in the session.