Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-60
https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-2026-60
21 Apr 2026
 | 21 Apr 2026
Status: this preprint is currently under review for the journal WES.

Brief communication: A novel wake mixing phenomenon and key parameters for wake recovery of floating wind turbines subjected to surge motions

Christian W. Schulz, Michael Hölling, Joachim Peinke, and Thomas Messmer

Abstract. This letter clarifies the key parameters governing the wake recovery of a floating wind turbine undergoing surge motion. A dedicated wind-tunnel campaign covering reduced frequencies (Stp) well beyond current literature is presented. This enabled a full characterisation of the wake recovery and the discovery of a previously unreported wake mixing phenomenon. We highlight three main findings: (i) enhanced wake recovery of the surging turbine is highly sensitive to thrust; (ii) wake recovery is characterised by the ratio of motion velocity amplitude to wind speed and Stp; and (iii) a previously unreported flow phenomenon improves wake recovery when the motion frequency is slightly lower than the blade passing frequency.

Competing interests: At least one of the (co-)authors is a member of the editorial board of Wind Energy Science.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
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Christian W. Schulz, Michael Hölling, Joachim Peinke, and Thomas Messmer

Status: open (until 28 May 2026)

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  • RC1: 'Comment on wes-2026-60', Anonymous Referee #1, 06 May 2026 reply
Christian W. Schulz, Michael Hölling, Joachim Peinke, and Thomas Messmer
Christian W. Schulz, Michael Hölling, Joachim Peinke, and Thomas Messmer

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Short summary
This letter clarifies the key parameters governing the wake recovery of a floating wind turbine undergoing surge motions. An increased wake recovery is extremely beneficial since it can significantly increase the power output of wind farms. A dedicated wind-tunnel campaign covering fast platform motions well beyond current literature is presented. This enabled a full characterisation of the wake recovery and the discovery of a previously unreported wake mixing phenomenon.
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