Wake Evolution and Deflection of a Floating and a Monopile Wind Turbine Under Varying Sea States and Yaw Angles

Jie Zhang; Shuyu Shen; Wenzhong Shen

doi:doi:10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11

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Wake Evolution and Deflection of a Floating and a Monopile Wind Turbine Under Varying Sea States and Yaw Angles

Jie Zhang, Shuyu Shen, Wenzhong Shen^*

Published in Journal of Energy and Natural Resources (Volume 15, Issue 3)

Received: 9 June 2026 Accepted: 14 July 2026 Published: 13 August 2026

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Abstract

As offshore wind power development continues to expand into deeper waters, floating offshore wind turbines have attracted widespread attention due to their excellent adaptability to varying water depths and their significant potential for harnessing wind energy resources. Yaw control, as a key technical means for improving the overall energy utilization efficiency of wind farms, can enhance the power generation performance of the entire wind farm by actively altering the direction of the wake to improve the inflow conditions for downstream turbines. However, the mechanism of a platform motion affecting the yaw control remains unclear, particularly the coupled effects of platform motion and yaw action under varying sea conditions, which have yet to be systematically studied experimentally. This study utilizes a combined wind and wave experimental platform, using a downscaled NREL 5 MW wind turbine as a prototype, to investigate wake characteristics under different sea conditions and yaw angles. This study examines wake characteristics from two perspectives: the evolution of wake morphology and wake displacement analysis. By comparing the differences in wake loss and displacement between the floating and the monopile wind turbine, the effects of yaw angle and platform motion are analyzed, and further the modulating role of sea state variations on wake development patterns is explored. The results indicate that changes in sea conditions primarily influence the wake mixing process through the platform motion. Compared to monopile wind turbines, the wake cross-section of floating wind turbines is more likely to exhibit widening and flattening characteristics under stronger sea conditions. A yaw operation effectively enhances the lateral wake displacement and forms an asymmetric wake structure. Overall, the platform motion exerts a significant influence on the wake recovery process, altering the differences in wake evolution between the floating and the monopile wind turbine. The findings of this study provide an experimental evidence and reference for optimizing yaw control strategies and managing wakes in floating offshore wind farms.

Published in	Journal of Energy and Natural Resources (Volume 15, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11
Page(s)	64-71
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Floating Wind Turbine, Monopile Wind Turbine, Yaw Control, Wake Steering, Sea Conditions

References

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[2]	T Messmer, M Hölling, J Peinke. Enhanced recovery caused by nonlinear dynamics in the wake of a floating offshore wind turbine [J]. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 2024, 985: A32. https://doi.org/10.1017/jfm.2024.175
[3]	Fontanella A, Fusetti A, Cioni S, et al. Wake development in floating wind turbines: new insights and an open dataset from wind tunnel experiments [J]. Wind Energy Science, 2025, 10: 1369-1387. https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-10-1369-2025
[4]	H Hu, Z Yang, P Sarkar. Dynamic wind loads and wake characteristics of a wind turbine model in an atmospheric boundary layer wind [J]. Experiments in Fluids, 2012, 52: 1277-1294. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-011-1253-5
[5]	L Lignarolo, D Ragni, C Krishnaswami, et al. Experimental analysis of the wake of a horizontal-axis wind-turbine model [J]. Renewable Energy, 2014, 70: 31-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2014.01.020
[6]	S Cioni, F Papi, L Pagamonci, et al. On the characteristics of the wake of a wind turbine undergoing large motions caused by a floating structure: an insight based on experiments and multi-fidelity simulations from the OC6 project Phase III [J]. Wind Energy Science, 2023, 8: 1659-1691. https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-8-1659-2023
[7]	RJ Barthelmie, L Folkerts, FT Ormel, et al. Offshore wind turbine wakes measured by sodar [J]. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, 2003, 20(4): 466-477. https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0426(2003)20<466:OWTWMB>2.0.CO;2
[8]	D Conti, V Pettas, N Dimitrov, et al. Wind turbine load validation in wakes using wind field reconstruction techniques and nacelle lidar wind retrievals [J]. Wind Energy Science, 2021, 6: 841-866. https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-6-841-2021
[9]	F Bingöl, J Mann, GC Larsen. Light detection and ranging measurements of wake dynamics. Part I: One-dimensional scanning [J]. Wind Energy, 2010, 13(1): 51-61. https://doi.org/10.1002/we.352
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[11]	P Brugger, M Debnath, A Scholbrock, et al. Lidar measurements of yawed-wind-turbine wakes: characterization and validation of analytical models [J]. Wind Energy Science, 2020, 5: 1253-1272. https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-5-1253-2020
[12]	J Bossuyt, O Fercak, Z Sadek, et al. Floating wind farm experiments through scaling for wake characterization, power extraction, and turbine dynamics [J]. Physical Review Fluids, 2023, 8(12): 120501. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevFluids.8.120501
[13]	D van den Berg, D van der Hoek, D De Tavernier, et al. Phase controlling the yaw motion of floating wind turbines with the helix wake mixing method to reduce wake interactions: An experimental investigation [J]. Wind Energy Science, 2026, 11: 679-692. https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-11-679-2026
[14]	Hezha Lutfalla Sadraddin, Xiaoyun Shao. State-of-the-art of experimental methods for floating wind turbines [J]. Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 2022, 14(3): 032701. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0071943
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APA Style

Zhang, J., Shen, S., Shen, W. (2026). Wake Evolution and Deflection of a Floating and a Monopile Wind Turbine Under Varying Sea States and Yaw Angles. Journal of Energy and Natural Resources, 15(3), 64-71. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11

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ACS Style

Zhang, J.; Shen, S.; Shen, W. Wake Evolution and Deflection of a Floating and a Monopile Wind Turbine Under Varying Sea States and Yaw Angles. J. Energy Nat. Resour. 2026, 15(3), 64-71. doi: 10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11

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AMA Style

Zhang J, Shen S, Shen W. Wake Evolution and Deflection of a Floating and a Monopile Wind Turbine Under Varying Sea States and Yaw Angles. J Energy Nat Resour. 2026;15(3):64-71. doi: 10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11

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@article{10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11,
  author = {Jie Zhang and Shuyu Shen and Wenzhong Shen},
  title = {Wake Evolution and Deflection of a Floating and a Monopile Wind Turbine Under Varying Sea States and Yaw Angles},
  journal = {Journal of Energy and Natural Resources},
  volume = {15},
  number = {3},
  pages = {64-71},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jenr.20261503.11},
  abstract = {As offshore wind power development continues to expand into deeper waters, floating offshore wind turbines have attracted widespread attention due to their excellent adaptability to varying water depths and their significant potential for harnessing wind energy resources. Yaw control, as a key technical means for improving the overall energy utilization efficiency of wind farms, can enhance the power generation performance of the entire wind farm by actively altering the direction of the wake to improve the inflow conditions for downstream turbines. However, the mechanism of a platform motion affecting the yaw control remains unclear, particularly the coupled effects of platform motion and yaw action under varying sea conditions, which have yet to be systematically studied experimentally. This study utilizes a combined wind and wave experimental platform, using a downscaled NREL 5 MW wind turbine as a prototype, to investigate wake characteristics under different sea conditions and yaw angles. This study examines wake characteristics from two perspectives: the evolution of wake morphology and wake displacement analysis. By comparing the differences in wake loss and displacement between the floating and the monopile wind turbine, the effects of yaw angle and platform motion are analyzed, and further the modulating role of sea state variations on wake development patterns is explored. The results indicate that changes in sea conditions primarily influence the wake mixing process through the platform motion. Compared to monopile wind turbines, the wake cross-section of floating wind turbines is more likely to exhibit widening and flattening characteristics under stronger sea conditions. A yaw operation effectively enhances the lateral wake displacement and forms an asymmetric wake structure. Overall, the platform motion exerts a significant influence on the wake recovery process, altering the differences in wake evolution between the floating and the monopile wind turbine. The findings of this study provide an experimental evidence and reference for optimizing yaw control strategies and managing wakes in floating offshore wind farms.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Wake Evolution and Deflection of a Floating and a Monopile Wind Turbine Under Varying Sea States and Yaw Angles
AU  - Jie Zhang
AU  - Shuyu Shen
AU  - Wenzhong Shen
Y1  - 2026/08/13
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11
T2  - Journal of Energy and Natural Resources
JF  - Journal of Energy and Natural Resources
JO  - Journal of Energy and Natural Resources
SP  - 64
EP  - 71
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7404
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11
AB  - As offshore wind power development continues to expand into deeper waters, floating offshore wind turbines have attracted widespread attention due to their excellent adaptability to varying water depths and their significant potential for harnessing wind energy resources. Yaw control, as a key technical means for improving the overall energy utilization efficiency of wind farms, can enhance the power generation performance of the entire wind farm by actively altering the direction of the wake to improve the inflow conditions for downstream turbines. However, the mechanism of a platform motion affecting the yaw control remains unclear, particularly the coupled effects of platform motion and yaw action under varying sea conditions, which have yet to be systematically studied experimentally. This study utilizes a combined wind and wave experimental platform, using a downscaled NREL 5 MW wind turbine as a prototype, to investigate wake characteristics under different sea conditions and yaw angles. This study examines wake characteristics from two perspectives: the evolution of wake morphology and wake displacement analysis. By comparing the differences in wake loss and displacement between the floating and the monopile wind turbine, the effects of yaw angle and platform motion are analyzed, and further the modulating role of sea state variations on wake development patterns is explored. The results indicate that changes in sea conditions primarily influence the wake mixing process through the platform motion. Compared to monopile wind turbines, the wake cross-section of floating wind turbines is more likely to exhibit widening and flattening characteristics under stronger sea conditions. A yaw operation effectively enhances the lateral wake displacement and forms an asymmetric wake structure. Overall, the platform motion exerts a significant influence on the wake recovery process, altering the differences in wake evolution between the floating and the monopile wind turbine. The findings of this study provide an experimental evidence and reference for optimizing yaw control strategies and managing wakes in floating offshore wind farms.
VL  - 15
IS  - 3
ER  -

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Author Information

Jie Zhang

School of Electrical and Energy Power Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yang Zhou, China

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Shuyu Shen

School of Electrical and Energy Power Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yang Zhou, China

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Wenzhong Shen

School of Electrical and Energy Power Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yang Zhou, China

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APA Style

Zhang, J., Shen, S., Shen, W. (2026). Wake Evolution and Deflection of a Floating and a Monopile Wind Turbine Under Varying Sea States and Yaw Angles. Journal of Energy and Natural Resources, 15(3), 64-71. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11

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ACS Style

Zhang, J.; Shen, S.; Shen, W. Wake Evolution and Deflection of a Floating and a Monopile Wind Turbine Under Varying Sea States and Yaw Angles. J. Energy Nat. Resour. 2026, 15(3), 64-71. doi: 10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11

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AMA Style

Zhang J, Shen S, Shen W. Wake Evolution and Deflection of a Floating and a Monopile Wind Turbine Under Varying Sea States and Yaw Angles. J Energy Nat Resour. 2026;15(3):64-71. doi: 10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11,
  author = {Jie Zhang and Shuyu Shen and Wenzhong Shen},
  title = {Wake Evolution and Deflection of a Floating and a Monopile Wind Turbine Under Varying Sea States and Yaw Angles},
  journal = {Journal of Energy and Natural Resources},
  volume = {15},
  number = {3},
  pages = {64-71},
  doi = {10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jenr.20261503.11},
  abstract = {As offshore wind power development continues to expand into deeper waters, floating offshore wind turbines have attracted widespread attention due to their excellent adaptability to varying water depths and their significant potential for harnessing wind energy resources. Yaw control, as a key technical means for improving the overall energy utilization efficiency of wind farms, can enhance the power generation performance of the entire wind farm by actively altering the direction of the wake to improve the inflow conditions for downstream turbines. However, the mechanism of a platform motion affecting the yaw control remains unclear, particularly the coupled effects of platform motion and yaw action under varying sea conditions, which have yet to be systematically studied experimentally. This study utilizes a combined wind and wave experimental platform, using a downscaled NREL 5 MW wind turbine as a prototype, to investigate wake characteristics under different sea conditions and yaw angles. This study examines wake characteristics from two perspectives: the evolution of wake morphology and wake displacement analysis. By comparing the differences in wake loss and displacement between the floating and the monopile wind turbine, the effects of yaw angle and platform motion are analyzed, and further the modulating role of sea state variations on wake development patterns is explored. The results indicate that changes in sea conditions primarily influence the wake mixing process through the platform motion. Compared to monopile wind turbines, the wake cross-section of floating wind turbines is more likely to exhibit widening and flattening characteristics under stronger sea conditions. A yaw operation effectively enhances the lateral wake displacement and forms an asymmetric wake structure. Overall, the platform motion exerts a significant influence on the wake recovery process, altering the differences in wake evolution between the floating and the monopile wind turbine. The findings of this study provide an experimental evidence and reference for optimizing yaw control strategies and managing wakes in floating offshore wind farms.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Wake Evolution and Deflection of a Floating and a Monopile Wind Turbine Under Varying Sea States and Yaw Angles
AU  - Jie Zhang
AU  - Shuyu Shen
AU  - Wenzhong Shen
Y1  - 2026/08/13
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11
T2  - Journal of Energy and Natural Resources
JF  - Journal of Energy and Natural Resources
JO  - Journal of Energy and Natural Resources
SP  - 64
EP  - 71
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-7404
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jenr.20261503.11
AB  - As offshore wind power development continues to expand into deeper waters, floating offshore wind turbines have attracted widespread attention due to their excellent adaptability to varying water depths and their significant potential for harnessing wind energy resources. Yaw control, as a key technical means for improving the overall energy utilization efficiency of wind farms, can enhance the power generation performance of the entire wind farm by actively altering the direction of the wake to improve the inflow conditions for downstream turbines. However, the mechanism of a platform motion affecting the yaw control remains unclear, particularly the coupled effects of platform motion and yaw action under varying sea conditions, which have yet to be systematically studied experimentally. This study utilizes a combined wind and wave experimental platform, using a downscaled NREL 5 MW wind turbine as a prototype, to investigate wake characteristics under different sea conditions and yaw angles. This study examines wake characteristics from two perspectives: the evolution of wake morphology and wake displacement analysis. By comparing the differences in wake loss and displacement between the floating and the monopile wind turbine, the effects of yaw angle and platform motion are analyzed, and further the modulating role of sea state variations on wake development patterns is explored. The results indicate that changes in sea conditions primarily influence the wake mixing process through the platform motion. Compared to monopile wind turbines, the wake cross-section of floating wind turbines is more likely to exhibit widening and flattening characteristics under stronger sea conditions. A yaw operation effectively enhances the lateral wake displacement and forms an asymmetric wake structure. Overall, the platform motion exerts a significant influence on the wake recovery process, altering the differences in wake evolution between the floating and the monopile wind turbine. The findings of this study provide an experimental evidence and reference for optimizing yaw control strategies and managing wakes in floating offshore wind farms.
VL  - 15
IS  - 3
ER  -

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