Development of a browser–based computational tool for preliminary estimation of vertical-axis wind turbine power output

Abstract

Rapid estimation of vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) power output is essential for preliminary assessment. However, existing approaches using spreadsheets, software, or simulations are resource-intensive and require a tedious process. This study presents a lightweight browser-based computational framework developed using JavaScript for rapid preliminary estimation of VAWT power output. The framework provides an interactive web interface that automatically estimates swept area, available wind power, mechanical power, and electrical power from user-defined parameters. Turbine-type selection is computationally incorporated through predefined representative power coefficients (Cp), enabling differentiated power-output estimation among the included VAWT configurations. The algorithm was implemented using client-side JavaScript, enabling parameter updating and automatic result display without software installation or server-side processing. An additional warning notification feature was set to appear when the input wind speed exceeds a reference threshold of 7 m/s. Functional verification was performed by comparing the framework outputs with manual spreadsheet estimation using the same analytical equations over a wind speed range of 1–10 m/s. The results showed close numerical agreement between the browser-based and spreadsheet-based calculations, confirming the consistent implementation of the underlying analytical equations within the JavaScript framework. The proposed framework provides an accessible, platform-independent tool for rapid preliminary estimation of VAWT power output. Furthermore, the framework offers a practical foundation for future integration into real-time monitoring systems.