Predicting the performance and loading on a tidal stream turbine is an extremely complex task requiring consideration of multiple hydrodynamic phenomena which drive many of the decisions around turbine design. Additionally, given the industry is still in its infancy, a clear consensus on the optimal rotor configuration is yet to emerge.   

Huw's research interests are in the hydrodynamics of tidal stream turbine rotors, particularly using the actuator line method to study the performance and time-varying loads. He has previously studied the loading characteristics of turbines operating in close proximity to the free surface, while more recent work has been on developing a novel approach to rotor hydrodynamic design combining numerical optimisation techniques with actuator line simulations.