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Addressing VAWT Aerodynamic Challenges as the Key to Unlocking Their Potential in the Wind Energy Sector

Author

Listed:
  • Abolfazl Abdolahifar

    (Advanced Wind Energy Technology Group, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia)

  • Amir Zanj

    (Advanced Wind Energy Technology Group, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia)

Abstract

While the wind turbine industry has been primarily dominated by horizontal-axis wind turbines, the forefront of knowledge of these turbines has revealed significant challenges in various aspects, including manufacturing, structural design, cost, and maintenance. On the other hand, the advantages associated with Darrieus vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) demonstrate significant potential that can address the existing challenges of the wind turbine industry. Current work aims to investigate the practicality of this potential for the wind energy sector. To this end, the benefits of employing Darrieus turbines for domestic and industrial applications, isolated operation, and on/offshore windfarm applications have been explored. It is apparent that Darrieus VAWTs are better suited to a wide range of environments, whether they are deployed in isolation or integrated systems, and whether they are utilized on a small or large scale. Darrieus VAWTs are adaptable to urban unsteady variable wind, are less expensive on large scales, provide higher power density at the windfarm level, and provide stability for offshore platforms. Nevertheless, challenges remain in fully harnessing VAWT potential rooted in their complex aerodynamics. This serves as a primary challenge for VAWTs to address the challenges of the wind turbine industry in line with the 2050 roadmap.

Suggested Citation

  • Abolfazl Abdolahifar & Amir Zanj, 2024. "Addressing VAWT Aerodynamic Challenges as the Key to Unlocking Their Potential in the Wind Energy Sector," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:20:p:5052-:d:1496342
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jan Michna & Krzysztof Rogowski, 2024. "A Refined Approach for Angle of Attack Estimation and Dynamic Force Hysteresis in H-Type Darrieus Wind Turbines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-25, December.
    2. Abdolahifar, Abolfazl & Montazeri, Hamid & Zanj, Amir, 2026. "Towards enhanced startup performance of Darrieus vertical-axis wind turbines: Key flow features at moderate tip speed ratios," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PB).
    3. Sun, Min & Peng, Liangchang & Lei, Hongshuai & Zhang, Jialei & Zhang, Zheng & Chen, Qiang & Zhang, Guang & Li, Jiquan, 2025. "A novel small-scale H-type Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine manufactured of carbon fiber reinforced composites," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).

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