Since ancient past humans have attempted to harness the wind energy through diversified means and vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) were one of the major equipment to achieve that. In this modern time, there is resurgence of interests regarding VAWTs as numerous universities and research institutions have carried out extensive research activities and developed numerous designs based on several aerodynamic computational models. These models are crucial for deducing optimum design parameters and also for predicting the performance before fabricating the VAWT. In this review, the authors have attempted to compile the main aerodynamic models that have been used for performance prediction and design of straight-bladed Darrieus-type VAWT. It has been found out that at present the most widely used models are the double-multiple streamtube model, Vortex model and the Cascade model. Each of these three models has its strengths and weaknesses which are discussed in this paper.

Aerodynamic models for Darrieus-type straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbines

Wind energy, together with other renewable energy sources, are expected to grow substantially in the coming decades and play a key role in mitigating climate change and achieving energy sustainability. One of the main challenges in optimizing the design, operation, control, and grid integration of wind farms is the prediction of their performance, owing to the complex multiscale two-way interactions between wind farms and the turbulent atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). From a fluid mechanical perspective, these interactions are complicated by the high Reynolds number of the ABL flow, its inherent unsteadiness due to the diurnal cycle and synoptic-forcing variability, the ubiquitous nature of thermal effects, and the heterogeneity of the terrain. Particularly important is the effect of ABL turbulence on wind-turbine wake flows and their superposition, as they are responsible for considerable turbine power losses and fatigue loads in wind farms. These flow interactions affect, in turn, the structure of the ABL and the turbulent fluxes of momentum and scalars. This review summarizes recent experimental, computational, and theoretical research efforts that have contributed to improving our understanding and ability to predict the interactions of ABL flow with wind turbines and wind farms.

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10546-019-00473-0.pdf

Wind-Turbine and Wind-Farm Flows: A Review

Progress and recent trends in wind energy

Experimental analysis of the flow field around horizontal axis tidal turbines by use of scale mesh disk rotor simulators

Near wake flow analysis of a vertical axis wind turbine by stereoscopic particle image velocimetry

A preliminary aerodynamic performance prediction model has been constructed for the Darrieus turbine using a vortex lattice method of analysis. A series of experiments were conducted for the express purpose of validating the analytical model. These experiments were conducted on a series of two dimensional rotor configurations which were towed in a large tank of water. The use of water as a working fluid was intended to facilitate both flow visualization and the ability to measure aerodynamic blade forces while allowing operation at sufficiently high Reynolds numbers. The primary purpose of this research was to allow reasonable predictions of aerodynamic blade forces and moments to be made.

J. H. Strickland

Papers

A Vortex Model of the Darrieus Turbine: An Analytical and Experimental Study