A Review of Computational Fluid Dynamics Techniques and Methodologies in Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Development - review

Oct 22, 2026

Uploaded by James

This review provides a comprehensive examination of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques used in developing Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs). It addresses aerodynamic challenges such as dynamic stall, blade–wake interactions, and continuously changing angles of attack during rotation. The work evaluates modelling frameworks, simulation setups, meshing strategies, turbulence models, and boundary condition treatments, comparing 2-D and 3-D approaches. It also maps CFD tool progress for key indicators including power coefficient, torque, flow separation, and wake dynamics, identifying best practices, limitations, and research directions focused on high-fidelity and cost-effective urban-scale VAWT modelling.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages67

Reading Time2 h 49 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Keywords

1 Introduction

1.1 Background on Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences Tech Science Press Doi:10.32604/cmes.2025.067854 REVIEW A Review of Computational Fluid Dynamics Techniques and Methodologies in Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Development Ahmad Fazlizan1, *, Wan Khairul Muzammil2 and Najm Addin Al-Khawlani1 1 Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Selangor, Malaysia 2 Power and Energy Research Laboratories (PERL), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu, 88400, Sabah, Malaysia *Corresponding Author: Ahmad Fazlizan. Email: [a.fazlizan@ukm.edu.my](a.fazlizan@ukm.edu.my)[ ](a.fazlizan@ukm.edu.my)Received: 14 May 2025; Accepted: 12 August 2025; Published: 31 August 2025 ABSTRACT: This review provides a comprehensive and systematic examination of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques and methodologies applied to the development of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) . Although VAWTs offer significant advantages for urban wind applications, such as omnidirectional wind capture and a compact, ground-accessible design, they face substantial aerodynamic challenges, including dynamic stall, blade–wake interactions, and continuously varying angles of attack throughout their rotation. The review critically evaluates how CFD has been leveraged to address these challenges, detailing the modelling frameworks, simulation setups, mesh strategies, turbulence models, and boundary condition treatments adopted in the literature. Special attention is given to the comparative performance of 2-D vs. 3-D simulations, static and dynamic meshing techniques (sliding, overset, morphing), and the impact of near-wall resolution on prediction fidelity. Moreover, this review maps the evolution of CFD tools in capturing key performance indicators including power coefficient, torque, flow separation, and wake dynamics, while highlighting both achievements and current limitations. The synthesis of studies reveals best practices, identifies gaps in simulation fidelity and validation strategies, and outlines critical directions for future research, particularly in high-fidelity modelling and cost-effective simulation of urban-scale VAWTs. By synthesizing insights from over a hundred referenced studies, this review serves as a consolidated resource to advance VAWT design and performance optimization through CFD. These include studies on various aspects such as blade geometry refinement, turbulence modeling, wake interaction mitigation, tip-loss reduction, dynamic stall control, and other aerodynamic and structural improvements. This, in turn, supports their broader integration into sustainable energy systems. KEYWORDS: Computational fluid dynamics; vertical axis wind turbine; turbulence models; airfoils; urban wind 1 Introduction 1. 1 Background on Vertical Axis Wind Turbines Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) offer a compelling alternative to the dominant horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs), especially in urban environments where wind conditions are highly turbulent and unpredictable. Unlike HAWTs, which require constant reorientation to face the wind, VAWTs operate efficiently regardless of wind direction, eliminating the need for complex yaw mechanisms and reducing mechanical wear. Their design thrives in the chaotic airflow of cities, where HAWTs often underperform, and their compact, visually distinct form fits better within dense urban settings. Though typically less efficient at converting wind energy, VAWTs trade raw performance for adaptability, lower noise, aesthetic compatibility, Copyright © 2025 The Authors. Published by Tech Science Press. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. and simpler integration into existing infrastructure [1–3]. Additionally, VAWTs can be designed with visually ap

FAQs

Why are vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) attractive for urban environments?

VAWTs can capture wind from any direction without complex yaw mechanisms, which fits highly turbulent and unpredictable urban wind conditions. Their compact design can integrate more easily into dense infrastructure such as streetlights and building facades.

What aerodynamic challenges do CFD studies focus on for VAWTs?

Key challenges include dynamic stall, blade–wake interactions, and the continuously varying angle of attack throughout rotation. These effects strongly influence aerodynamic performance and prediction accuracy.

How does the review compare 2-D and 3-D CFD simulations for VAWTs?

The review highlights comparative performance between 2-D and 3-D simulations and emphasizes how meshing choices and near-wall resolution affect prediction fidelity. It also discusses static vs. dynamic meshing methods such as sliding, overset, and morphing.

Oct 22, 2026

Uploaded by James