A review: Approaches for aerodynamic performance improvement of lift-type vertical axis wind turbine

Floating vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) display considerable advantages over horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) due to their Omni directionality, better structural scalability, and higher system stability. VAWTs are therefore experiencing a regained interest for use in large-scale offshore wind energy generation. However, the aerodynamic performance of lift-type VAWTs is lower than that of HAWTs. To provide more guidance for the performance improvement of VAWTs, this article reviews the existing approaches to aerodynamic performance enhancement from the perspectives of geometric parameters, flow control methods, blade shape modification, power augmentation devices, hybrid systems, and variable pitch control. Additionally, the findings of various investigations on the performance improvement of VAWTs are summarized.