Open Access

REVIEW

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

Ahmad Fazlizan^1,*, Wan Khairul Muzammil², 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:

Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences 2025, 144(2), 1371-1437. https://doi.org/10.32604/cmes.2025.067854

Received 14 May 2025; Accepted 12 August 2025; Issue 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.

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Keywords

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