INNOVATIONS IN SMALL WIND TURBINES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF VERTICAL AXIS DESIGN AND EXPERIMENTAL FINDINGS

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the recent developments on small wind turbines in terms of their distinguishing characteristics, experimental research and structural and operational development of small vertical axis wind turbines. Emphasizing their decentralized generation capability, cost savings, and sustainability, the first part discusses the characteristics of small wind turbines. Then the review paper goes through a synthesis process of experimental research work on small wind turbines to evaluate their performance, technological advancements evolved in line with actual world problems encountered. The paper also describes what was achieved by way of small vertical-axis wind turbine design, material problems, and aerodynamic theories that control their operation. Finally, the study provides a review of experimental research studies that were conducted on the performance of small vertical axis wind turbines. The study also shows the functioning methods of small vertical axis wind turbines examined by means of experimental research, which investigate their efficiency under different environmental circumstances and where they may be optimized. Emphasizing the interdependence between theory and practice, this paper examines answers wind turbine researchers have already looked at. A small part of international research data seeking to improve the efficiency and design of small wind turbines is collated here.