A review on numerical simulation based on CFD technology of aerodynamic characteristics of straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbines

With the main advantages of simple shape, smart structural and wind direction independence, Straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbines has been increasingly used in rural and marine environments. However, due to its complex aerodynamic characteristics, it is still challenging to improve the performance of straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbines. CFD technology is a useful tool for the study on wind turbine aerodynamics for its low cost and high visualization effect. To provide guidance for the study on SB-VAWTs using numerical simulation by CFD technology, this study reviews the existing methods of CFD technology in the study on straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbines in terms of calculation domain size selection, meshing strategy, time step determination, numerical solution of N–S equation, turbulence model selection, Y+ value determination etc. Furthermore, some solutions to some 18 problems of CFD technology in the study on straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbines are proposed. This study can provide a guidance for the study of SB-VAWTs using CFD methods.