VAWT versus HAWT: a comparative performance study of 2–6 MW rated capacity turbines

Growing quantities of low-cost wind power still require predictable, supportive regulatory environments and appropriate market designs. The challenge of integrating greater amounts of variable wind power into the grid is a growing concern that must be addressed. For offshore wind — still at early stages of the deployment journey — much remains to be accomplished to develop and integrate large-scale systems and to reduce costs. In this study, aerodynamic performance and feasibility of multi-megawatt vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) is compared to existing, similarly rated horizontal axis wind turbines. Two types of three-bladed VAWTs have been designed, one with the Darrieus (H-type) and the other with the Troposkien (Φ-type) rotor configuration, in the 2, 4, and 6 MW rated capacity range based on an optimal parametric study. This comparative performance study shows that VAWTs are not only characterized by superior performance but also exhibit a very simple design that is cost effective from both manufacturing and maintenance perspectives.