Bioinspired Fluid Dynamic Designs of Vertical-Axis Turbines: State-of-the-Art Review and the Way Forward

Abstract

Abstract With the increasing popularity of vertical axis turbines (VATs), researchers are now focusing on their performance improvement. Instead of adopting conventional means of performance improvements such as augmentation techniques and exhaustive parametric design optimization, the bio-inspired turbine designs have become a center of attraction, especially during the last decade. This review article attempts to compile the bio-inspired designs belonging to the VATs. Bio-inspired designs implemented in Savonius, Darrieus, Nautilus, and Seed-inspired turbines are elaborated besides giving a detailed explanation of the corresponding bio-organism and natural phenomenon. How the working principles of bio-organisms emulated in the form of fluid dynamic design are explained thoroughly in this paper. The bio-inspired designs for VATs are then classified pragmatically for the future designs. Research gaps are highlighted for the aspiring researchers, and this is followed by the important strategies and allied challenges.