A comprehensive review of flow control methods in low wind speed turbine applications

Renewable energy sources have gained significant traction among researchers due to the rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves. This has led to a surge in publications focusing on advancing energy generation, particularly in wind turbine technology. However, there is a noticeable scarcity of literature on flow control methods that operate at low speeds. This review’s primary objective is to systematically categorize the existing research articles related to flow control methods, which emphasize their application in low-speed wind turbines. This is because most review articles predominantly address high-speed scenarios. The research landscape initially favored active flow control methods, but a noticeable shift toward passive techniques began in 2016. NACA airfoils are the preferred blade profiles, with vortex generators as the prominent flow control method, despite limited research on newer methods. This review offers insights into diverse influential parameters, methodological approaches and publication trends, providing valuable guidance for future research in this field.