Progress in the modelling and management of offshore wind farm wakes: A literature review

Offshore wind energy is a cornerstone of the global drive to decarbonise the economy. Despite the rapid advances in the technology, the phenomenon of wind turbine wakes still poses a major challenge to maximizing farm performance and minimizing energy losses. This literature review provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent research related to aerodynamic wake losses in offshore wind farms and the management strategies being developed to mitigate them. The paper first discusses the fundamental physics of wind farm wake losses, the present numerical models for quantifying such losses, and the growing importance of spatial planning in minimizing farm-to-farm wake effects. It then evaluates main wake management techniques including farm layout optimisation, low induction operation, wake steering via yaw, pitch control, variable rotor hub heights, innovative flow enhancement techniques using airborne systems such kites, and dynamic positioning of floating turbines. Each method is assessed in terms of fundamental operating principles, reported energy yield improvement, and limitations. The review concludes by identifying knowledge gaps and future research directions to be pursued, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary approaches, real-time control, and experimental validation.