Role of optimization and soft-computing techniques in the design and development of futuristic Savonius wind turbine blades: A review

Abstract

The use of metropolitan wind power by small-scale wind turbines has become an emerging technique to reduce the battle among growing energy needs. However, the available technical designs are not yet adequate to develop a reliable and distributed wind energy converter for low wind speed conditions. The Savonius wind turbine rotor, or simply Savonius rotor, seems to be particularly promising for such conditions, however, it suffers from low power coefficient. The blade profile/shape is an important aspect of designing the Savonius rotor. In this context, the use of optimization techniques (OTs) along with soft-computing techniques (SCTs) can significantly help to arrive at the intended design parameters. The selection of rotor blades developed through OTs and SCTs can significantly improve the rotor performance. This review study aims to summarize the OTs and SCTs used till date in the blade design of Savonius rotors.