Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines in Emerging Energy Applications (1979–2025): Global Trends and Technological Gaps Revealed by a Bibliometric Analysis and Review

Beatriz Salvador-Gutierrez, Lozano Sanchez-Cortez (), Monica Hinojosa-Manrique, Adolfo Lozada-Pedraza, Mario Ninaquispe-Soto, Jorge Montaño-Pisfil, Ricardo Gutiérrez-Tirado, Wilmer Chávez-Sánchez, Luis Romero-Goytendia, Julio Díaz-Aliaga and Abner Vigo-Roldán
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Beatriz Salvador-Gutierrez: Faculty of Physical Sciences, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
Lozano Sanchez-Cortez: Faculty of Physical Sciences, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
Monica Hinojosa-Manrique: Faculty of Physical Sciences, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
Adolfo Lozada-Pedraza: Faculty of Physical Sciences, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
Mario Ninaquispe-Soto: Faculty of Mathematical Sciences, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 15081, Peru
Jorge Montaño-Pisfil: Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad Nacional del Callao, Callao 07011, Peru
Ricardo Gutiérrez-Tirado: Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad Nacional del Callao, Callao 07011, Peru
Wilmer Chávez-Sánchez: Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad Nacional del Callao, Callao 07011, Peru
Luis Romero-Goytendia: Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Lima 15333, Peru
Julio Díaz-Aliaga: Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Lima 15333, Peru
Abner Vigo-Roldán: Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Natural Resources, Universidad Nacional del Callao, Callao 07011, Peru

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 14, 1-31

Abstract: This study provides a comprehensive overview of vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) for emerging energy applications by combining a bibliometric analysis and a thematic mini-review. Scopus-indexed publications from 1979 to 2025 were analyzed using PRISMA guidelines and bibliometric tools (Bibliometrix, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer) to map global research trends, and a parallel mini-review distilled recent advances into five thematic areas: aerodynamic strategies, advanced materials, urban integration, hybrid systems, and floating offshore platforms. The results reveal that VAWT research output has surged since 2006, led by China with strong contributions from Europe and North America, and is concentrated in leading renewable energy journals. Dominant topics include computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, performance optimization, wind–solar hybrid integration, and adaptation to turbulent urban environments. Technologically, active and passive aerodynamic innovations have boosted performance albeit with added complexity, remaining mostly at moderate technology readiness (TRL 3–5), while advanced composite materials are improving durability and fatigue life. Emerging applications in microgrids, building-integrated systems, and offshore floating platforms leverage VAWTs’ omnidirectional, low-noise operation, although challenges persist in scaling up, control integration, and long-term field validation. Overall, VAWTs are gaining relevance as a complement to conventional turbines in the sustainable energy transition, and this study’s integrated approach identifies critical gaps and high-priority research directions to accelerate VAWT development and help transition these turbines from niche prototypes to mainstream renewable solutions.

Keywords: VAWTs; urban microgeneration; wind–solar hybrid systems; offshore floating platforms; bibliometric analysis; CFD aerodynamic optimization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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