Experimental Comparative Analysis of Energy Production in HAWT with Bio-Inspired Active Oscillating Vortex Generators

Hector G. Parra (), Gabriel H. Castiblanco and Elvis E. Gaona
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Hector G. Parra: Full Time Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Cajicá 250247, Colombia
Gabriel H. Castiblanco: Full Time Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Cajicá 250247, Colombia
Elvis E. Gaona: Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, Bogotá 110231, Colombia

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 18, 1-17

Abstract: This study presents a comparative analysis of horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) equipped with and without bio-inspired active oscillating vortex generators (VGs). The experimental investigation examines key aspects of mechanical integration and the resulting variations in aerodynamic behavior, demonstrating measurable improvements in electrical power output. The VGs were designed and implemented using servomechanisms and embedded control systems to enable oscillatory motion during operation. Experimental findings were validated against CFD simulations, indicating that the use of VGs increases annual energy production efficiency by 16.7%, primarily due to the stabilization of wake turbulence. While a reduction in output voltage was observed at wind speeds below 5 m/s, the VGs exhibited enhanced performance under variable wind conditions. These results highlight the potential of combining biomimetic design principles with electronically actuated flow-control devices to advance HAWT technology, improving energy efficiency and contributing to operational sustainability.

Keywords: wind turbine; HAWT; bioinspired; active vortex generators; CFD; Gerber criterion (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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