Multi-rotor wind turbines : a review of modern research efforts and challenges

Abstract

The rising capital and operational costs associated with scaling up single-rotor wind turbines have the potential to offset the energy gains of larger rotors, making their impact on levelised cost of energy uncertain. Multi-rotor wind turbines show great promise in reducing LCoE through their advantageous scaling laws. Their smaller individual rotors enable the use of more sustainable materials and streamlined operations and maintenance, addressing many shortcomings of single-rotor designs. This work reviews recent MRWT research spanning numerous disciplines, including aerodynamics, structures, and maintenance, amongst others.