A REVIEW OF INNOVATIVE WIND TURBINES AND PHOTOVOLTAIC ARCHITECTURES

This study is framed by the accelerating displacement of fossil energy carriers, driven by depletion and externalities (GHG emissions and ecosystem impacts), and by the global shift toward converter-interfaced variable renewable energy (VRE). The objective is to justify, using recent deployment evidence, why next-generation photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy conversion system (WECS) technologies constitute the highest-leverage innovation targets for near-term capacity scale-up and grid-compatible decarbonization. Methodologically, the work combines (i) macro-trend interrogation of IRENA renewable capacity statistics (2015–2024) with (ii) a structured technology review of emerging wind concepts (vortex-induced vibration bladeless harvesters, passive/ducted building-integrated turbines, and modular multi-rotor architectures) and advanced PV architectures (bifacial modules and transparent PV/TLSC devices), focusing on dominant physical mechanisms, conversion chains, and deployment constraints. Results show that 2024 delivered a record +585 GW (+15.1%) renewable capacity expansion, with PV (+452 GW; +32.2%) and wind (+113 GW; +11.1%) contributing 96.6% of net additions, whereas hydro, bioenergy, and geothermal exhibited marginal growth. Key technology bottlenecks are identified: resonance-bandwidth limits in VIV harvesters (addressable via adaptive stiffness tuning), aerodynamic losses and siting dependence in passive systems, and load/wake management in multi-rotor arrays; bifacial PV bankability remains coupled to rear-irradiance modelling and mismatch control, while TPV is constrained by the transparency-efficiency trade-off. The findings indicate that accelerating PV/WECS innovation is pivotal for sustained renewable expansion under realistic environmental variability.