Abstract <p>External control bodies can adjust the operational environment by changing the incoming wind speed and direction, and so are considered to enhance the aerodynamic performance of <i>H</i>-type vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) with V-riblets structure and blunt trailing-edge. For a single blunt trailing-edge wind wheel with the V-riblets structure, the effects of four control bodies at the longitudinal position with different shapes are first explored on the wind energy utilization and velocity distributions in wake region, and those of the lateral position and size of the control body with optimal shape are further analyzed on the wind energy utilization, velocity distributions in wake region, and flow characteristics. For wind turbines with interaction, the effects of the number and arrangement of control bodies with optimal shape and size are investigated on the velocity distributions and output characteristics. The results show that control bodies with different shapes improve the wind energy utilization, and the rectangular control body has the most significant effects. The wind energy utilization increases first and then decreases with the lateral distance between the control body and the wind turbine, and increases with the size of the rectangular control body. The number and arrangement of control bodies obviously change the interaction mechanism among wind turbines and the flow field, affecting the velocity distributions around wind wheels, thereby improving the overall output performance.</p>