A case study: Small scale wind turbine system selection and economic viability

Abstract

Increasing electricity production costs coupled with rising energy prices drive people to become energy independent. Wind energy systems can be one of the most cost-effective home-based renewable energy systems. A small-scale wind turbine can reduce the electricity bill slightly or up to 100% depending on the quality of wind resource of the site. More people across the world are seeking a solution against increasing electricity rates and a way to harvest their local wind resources. The aim of the study is to analyse an economic viability of a small-scale wind turbine system for residential use in southern Turkey. For this objective, firstly, an actual onsite wind data is evaluated. Five different on-grid small-scale wind energy production system alternatives which required to meet the electricity demand are offered. Performance of each turbine are examined; cost and benefit analysis based on cash flow, net present value, levelised cost of energy and payback periods are calculated. Recommendations are provided to the investor to make a decision on the optimum wind turbine selection based on performance and economic viability for the given site. At last, an overview of what is feasible on the preferred site is presented.

Keywords

• small scale wind turbines,wind energy economics,turbine selection

References

1. [1] http://gwec.net/global-figures/wind-in-numbers/.
2. [2] Grand View Research, 2017, “Small Wind Turbine Market Analysis and Segment Forecast To 2025”.
3. [3] https://www.epdk.org.tr/Detay/Icerik/3-0-23/aylik-sektor-raporu.
4. [4] Sturge, D., 2015, “The energy yield impacts of wind farm design and location”, Ph.D. Dissertation, The University of Sheffield, UK.
5. [5] Manwell, A. L., McGowan, J.F., Rogers, J.G., 2002, “Wind Energy Explained – Theory, Design, and Application”, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, West Sussex, England.
6. [6] Serrano González, J., Burgos Payán, M., Santos J. M., and González-Longatt F., “A review and recent developments in the optimal wind-turbine micro-siting problem”, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, (30), 133–144.
7. [7] Proven, 2005, “Proven Wind Turbines - Technical Specification Sheet”.
8. [8] Bergey Excel, 2012, “Bergey Excel 1Kw Wind Turbines - Technical Specification Sheet”.

9. [9] XZERES, 2013, “Xzeres Skystream 2.4kW Turbine Specifications”.
10. [10] Power, 2016, “Whisper 500 Serious Power from a Medium Turbine Specifications”.
11. [11] Zhuang, W., 2010, “Evaluating the economics of small wind power in North Carolina”, Master Thesis, Duke University, North Carolina, USA.