Wind Energy Economic Assessment and Performance of Wind Turbines in Kermanshah Province with Climatic Considerations

Introduction

Global warming and climate change are nowadays significant challenges for humankind. It is widely and generally accepted that the increase of greenhouse gases emissions (GHGs) in the atmosphere are caused by anthropogenic effects especially in modernized and industrialized countries. Consequently, cleaner energy generation is needed in order to reduce global GHGs emissions (Waewsak et al., 2014). Wind energy becomes today a promising option to complement the conventional energy source, especially in region where the existing power plants are not sufficient to match the increasing electricity demand. This success is principally due the rapid growth of the wind technology which led the wind power to be more competitive by reducing the cost of electricity produced (Djamai and Merzouk, 2011). Since there has no comprehensive wind potential study in Kermanshah province, it is necessary to pay this important subject to reply for increased demand of electricity. Thus this paper aimed to assess economical usage of wind power in Kermanshah province.

Methodology

In this study we assessed economic feasibility of wind energy usage at 13 sites in Kermanshah province. In order to carry out the research, 3-hour wind speed data in 2009 to 2013, topography, land cover and obstacle maps were used, and ten models of wind turbines with different rated power were investigated. It has been calculated Capacity Factor, Operating Probability of wind turbines, and Annual Energy Production for selected turbines in 0.03m surface roughness using WAsP and Windographer software. Economical evaluation was down by Net Present value method and benefit costs analysis (B/C) in 13 sits and 10 models of wind turbines. Also in this research it was used Extra Investment Analysis (EIA) method to choose the best project from the initial Selected Projects. After investigation of cost analysis, it was determined the most economical wind turbine and site for utilization wind energy in Kermanshah province.

Results and discussion

The maximum Capacity Factor of selected turbines has calculated in Gilanqarb (46.4%), Tazeabad (44.2%) and Somar (39.2%). This is because of different wind climatology of these sites in comparison with the other sites in the Kermanshah province. In the other words orography characteristics of these sites leads to more nocturnally mean wind speed.

The costs of the construction and maintenance of a wind farm include initial Capital Costs (turbine price and costs civil work), and also operation, maintenance and Repair costs. On the other hand, the proceeds from the sale of electricity generated should be borne by the costs incurred. The cheapest turbine is 500- kW machine with 707 thousand dollars and the most expensive is 2000- kW machine with 2900 thousand dollars.

Benefit costs analysis indicated wind power plant construction in Gilanqarb area is more economical than other areas with all turbines except for 1300- kW machines which is more economical in Tazeabad. Also the most economical machine is 2000- kW turbine in Gilanqarb area. The cost of wind power plant construction whit one 2000- kW turbine is 15.4 Billion toman right now, while the proceeds from the sale of electricity generated is 21.49 Billion toman in life time of machine. So this project is the most economical with benefit-cost ratio equal to 1.4 in comparison with other project in the study area. Obviously, the results of economic analysis will also be different if the prices used in economic analysis, such as the price of a turbine, the price of electricity or the exchange rate change.

Conclusion

The results showed 750- kW and 800- kW machines have maximum Operating Probability of wind turbines and also it was the highest in Tazeabad site with 80 to 89%. While Capacity Factor has the highest value for 500- kW machine in all sites. Of course this turbine has the highest value in Gilanqarb (46.4%), Tazeabad (44.2%) and Somar (39.2%) sites. The most Annual Energy Production (AEP) acquired for 2000- kW turbine which is due to its high rated capacity. Calculated AEP for selected turbines vary between about 2 GWh in Kangavar to 6.7 GWh in Gilanqarb in the year.

Benefit-Cost index showed that wind power plant construction in Gilanqarb area is more economical than other areas with more turbines, and also the most economical machine is 2000- kW turbine in this area. Finally Calculations showed that usage of wind energy is not economical with any turbine in Eslamabad-Qarb, Kangavar, Sarpol-zahab, Ravansar, Sonqor, Harsin, Javanrood and Qasre-Shirin.