Site specific assessment of wind characteristics and determination of wind loads effects on wind turbine components and energy generation

• Published in: International journal of energy sector management Vol. 12; no. 3; pp. 341 - 363
• Main Authors: Wei, Jiang, Hulio, Zahid Hussain, Rashid, Haroon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bradford Emerald Publishing Limited 24-07-2018; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Component reliability; Design; Design optimization; Design standards; Drag coefficients; Economic development; Energy; Energy industry; Energy resources; Failure; Failure analysis; Ground level; Mathematical models; Mechanical components; Parameters; Pitching moments; Renewable resources; Sensors; Standard deviation; Studies; Turbines; Wind effects; Wind farms; Wind loads; Wind power; Wind shear; Wind turbines; Iran; Canada; United States > US; Wind; Cost minimization; System dynamics; Project economics; Renewable energies; Energy production; Cost comparison
• ISSN: 1750-6220; 1750-6239
• DOI: 10.1108/IJESM-10-2017-0007

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze wind characteristics and their effects on wind turbine components and energy generation at the candidate site.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology covered the detailed investigation of wind characteristics using Weibull k and c parameters and standard deviation at 30 m above the ground level (AGL). The wind shear coefficient and air density were also studied. The weight model was developed to determine the effects on wind turbine components and energy generation. At last, an economic assessment was carried out to determine the pre- and post-effects of the weight model on the cost of energy per kilowatt-hour.
Findings
The mean standard deviation, Weibull k parameter and Weibull c parameter were found to be 2.157, 2.617 and 6.087 m/s, respectively, at 30 m for a period of a year. The mean wind shear coefficient was found to be 0.176 for a year. The calculated results showed that site-specific midrange and amplitude force were 40.95 per cent and 37.75 per cent on wind turbine mechanical components, respectively. The average rise in force and drop in energy was found to be 35.50 per cent and 47.55 per cent, respectively. The lift coefficient, drag coefficient and pitching moment considering values (a, 0.1 and 0.2) showed an increase in force on wind turbine components that resulted in a drop in energy. The cost assessment results showed that the cost of energy was increased from US$0.032/kWh to 0.0466/kWh for wind turbine A.
Practical implications
An accurate determination of the weight factor is necessary for near-reality assessment of wind energy yield and rise of force on the wind turbine. The results paved the way for site-specific design optimization of wind turbines.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the site-specific wind characteristic-based weight model to determine the effects of wind loads on wind turbine components and energy generation and compared with the specified design standard. The lift coefficient, drag coefficient and pitching moment coefficient show a rise in the force while considering the weight factor values. The results show that the site has the potential to generate energy at the lowest cost per kilowatt-hour, but it needs wind turbine design adjustments according to site-specific wind characteristics. If site-specific wind characteristics are considered, it would lead to maximum energy generation and high reliability of wind turbine components.