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Numerical model for estimating energy generation for micro-wind turbines in the UK
journal contribution
posted on 2013-01-14, 12:15 authored by Matthew Wrate, Mahroo EftekhariMahroo EftekhariRenewable energy technologies have a large role to play in
combating climate change. Wind power is the most costeffective
technology for producing zero-carbon electricity, and
therefore will become a leading technology to reduce human-made
greenhouse gas emissions.
But there is a danger for the micro-wind turbine industry that
overestimates of potential power yields will disappoint installers,
and damage the technology's reputation in the future.
At present, the NOABL database represents the most suitable
tool for estimating a site's wind speeds but it only provides an
average wind speed reading for a lkm x lkm grid area within the
UK.
A prospective micro-wind turbine installer requires an
estimation of the potential energy generation from mounting a
wind turbine on their site. The wind profile for the site is largely
dependent upon the surrounding terrain, and local obstructions
to wind flow, so that differing sites can generate a wide range of
results. It is therefore very difficult for manufacturers and installers
to estimate the output for all sites.
This paper presents two numerical models for estimating the
potential power yield from a micro-wind turbine, for a particular
site and specific micro-wind turbine. The model requires the user
to take a reading from a database (NOABL) provided by the UK Government for his or her area. The wind speed is then adjusted
by assessing the terrain type and installation height of the turbine.
A wind speed frequency distribution is generated, that can then
be matched to the chosen turbine's power curve, to estimate the
annual power generated. Comparison of the results with actual
power generation and weather data from a micro-wind turbine
trial gives an estimate of the accuracy of the model.
The results have shown that there are limitations to the accuracy
of the micro-wind turbine power yield estimation model. However
it does provide a potential installer with enough information to
assess if a micro-wind turbine is viable. By allowing the model user
to toggle with different turbines and mounting heights, the user can
assess which turbine and mounting height best suits their needs.
The model is of a suitable size so that it could easily be
downloaded, even if further graphics were added. The model could
also be an interactive web page, allowing access to the vast majority
of people for annual power yields estimation for a micro-wind
turbine at their site. There is also no reason that the model couldn't
be extended to incorporate medium and possibly even large-scale
wind turbines although noise and flicker advice would need to be
incorporated.
This paper was initially presented at IEMA's Knowledge
Exchange Event in Oxford, in January 2009.
History
School
- Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Citation
WRATE, M. and EFTEKHARI, M., 2010. Numerical model for estimating energy generation for micro-wind turbines in the UK. The Environmentalist, (90), pp. 12 - 15.Publisher
© IEMAVersion
- VoR (Version of Record)
Publication date
2010Notes
This article was published in The Environmentalist [© IEMA] and the website is at: http://www.environmentalistonline.comISSN
1472-7625Publisher version
Language
- en