Modelling the performance of wind energy conversion system at potential wind farm sites in Kerala

Abstract

As the level of energy use is closely correlated with the development, availability of energy resources and its efficient use play a key role in the holistic prosperity of communities and Nations. It has been identified that the excessive use of energy which is mainly derived from fossil fuels today can cause irreversible environmental effects and the demand for the energy increased dramatically. With this energy crisis and growing environmental consciousness, the global perspective in energy generation and consumption is shifting towards sustainable resources and technologies. Hence wind energy is going to be the major player in realizing our dream of meeting a major share of the global energy demand from renewable and sustainable resources. India ranks fifth in the world in terms of global wind power capacity. The power scenario in Kerala is unique. Though Kerala has an estimated wind power potential of 1000 MW at 50 m level and the installed capacity in the state is only 32 MW. Hence, it is high time that the power base of the state has to be strengthened by taking initiatives to exploit available renewable energy resources like wind. The wind data available at these meteorological stations have been logged from different sensor heights (10m and 20m) of seven sites in Kerala and the wind data convert for 100m height. The Wind Energy Resource Analysis (WERA) program is based on the Analysis of wind regimes and performance of wind energy conversion systems. WERA can be used for analyzing the wind energy potential at a given site and estimating the performance of a Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) at the site. For the convenient tool for wind energy economics analysis is a software which named as EcoREN .It is a decision support system for the economics appraisal of renewable energy projects. Different input parameters like rated power, capital investment, life span, capacity factor, operation and maintenance cost, discounting rate and electricity cost are used to produce the outcome. The sites were selected as kanjikode because it is economically liable and technically feasible at this site. Because of the high wind velocity at this site. It was found that the cost of wind energy that can be tapped on a kWh basis ranges from Rs.0.28 to Rs 0.82 from out of the seven leading wind turbines company in the world. The economical side the kanjkode is suited to its minimum capital investment by comparing with the other sites for every wind turbines. While in the case of payback period it is within the range of 2-5 years for kanjikode. Then we easily conclude that kanjikode more preferable for installing wind turbine due to its high wind velocity compare with other seven sites