Session: 10-03: Alternative Energy Conversion Technology (including Wind, Geothermal, Hydro, and Ocean)

Paper Number: 137389

137389 - Optimizing Wind Turbine Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness Across Varied Wind Conditions: A Dual Strategy With Site-Specific Blade Enhancement and Single Blade Design Concept 

Abstract: 

In the pursuit of optimizing wind turbine performance while minimizing the cost of energy production throughout its operational lifespan, this study presents two important investigations. Firstly, a site-specific approach is employed to enhance the aerodynamic efficiency of wind turbine blades. Prioritizing cost-effective design, the wind distribution at the specific site is suitably characterized using the Weibull distribution method, implementing with the bins and statistical techniques. The aerodynamics of a 5 kW wind turbine blade is analytically explored through the implementation of a blade element method (BEM) using MATLAB, incorporating advancements and modifications. Validation is rigorously ensured through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using Ansys-Fluent. An optimal pitch angle is meticulously assessed to further boost blade performance.

To effectively capture the cost dynamics, the cost of energy is employed as a design parameter, reformulated in terms of rated power to accommodate variations in component costs associated with the rated power. The investigation spans varying rated powers, revealing a commendable achievement of a maximum power coefficient coupled with a reduced cost of energy. Additionally, an annual energy production, together with a corresponding capacity factor, is realized at a lower cost of energy. At zero pitch angle, a maximum power coefficient of around 51.7% was attained, increasing to 55.4% at an optimal pitch angle of -3^O.  Similarly, a capacity factor of around 38.8% was achieved at the rated power and wind speed with zero pitch angle, and around 42% at the optimal pitch angle.

Secondly, recognizing the potential to harness maximum wind potential and reduce the cost of energy in varied wind conditions, the study introduces a single-blade design concept applicable for different wind conditions. Four wind sites with low to high wind conditions are utilized in the analysis. Specific design parameters are tailored to the unique conditions within varied wind condition areas, proposing a weighted average method based on the wind power density of each site to create a representative wind condition and implement it in designing a common wind turbine blade using the single-blade design concept. The performance of the designed blade at different site conditions is thoroughly evaluated based on annual energy production and capacity factor at a low relative cost of energy.

The outcomes are promising, with capacity factors of 28.7% and 51.5% attained for low and high wind conditions at rated powers of 3 kW and 5.8 kW, respectively, corresponding to a low relative cost of energy. Therefore, the study underscores the feasibility of achieving enhanced performance at a low cost of energy for different wind condition sites, employing a single blade design concept at properly selected rated powers and employing suitable design conditions and procedures.

Presenting Author: Hailay Kiros Kelele NTNU

Presenting Author Biography: With a rich academic background, Hailay holds an MSc degree in structural dynamics from Blekinge institute of technology, Sweden and boasts more than 10 years of impactful contributions as an academician and researcher in renewable energy and structural dynamics. Currently doing a PhD research in wind turbine design and analysis at Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Hailay has participated in different mega projects in the wind energy industry. As an expert in the wind energy and structural dynamics, Hailay has been doing groundbreaking research in different topics and publishing in top journals.
Committed to advancing knowledge in renewable energy, Hailay invites conference participants to explore the developments in energy sustainability.
Engage with Hailay on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hailay-kiros-kelele-2b260b88.

Authors:

Hailay Kiros Kelele NTNU