An investigation into micro wind energy systems for their utilization in urban areas and their life cycle assessment

Abstract

Micro wind energy systems are evaluated in the current article for their potential utilization in urban areas. The techno-economic analysis of such energy systems is undertaken, as well as their life cycle assessment. The energy system consists of wind turbine generator as the main power source, lead-acid batteries as the medium of electricity storage, and other essential devices such as an inverter. Electrical needs for a family living under normal conditions of comfort are modelled and used within simulation of the system performance, with an average daily load of approximately 9.0 kW h. To demonstrate the use of the present model, the system's performance simulations are carried out with typical yearly wind speed data from five different sites in Turkey. The typical years are selected from a total of 6 years data for each site. A life cycle cost analysis is also carried out for a wind energy system with a 25-year life span. The system performance is analysed as a function of various parameters such as wind power density and energy production. The environmental life cycle assessment of the energy system described is also carried out to determine the impact of the energy system under evaluation. It is shown that, with the conservative European average electricity mix, the energy pay back time is 1.4 years and the CO₂ pay back time is 0.7 years for the given system. The CO₂ emission per kW h_e generated is 20.5 g.