Economic analysis of a wind-battery hybrid system: an application for a house in Gebze, Turkey, with moderate wind energy potential

In this study, the energy demand of a house in Gebze, Turkey, is met by using wind energy as a primary energy source combined with rechargeable batteries. The wind-battery system is simulated by MATLAB while considering that energy continuity is maintained by using a sufficient number of batteries. A life-cycle cost analysis is carried out over a 20-year system lifetime because the operating time of the hybrid system is subject to the turbine life, usually assumed to be 20 years. The wind turbine generators considered are of various nominal powers, ranging from 0.6 to 450 kW. For each wind turbine, the necessary number of batteries to continuously supply the house with energy is calculated and an economic analysis of each system is performed. According to the simulation results, among the wind turbines considered in this study, Proven 2.5 (with a nominal power of 2.5 kW) appears to be the most economical turbine and produces electricity at a cost of US$0.82/kWh, while the optimum battery number for the Proven 2.5 wind turbine is 44. The total system cost obtained is $17,438.