Techno-Econo-Environmental study on the use of domestic-scale wind turbines in Iran

Existing fossil fuels do not meet the needs of modern societies and are almost coming to an end. Hence, governments can respond both to the needs of the people and the industry, by investing in the use of renewable energies. As well as saving fossil fuels, natural gas and even water. According to the research, renewable energy, especially wind energy, has been used in recent years and are able to satisfy some of the existing needs. The purpose of present study is to investigate the techno-econo-enviro use of domestic-scale wind turbines in Iran in order to select the optimal turbine according to the geographic location of each station in the country. At the present study, five types of wind turbines, including Generic 1kW, Generic 3kW, Generic 10kW, BWC XL 1.25kW and WES Tulipo 2.5kW have been used at all stations in the country to provide the most suitable type of turbine with the help of HOMER software and based on the geographic location of each station. The results showed that among all stations and types of wind turbines, the highest and lowest total net present cost (NPC) with 49131 $ and 11622 $ respectively are related to Zanjan and Alvand stations and Generic 1kW wind turbines. Also, the cost per kWh of produced wind electricity is 2.847 $ and 0.674 $ respectively at these stations. Also in the case of using hybrid wind-diesel system by Generic 1kW, Generic 3kW, BWC XL. 1.25kW, WES 2.5kW and Generic 10kW wind turbines at the all under study stations, annually generate a total of 246409, 213951, 212826, 122460 and 152030 Kg CO2 respectievely. Another point is that at Alvand, Arak, Babolsar, Iranshahr, Kashan, Khoy and Orumieh Generic 1kW wind turbine, at Anzali, Hamedan, Ramsar and Torbate Heydarie BWC XL. 1.25kW wind turbine, and at the 91 remaining stations WES 2.5kW wind turbine are the most economically feasible options.