Chapter 3.4 - Review on wind energy systems

Abstract

This chapter presents a short review of wind energy systems aiming to highlight the major aspects related to such systems, namely, performance, cost, and environment. Based on the previous research studies done on the performance optimization of wind energy systems, it was found that there are several augmentation methods that can be used to enhance the system’s performance. Augmentation devices include guide vanes, diffusers, ducts, deflectors, and stators. There are various parameters that need to be considered for the cost assessment of wind energy systems such as infrastructure, foundation, maintenance, wind speed, height, operation, installation, management, design, etc. These may significantly affect the capital cost and wind energy cost per unit of electricity. Additionally, there are two other parameters that need to be investigated in the assessment of offshore wind farms that are water depth and distance to shore. It was found that there are three major environmental impacts of wind turbines, namely, visual impact, wildlife danger, and noise pollution. Furthermore, the importance of incorporating energy storage systems is also discussed in this chapter. Regarding wind energy applications, the most favorable storage technologies were the mechanical and hydrogen energy storage systems as they are environmentally benign.