Comparison based on the technical and economical analysis of wind energy potential at onshore, coastal, and offshore locations in Çanakkale, Turkey

Abstract

Offshore wind technology in a global context is developing with extraordinary speed, and technical constraints are gradually decreasing. However, in Turkey, offshore applications are yet to be established despite the installation of a significant number of onshore wind power plants over the last ten years. The city of Çanakkale is situated on both the Marmara and the Aegean Sea. It is located on both sides of the Çanakkale Strait, which connects the continents of Asia and Europe and occupies an important geographical position in terms of wind-energy potential. In this study, the wind-energy potential was investigated using data from 18 different meteorological stations located at onshore, coastal, and offshore stations in Çanakkale. Weibull and Rayleigh probability density functions were used to obtain wind speed distribution curves. Four wind turbines with power ranging from 1500 kW to 4500 kW for onshore locations and three wind turbines with power ranging from 2000 kW to 5000 kW for coastal and offshore locations were compared in the scope of the methods used in economic analysis [energy cost estimation (C), net present value (NPV), benefit cost ratio, payback period, and internal rate of return]. In this context, the best performances were obtained in onshore locations of Bozcaada, Çanakkale Airport, and coastal and offshore locations of Bozcaada/Damlacık L. and Lapseki/Zincirbozan L. for Vestas V112 (119 m) turbine and Vestas V90 (105 m) turbine, respectively. This study aims to contribute scientifically to the development of coastal and offshore wind energy in the region.