Design and Techno-Economical Optimization of Wind Turbine Generator System: Under Diverse Metrological Conditions

Michael J Saulo,Marangi S Mbogho

doi:10.6000/1929-6002.2013.02.02.2

Abstract

The Kenyan Electricity Supply Industry (KESI) generation mix comprises; hydro-electric, geothermal, thermal and a small contribution from wind energy. Over the years, the predominant source of electricity generation in KESI has been hydro (over 60%). However, due to climate changes in recent times hydro generation has become less reliable and largely contributed to the supply–demand mismatch. Against this background there has been a paradigm shift in energy policy towards the use of Renewable Energy sources for electricity generation. Informed by this shift of policy, this paper explores the possibility of generating electrical power from wind-at Mokowe, Lamu County, in Kenya along the Indian Ocean. The paper contends that the use of optimally designed Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) could enhance production of electrical power at the proposed site. This in effect would significantly: improve the technical and economic performance of KESI; and impact positively on the socio-economic status of the local communities at Makowe.

Highlights

Kinetic energy of wind intercepted by wind turbine generator blades per minute depends on: the air density, area swept by rotor blades, and the cube of wind speed regulated by efficiency or power factor of the wind generator [1]
This paper presents a techno-economical optimization study of a proposed stand-alone/grid connected wind turbine generator system at Mokowe, in Lamu County, Kenya
The main objective of the paper is to integrate the diverse meteorological conditions in Lamu proportionately to the designed wind turbine generators (WTG). This is done to optimize sizing between maximum power generated by each type of turbine and the competing incentive to maximize the number of generator turbines sited per unit area

Summary

Introduction

This paper presents a techno-economical optimization study of a proposed stand-alone/grid connected wind turbine generator system at Mokowe, in Lamu County, Kenya. The main objective of the paper is to integrate the diverse meteorological conditions (wind speeds) in Lamu proportionately to the designed wind turbine generators (WTG). This is done to optimize sizing between maximum power generated by each type of turbine and the competing incentive to maximize the number of generator turbines sited per unit area. There has been a rapid increase in the amount of wind-generated power on electrical power grids worldwide. Kenya’s installed power capacity is about 1089 MW with maximum power demand of 1300MW [2].

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Conclusion