Abstract
This study aims to develop an optimization model for obtaining the maximum benefit from wind power plants (WPPs) to help with reducing external dependence in terms of energy. In this sense, design of experiment and optimization methods are comprehensively combined in the wind energy field for the first time. Existing data from installed WPPs operating in Turkey for the years of 2017 and 2018 are analyzed. Both the individual and interactive effects of controllable factors, namely turbine power (MW), hub height (m) and rotor diameter (m), and uncontrollable factor as wind speed (m/s) on WPPs are investigated with the help of Box-Behnken design. Nonlinear optimization models are utilized to estimate optimum values for each decision variable in order to maximize the amount of energy to be produced for the future. Based on the developed nonlinear optimization models, the optimum results with high desirability value (0.9587) for the inputs of turbine power, hub height, rotor diameter and wind speed are calculated as 3.0670 MW, 108.8424 m, 106.7597 m, and 6.1684 m/s, respectively. The maximum energy output with these input values is computed as 9.952 million kWh per unit turbine, annually. The results of this study can be used as a guideline in the design of new WPPs to produce the maximum amount of energy contributing to supply escalating energy needs by more sustainable and clean ways for the future.
Highlights
Energy in different forms, such as conventional fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewable energy, is utilized throughout the world for human needs [1]
This study involves the application of Box-Behnken design that is part of the design of experiment with a total of 54 runs (27 base runs with two replications), while considering four variables, each with three levels, for the wind power plants to provide maximum energy produced
The factors, which are turbine power, hub height, rotor diameter and wind speed denoted as A, B, C and D, respectively, were analyzed statistically
Summary
Energy in different forms, such as conventional fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewable energy, is utilized throughout the world for human needs [1]. The World Energy Forum estimated that the time remaining for the depletion of fossil-based oil, coal and gas reserves is no more than 100 years. Other reasons behind the inclination for renewable energy resources include fluctuations in oil prices, desire to provide energy security without interruption, and environmental impacts resulting from emissions of carbon dioxide [4]. The U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA) proposes that renewables including wind, solar and hydroelectric power will be the fastest growing resources of energy by 2050, compared to the conventional resources such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy [5]
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