Energy, exergy, economic, environmental, energoeconomic, exergoeconomic, and enviroeconomic (7E) analyses of wind farms: a case study of Pakistan.

Abstract

Wind energy has been seen as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels in recent decades. However, only a fraction of wind energy potential is exploited for Pakistan compared to the overall output due to insufficient multi-dimensional analysis. In this study, the energy, exergy, economic, environmental, energoeconomic, exergoeconomic, and enviroeconomic (7E) performance of a 50 MW wind energy system is analyzed for eight locations of Pakistan. The initial wind assessment is conducted based on the meteorological data obtained during a time period of 2016-2018. Analyses show that Sujawal has the maximum average annual speed of 7.3 m/s with an annual power density of 376 W/m2. In comparison, the lowest findings were achieved for Peshawar having an average wind speed of 3.07 m/s with a power density of 42.63 W/m2. From the energy, exergy, and cost assessment, it is concluded that Sujawal, Umerkot, and Sanghar are the most appropriate locations for new wind farms. The payback period in Sujawal with a lifespan of 20 years is estimated to be around 4.66 years (with GHG credit) and 7.08 years (without GHG credit). Furthermore, Sujawal is distinguished among the evaluated sites with the lowest exergoeconomic and energoeconomic parameters and the best enviroeconomic performance. The comprehensive performance assessment of the new potential sites explored in this study would be helpful in expanding the wind energy potential across the country.