Feasibility study of new generation of wind turbine (INVELOX), is it competitive with the Conventional Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine?

Abstract

Wind energy is one of the most interesting and cost-effective renewable energies. In this article, a comparison between two wind turbine technologies (Conventional Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (CHAWT) and a new generation of wind turbine (INVELOX)) is made. They are simulated using CFD. A sensitive analysis into the geometrical parameters is performed. Then technical and economic analyses are done in five cities in Iran. Results show INVELOX generates 18%–235% more power than conventional one. However, the initial cost of INVELOX is nearly 534%–576% higher than the CHAWT. So, the proposed form of wind turbine cannot be economically feasible. Also, it is concluded that INVELOX technology is suitable for the cities with the low average wind speed such as Binaloud. It seems that INVELOX is more suitable for critical condition in which more energy density is needed and the economic aspect is not important.