Optimal wind turbine selection by BEM method and heuristic multi-objective optimization algorithms: A case-study for Tabriz - East Azerbaijan

Abstract

Disadvantages of electrical energy generation by fossil fuels, beside renewable energy benefits, cause the growth of this form of power generation. Among various forms of renewable energies, wind energy have had a significant growth in recent years. Wind turbines convert kinetic energy of air particles to electricity. Due to changes in wind characteristics based on global wind regime, local wind regime, and also terrain in any geographical area, each turbine cannot be exploited optimally in every area. By selecting a turbine which has the closest match to the installation location, the cost of electricity can be minimized and energy production can be maximized as possible. In this paper, the blade element momentum (BEM) method with intelligent multi-objective optimization algorithms is used to extract the best power curve, which can be applied to the desired site. In site, from the existing turbines, the turbine which fits this power curve will be selected. The result is compared to the turbine installed by trial and error method and mounted at site. In this paper, BEM method is used to synthesize the optimum power curve for the turbine to be installed in Tabriz.