Techno-economic performance assessment of central-grid wind turbines at major geographical locations of Pakistan

Abstract

This work is focused on techno-economic performance evaluation of grid connected wind turbines of different power ratings (2 MW and 3 MW) at six coastline areas of Pakistan using RETScreen software. Software imports the weather data of selected locations from its database reported by National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Software outcomes indicate the unadjusted energy production, gross energy production and capacity factor of wind turbines. Comparative study shows that the wind turbine of either rating installed in Jiwani, having capacity factor 33.7% (of 2 MW turbine) and 36.8% (of 3 MW wind turbine) produces ~64% more gross energy than at Karachi and ~4% more than that at Ormara location. Financial viability of wind power project installation is evaluated considering economic determinants and life cycle savings. Technical analysis also reveals the amount of electricity exported to grid. Comparative performance of 3 MW and 2 MW wind turbines are evaluated, and 3 MW wind turbine is found more viable and profitable. Jiwani is found the most favorite location for wind power project installation.