Wind Energy Technology Research Articles

Assessment of the global theoretical and technical energy potentials of onshore airborne wind energy systems

Abstract Decarbonization of global energy supply requires among others the development and deployment of unconventional energy technologies, which can overcome certain barriers to the deployment of conventional technologies. In addition, it is necessary to clarify the amount of energy that can be potentially produced from these novel technologies. This study presents a global assessment of the energy potential of an unconventional wind energy technology called airborne wind energy system (AWES) for onshore applications. This technology has a considerably small material footprint and visual impact compared to the conventional wind turbines. The target technology is a system currently available in the market that generates electricity based on a soft kite connected by a tether to a generator. It was found that globally, this technology can theoretically deliver 38.5 PWh yr−1. After considering topographic and land suitability restrictions the energy potential decreases to 12.5 PWh yr−1 (equivalent to around half of 2022 electricity consumption). The high-grade energy potential (annual average capacity factor >32%) constituted around three quarters of the global total. Further analyses will clarify the effect of uncertainties involved in the assessment (such as the height of operation and the land suitability constraints, among others), and the conditions under which AWES outperform conventional wind turbines. Also, the assessment can be extended to offshore applications and to include the economic evaluation of the energy potential. This study is a first attempt to assess the global potential of an unconventional wind energy technology which can be considered in the analysis of future decarbonization scenarios.

Optimization of excess energy storage from an islanding micro-hydropower system as an alternative to dump loads

Energy needs in many parts of the developed world is characterized by high increase in recent years. This is due to the population growth and industrial development which require a substantial amount of energy sources. But studies have shown a different trend for many developing countries especially in Africa where energy needs is increasing steadily and mostly in the urban areas due to the availability of national grid while in the rural and off-grid areas energy demand is supplied with the local available energy resources and technologies eg. solar energy, wind energy, hydropower or biomass energy technologies as well as hybrid energy systems. In the current research study, a water resource in a form of a small river is available in the rural and off-grid villages of the northern Tanzania. So, in this case a microhydro turbine system have been designed and developed to supply the required electrical power to the off-grid villages. The design configuration of the micro-hydro turbine systems consists of a 75 kW hydro turbine system that will supply a load demand of 1,114.38 kWh/day. But studies from the daily energy supply and demand analysis shows a power surplus of 50 kW (at night time) and power deficit of 30 kW (at evening time) from the MHP system. In this scenario the energy storage option have been considered and based on the analysis, hydrogen energy storage has been considered. This new energy storage approach has been proven to increase the energy storage capacity by eliminating 68.37% of the excess energy needed for the dump load and increasing the excess energy storage from 31.63% for the previous battery system to 100% for the hydrogen system.

Wind Energy Siting Optimization in Fujian Province, China

The geographical distribution and scientific evaluation of wind energy potential are crucial for regional energy planning. Wind energy is a renewable energy that can mitigate climate change. Several open-access World Bank databases and the ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) Global were used to gather and process data through wind energy siting optimization in Fujian Province. This paper uses the fuzzy quantifiers of the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach in arc geographic information system (ArcGIS Pro) and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to handle the associated wind data uncertainties to obtain wind energy technology siting optimization for nine cities in Fujian Province. The converted database options and characteristics used the weighted overlay tool (WOT) to reflect the importance of wind farm project objectives. The sensitivity analysis tested the robustness and resilience of the integrated MCDM design for feasibility or viability. The results revealed that 21.743% of the area of Longyan City is suitable for siting wind energy. Other cities’ suitable areas comprise 14.117%, 12.800%, 5.250%, 4.621%, 4.020%, 4.020%, 3.430%, and 2.300%, respectively (Sanming, Ningde, Quanzhou, Putian, Zhangzhou, Nanping, Xiamen, and Fuzhou cities). Furthermore, a considerable amount of wind power is needed to supply the current primary energy deficit (60.0–84.0%) and satisfy the carbon emission reduction target. Wind farm installation in Fujian province is an opportunity to provide inexhaustible energy, generally affected by generation volume and operational span. Wind power is highly acceptable to local Chinese. Reasonably high understanding and excitement for wind farm investments exist among local authorities. Future research should consider wind data of the identified onshore optimization sites and design wind farms for the respective output power for pessimistic, average, and optimistic scenarios for possible wind farm development. Similarly, the long shoreline of about 1680.0 miles (or 2700.0 km) is a considerable source of offshore wind power prospecting, future research, and energy exploitation and harvesting opportunities.

Mathematical sizing and design analysis of permanent magnet vernier machine for contra‐rotating wind power applications

AbstractOver the years, wind energy technology has vividly made progress, as it is economical and cleaner against fossil‐fuel alternatives. With the rapid upsurge in turbine ratings up to the MW‐power generation level, an unceasing effort is crucial to increase the torque/power density and power factor of the wind‐powered machines. Amongst wind‐powered machines, the permanent magnet vernier machine (PMVM) is renowned for its high torque density. This paper discusses the detailed design flow of a novel contra‐rotating PMVM including sizing equation, geometric relationships, and FEA‐based electromagnetic performance analysis compared to the conventional PMVM. The proposed contra‐rotating PMVM is analysed with two different winding configurations that is, first with crossed‐toroidal and later with concentrated winding configuration, and a comprehensive comparative analysis is made between proposed and conventional PMVM topologies. The contra‐rotation of rotors provides more torque/power than the co‐rotation within the given machine's size. This comparative analysis provides noteworthy insights into the superior performance of the proposed contra‐rotating PMVM topologies regarding torque/power, power factor, and efficiency. A superior torque/power of value 538.23 Nm/1.6 kW is achieved in the case of the design with crossed‐toroidal winding configuration with an efficiency of 97.82% whereas, a high‐power factor of 0.98 with an efficiency of 91.36% is achieved in the case of the design with concentrated winding configuration.

Enhanced wind energy harvesting through omnidirectional airflow metamaterial concentrators

Wind energy generation is constrained by low density and intermittency. To address these challenges, this study proposes an omnidirectional airflow metamaterial concentrator lens that utilizes a novel complex gradient structure inspired by metamaterial principles. The study's framework includes the design, simulation, and performance evaluation of the concentration lens under varying wind conditions. The lens amplifies the local flow energy density by up to 360% compared to the impinging influx. Numerical simulation analysis elucidates the underlying operational mechanism, demonstrating a significant reduction in the startup wind speed and increased energy capture efficiency. Results indicate that concentrator lens can enhance wind energy exploitation by improving the efficiency of energy capture and providing a viable solution to mitigate the limitations of current wind energy technologies.

Interactional Aerodynamics Analysis of a Multirotor Energy Kite

ABSTRACTAirborne wind energy (AWE) technology aspires to provide increased options for wind energy harvesting at a lower cost than conventional turbines. As AWE technology is still in its infancy, there is relatively little published information concerning its aerodynamic details. In this study, we apply the FLOWUnsteady suite of aerodynamic analysis tools—including a vortex particle method for wakes and actuator line methods for rotors and wings—to the analysis of a fixed‐wing, on‐board generation, wind harvesting aircraft (or windcraft for short). Specifically, we explore variations in the rotation directions and vertical and horizontal (front to back) spacing of the rotors to understand the complex interactional aerodynamics of a multirotor windcraft design. Our results indicate that for the configurations presented herein, the rotor‐on‐rotor and wing‐on‐rotor interactions induce maximum total variations on cumulative rotor performance of less than 3% relative to baseline, with most configurations varying from baseline by 2% or less. In addition, rotor‐on‐wing interactions cause decreases in wing lift coefficient of up to roughly 7% (for the configurations simulated) relative to the isolated wing. Furthermore, through selecting specific rotor rotation directions, it is possible to prescribe a portion of the shape of the wing lift distribution. Further exploration, perhaps with the assistance of optimization techniques, may yield greater insights into this uncharted space of windcraft interactional aerodynamics.

Renewable energy integration impact on power quality of supply of transmission system

Electrical energy is known as an essential part of our day-to-day lives. Renewable energy resources can be regenerated through the natural method within a reasonably short time and can be used to bridge the gap in extended power outages. Achieving more renewable energy (RE) than the low levels typically found in today’s energy supply network will entail continuous additional integration efforts into the future. This study examined the impacts of integrating renewable energy on the power quality of transmission networks. This work considered majorly two prominent renewable technologies (solar photovoltaic and wind energy). To examine the effects, IEEE 9-bus (a transmission network) was used. The transmission network and renewable sources (solar photovoltaic and wind energy technologies) were modelled with MATLAB/SIMULINK®. The Newton-Raphson iteration method of solution was employed for the solution of the load flow owing to its fast convergence and simplicity. The effects of its integration on the quality of the power supply, especially the voltage profile and harmonic content, were determined. It was discovered that the optimal location, where the voltage profile is improved and harmonic distortion is minimal, was at Bus 8 for the wind energy and then Bus 5 for the solar photovoltaic source.

Wind flow characteristics through shrouded wind turbine using ANSYS

Wind energy is a mature and quick-growing source of energy in many nations. New wind energy technologies must be introduced to increase effectiveness and reduce the cost of wind turbine installation. Wind energy conversion experts believe that shrouded wind turbines are a promising technology that could raise output and efficiency levels. A low-pressure zone is created behind the turbine because of the shroud’s unique structure. As a result, the turbine draws in greater mass flow to produce more power. With the aid of this innovative technology, wind turbines could be used in populated areas where lower wind speeds could be captured. In this study, a comparative analysis has been applied to different designs of shrouded wind turbines to analyze the wind speed, pressure, output power and power coefficient. ANSYS software has been conducted in this paper where the results obtained that the output power could be increased up to 3-4 times compared to the bare wind turbine, also a high-power coefficient could be reached up to 83.1%.

Enhancing Wind Energy Conversion Efficiency: A Novel MPPT Approach Using P&O with ADRC Controllers versus PI Controllers with Kp and Ki Optimization via Genetic Algorithm and Ant Colony Optimization

Enhancing Wind Energy Conversion Efficiency: A Novel MPPT Approach Using P&O with ADRC Controllers versus PI Controllers with Kp and Ki Optimization via Genetic Algorithm and Ant Colony Optimization

Effects of different renewable electricity diffusion paths and restricted european cooperation on Europe's hydrogen supply

Today, most hydrogen production is based on natural gas and occurs locally at the demand sites. However, according to many studies, hydrogen generation will shift to greenhouse gas (GHG)-neutral sources and supply, substantially increasing demands to meet ambitious climate protection targets in the European Union. Therefore, the model-based analysis in this paper addresses where hydrogen will come from in a GHG-neutral target system. A scenario study examines different expansion paths of renewable energy generation technologies and variations in European cooperation regarding energy trading. The model results show that a domestic European hydrogen supply strategy is cost-efficient. This result is robust even with higher self-sufficiency shares of individual countries. However, delayed or restricted expansions of renewable electricity generation technologies lead to increased hydrogen demands for power generation and increased pipeline-bound hydrogen imports in winter from the Middle East and North Africa in the model results. Furthermore, scenarios with higher photovoltaic shares exhibit increased demand for hydrogen storage for seasonal energy supply and demand balancing and increased hydrogen demands for power generation. A cost-efficient hydrogen supply strategy should, therefore, particularly focus on the expansion of onshore wind energy and hydrogen supply technologies in Europe and strengthen European cooperation for energy supply infrastructures.

Exploring airborne wind energy: A comparative study and the potential for implementation in Jordan

Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) technologies are fundamentally new and different from traditional wind turbines which have a tower and blades, (AWE) has other unique features regarding cost, transportation, installation, and even the method of generation.(Weber et al., 2019.) Many companies across the globe are developing large kites and aircraft to capture wind energy high up in the sky, these kites and aircraft can reach an altitude up to half a mile above the ground, (Gordon 2023) The generating stations are either based on the ground or airborne, so what are the differences between all of them and which is better? Wind energy has emerged as a promising renewable energy source worldwide, and Jordan is no exception. With its vast potential for harnessing wind power, Jordan has been actively exploring the possibilities of integrating wind energy into its energy mix. For that providing a wind distribution map for all Jordan governorates, to know the possibility of implementing the airborne energy project in Jordan.

ENHANCING EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY: GREEN ENERGY SOLUTIONS FOR WATER SUPPLY COMPANIES

Water supply enterprises significantly impact local communities by providing essential services. These companies face high electricity costs for water extraction, purification, and transportation, affecting efficiency and reliability. Therefore, implementing innovative technologies to enhance sustainability in the water supply sector is crucial. This article explores the opportunities and strategies for renewable energy transition at water supply companies. Using investment, sensitivity, and strategic analyses, as well as a case study approach, the research examines technologies, conceptual frameworks, mechanisms, and approaches to integrate green power into water supply operations, addressing high energy costs and promoting sustainability. The article identifies solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal energy technologies as the most prominent renewable power solutions for water supply enterprises. The developed conceptual framework for implementing these technologies includes needs assessment and goal setting; resource assessment and technology selection; system design and integration; financing and investment; regulatory compliance and permitting; stakeholder engagement and capacity building; and monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement. The mechanisms and approaches to integrate green energy solutions within the developed framework can involve on-site renewable energy generation, power purchase agreements, energy storage and microgrid systems, energy efficiency and demand management, and collaborative and community-based models. As a case study, the article examines a 120-kW solar power plant project for a water supply enterprise, demonstrating profitability with a net present value of 60,370 USD and an internal rate of return exceeding 21%. The project's payback period is estimated at 8.38 years, acceptable within industry standards. Sensitivity analysis indicates the project's financial resilience. Increasing electricity prices will boost profitability, justifying the solar power plant investment amid inflation and economic instability. Additionally, the project ensures reliable water transport and environmental benefits by reducing CO2 emissions through solar energy use. Thus, transitioning to renewable energy at water supply enterprises is feasible and essential for long-term sustainability, transforming operations to be more resilient, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

An Early-Stage Structural Design of a Semi-Submersible Platform for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines in Chilean Waters

To advance offshore wind energy technologies in South America, this study addresses the early-stage design challenges of a floating support structure for a 5 MW wind turbine. The aim is to develop a robust and efficient floating structure capable of withstanding the diverse forces imposed by the Valdivian environment. Utilizing SolidWorks, a 3D model based on a comprehensive review of semi-submersible structures with three columns is proposed. The structural model is subjected to a rigorous evaluation using the finite element method, with which linear static and buckling analyses are performed in compliance with the Det Norske Veritas (DNV) classification society. The proposed tri-floater platform design shows a 30% weight reduction when compared with other proposed models. The finite element analysis includes an extreme condition of 13 m waves that suggests the adequate performance of the proposed platform in Chilean waters, and offers a conceptual preliminary step for floating support structure designs in Chile.

Present and Future Actions of CETYS University to Mitigate Climate Action

The strategic location of CETYS University, in Baja California state in the northwest of Mexico, gives it exceptional conditions for the use of renewable energies. With an installed photovoltaic solar energy capacity of 1.37 MW, it is the academic institution with the greatest generation potential in Latin America. The importance that CETYS University gives to the subject has stimulated the institution since 2015 to offer a degree and master's degree in renewable energy to have greater and better collaboration with solar and wind energy technology companies located in the state. With a vision of the future, in 2023 the CETYS Institute for Sustainability Studies (ISS) was created to promote and coordinate, among other actions, those related to energy and climate change. With a planning horizon until 2036, the ISS, looking forward, has proposed the following actions: a) an internal audit to increase the energy efficiency of their buildings and classrooms; b) support for research projects to build on-campus operational small-scale wind energy systems; c) the deployment of the 300 x 500 program, which seeks to plant at least 300 native trees in the region with low water consumption each year, to offset the atmospheric emissions of 500 vehicles; d) a policy to achieve 80% carbon neutrality, and e) the incorporation of CETYS to the network of Mexican universities for climate action. Among many others, these actions position CETYS as a leading institution in sustainable development at the regional level.

Rotor solidity and blade pitch influence on horizontal axis small wind turbine performance – Experimental study

Rotor solidity and blade pitch influence on horizontal axis small wind turbine performance – Experimental study

AHP VIKOR framework for selecting wind turbine materials with a focus on corrosion and efficiency

The research objective in the context of the study relates to the major concern of corrosion affecting the wind turbines in operation to find materials with high durability in relation to environmental conditions of operation, strength, and cost. A method is an integration of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and VIKOR Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques that will assess seven different material options on sixteen criteria that comprise corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, cost, and a negative environmental impact. From this result, the AHP method calculated the weights for the indicators and chose potential materials, and finally, the VIKOR method used these materials and compared and ranked them to obtain a compromise solution. The research novelty integrates the AHP and VIKOR MCDM methods to address corrosion in wind turbines. By evaluating seven materials against challenging sixteen criteria—including corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, cost, and toxicity, AHP ranks and weights the criteria, while VIKOR identifies the optimal material choice. This dual approach enhances the selection process, ensuring the chosen material improves turbine performance and durability, offering a significant advancement in the sustainable development of wind energy technology. In conclusion, by integrating AHP and VIKOR, it comprehensively evaluates multiple material options based on corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, cost, and environmental impact. This methodology effectively identifies materials that enhance wind turbine performance and extend their lifespan, addressing a critical industry challenge. The alternative exhibits a similarity to the positive ideal solution (Si) of 0.3704 and a relative closeness to the ideal solution (Ri) of 0.0750. Additionally, its priority ranking (Qi) is 0.001, placing it in the first rank for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) within the selection methodology.

Combined Wind Turbine Protection System

The increasing deployment of wind turbines in technologically advanced nations underscores the need to enhance their reliability, extend their operational lifespan, and minimize failures. The current protection devices for wind turbine components do not sufficiently shield them from various external factors that degrade performance. This study addresses the environmental and technical challenges that disrupt wind turbine operations and reviews existing research and technical solutions for protecting individual components, supported by experimental findings. Using a decomposition method followed by the integration of protection components, we propose a combined protection system designed to improve the overall resilience of wind turbines. The proposed system aims to reduce incidents, extend service life, and increase reliability, addressing a critical gap in wind energy technology and contributing to its continued development and efficiency.

Ducted wind turbines: A review and assessment of different design models

Wind energy technology is progressing at an accelerated pace due to the growing global demand for renewable energy, particularly horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs). Ducted wind turbines (DWTs) have emerged as a promising enhancement to traditional horizontal axis wind turbines, demonstrating substantial improvements in efficiency and power output. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of four distinct designs for DWTs, with a focus on critical factors including efficiency, cost-effectiveness, durability, and environmental sustainability. Among the designs analyzed, the Diffuser configuration emerges as the most advantageous in terms of cost, delivering energy more economically than the Nozzle-Diffuser design. The durability analysis underscores the Diffuser design’s superior longevity, indicated by a durability index of 0.9, reflecting its robust construction and low maintenance demands. Additionally, the Diffuser design is shown to be highly environmentally sustainable, achieving an Environmental Impact Score of 0.91, highlighting its minimal carbon footprint and high recyclability. The study concludes that the Diffuser design offers a balanced and effective solution, combining cost efficiency, durability, and environmental considerations while maintaining competitive efficiency levels.

The impact of extreme wind conditions and yaw misalignment on the aeroelastic responses of a parked offshore wind turbine

The impact of extreme wind conditions and yaw misalignment on the aeroelastic responses of a parked offshore wind turbine

Green energy: a modern view in conditions of environmental safety

Expansion of the use of renewable energy sources (RES) became possible due to technical progress in this area, which allowed, first of all, to significantly reduce the cost of electricity production by wind and solar power plants of various types. Since 2000, wind power has developed with an average annual growth rate of more than 21%. In the early years of wind power deployment, Europe was the key region for global wind turbine installations. In 2010, the region accounted for 47 % of global onshore wind turbine deployments. After 2010, other regions, especially China, have seen rapid wind energy development. By 2018, China had overtaken Europe to become the largest onshore wind energy market with nearly one-third of the world's installed capacity. Some experts estimate that onshore wind power installations will need to have an average annual growth rate of more than 7 % over the next three decades. Offshore wind energy technologies allow countries to exploit generally higher and sometimes more stable wind resources, by implementing gigawatt projects near densely populated coastal areas common in many parts of the world. This makes wind power an important addition to the portfolio of low-carbon technologies available to the energy sector in many countries. Green energy, in terms of environmental impact, leads to a more environmentally friendly process. Energy obtained from naturally occurring sources such as wind, sun and water, i.e. renewable energy is better for the environment because energy production does not produce greenhouse gases – gases that enter the atmosphere, trap heat and cause global warming. The main goal of our work is to analyze the experience of large-scale development of renewable energy sources in a number of countries, its impact, including negative ones, on traditional generation and the electricity market, with the development of relevant specific recommendations for overcoming specific challenges and ensuring environmental safety in each country