Performance monitoring and modelling of micro-, midi- and macro-wind turbines

Makkawi, Ahmad

Abstract

This thesis investigates the potential of using wind turbine to offset electricity demand for dwellings or public building. This work involves onshore small and large wind turbine implementation considering the suitability of the location to machine size, starting with wind resource assessment of a candidate site depending on reliable wind data. The present research can be divided into three main parts: modelling and monitoring of small wind turbine performance in built environment using detailed data which was measured on site, measuring longterm hourly data for the design of wind energy systems, and then comparing that annual energy output against four-second and minute by minute data. The third 'part presents a novel statistical tool developed to evaluate relative
performance and overall accuracy of wind speed frequency distribution functions.
An exploration of the potential for using hourly- as opposed to minute-by-minute data for the utilization of large wind turbines was undertaken as the former set is much more widely available for a larger number of locations within the developing world. It was found that the difference between the annual energy outputs from the latter two data sets was in close agreement with only small differences. The results thus obtained can have significant effect. on the capital cost related to purchase of data, since minute by minute data may be up to 60 times more expensive than hourly data.
Actual power curve was experimentally obtained for Zephyr Dolphin micro wind turbine, which was then compared to manufacturer's reported performance; this was done by using four-second data for two complete years. Significant differences were found between the two curves. On-site measured performance of mentioned wind turbine was found to be similar for other reported urban locations. In each case the measured output was only a sixth of the acclaimed output of 2 MWh/annum. Urban wind energy potential for Merchiston site in Edinburgh was investigated. The results are presented in the form of average wind speed, wind roses, and density distribution functions. The effect of sampling interval on wind energy production was also analysed. Finally local spatial variations of wind speed were also studied for the City of Edinburgh.

Thesis Type	Thesis
Deposit Date	May 7, 2013
Peer Reviewed	Not Peer Reviewed
Keywords	Wind turbines; electricity generation; urban locations; wind speed; sustainable energy;
Public URL	http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/6040
Contract Date	May 7, 2013
Award Date	2011-07

Performance monitoring and modelling of micro-, midi- and macro-wind turbines

Makkawi, Ahmad

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