Texas Tech University

Design and Performance Analysis of a Grid-Connected Distributed Wind Turbine

Abstract

The utilization of wind energy has become increasingly popular in the United States and many European countries due to its abundant nature and optimized design. While existing wind turbines are predominantly large-scale and not suitable for standalone or distributed power production, Lubbock County in West Texas offers a diverse range of renewable energy options to meet its energy needs. The region relies heavily on utility-scale wind energy sources to supply power to the Texas Grid, replacing conventional fossil fuel-based systems. Currently, standalone solar PV systems are the preferred choice for renewable energy generation. However, West Texas possesses an ample supply of wind energy that can be harnessed to establish a microgrid and provide standalone power to rural communities. Distributed wind energy offers localized power generation, reducing transmission losses and grid strain, while conventional wind farms require long-distance transmission, leading to efficiency gains. By employing the latest technology and optimizing efficiency, even in low-scale generation, a 6-kilowatt permanent magnet alternator-based distributed wind turbine has been designed. This paper focuses on analyzing the techno-economic aspects of implementing this wind turbine in a real-world scenario, taking into account wind attributes, such as velocity and available power, at the specific location.

Authors

Mahtab Murshed, Manohar Chamana, Konrad Erich Kork Schmitt, Rabindra Bhatta, Olatunji Adeyanju, Stephen Bayne
 

Keywords

distributed energy; wind turbine; emission reduction; sustainable development; permanent magnet alternator

Publication Type

Article

Digital Object Identifier

 https://doi.org/10.3390/en16155778

Full Citation

Murshed, M., Chamana, M., Schmitt, K. E. K., Bhatta, R., Adeyanju, O., & Bayne, S. (2023). Design and Performance Analysis of a Grid-Connected Distributed Wind Turbine. Energies, 16(15), 5778.

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Renewable Energy