Wind Energy Estimation for Production of Electricity in Iran

Abstract

This paper covers the estimation of the average yearly production of an appropriate wind turbine for different locations in Iran. The effects of topography, the influence of obstacles such as buildings and shelters, the collective effects of the surrounding terrain, roughness classifications, and orographic elements such as hills, cliffs, etc., all have been included in the calculations. A full sitting procedure such as availability of power lines, the present and future use of land, etc., have also been taken into account. In order to have an accurate estimation, the selected climatology stations are located no more than 50 km from the site. Information such as number of sites, number and types of typical turbines and their specification, nominal and available power capacity, overall efficiency, and yearly energy production are calculated by the developed mathematical model for 13 different locations. The total nominal power capacity for these sites is close to 5000 MW with an overall efficiency between 33% to 45%. This is equivalent to an annual energy production of 15333 (GWh/yr). The present study shows a promising future for the application of wind energy to produce electricity in Iran.