Enhancing consumers’ voluntary use of small-scale wind turbines to generate their own electricity in South Africa

2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-21
Author(s):  
Brendan Whelan ◽  
Edwin Muchapondwa
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Wind Speed ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Financial Analysis ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Carbon Credit ◽  
Capital Subsidy

This paper investigates whether households and small businesses can voluntarily take advantage of the South Africa’s substantial wind resources to produce their own power from small-scale wind turbines in a viable way. The viability of small-scale wind turbines used to displace electricity consumption from the grid is assessed by means of a financial analysis based on the internal rate of return method. The benefits of small-scale wind turbines output is valued at the grid power tariff which is saved rather than at the wind feed-in tariff rate. The analysis found the small-scale wind turbines to be robustly viable in locations with a mean annual wind speed of at least 8m/s, which is only a few of the windiest locations in South Africa. The competiveness of the wind turbines is seriously challenged by the relatively low coal-based electricity tariffs in South Africa. As such, the financial analysis also considers alternative scenarios where the turbines are supported by financial mechanisms, namely: a tariff subsidy; a capital subsidy and revenue from carbon credits. The analysis reveals that a tariff subsidy of between R1.00 and R1.60/kWh or a capital subsidy of between R25.95 and R32.330/kW or a carbon credit price of between R2.135 and R3.200 will be needed to boost the viability of consumer-based small-scale wind turbines in areas with a mean annual wind speed of at least 5m/s, which is considered to be above average. Thus, there is a need for subsidizing all producers of renewable energy including those who produce it for their own consumption as they equally contribute to renewable energy expansion in the country. A tariff subsidy is however likely to be met with both political and public resistance if it means that consumers have to cross-subsidize the tariff, while the significant funds required for capital subsidies might not be freely available. Carbon credit prices have yet to mature to the required high levels. Thus, the removal of distortionary support to coal-based electricity generation might be the only currently available alternative of enhancing viability of consumer-based small-scale wind turbines.

scholarly journals Evaluating Performance of Utilizing Onshore Wind Turbines Specifically the Farm Turbines in Kuwait

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-48
Author(s):  
Mohammed Salem Alsubai'e ◽  
Saad Abdullah Alshatti
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Wind Speed ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Wind Direction ◽  
Onshore Wind ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Proportional Relation ◽  
Proper Design ◽  
The Impact

Renewable energy is considered one of the most important and clean sources; since it does not produce any type of emission or pollution. In Kuwait, the energy of wind is existing in three main locations, which are; Ras Jal Aliyah, Bubian in addition to Subiyah, where the characteristics of wind have been evaluated in this paper based on the data generated from the meteorological measurements at 10m height. Also, different studies have been performed in this paper in order to analyze the impact of height on the parameters of wind energy, wind density, in addition to wind speed. Jal Aliyah location has been studied in this paper and the results showed that there is a proportional relation between the wind speed and power, where the maximum power is potential if the speed is equal to 29.1 m/s, and the maximum averaged flux of wind power is equal to 725.54 W/m2. Where both Bubidan Island and Ras Subiyah showed the wind direction in the North-East quadrant with speed is greater than 10 m/s. But, the higher polarized distribution of Jal Aliyah was in the north direction. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that this paper provides and suggests a proper design of the wind turbines for designers.

scholarly journals Features of operation of wind power stations as an supplementary source of electricity for non-traction consumers of railway electric mains

2019 ◽  
pp. 36-41
Author(s):  
Kachan Yu ◽  
Kuznetsov V
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Wind Speed ◽  
Wind Power ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Power Supply ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Railway Transport ◽  
Supply Systems

Purpose. Identify the features of operation of wind farms as an auxiliary supplier of electricity for non-traction consumers of railway networks and analyze the main factors that directly affect the use of wind farms due to the random nature of wind flow and additional factors due to the above conditions in different climates. The research methodology is based on modern methods of computational mathematics, statistics and information analysis using modern computer technology. Findings. The need to use renewable energy sources in the power supply systems of non-traction consumers of railway transport is obvious. Given the constant growth of prices and tariffs for electricity in Ukraine, more and more attention is paid to its savings and the search for the cheapest and most affordable alternative sources. The authors consider issues related to the possibility of using additional generation of electricity in the power supply systems of railway transport through the use of wind turbines, including for non-traction consumers. The analysis of wind flow features in some regions of Ukraine was carried out, and the measurement of wind speed in Zaporizhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions was obtained with the help of a compact wind speed sensor manufactured by Micro-Step-MIS LLC (Russia). The obtained values of wind speed were recorded and stored digitally. The received information of the above device was processed. The authors conclude that in the case of using wind turbines as an additional power source in the networks of non-traction consumers of railway power supply systems it is economically advantageous to connect them directly to these networks and fully use all electricity produced by them, reducing its consumption from this power supply system. The originality is that the use of renewable energy sources in the power supply systems of non-traction consumers of railway transport, in particular wind turbines, is proposed. Practical implications. Introduction of wind power plants as an auxiliary supplier of electricity for non-traction consumers of railway power grids in order to minimize electricity costs. Keywords: renewable energy sources, quality of electric energy, wind power plant, power supply networks of railway transport, non-traction consumers of railway electric networks, electricity production, wind speed.

Numerical Investigation to Assess an Optimal Blade Profile for the Drag Based Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sukanta Roy ◽  
Ujjwal K. Saha
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Wind Energy ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Vertical Axis ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Rapid depletion rate of fossil fuels with an increasing energy demand and their high emission are imposing the evolution activities in the arena of renewable energy. To meet the future demands of renewable energy sources, wind energy is a very promising concept. In this feature, the drag based vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are suitable for small scale wind energy generation for decentralized locations. However, these turbines have low power and torque coefficients as compared to other wind turbines. Numerous blade shapes have been proposed till now to improve the performance of these turbines. In the present paper, a computational study has been performed to simulate the air-flow over different blade profiles using shear stress transport (SST) k–ω turbulence model. The results obtained are validated with the available experimental data. In the dynamic simulations, the power and torque coefficients are calculated considering the blade arc angle as the variable shape parameter. The effects of drag and lift forces on the variable blade shapes are also studied in static simulations at various angular positions. The present paper tries to demonstrate an effective computational methodology to predict the flow behavior around a drag based VAWT. Through this study, it has been found possible to select an optimal blade shape from the point of its aerodynamic performance.

scholarly journals Wind Resource Assessment and Economic Viability of Conventional and Unconventional Small Wind Turbines: A Case Study of Maryland

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 5874
Author(s):  
Navid Goudarzi ◽  
Kasra Mohammadi ◽  
Alexandra St. St. Pé ◽  
Ruben Delgado ◽  
Weidong Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Wind Speed ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Payback Period ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Small Wind Turbines ◽  
Mean Wind Speed ◽  
Wind Resource ◽  
The Impact

Annual mean wind speed distribution models for power generation based on regional wind resource maps are limited by spatial and temporal resolutions. These models, in general, do not consider the impact of local terrain and atmospheric circulations. In this study, long-term five-year wind data at three sites on the North, East, and West of the Baltimore metropolitan area, Maryland, USA are statistically analyzed. The Weibull probability density function was defined based on the observatory data. Despite seasonal and spatial variability in the wind resource, the annual mean wind speed for all sites is around 3 m/s, suggesting the region is not suitable for large-scale power generation. However, it does display a wind power capacity that might allow for non-grid connected small-scale wind turbine applications. Technical and economic performance evaluations of more than 150 conventional small-scale wind turbines showed that an annual capacity factor and electricity production of 11% and 1990 kWh, respectively, are achievable. It results in a payback period of 13 years. Government incentives can improve the economic feasibility and attractiveness of investments in small wind turbines. To reduce the payback period lower than 10 years, modern/unconventional wind harvesting technologies are found to be an appealing option in this region. Key contributions of this work are (1) highlighting the need for studying the urban physics rather than just the regional wind resource maps for wind development projects in the build-environment, (2) illustrating the implementation of this approach in a real case study of Maryland, and (3) utilizing techno-economic data to determine suitable wind harnessing solutions for the studied sites.

scholarly journals PENGARUH JUMLAH SUDU TERHADAP KINERJA TURBIN ANGIN SUMBU VERTIKAL TIPE DARRIEUS-H NACA 3412 DENGAN SUDUT PITCH 00

INFO-TEKNIK ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 195
Author(s):  
Arif Rochman Fachrudin
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Wind Speed ◽  
Electric Power ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Turbine Performance ◽  
The Given

Potential and utilization of renewable energy in Indonesia is still very small. Oneof the renewable energy sources is wind energy. The use of wind turbines, windenergy is converted into mechanical energy and can then generate electricitythrough a generator. Wind turbines are environmentally friendly, inexpensive,easy to operate and easy to maintain. The purpose of this study was to determinethe effect on the performance of the number of blades and wind speed for thevertical axis wind turbine type darrieus H with the NACA profile 3412 with apitch 0o angle. This study uses an experimental method, with a number of bladesand varying wind speeds. The number of blades given is 2 units, 3 units and 4units. The speed of the given wind is 3.3 m / s, 3.5 m / s, 3.7 m / s, and 3.9 m / s.Performance is obtained from the electrical power produced by a generatormounted on the turbine axis. The results showed that the turbine performance wasinfluenced by the number of blades. The highest power in the number of bladeswas 4 units at a wind speed of 3.3 m / s which resulted in electric power of 5.166Watt. The lowest electric power is produced on turbines with a number of units of2 units at a wind speed of 3.3 m / s, which is 3.0173 Watts. The blade is 2 unitsand 3 units, at a wind speed of 3.3 m / s; 3.5 m / s; 3.7 m / s and 3.9 m / s, theelectrical power produced is relatively the same, while in blades 4 units, thedifference in wind speed (3.3 m / s; 3.5 m / s; 3.7 m / s and 3.9 m / s) produce adifference in the electrical power produced

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF MANGO PRODUCTION ON SMALL-SCALE EMERGING COMMERCIAL FARMS IN THE VENDA REGION OF SOUTH AFRICA

Agrekon ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 38 (sup001) ◽  
pp. 209-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D'Haese ◽  
G. Van Huylenbroeck ◽  
C. J. van Rooyen ◽  
L. D'Haese
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Financial Analysis ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Commercial Farms

scholarly journals The role of local energy initiatives in co-producing sustainable places

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 363-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diogo Soares da Silva ◽  
Lummina G. Horlings
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Local Energy ◽  
Local Residents ◽  
Common Goals ◽  
Citizen Initiatives ◽  
Environmental Goals ◽  
Renewable Energy Generation

AbstractDuring the first two decades of the twenty-first century, the introduction of policies that promote renewable energy in Western European countries facilitated a shift towards the production of cleaner energy and its decentralisation. Subsidies, incentive schemes, and declining installation costs—combined with rapid technology advances—made the investment in small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines more attractive for individuals and small businesses. Simultaneously, we observe the emergence of citizen initiatives which aim to provide public services across various sectors, including renewable energy generation and distribution. These initiatives, started by citizens, often involve the participation of local residents and prioritise social and environmental goals. In some areas, governments and engaged citizens work together to achieve common goals through citizen–government co-production. In this article, we address the question: how can the co-production of government(s) and citizens, through local energy initiatives, contribute to the shaping of more sustainable places? Using the PlaCI model—a conceptual model of citizen initiatives and their role in shaping sustainable places—we conduct an analysis of WindpowerNijmegen, a citizen-led renewable energy cooperative in the Netherlands. We assess who the relevant stakeholders are, what are the enabling conditions for fruitful collaboration, which new arrangements are established, and how they contribute to shaping more sustainable places. The results indicate that local energy initiatives are place based, conditioned by the characteristics of the physical space needed for the production of renewable energy, specific institutional arrangements, place-based assets and people’s capacities characteristic for the place, and past collaboration.

scholarly journals Journey towards Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development at the Local Government Level: The Case of Hessequa Municipality in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Fouché ◽  
Alan Brent
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Local Economic Development ◽  
Waste To Energy ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Causal Relationships ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Participatory Processes

The purpose of the research on which this article reports was to investigate how renewable energy forms part of the strategy of a local government, and to evaluate how participatory processes are utilised in the development and communication of this municipal strategy. The research was conducted with Hessequa Municipality, a local authority situated in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. A new aspect of the research was an attempt to consider renewable energy options as part of the municipal strategy, and not as a standalone project. Action research was undertaken and the resulting qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Cognitive mapping was used to display the data and to analyse the causal relationships between different strategic themes. The causal relationships explicitly show that many opportunities for renewable energy solutions are evident in the form of: biomass-to-energy, low-carbon local economic development, small-scale embedded generation, waste-to-energy, and feed-in tariffs. The barriers for implementation are aging infrastructure and financial and legislative constraints. Participatory processes formed an integral part of the strategy formulation, and a unique visualised strategy was developed for communication with local citizens—a first for a local municipality in South Africa.

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