Techno-economic Analysis of Wind Turbines in Algeria

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, the wind energy potential and the unit energy cost related to six wind turbines in the city of Illizi in Southeast of Algeria are investigated. The hourly measured data (wind, pressure and temperature) observed during the period 2005–2014 at meteorological station in Illizi were used. An analysis of the collected data using the Weibull statistical method was made. The preliminary results were used to evaluate the power density in this region. Moreover, technical data of six chosen wind turbine models were analyzed to select the best appropriate turbine according to the techno economic analysis. The annual energy output of the selected wind turbines was calculated and the energy cost for each model was evaluated using two different methods. Input parameters affecting the cost, return on investment and payback period are also studied. For the 1MW wind turbine which, according to the economic analysis, is found to be the most suitable for this region, the cost of energy per kWh varies between 0.0388$ and 0.0634$ with PVC method and in range of 0.0878$ to 0.1142$ with LCOE method.