Thermodynamic performance assessment of wind energy systems: An application

In this paper, the performance of wind energy system is assessed thermodynamically, from resource and technology perspectives. The thermodynamic characteristics of wind through energy and exergy analyses are considered and both energetic and exergetic efficiencies are studied. Wind speed is affected by air temperature and pressure and has a subsequent effect on wind turbine performance based on wind reference temperature and Bernoulli’s equation. VESTAS V52 wind turbine is selected for (Sharjah/UAE). Energy and exergy efficiency equations for wind energy systems are further developed for practical applications. The results show that there are noticeable differences between energy and exergy efficiencies and that exergetic efficiency reflects the right/actual performance. Finally, exergy analysis has been proven to be the right tool used in design, simulation, and performance evaluation of all renewable energy systems.

► In this research the performance of wind energy system is assessed thermodynamically, from resource and technology perspectives.
► Energy and exergy equations for wind energy systems are further developed for practical applications.
► Thermodynamic characteristics of wind turbine systems through energetic and exergetic efficiencies are evaluated from January till March 2010.
► Exergy efficiency describes the system irreversibility and the minimum irreversibility exists when the wind speed reaches 11 m/s.
► The power production during March was about 17% higher than the month of February and 66% higher than January.