Economic feasibility of developing wind turbines in Aligoodarz, Iran

• Three hourly long term measured wind speed data from 2005 to 2009 for city of Aligoodarz in Iran was analyzed.
• Wind power density and wind energy density of the region were estimated using Weibull distribution.
• Performance of six different wind turbine models were analyzed.
• Economic evaluation was performed and installing of E-3120 (50 kW) model turbine was suggested.

This study evaluates the economic feasibility of electricity generation using wind turbines in city of Aligoodarz situated in the west part of Iran. For this purpose, the wind energy potential and its characteristics were assessed in terms of diurnal, monthly and annual analysis using five years measured wind speed data from 2005 to 2009 at 10 m height. The analysis results specified a nearly stable wind pattern in different hours and months of the year which demonstrated more suitability of the region for wind energy harnessing to meet the electricity demand in all time intervals throughout the year. According to Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) wind power classification, the wind resource in Aligoodarz falls in class 3 and the location was recognized as a moderate location for wind energy development. The economic feasibility of six different wind turbines with rated powers ranging from 20 to 150 kW was evaluated. Among all turbines examined, the E-3120 wind turbine was introduced as the most attractive option for installation.