Economic-Technical Assessment of Electric Power Generation Using Small Wind Turbines in Household Sector: A Case Study of Iran

This paper considers electric power generation in household sector, using small wind turbines, and analyzes the factors that affect cost per generated electricity unit. Initially, a region is selected amongst those that encompass greater portions of Iran's wind energy generation and then the parameters of weibull distribution of wind speed are estimated in the region. This is done precisely because of the importance it has in specifying turbine capacity factor and the quantity of electrical power generated. Since rotor diameter and hub height of turbine have been determined as two effective factors in cost per electricity unit (CPEU), they are applied for sensitivity analysis according to different diameters and heights. Considering obtained results which denoted high correlation between the two factors with respect to CPEU, a mathematical equation has been developed. Regarding the equation, we can specify required information on establishment and setting up wind energy conversion system (WECS) (i.e. turbine characteristics and geographical features) due to families income and hence the cost of each kW/h electricity consumption. Regarding noticeable usage our proposed model provides to identify WECS qualities, it is suggested to be applied for further researches.