Investigation of performance and benefits of urban micro wind turbines

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Wind power is becoming increasingly cost competitive relative to conventional power systems and is gradually being accepted as the most cost effective renewable energy in many countries. There are two main types of wind turbines (WT): horizontal axis and vertical axis. Horizontal axis wind turbines are widely used in large wind farm applications in remote areas where clean and undisturbed wind is available. However, wind pattern in urban environment is much more turbulent and chaotic rendering conventional horizontal axis wind turbines relatively ineffective. Successful use of wind power technology in urban areas depends on a thorough understanding of the relevant site-specific wind resource. The objectives of the proposed project is to investigate the suitability, performance and potential benefits of a new type of vertical axis micro wind turbines in urban environments through long-term real-world performance evaluation. The information obtained in this study will help with the development of a new design of small wind turbines, and facilitates the precise prediction of wind turbine performance. With a combined system of wind turbine and solar PV with plug-in hybrid vehicle or battery bank under a microgrid environment, the research will have the potential complementary benefit of balancing the renewable energy generation and household electricity demand. The expected outcomes of this project will provide insight and knowledge for the partner company, Hydro One Network Inc. (HONI), to develop the required infrastructure and control strategy to maximize the integration of high penetration of renewable energies into the existing grid infrastructure. This project intends to achieve 100% peak penetration of renewable power in residential applications. The government of Ontario launched the micro feed-in tariffs program to promote greater use of renewable energy sources and development of small and micro wind turbine projects. Effectively designed wind turbines are critically important for large and sustainable dissemination of technology in urban environment.