Diffuser augmented wind turbines – a case study for hybrid energy system applications and comparison with horizontal axis wind turbines

ABSTRACT

Hybrid energy system that combines diffuser-augmented wind turbines with photovoltaic panels and batteries are proposed in this research. ANSYS fluent® is used to simulate diffuser performance and ratified experimentally. HOMER® is used to perform a techno-economic analysis of the proposed hybrid energy system in terms of the levelized cost of electricity and the net present cost. Units of 1 kW wind turbines, 1 kW solar PV units, and 1 kWh Li-ion battery units are being used in the simulation. Input parameters like solar radiation, wind speed, and electricity tariff are considered for a typical location in Palakkad, India (10.7976° N, 76.7430° E). The proposed hybrid system with off-grid and on-grid mode are analyzed, and the results are presented. For 20 years project life, the proposed optimal on-grid hybrid energy system based on diffuser-augmented wind turbines has a levelized cost of electricity of $0.0044/kWh and a net present cost of $22,857. The corresponding values for the optimal on-grid hybrid energy system based on wind turbines are $0.0096/kWh and $41,143, respectively. Sensitivity analysis is performed on wind speed, solar radiation, and export tariff. According to this study, the usage of diffuser augmented wind turbine benefits low-speed wind regimes.

KEYWORDS:

• Diffuser
• hybrid energy system
• low speed wind
• Net-Present Cost
• wind turbine

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).