Optimal Wind Turbine for a Wind Farm in Iran

Wind energy is the most economic and clean energy, which has considerably developed in recent years. Wind turbines can be classified by different indicators. One of the main classifications is based on the drive train and generator technologies. This study is based on a multi-parameter survey to develop an optimal decision making algorithm for the technology selection. Two key technologies, including Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG) turbines and geared Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) turbines, are considered to be suitable options according to turbine and sites' technical, economic and geographical parameters. Economic indices, such as IRR and NPV of a wind farm, are reported for each technology used in the model. A 50MW wind farm in Iran have been modeled in this article as a case study. Results show that according to Iran's financial and economic fluctuations, a DFIG turbine, with 43% IRR and 52 M€ NPV is the most efficient technology for Iran. Specifically, its low initial investment and high efficiency and 48% capacity factor makes this turbine as the most suitable technology for Iran. The study also found that the PMG turbines, with the 41% IRR and 50 M€ NPV, make a longer payback period for the wind farm. Results show 3.9 years payback period for DFIG turbines and 4.2 years payback period for PMG wind turbines.