Optimal Design and Techno-Socio-Economic Analysis of Grid-Connected Hybrid Renewable System

Abstract

The global shift towards clean and sustainable energy sources has prompted interest in repowering and optimizing existing wind farms through the use of new technology. In the early 2000s, multiple wind farms with capacities ranging from 200 kW to 800 kW were developed in India. As these wind farms near the end of their useful lives, there is an urgent need to investigate viable methods for exploiting the region's significant wind potential. This research focuses on the need to repower these aging wind farms with larger, more efficient turbines. Wind farms' lifespan is extended via repowering. The WAsP software is used to assess wind resources. Furthermore, by using photovoltaic (PV) panels, the study presents a new technique for maximizing wind farm space utilization. Land utilization is optimized and overall energy output capacity is boosted by installing PV panels in the gaps between wind turbines. This strategy takes advantage of underutilized areas in the wind farm to harness wind and solar energy, thus contributing to the shift to cleaner energy sources. In addition to the technical issues, an in-depth economic analysis is carried out to determine the financial feasibility and long-term benefits of repowering wind farms and incorporating solar panels.