4E analysis of the horizontal axis wind turbine with LCA consideration for different climate conditions

Abstract

Rising concerns about greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels have made it important to pay attention to renewable energy sources. In this regard, using wind turbines to use the potential of wind energy as a source of clean energy is being developed. This study developed a numerical model of a horizontal axis wind turbine in MATLAB software. A multicriteria analysis based on energy, exergy, economic, and environmental analysis has been performed to policy-making and evaluate the potential of wind energy systems. Six cities of Buenos Aires, Harare, Madrid, Melbourne, Shiraz, and Washington have also been analyzed as a case study to examine the impact of different climates on the result of these criteria. According to energy analysis, Melbourne is the best choice with Temperate Oceanic Climates and average energy efficiency of 17.1%. From an exergy point of view, Harare, which has Oceanic Subtropical Highland Climates, is the best choice, with an average exergy efficiency of 11.6%. In terms of the Levelized cost of energy, Melbourne is also known as the most economical city, with an energy cost of $0.14 per kWh. Also, based on the environmental aspect of the analysis, which represents the carbon footprint, Shiraz, with the Cold–Summer Mediterranean Climate and the lowest carbon emission per year, is the most optimal option.