Question

You are asked to address a city council hearing concerning the decision to purchase a commercially available \(10-\mathrm{kW}\) wind turbine-generator having an expected life of 12 or more years. As an engineer, what considerations will you point out to the council members to help them with their decision?

Short answer

Assess energy needs, wind resources, costs, incentives, savings, environmental impact, alternative solutions, stakeholders' opinions, compliance with regulations, and potential risks.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the Energy Needs

Calculate the total energy requirements of the city. This is essential to determine if a 10 kW wind turbine will suffice. For example, if the average daily consumption is 240 kWh per day, ensure the wind turbine can meet or complement this demand.

Assess Wind Resources

Evaluate the wind speed and availability in the area where the turbine will be installed. A 10 kW wind turbine requires a minimum average wind speed typically around 4-5 meters per second (m/s) to operate efficiently.

Calculate the Investment Cost

Determine the total cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining the wind turbine over its expected life span. Include initial purchase cost, installation expenses, grid connection fees, and regular maintenance costs.

Evaluate Financial Incentives

Investigate available government incentives, tax rebates, or grants for renewable energy projects. These can significantly reduce the overall cost and improve the financial feasibility of the project.

Estimate Savings and Payback Period

Calculate the potential savings on energy bills by using the wind turbine. Compare this with the investment cost to find the payback period.

Environmental Impact

Consider the positive environmental impact, such as reduction in carbon emissions by using a clean energy source. Compare this with the potential impact on local wildlife and habitat disruption.

Evaluate Alternative Solutions

Consider other renewable energy options like solar panels, especially if wind resources are marginal. Compare the costs, benefits, and feasibility of alternatives.

Consult Stakeholders

Engage with local residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to understand their views, as community support or opposition can significantly influence the project’s success.

Compliance with Regulations

Ensure the project meets all local regulations and zoning laws. Obtain necessary permits and approvals before proceeding.

Risk Analysis

Perform a risk analysis to identify potential issues such as changes in wind patterns, technological failures, or financial risks. Develop mitigation strategies for identified risks.

Key concepts

Energy Needs Analysis

Before considering the installation of a wind turbine, it's crucial to perform a comprehensive assessment of the city's energy needs. Start by calculating the total energy consumption. This involves noting the average daily and annual energy use. For instance, if the city uses an average of 240 kWh per day, you'll need to evaluate if a single 10 kW wind turbine, which might produce around 30 kWh per day, meets or complements this demand.

A deeper analysis should follow, identifying peak times and ensuring that energy supply aligns with energy demand. This step helps in understanding if the wind turbine can consistently support the city's energy requirements or if additional sources are needed.

Wind Resource Assessment

Evaluating wind resources is vital to determine the efficiency of a wind turbine. The first step is to assess the average wind speed in the area where the turbine will be installed. A 10 kW wind turbine typically requires a minimum average wind speed of around 4-5 meters per second (m/s) to function optimally.

Use historical wind data and conduct on-site measurements to get accurate insights. Consider factors such as wind variability and turbulence. Local geographical features, like mountains or buildings, can affect wind flow and should also be considered. This assessment ensures the wind turbine will generate the expected energy.

Financial Feasibility

Financial feasibility is a key consideration in the decision-making process. Start by calculating the initial costs, which include the purchase price of the wind turbine, installation expenses, and grid connection fees. Additionally, consider ongoing maintenance costs and potential costs for repairs.

Investigate financial incentives like government grants, tax rebates, and renewable energy credits that can reduce the overall costs. Also, calculate the long-term savings on energy bills. A critical component is the payback period – the time it takes for the savings to cover the initial investment. Ensuring a reasonable payback period is crucial for the project's financial viability.

Environmental Impact

Installing a wind turbine has several environmental implications. One positive impact is the reduction of carbon emissions, contributing to cleaner air and combating climate change. Wind turbines produce energy without burning fossil fuels, which decreases dependency on non-renewable resources.

However, consider potential negative impacts, such as noise and visual pollution, as well as the possible disruption to local wildlife. Birds and bats, for instance, might be affected by the wind turbine blades. Conduct an environmental impact assessment to weigh these factors and minimize any adverse effects. Ensuring the project benefits the environment while mitigating harm is essential.

Alternative Renewable Energy Solutions

It's beneficial to explore alternative renewable energy solutions alongside wind turbines. Solar panels are a viable option, especially in regions with abundant sunlight. Compare the costs, energy output, and installation requirements of solar panels with wind turbines. Solar energy can complement wind energy, providing a more stable and reliable energy supply.

Other alternatives include hydroelectric power and biomass energy. These solutions may be more suitable depending on local natural resources and geographical conditions. A thorough comparison of different renewable energy options ensures you pick the most efficient and cost-effective solution tailored to the city's specific needs.