Selecting the site of installation and optimum turbine for a wind power plant and performing the feasibility analysis

Energy is an inseparable part of human life. The need for energy for mankind continues to rise in the frame of this integrity. Since the emergence of the need for energy, the human kind has supplied the need with various methods. The methods which derived from thermal energy acquired from the power of water and fire, later varied into the resources of fossil fuel, wind, solar, steam, nuclear etc. Our world faces more and more need for energy with the industrialization, rise of population and advancing technology. It has been noticed that the fossil fuels which are used to meet the requirement of those conditions are coming to an end. Upon recognizing the continuous reduction and environmental damage caused by the fossil fuel, mankind has moved its attention to the renewable energy resources. This thesis lays emphasis on the renewable wind-power energy. If the resources and climate is considered, wind energy is a great potential for our country. The use of the wind energy will reduce the loss of fossil fuel and will create a better opportunity for the preservation of the nature. The possible situation will also make our country independent for the matter of energy and we will have a stronger voice in the international arena. Nevertheless, before investing in the wind energy, it is required to plan the projects in detail. The essential parts in the planning should be: choosing the xviii site of installation, receiving the data of the wind input, the analysis of the received data and -last but not least- the correct determination of potential of the selected area. The most effecting factors for the energy production are; the number, effectiveness and coordinates of the wind turbine, the distance between the turbines according to the directions of the wind and the layout planning of the turbines. These factors should be analysed in detail and the planning should be based upon productivity of the wind power plant. The results should demonstrate the models of the turbines to be used and the detailed economic analysis is required. The required planning should show the estimated amortization time and annual energy generation from the plant to settle the fruitfulness of the investment. This thesis study gives place to the required analysis, from the beginning of the planning the wind power plant, to the economic rate before investing. The WASP software is used for detailed analysis of a wind power plant which is planned to be built in the city of Izmir. The most productive site of turbine establishment and estimated wind generated energy is processed with data then the terrain is examined, and the choosing of the right turbine is investigated by using 4 different turbine models. The results are presented with reference to different hub heights and blade lengths of the 4 inspected turbine models.