A performance projection of small-scale wind turbines in Costa Rica

Abstract

The considerable wind resource present in Costa Rica is exploited on a large scale by the various electricity companies in the country for power generation. However, the use of smaller-scale turbines for the supply of energy to homes or small industries is rarely observed. There is limited information available to conduct feasibility studies for the installation of small-scale wind turbines, despite the existence of multiple commercial turbine models on the market. This study presents a comparison of electricity generation projections for different small-scale commercial turbines. To calculate generation projections, wind speed data from 36 meteorological stations distributed across Costa Rica were used, along with wind speed projections at different heights. Using the power curves of various commercial turbines available on the market, their projected Annual Energy Production (AEP) at different heights was obtained. The results obtained can be used to conduct feasibility studies for the installation of small-scale turbines. This information is highly valuable for decision-making in small-scale wind energy utilization projects.