Sensitivity Analysis of Energy Gains in Repowering Wind Turbines

Wind energy is a critical and growing component of the global renewable energy landscape, contributing significantly to meeting increasing energy demands while mitigating environmental impact. However, the infrastructure used to harness this energy, primarily wind turbines, has a limited operational...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor: López García, Mariana
Tipo de recurso: tesis de maestría
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Repositorio:UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/415487
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2117/415487
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Wind turbines
Wind power
Aerogeneradors
Energia eòlica
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria civil
Descripción
Sumario:Wind energy is a critical and growing component of the global renewable energy landscape, contributing significantly to meeting increasing energy demands while mitigating environmental impact. However, the infrastructure used to harness this energy, primarily wind turbines, has a limited operational lifespan, typically 20 to 25 years. As these turbines age, their efficiency diminishes, necessitating replacement or upgrading—a process known as repowering. Repowering, a process that involves replacing outdated turbines with newer, more efficient models, offers a host of benefits. It not only enhances energy production and extends the productive life of wind farms, but also maintains energy output and significantly reduces the need for additional land and material waste. Most importantly, it aligns with sustainability principles by reducing the environmental footprint associated with decommissioning old turbines and constructing new ones. The thesis addresses the comprehensive assessment of repowering wind turbines, focusing on environmental, economic, and social impacts. Specifically, it explores the reduction in carbon footprint and the lifecycle benefits of improved turbine performance. Additionally, a MATLAB-based tool is developed to simulate various repowering scenarios, thereby aiding in optimizing energy gains and reducing environmental impacts. The thesis aims to provide a broad framework for repowering wind turbines, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and efficiency of wind energy infrastructure and reinforcing its role in the global energy transition.