Determination of Tekirdağ (Turkey) wind energy potential and evaluation of selected wind turbines in terms of techno-economic and environmental aspects

In this study, the wind energy potential of Tekirdağ was investigated obtaining the wind data from meteorology stations located in nine districts of the province and recorded hourly at 10 m altitude between the years of 2014 and 2018. Moreover, monthly average wind and Weibull and Rayleigh probability distributions, as well as hourly wind speeds, were analyzed for each district. Furthermore, monthly dominant wind directions and the ratio of dominant winds to all wind blowing numbers were determined for each district and wind speeds and wind power densities by month were compared. In addition to determination of wind energy potential, four different types of wind turbines which can be installed in the examined regions were assessed in terms of techno-economic and environmental aspects by using RETScreen Expert software. Capacity factors of selected wind turbines, initial installation costs, annual savings incomes, and annual energy amounts were determined by district. The gross greenhouse gas emission amounts that can be prevented from being released into the environment have been determined via the usage of wind turbine. Finally, the most suitable wind turbines for the districts were determined through financial sustainability analysis. Correspondingly, it has been determined that if the Enercon E2-82 wind turbine is installed in the Marmara Ereğlisi district, optimal results will be obtained. It is thought that this study will contribute to the development of the wind energy potential and planning of the wind power plants in the regions showing the similar characteristics with the examined one with regard to wind energy.