A state-of-the-art review and feasibility analysis of high altitude wind power in Northern Ireland. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lunney, E.; Ban, M.; Duic, N.; Foley, A.
• Is Part Of: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews. Volume 68:Part 2(2017:Feb.)
• Page Start: 899
• Page End: 911
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Wind power -- High altitude -- Geographical information systems -- Atmospheric boundary layer; ABL Atmospheric Boundary Layer -- ABM Airborne Module -- AEP Annual Energy Production -- agl above ground level -- CAA Civil Aviation Authority -- CWT Conventional Wind Turbine -- CWT Conventional Wind Turbine -- DAFIF Digital Aeronautical Flight Information Files -- DBR Dirigible Based Rotor -- DBR Dirigible Based Rotors -- DOE Department of Energy -- EWEA European Wind Energy Association -- FCR Fixed Charge Rate -- GHG Greenhouse Gases -- GIS Geographical Information System -- HAWP High Altitude Wind Power -- ICAO International Civil Aviation Organisation -- LCOE Levelized Cost of Energy -- NCEP National Centers for Environmental Prediction -- NATS National Air Traffic Services -- PKG Pumping Kite Generator -- SUA Special Use Airspace -- TRL Technology Readiness Level -- UK United Kingdom.; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2016.08.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-0321

Abstract

Abstract: In many countries wind energy has become an indispensable part of the electricity generation mix. The opportunity for ground based wind turbine systems are becoming more and more constrained due to limitations on turbine hub heights, blade lengths and location restrictions linked to environmental and permitting issues including special areas of conservation and social acceptance due to the visual and noise impacts. In the last decade there have been numerous proposals to harness high altitude winds, such as tethered kites, airfoils and dirigible based rotors. These technologies are designed to operate above the neutral atmospheric boundary layer of 1300 m, which are subject to more powerful and persistent winds thus generating much higher electricity capacities. This paper presents an in-depth review of the state-of-the-art of high altitude wind power, evaluates the technical and economic viability of deploying high altitude wind power as a resource in Northern Ireland and identifies the optimal locations through considering wind data and geographical constraints. The key findings show that the total viable area over Northern Ireland for high altitude wind harnessing devices is 5109.6 km 2, with an average wind power density of 1998 W/m 2 over a 20-year span, at a fixed altitude of 3000 m. An initial budget for a 2 MW pumping kite device indicated a total cost £1, 751, 402 thus proving to be economically viable with other conventional wind-harnessing devices.