Small-scale wind energy course delivered at Greenworks, Dublin, June 2011. Course content compiled and delivered by Xavier Dubuisson, sustainable energy consultant at XD Consulting. Email: xavier@xdconsulting.eu

1. Planning A Small-Scale Wind Generation SystemsOne-day training course Xavier Dubuisson Integrated Sustainable Design Consultant XD Consulting

2. Objectives of the course Intro to micro-generation technologies and usual applications Typical wind energy systems Site survey Expected electricity output Conduct a simple lifecycle cost analysis Grid-connected system layout and major components Standards, regulations and approvals required Health and safety issues Installation and commissioning process Financial incentives © Xavier Dubuisson, XD Consulting

3. Why micro-generation? “Any fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction.” Albert Einstein Source: www.sunseries.net © Xavier Dubuisson, XD Consulting

4. Imported fuels Indigenous fuels © Xavier Dubuisson, XD Consulting

5. Energy balance of electricity NREAP: 40% by 2020 ! 9.4% from renewables 55% losses 1/3 1/3 1/3 Source: SEI

6. Electricity in Ireland

7. Electricity, 2nd largest GHG contributor Source: EPA, 2007

8. Building Regs & BER Same + 1.5 kW of PV Semi-D, 112 m2 HRV House of Tomorrow standard In DEAP, 1 kWh of RESe produced = 2.7 kWh of primary energy saved RES-e requirement (Part L 2007):4 kWh/m2,year or 600 kWh/year for average house © Xavier Dubuisson, XD Consulting

9. Micro-generation systems

10. Micro Generation: Micro generation is classified by ESB Networks as grid connected electricity generation up to a maximum rating of 11kW when connected to the three phase grid (400V). The vast majority of domestic and agricultural customers are connected at single phase (230V) and for these customers to be classified as micro generators the maximum rating permitted is 6kW.

11. Two Types of system Stand Alone: Where generator is used to charge a battery bank. Typically used in remote locations or ‘off-grid’ applications. Grid Tied system: In this type of system, the output of the wind turbine is connected to the existing mains electricity supply to the home via a controller and inverter. Excess electricity generated can be sent onto the grid while electricity can be drawn from the grid when the turbine is not producing enough electricity to meet your needs.

12. Solar Photovoltaic Energy © Xavier Dubuisson, XD Consulting

13. Small-scale hydro

14. Micro-Combined Heat & Power AC © Xavier Dubuisson, DWEcoCo Ltd

15. Basic Intro to Electricity

16. Electrical terms Voltage (V) – a measure of the Potential Difference across an electrical circuit measured in Volts. Analogous to water pressure pushing water round a plumbing circuit. Current (I) – the electron flow in a circuit as a result of a PD across the circuit. Measured in Amps. Resistance (R) – the point in an electrical circuit where work is done by ‘resisting’ current flow e.g. electric heater. Measured in Ohms. V = IR (Ohms Law): an electrical circuit with a PD of 1 volt across a resistance of 1 ohm will result in a current of 1 amp Power (P) in an electrical circuit: current x voltage or P = VI (Watts)

19. Source: S. Wright, NREL

20. Typical System Components & Layouts

21. SYSTEM LAYOUT

22. Stand-alone system

23. The wind turbine

24. Protection against excessive wind speed Source: S. Wright, NREL

25. Power in the wind Turbine Power = ½ ρAV³ ρ= density of Air ( summer warm- low, winter cold- high ) A = Rotor area = πR² Increasing the diameter of the blades by 20% , increase power by 44% ! V= Velocity of wind ; Cube factor doubling the wind speed increases the power 8 times . Higher up , more wind speed ( less ground friction, obstructions, turbulence) Bigger diameter= more swept area; Bigger /higher requires larger towers to accommodate rotor size and access to maximum wind speeds

26. http://www.windfinder.com/wind/windspeed.htm Source: Fortis

27. Example spec sheets Source: Proven Source: Proven

28. Tower Types

30. Synchronizes the AC with the supply voltage

31. Make sure the generation system delivers its maximum power output

32. High efficiency at full and part loads

33. Automatic operation

34. Protection against grid outages (grid monitoring and islanding prevention)

35. Records and displays key operational data

36. Compliant© Xavier Dubuisson, XD Consulting

37. The efficiency of aninverter 4-11 Grid-tied photovoltaic systems

38. Sizing

39. Electricity usage in houses C. 1000 kWh/person, yr C. 5000 kWh/household,yr 50 kWh/m2 floor area,yr 1 kWh = c.0.6 kg CO2 Save first!!!!! Electricity end-use residential, 2006 (SEI) © Xavier Dubuisson, XD Consulting

40. Sizing according to electrical load Base electrical loadsLimerick Co. Co. HQ (2007)

41. …and your budget

42. Site Survey

43. SITE SURVEY Avoid obstructions (turbulence) Check wind speeds Estimate effect of ‘roughness of site’ Distance from buildings and party boundaries Length of cabling (and trenching) Location of plant room

44. WIND SPEEDS Source: www.met.ie

45. Windmaps Source: www.winddata.com

46. SEI’s Wind Maps http://maps.seai.ie/wind/

48. Assessing a potential site Site assessment tools; Anemometer and wind vein Sited at the proposed height and location Ideal site; top of gently sloping south westerly hill, little obstructions such as trees/ buildings Windrose; speeds and direction

49. Output from survey 600 hours not fast enough to reach a cut -in speed of 4 m/s; no power produced

50. Roughness of site Impact on wind speed +9% Effect on output +160% +212% - 20% +13% - 32% +17% - 50% +29%

51. Turbulence on site Impact on quality of the wind Source: Centre for Alternative Technology Effect: wrong direction, wrong speed, excessive wear & tear

52. Source: www.kidwind.org

54. Small increases in wind speed result in large increases in power (e.g. 100 ft tower instead of 60 ft, 10% higher cost but 29% more power)

55. Tall towers often needed for clearance above obstacles (turbulence)

56. May require a variance or a special use permit20 m 10 m

57. Other considerations Safety: overhead cables, electrocution, fall of parts (& tower), etc. Visibility: look at it from your neighbours’ point-of-view (reflections, shadows, view obstruction, etc.) – be sensitive They do make noise (swish from blades, mechanical hum) Special conservation areas, natural heritage, etc.

58. Source: S. Wright, NREL

59. Estimating annual output

60. Turbine power curve AEO = 1.6 kW x 365 x 24 = 14,000 kWh/year

61. Source: S. Wright, NREL

62. Manufacturers tools Beware of over-optimistic prognostics Wind speed distribution 10-15% most sites 0-5% water/smooth Roughness 0.2 row crop, low bushes & few trees Source: Proven Ltd

63. Installation

65. Installation process Installing the wind turbine Mounting the inverter(s) on a suitable surface, preferably indoor on a wall in a room with adequate ventilation Wiring on the DC and AC sides; Earthing and lightning protection; Inspection and testing of the system Grid-connection and system commissioning System handover to customer © Xavier Dubuisson, DWEcoCo Ltd

66. Other key considerations for installation Strength of the roof structure Ballasting (wind loads!) & anchoring Integrity of water-tightness of building Visual impact Corrosion resistant materials Anti-theft protection Safety during & after installation © Xavier Dubuisson, DWEcoCo Ltd

67. Grid-connection ESB Networks requirements: Max. output 5.75 kW single phase, 11 kW triple phase All electrical work carried out by registered electrical contractors (RECI) Compliance with ETCI (Electro-technical Council of Ireland) wiring regulations Compliance with EN50438 standard (“Requirements for the connection of micro-generation in parallel with public low-voltage distribution networks”) Inverters type-tested for interface protection and synchronisation (certificate issued to ESB Networks & owner) Labelling (warning noticeon need to isolate live parts) © Xavier Dubuisson, DWEcoCo Ltd

68. Grid-connection Procedure (as per Conditions Governing the Connection and Operation of Micro-generation): Inform: notify ESB Networks of intention to connect (From NC6) Proceed if no contrary notification by ESB Networks within 5 working days of informing Get contractor to forward a valid ETCI Electrical Completion Certificate to ESB Networks to get import/export meter installation. Proceed with micro-generator installation ESB Networks will install import/export meter (free of charge for first 4000, over 3 years) © Xavier Dubuisson, DWEcoCo Ltd

69. Life-cycle cost analysis

70. Lifecycle cost analysis Costs Up-front capital cost (e.g. design & engineering, equipment, installation, civil works, electrical works, etc.) Subsidies (grants, ACA, etc.) Financing costs Maintenance cost End-of-life cost (e.g. decommissioning, removal & disposal, etc.) Consider costs inflation (2-3%)

71. Lifecycle cost analysis Revenues Electricity import substitution Electricity exported Other energy savings (dump load) Incentives (CO2 tax, ROCs, etc.) Residual value (e.g. scrap metal, potential future revenues, etc.) Consider electricity inflation rate (10%)

72. Cost of small-scale wind Initial investment for quality: 2.5 kW turbine ~ €18-22,000 installed (incl.VAT) 6 kW turbine ~ €25-32,000 installed (incl.VAT) 10 kW turbine ~ €45-50,000 installed (incl.VAT) Be mindful of cheaper products http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL-cRuYAxg0

73. Substituted electricity Residential tariffs: 24 hr rate: €0.164/kWh Day rate: 0.1752/kWh Night rate: 0.0867/kWh SMEs – General purpose tariffs Standard: day rate: €0.1899/kWh night rate: €0.0872/kWh Nightsaver: day rate: €0.1946/kWh night rate: €0.0872/kWh © Xavier Dubuisson, DWEcoCo Ltd

74. Microgen Export Tariff ESB Networks offer 10c/kWh to every electricity customer (including through other electricity suppliers - tbc) Open to first 4,000 customers applying Applicable to the first 3,000 kWh exported per annum over the next 5 years ESB Customer Supply offering further 9c/kWh to their customers for every unit exported Interval meter provided free of charge © Xavier Dubuisson, DWEcoCo Ltd

75. Discounted cash flow Future cash flows are discounted to present value (time value of money) Net Present Value (NPV): total present value of a time series of cash flows. If NPV>0, then project worth doing. Internal rate of return (IRR): yield on investment (%) – it’s the i that makes NPV = 0.If IRR> i then project worth doing. t - the time of the cash flow; r – the discount rate; Ct - the net cash flow at time t More info on whole life cycle cost http://www.wlcf.org.uk

76. Accelerated Capital Allowance Budget 2009 (consultation till 3 April 09) 100% of the capital cost of eligible equipment in the first year of purchase (equal 12.5% subsidy)

77. Case Studies

78. Belgooly, Co. Cork

81. Model Skystream 3.7

82. Rated Capacity 2.4 kW

83. Weight 170 lb (77 kg)

84. Rotor Diameter 12 ft (3.72 m)

85. Swept Area 115.7 ft 2 (10.87 m2)

86. Type Downwind rotor with stall

87. regulation control

88. Power production 3500kwhs p/a approx

90. Planning exemptions - wind Plus: matt, non reflective finish, no interference with telecom signals Not forward of front wall of the house. No sign, advertisement, etc. Outside Within 5 km (commercial) 1 turbine max within the curtilage of premises/building

91. INTERESTING INNOVATIONS

92. EMMA Controller – storing surplus output 9 kWh/Electric Vehicle 120 litres; 50°C; 5.3kWh/House = c.8,300 MWh 8 kWh/House = c.12,700MWh Source: Tim Cooper ©

93. EMMA in action 3 kW kettle switched off 3 kW kettle switched on EMMA controller minimising controlled load EMMA controller increases controlled load to track turbine output EMMA controller matching household load to turbine output 5.5 kWp turbine; EMMA controller and 6 kW immersion Source: Tim Cooper ©

94. Solar Without Frontierswww.solarwithoutfrontiers.com

96. “The Sun, with all the planets revolving around it, and depending on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as though it had nothing else in the Universe to do." Galileo Galilei Get in touch: xavier@xdconsulting.eu

97. Seadream Cottage, Clonakilty

98. Ballinglanna, Clonakilty c.7% c.17% c.15% c.15% c.13%

99. Case Study Fenore Co. Clare Annual Electricity Usage 18,000 kw Hrs Site Location avg wind speed 9m/s Excellent Elevated Location with clear views South and West

101. Proven 6 kW

103. Exercise 2 (wind) Calculate average wind speed at rotor height = 7.8 – 13% = 6.8 m/s Measure average power output = power curve shows 2 kW Calculate annual expected output = 2*365*24 =17,520 kWh/year Calculate annual CO2 avoided = 17,520 * 0.6 kg/kWh = 10,512 kg/year Estimate electricity exported (40%) = 7008 kWh/year Estimate electricity substituted (60%) = 10512 kWh/year

104. Exercise 3 (LCC) Based on exercise 2 (wind) Revenue from export: ____ kWh x 10 c/kWh = _____ €/year____ kWh x 9 c/kWh = _____ €/year Revenue from substitution (standard domestic rate):____ kWh x ____ c/kWh = _____ €/year Total gross annual revenue = ______ €/year Potential carbon tax credit (30 euro/tCO2) = ______ €/year

105. Exercise 3 (LCC) Capital cost (6 kW) = € _____ Grant from SEI = € _____ Cost of borrowing (50% @ 8% over 5 y.) = € 2150 Net initial cost = € _____ Maintenance cost (1% annually) = ____ €/year Net annual revenue (w.o. carbon tax) = _____ €/year Simple payback = ____ years

106. Exercise 3 (LCC) Based on exercise 2 (wind) Revenue from export: 3000 kWh x 10 c/kWh = 300 €/year7008 kWh x 9 c/kWh = 630 €/year Revenue from substitution:10512 kWh x 16.4 c/kWh = 1723 €/year Potential carbon tax credit (30 euro/tCO2) = 315 €/year Total gross annual revenue = 2968 €/year

107. Exercise 3 (LCC) Capital cost (6 kW) = € 32,000 Cost of borrowing (50% @ 8% over 5 y.) = € 3340 Net initial cost = € 35340 Maintenance cost (1% annually) = 320 €/year Net annual revenue (w. carbon tax) = 2648 €/year Simple payback = 13 years