Assessment of wind energy potential and economic evaluation of four wind turbine models for the east of Iran

This study examined the potential of wind energy in 22 regions in eastern Iran. In this regard, it investigated the parameters of Weibull, mean wind speed, and wind power density in these areas. The results showed that the mean wind speed was above 4 m/s at all stations and in ten stations was above 5 m/s. Also, the study of monthly wind speed fluctuations in eastern parts of Iran and its comparison with the relevant variations of electricity consumption showed that the fluctuations of speed is clearly in line with the requirements of electrical energy consumption in Iran. In addition, the annual production of energy and the economic performance of four commercial turbine models at 22 sites were investigated. Generally, Mapna 2.5 MW and Vestas V100–1.8 MW 60 turbines were more efficient than the other two turbine models in terms of annual production of energy and cost of producing electricity. The results of the economic analysis showed that investment in wind farms in eastern parts of Iran could be associated with high profitability. Finally, the results of this study indicated that planning to exploit wind energy for electricity production in eastern parts of Iran is an appropriate strategy to reduce Iran's dependence on fossil fuels.