Case study evaluating the potential for small wind energy conversion systems (SWECS) as an integral part of the generating mix of a regional utility. Final report, ICFAR Project 05-3-7001-0

Average annual measured wind speeds in Indiana extrapolated to 30m vary from approximately 4.5 to 6.5 m/s. Stronger winds are observed in the northern part of the state than in the southern, with the central region exhibiting intermediate values. The annual array capacity factors of the three selected wind turbines operating in an Indianapolis wind regime at height 30m varied from 0.243 for the machine with rated power density (P/sub rd/) 244 W/m/sup 2/ to 0.462 for the machine with P/sub rd/ = 93 W/m/sup 2/ - a difference in power output of nearly a factor of 2. These results strongly suggest that wind turbines with low rated power densities are best suited for Indiana's wind regimes. The economic analyses of WECS break-even costs show that, given the assumptions of the analysis, a wind turbine with P/sub rd/ = 244 W/m/sup 2/ would be economically competitive with conventional generating sources were the capital cost not to exceed about $750 per rated kW (1989 dollars). This figure for a machine with P/sub rd/ = 93 W/m/sup 2/ is nearly $2000/kW. Brought back to 1980 dollars by an inflation factor of (1.08)/sup 9/ = 2.00, these values reckon to $375/kW and $1000/kW, respectively