Issue in the Technology Selection for a Wind Farm in Iran

Wind energy is the most economical and clean energy, which has considerably developed in recent years.Wind turbines can be classified by different indicators. One of the main classifications is based on the drive train and generator technologies. This study is based on a multi-parameter survey to develop an optimal decision-making algorithm for the technology selection. Two key technologies, including Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG) turbines and geared Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) turbines, are considered to be suitable options according to turbine and sites’ technical, economic and geographical parameters. Economic indices, such as IRR and NPV of a wind farm, are reported for each technology used in the model.A 50MW wind farm in Iran has been modeled in this article as a case study. Results show that according to Iran’s financial and economic fluctuations, a DFIG turbine, with 43% IRR and 52 M€ NPV is the most efficient technology for Iran. Specifically, its low initial investment and high efficiency and 48% capacity factor makes this turbine as the most suitable technology for Iran. Results show that 3.9 and 4.2 years payback period for DFIG and PMG wind turbines respectively, therefore the PMG turbines make a longer payback period for the wind farm.