Analysis of wind turbine performance, optimization, technical-economic and environmental feasibility

To make wind energy more usable, a new prototype of high efficiency wind turbine will be developed in this work. For this purpose, a new proprietary mathematical model will be implemented, for the design of wind turbines and new design concepts, in order to maximize the energy capturing capacity of the wind turbine. Currently the numerical simulations for predicting the performance of a wind turbine are carried out with 3D CFD programs (Computational Fluid Dynamic) characterized by high reliability, but which at the same time require significant resources and high calculation times. As an alternative to CFD codes, both the scientific and industrial communities use one-dimensional calculation models. These codes, if properly implemented, can provide sufficiently correct results, but characterized by modest resources and very short calculation times. All this allows to carry out numerous simulations runs in reduced times, reaching the optimal configuration of the turbine in a few minutes. An environmental analysis of the proposed technological innovation, measured making use of the most suitable widespread environmental reporting tools, is then proposed and recommended, through an inventory of the emissions of environmental impacts, according to a Life Cycle Assessment perspective. An evaluation of the competitiveness of the new technology has to be implemented, in comparable contexts, to verify its performance in terms of economic and environmental sustainability. Finally, a cost-benefit verification of the investment and its socio-cultural impact is also necessary, considering the production process of the turbine and its implementation, in view of the decarbonization of the economy too.