Research on site selection of small wind turbines

1. Key factors in selecting the location of small wind turbines
Wind speed is the most direct factor affecting the power generation efficiency of wind turbines. When selecting a site, it is necessary to collect wind speed data for at least one year and analyze parameters such as average wind speed, maximum wind speed, and wind energy density. Ideally, the annual average wind speed should be above 5 m/s, and the wind energy density should be above 200 W/m² to have good development value. At the same time, the seasonal and diurnal variations in wind speed should be considered to ensure the stability of wind energy resources.

Terrain has a significant impact on the distribution of wind energy. Open plains, ridges, coastlines, and other terrains are usually rich in wind energy resources, while areas such as valleys and forests have lower wind speeds. When selecting a site, the acceleration or blocking effect of terrain on airflow should be considered, and terrain advantages should be utilized to improve wind energy utilization efficiency. In addition, the roughness of the surface needs to be evaluated. Rough surfaces can reduce near-surface wind speeds, so areas with flat surfaces and fewer obstacles should be preferred.

II. Environmental Impact Assessment
The siting of small wind turbines must consider their impact on the surrounding ecological environment. Ecologically sensitive areas such as bird migration routes and wildlife habitats should be avoided to minimize disturbance to biodiversity. Additionally, the project's impact on landscape visuals should be assessed, especially when located near scenic spots or residential areas, taking into account public acceptance.

Noise is one of the primary environmental impacts during the operation of wind turbines. When selecting a site, it is essential to ensure an appropriate distance from residential areas. Typically, a minimum distance of 200-300 meters is recommended, depending on the turbine model and local noise standards. Furthermore, it is necessary to assess the impact of electromagnetic interference on surrounding communication facilities and implement shielding measures if necessary.

III. Grid Access and Economic Benefit Analysis
The location selection of small wind turbines needs to consider the convenience and economy of grid access. It is necessary to assess the distance, voltage level, and capacity constraints of the grid connection point, as excessive distance will increase transmission losses and costs. For off-grid systems, consideration needs to be given to the configuration of energy storage devices and load matching issues.

Economic benefits serve as a crucial basis for site selection decisions. It is necessary to assess initial investment costs (including equipment procurement, transportation and installation, infrastructure construction, etc.), operation and maintenance costs, and expected power generation revenue. Financial indicators such as the payback period and internal rate of return should be calculated to ensure the economic feasibility of the project. Additionally, local electricity pricing policies, subsidy policies, and tax incentives should be taken into account, as these factors can significantly affect the economic viability of the project.

IV. Case Analysis
Taking the site selection of a small wind turbine in a remote rural area as an example, this region boasts an annual average wind speed of 5.8 m/s and a wind energy density of 280 W/m², indicating abundant wind energy resources. The chosen site is located in an open area 500 meters away from the village, steering clear of major residential areas and ecological protection zones. The grid connection point is situated 1.2 kilometers away, utilizing a 10 kV line for grid synchronization. Economic analysis reveals that the project has a payback period of approximately 6 years and an internal rate of return of 15%, indicating favorable economic benefits. Upon implementation, the annual power generation capacity of the project can meet the electricity demand of approximately 60 households, reducing the reliance on diesel generators and yielding significant environmental benefits.

5、 Conclusion
The scientific site selection of small wind turbines is crucial for ensuring the success of the project. By comprehensively considering various factors such as wind energy resources, topographical conditions, environmental impacts, and economic benefits, the optimal installation location can be selected. The site selection evaluation system established in this study provides a systematic methodology for decision-making in small wind power projects. Future research can further integrate GIS technology and multi-objective optimization algorithms to improve the accuracy and efficiency of site selection.