A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Balance and Emissions of a Wind Energy Plant
Abstract Life cycle analysis (LCA) methodology was used to perform a quantitative, comparative analysis and rating of the construction and operation of a wind energy plant. For this case study, the Glacier Hills Wind Park (90 1.8-MW turbines in south-central Wisconsin) was evaluated. Significant environmental and economic benefits are often advertised with the installation of new wind energy facilities, although independent and comprehensive LCA and sustainable energy science are typically not implemented. Hence, a quantitative demonstration with LCA methodology of the life cycle emissions and environmental impact, from construction through operations, can greatly assist in highlighting significant areas of energy consumption and emissions during manufacturing, transportation, and construction of a wind farm. Results portray the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption/generation over the life cycle of the wind park. Transportation of large components from overseas led to the consumption of considerable quantities of fossil fuel, responsible for up to 22 % of the total greenhouse gas emissions due to transportation. The energy payback ratio (25.5), energy payback time (12.3 months) and the total grams of equivalent $ CO_{2(eq)} $ per kWh of energy (16.9) produced were calculated over the life time of this onshore wind farm.
Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Balance and Emissions of a Wind Energy Plant
Abstract Life cycle analysis (LCA) methodology was used to perform a quantitative, comparative analysis and rating of the construction and operation of a wind energy plant. For this case study, the Glacier Hills Wind Park (90 1.8-MW turbines in south-central Wisconsin) was evaluated. Significant environmental and economic benefits are often advertised with the installation of new wind energy facilities, although independent and comprehensive LCA and sustainable energy science are typically not implemented. Hence, a quantitative demonstration with LCA methodology of the life cycle emissions and environmental impact, from construction through operations, can greatly assist in highlighting significant areas of energy consumption and emissions during manufacturing, transportation, and construction of a wind farm. Results portray the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption/generation over the life cycle of the wind park. Transportation of large components from overseas led to the consumption of considerable quantities of fossil fuel, responsible for up to 22 % of the total greenhouse gas emissions due to transportation. The energy payback ratio (25.5), energy payback time (12.3 months) and the total grams of equivalent $ CO_{2(eq)} $ per kWh of energy (16.9) produced were calculated over the life time of this onshore wind farm.
Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Balance and Emissions of a Wind Energy Plant
Rajaei, Mozhdeh (author) / Tinjum, James M. (author)
2013
Article (Journal)
English
Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Balance and Emissions of a Wind Energy Plant
| Online Contents | 2013
Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Balance and Emissions of a Wind Energy Plant
| British Library Online Contents | 2013
Case Study of Wind Plant Life-Cycle Energy, Emissions, and Water Footprint
| British Library Conference Proceedings | 2014