Ducted wind turbines: technical feasibility study in wind energy generation in Rio Grande do Norte

Abstract

Traditional wind energy generation using large wind turbines has limitations. Due to this, this study focuses on researching a Ducted Wind Turbine (DWT) system, known as INVELOX, designed to enhance the efficiency of wind energy generation and mitigate its impacts. The aim of this study is to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of wind energy generation by ducted wind turbines in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. For this, the study compares the INVELOX system with conventional wind towers through simulations in the HOMER software, considering a microgeneration energy scenario. The results show that INVELOX generated, on average, 280% more energy compared to conventional wind towers under the same conditions. However, due to the high initial cost of INVELOX, the savings generated by the increased energy production do not make its application economically viable at the residential level in Rio Grande do Norte. Yet, looking at the rural energy context, INVELOX can be a promising solution. It offers the opportunity to boost energy self-sufficiency and reduce environmental impacts, potentially being a beneficial solution for communities with difficult or no access to the electrical grid that seek a reliable and sustainable energy source.