Objective
a. To demonstrate that generating electricity through wind power is a viable option for utilities in the Caribbean region, by installing the first large wind farm in the area. This involves the climatic conditions in which the wind turbines have to operate, the small grid in which they will be integrated and the financial constraints of the utilities.
b. To diversify the electricity (and water) production on Curacao, which now depends for 100% on imported oil, while the island is blessed with rich natural resources such as sunshine and a good wind regime.
c. To disseminate the experience gained in the Caribbean and Latin American region, and to become a show piece for wind technology, if the project is successful.
The results are presented in final technical report and can be summarized as follow :
- The wind turbines have been operating above the forecasted output figures as can be seen in the table below.
FORECASTED ACTUAL
Energy production (kWh) 8.628.776 9.189.260
kwh/m2 1.414 1.523
Operating time (%) 90.0 93.2
- Relatively few breakdowns have occurred. The ones work mentioning are at turbine 4 (brake pad problems due to quality of brake pad. The brake pads were glued incorrectly), and turbine 6 (Due to a fault in yaw protection the problems with twisting of Cables occurred).
- The actual power values in the PV-curves are higher than those supplied by NedWind.
- The months with the highest wind potential are June and February. It is recommended, when possible, not to do any scheduled maintenance during these months. October is traditionally the month with the lowestwindspeed.
The project involves the installation, operation and measurement of a 3 MW wind farm, with 12 NEDWIND turbines of 250 kW, with innovative adaptations to the corrosive climatic conditions of the Caribbean sea air. Other important aspects will be the assessment of the expected contribution to the peak load of the grid and analysis of the capacity credit.
If the project is successful, the size of the wind farm is to be increased in a second phase from 3 MW to 6-10 MW.
The wind farm will be located at a remote site, close to the sea shore, with little disturbance of birds, and far enough from habituated areas to eliminate noise pollution.
The project is divided in to four phases :
a. Design and engineering :
Beside the normal design and engineering practice, special attention will be dedicated to :
- Adaptation to climatological conditions of the island, particularly the high salt spray exposure and high humidity.
- Precautions necessary to prevent that the strong grid fluctuations will cause regular shut-down of the wind turbines, as this causes uncecessary loss of production
- Stability problems which can occur due to weak grid.
b. Manufacture:
The major parts of the wind turbine can be manufactured in the factory of NEDWIND.
c. Installation and commissioning :
The foundations and cables trances for wind turbines and the installation of tower construction with nacelle will be carried out. After installation, testing and commissioning will be done by Nedwind and KOBELA.
d. Monitoring :
In this phase of the project the performance of the wind plant is closely monitored. The electrical performance of the wind turbines and their effect on the weak local grid will be monitored, as well as the effect of grid fluctuations on the wind turbine. On the financial side the cost for operation, maintenance and repair are recorded in detail, to verify the assumptions made and to make projections for these costs in case the plant would be expanded in the future. Corrosion aspects will also be monitored closely.
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
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DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
WILLEMSTAD
Netherlands