The missing parameter in renewable energy power quality analysis, i.e., the coefficient of variation: Case study of a 3-MW on-site wind turbine project in Ireland

Businesses are employing distributed generation techniques, such as wind turbines, to decarbonise their electrical energy supply by reducing their dependence on fossil-fuel-generated energy. This study investigates the effectiveness of a company making a €3,500,000 investment in a 3-MW on-site wind turbine to supply some or all of their factory electrical loads. The results should benefit the investing company and other potential investors by evaluating the economic, environmental, and social outcomes of the investment. A case study methodology was used. The study found that the payback period was six and a half years, and the turbine installation benefited the environment by offsetting 3,195 tonnes of CO₂ per annum. As part of the power-quality analysis of the wind-turbine output, the short-term variability of the power output signal was calculated as the coefficient of variation values. The study found that the most stable power output is achieved when the turbine is generating at full output power (i.e., 3-MW). In addition to the existing range of traditional power quality parameters, the coefficient of variation parameter was found to be an essential aspect of electrical power quality and should be included in future practice.