Exergetic and exergoeconomic aspects of wind energy systems in achieving sustainable development

Utilization of renewable energy resources appears to be one of the most efficient and effective ways in achieving sustainable development, that is now widely seen as important to worldwide public opinion. Among renewable energy sources, wind energy, which is a free, clean, and renewable source of energy, which will never run out, plays a big role. In this context, a number of studies on the efficient utilization of wind energy resources have been conducted by various investigators to attain sustainable development. Most of them have included their energetic aspects, while the number of studies conducted on their exergetic and exergoeconomic directions is relatively very low. In recent years, exergy, which is a means to sustainable development, has become a very effective tool in evaluating system effectiveness and in designing the system to maximize energy savings. Exergoeconomic analysis, which is a combination of exergy and economics, is also nowadays considered a powerful tool to study and optimize various types of energy-related systems. The present study comprehensively reviews the studies conducted on exergetic and exergoeconomic analysis and assessment of wind energy systems and suggests possible future works to be performed for the first time to the best of the authors' knowledge. In this regard, an introductory information is given first. Next, wind energy systems exergetically and exergoeconomically analyzed and evaluated are presented and shortly described. The previously conducted studies on these systems are then reviewed and classified in the tabulated forms. Finally, the conclusions drawn are presented. It is expected that this comprehensive contribution will be very beneficial to everyone involved or interested in the energetic, exergetic and exergoeconomic design, analysis and performance evaluation of wind energy systems. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.