Sustainable energy, economic, and environmental impacts of small-scale wind turbines: A comprehensive study

Gaza has been suffering from a major crisis in the energy sector, and there is a need to adopt sustainable sources of renewable energy such as wind energy to meet the growing energy needs. This study focuses on wind energy harvesting potential as a renewable, clean source of energy in the Gaza Strip for a sustainable economy and environmental conservation. Three-blade horizontal turbines were tested with rotor diameters of 4.4, 3.8, and 3.2 m. The effect of the wind speed and the rotor diameter on the tip speed ratio (TSR), the power factor (Cp), and the turbine produced power were investigated. The result showed that annual energy of 4851.87, 3618.85, and 2566.28 kWh achieved at rotor diameters of 4.4, 3.8, and 3.2 m, respectively. The result also exposed that the total saving per year is equal to $824.8, $615.2, and $436.3 at rotor diameters of 4.4, 3.8, and 3.2 m, respectively. The payback periods of a turbine with 4.4 m rotor diameter were 8.3 years. Also, using a turbine with a rotor diameter of 4.4 m can reduce 4124 kg/yr of CO2 emissions. It is recommended to encourage the private sector to invest in wind energy in Gaza to ensure economic growth and environmental sustainability.