Jinliang Li, Energy Systems Engineering Institute

Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015

Chambersburg Renewable Energy

Feasibility Study – Wind Turbine

Motivation Project Objective Pennsylvania Annual Average Wind Speed Map at 80m

Ch

am

bers

bu

rg

Chambersburg is a unique smart-grid

based self-sufficient electric utility in

Pennsylvania. It is a real-world example

of how a small utility can be successful.

Chambersburg is famous for its low

electric price rates and it is time to add

another title to Chambersburg, “Green

Energy Generation”. In August 3, 2015,

President Obama and EPA has

announced a new Clean Power Plan,

which is requiring a dramatic reducing

the Carbon pollution from power plants.

So it is a great opportunity to introduce

wind power into Chambersburg energy

portfolio, which could not only resolve the

carbon emission regulation issues but

also can expand Chambersburg’s electric

generation profile.

① A Detail Feasibility Study of

Wind Turbine installation

includes proper turbine models

and optimal pole heights

② A Construction Strategy

③ An Output Study of The

Designed Wind Turbine

④ A Financial Estimation of

Possible Cost and Payback

Period

Feasibility Study Conclusion

Wind Turbine Nacelle Components

Recommended Turbine Model Turbine Construction Strategy

5 m

45 m

40 m

Landscape Area = 0.5 x 40m x 45m = 900 m

Construction Area = 0.5 x 30m x 35m = 525 m

: Construction Point

Model Northern Power 60

Designed Life 20 years

Rotor Diameter 24.4 meter

Tower Type Tubular Steel Monopole

Hub Height 29 meter

Rated Wind Speed 11 meter/second

Gearbox Type No Gearbox (direct drive)

Generator Type Permanent Magnet

Controller TypeDSP-based Multiprocessor Embedded

Platform

Converter TypePulse-width Modulated IGBT

Frequency Converter

Rated Electrical Power 59.9kw, 3 Phase, 400VAC, 60Hz

Power FactorSet point adjustable between 0.9

lagging and 0.9 leading

• Financially, the project cannot be justified due to the long payback period of time which is about 40 years. It will greatly exceed the wind turbine

designed life which is 20 years.

• The wind turbine may provide other benefits to Chambersburg such as improved public image through green generation and being a new

technology adaptor.

Annul Power Output Financial Analysis

30 yrs.$235,000

$15,000

$250,000

$10,000

$10,000

$235,000

$225,000

151,077

$0.015

6-10 m/s

Supplier

Northern

Power

Systems29 Pitman Road

Barre, Vermont,

05641 USA

Hub Height vs. Wind Turbine Power Output

2

2

November 30th, 2015Ron Pezon,Rick Blum,

Rick Blum,