Abstract
In Germany, renewable energy sources play a crucial role in electricity generation, with wind and photovoltaic (PV) leading the way. In 2022, large wind turbines contributed 24.1% of the electricity generated, while PV accounted for 10.6%. Contrary, small wind power holds a marginal share of less than 0.01%. This is unfortunate as the decentralized nature of small wind power at low-voltage grid level offers benefits like reducing the need for grid expansion or infrastructure upgrades. Although small wind power currently suits locations with favorable wind potential, changing factors such as rising electricity prices, falling battery storage costs, and growing electrification in heating and transport could create new opportunities. Within this work a residential energy supply system consisting of small wind turbine, PV, heat pump, battery storage, and electric vehicle was dimensioned for different sites in Germany and Canada based on detailed simulation models and genetic algorithms. This was carried out for various economic framework conditions. Results indicate that with electricity purchase costs above 0.42€/kWh, combined with a 25% reduction in small wind turbine and battery storage investment expenses, economic viability could be significantly enhanced. This might expand the applicability of small wind power to diverse sites.
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