A feasibility study of a novel combined solar concentration/wind augmentation system

Solar energy and wind energy are two main renewable energy sources. Concentration of solar energy onto a smaller area may reduce the cost of PV modules and achieve high efficiency. On the other hand, wind augmentation allows lower trigger wind speed besides the reduced wind turbine size. For both solar concentration and wind augmentation, their tracking and support system may be the most costly factor. It will therefore be attractive to extend the function of a solar parabolic concentrator to encompass wind augmentation, thereby maximizing the operation time and cost-effectiveness of the costly tracking system. This study presents a novel combined solar concentration/wind augmentation (CSCWA) system. The CSCWA system has the advantage of operating in the daytime and night time whenever it is sunny or windy. The feasibility of using a dish parabolic concentrator for wind augmentation is investigated in CFD simulation and wind tunnel model testing. The increase in monthly power output of the CSCWA system against the independent non-augmented wind turbine and concentrating PV systems is also discussed to identify the suitable climatic conditions.