ABSTRACT
In the process of assessing changes in the design of a wind turbine, it is important to evaluate what the impact such changes would have on the system cost. This includes the initial capital (IC) cost, balance of station (BOS) cost, operation and maintenance (O&M) cost, levelized replacement (LR) cost, and the annual energy production revenue which balances these costs. The initial capital cost, ICC, is the sum of costs of the wind turbine system and the balance of station, BOS, cost. The primary elements of the wind turbine system include wind turbine rotor, drive train, nacelle, control, safety system and conditioning monitoring, tower, and balance of station. Annual operating expenses include land or ocean bottom lease cost, levelized O&M cost, and levelized replacement/overhaul cost. Land lease costs are the rental or lease fees charged for the wind turbine installation. The wind turbine rotor includes rotor blades; rotor hub; pitch mechanism and bearings; spinner; and nose cone.
