Environmental Payback of Wind Turbines Across the United States: A Combined LCA and Dynamic Energy Modeling Approach
Kellison-Miller, Nathan
Kellison-Miller, Nathan
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Abstract
Often life cycle assessments consider a static or non-variable indicator of environmental performance. This study aims to combine static life cycle assessments with dynamic wind energy data to map the environmental payoff period of a wind turbine. Using data from SimaPro, a life cycle assessment of a 3 MW wind turbine was created. Then, typical meteorological wind data from Energy Plus was compiled using the largest metropolitan airport in each state. This data was then modeled in Dymola, creating a reasonable estimate of annual electricity generated by a wind turbine. The Co2 equivalent of generating the turbine electricity in each NERC EGrid region was then found using SimaPro. This amount of Co2 equivalent emissions offset by the power generated by the wind turbine was the divided by Co2 equivalent emissions that it took to build the turbine, to create an estimate of the years it would take to �pay off� the turbine�s initial environmental cost. Through SimaPro analysis, the Co2 equivalent emitted over the entire lifecycle of a wind turbine was 1,120,000 kg, with the largest source of the carbon emissions being in the process of manufacturing the carbon fiber in the blades. States with low wind and cleaner energy grids (less Co2 equivalent per joule electricity generated) observed a longer environmental payoff period than states with more carbon-intensive power generation and higher wind. This study highlights states in the US where wind turbines would result in the most impact, offsetting the most carbon throughout their lifespan. By integrating dynamic wind modeling, this study creates a more accurate estimate of the environmental effects of a wind turbine.
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Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Sophomore (Graduating in 2028)
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Poster
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Civil Engineering
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College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
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Engineering