Factors that influence the performance of the operation of onshore wind farms
Wind energy, Wind farm, Performance measurement.
The use of renewable resources is one of the most efficient means that several countries have adopted in order to mitigate climate change and environmental degradation due to the use of fossil fuels for electricity production. Wind energy, in particular, has grown significantly in the global electricity sector. However, the companies responsible for producing electricity face several challenges in the phase in which wind farms are in operation, since they are seeking greater productivity, quality and reliability in their operations in order to achieve high performance. The aim of this dissertation is to investigate the factors that influence the performance of onshore wind farms in the operation phase. The research is characterized as descriptive, of an applied nature and with a qualitative approach. The methodological procedure involved four stages: i) an exploratory literature review, ii) a systematic literature review (SBR) analyzing 70 documents on the topics of factors that influence the performance of wind farm operations and performance evaluation in the wind sector, iii) grouping the factors identified into dimensions, iv) drawing up a conceptual model based on the information collected in the theoretical research. As a result, 50 factors identified as conditioning performance in wind farm operations were systematized. The factors investigated were grouped by similarity into seven dimensions: Learning and growth (7); Techniques, tools and technologies (7); Meteorological and wind resource monitoring (8); Supply chain coordination (3); Organizational and operational efficiency (9); Financial management (8); Operation and maintenance performance (8). Finally, it can be concluded that the conceptual model proposed can be used to support strategic decision-making by managers in the wind sector, with a view to improving operational efficiency. Since identifying the causes that contribute to the good or bad functioning of wind farms is essential for mitigating possible problems that could hinder the performance of these enterprises.