Site Specific Analysis of Wind Resource for Wind Turbine Applications

Task A: Wind Variability

The aim of this assignment is to understand the nature of the wind resource; to learn how to conduct a site specific analysis of the wind environment from measured data on the site in order to estimate the suitability of the site for wind turbine applications.

An excel file is provided, with one year of wind speed data from Camborne1. The site is considered for installation of a wind turbine. With this consideration in mind, analyse the available data to critically address the following topics and evaluate the suitability of the site for wind energy applications.

(i)the variation during the year in the magnitude of monthly mean wind speed.

(ii)the average hourly variation in the magnitude of wind speed

Plot the annual distribution of the wind speed magnitude (i.e. plot the number of hours per year that the wind speed takes value within a certain range)

(i)as this can be obtained from the measured data and

(ii)as this can be derived using just an annual mean wind speed for the site (obtained, for example, from publications/tables or the measurements) and a suitable distribution (either the Rayleigh or the Weibull distribution).

Critically compare the results in Task B (i) with those in Task B (ii)

Explain, briefly, how the graphs in tasks A and B are generated and critically evaluate your results. Having in mind all types of wind turbine applications, discuss your results in each one of the tasks A and B.

You want to install a 5 kW wind turbine at your site and you are considering the one with the specifications given in the pdf file provided with this assignment. Discuss the suitability of this wind turbine for your site, based on the available wind resource at this site.

The assignment should produce sufficient evidence for partial fulfilment of the following module learning outcomes:

(1) Use comprehensive mathematical models for the analysis and evaluation of the nature of renewable energy sources and assess the limitations

(3)Identify and critically evaluate appropriate technologies for energy extraction in a renewable energy project.

(4)Apply mathematical models to calculate the output from renewable energy sources and assess the limitations of particular cases.

(5)Thoroughly assimilate and critically evaluate current practices, limitations and likely new developments in renewable energy technology