Analysis of Wind Data, Calculation of Energy Yield Potential

 

The analysis of wind data and calculation of energy yield potential are essential steps in the process of designing and building a wind turbine project.

Wind Resource Assessment: involves collecting and analyzing wind speed and direction data at the proposed project site. This data can be obtained through on-site measurements using anemometers, wind vanes, or remote sensing techniques such as lidar or meteorological towers. The data is then used to create wind speed and direction frequency distributions, which are used to predict the long-term wind resource at the site.

Energy Yield Calculation: Once the wind resource has been assessed, the energy yield potential of the site can be calculated. This involves estimating the amount of energy that can be generated by a wind turbine over a specific period, typically a year. The energy yield calculation considers wind resources, turbine size, and operating conditions.

Micrositing: Micrositing selects the optimal location for the wind turbine within the wind farm. This involves analyzing the wind data to identify the best location for each turbine, considering factors such as turbine spacing, wake effects, and the site's topography.

Financial Analysis: An economic analysis determines the project's feasibility. The cost of the wind turbine, installation, and maintenance, energy sales revenue, and connecting to the grid are all considered.

It's worth noting that the accuracy of the energy yield prediction is crucial, as it forms the basis for the project's financial viability, and the accuracy of the prediction will directly affect the project's profitability.