Implications of seasonal and diurnal variations of wind velocity for power output estimation of a turbine: a case study of Grenada

• Published in: International journal of energy research Vol. 27; no. 13; pp. 1165 - 1179
• Main Authors: Weisser, D., Foxon, T.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 25.10.2003; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Grenada; Natural energy; power output estimation; SIDS; Weibull distribution; Wind energy; wind energy assessment; wind energy conversion technologies; Central America; Lesser Antilles; America; West Indies; ASW, Lesser Antilles, Grenada; Wind energy; Output power; Renewable energy; Seasonal variation; Wind velocity; Wind generator; Electric power production; Diurnal variation; Weibull distribution
• ISSN: 0363-907X; 1099-114X
• DOI: 10.1002/er.938

This case study highlights the importance of taking into consideration diurnal variations of wind velocity for wind energy resources assessment. Previous studies of wind energy distribution that are based on the two‐parameter Weibull density function have so far neglected to consider time of day fluctuations in wind speed, instead concentrating primarily on seasonal deviations. However, this has serious implications where such a wind energy model is the underpinning of calculations for the potential power production from a wind turbine and in particular where the timing of the energy output is essential to meet electricity loads. In the case of Grenada the energy output from a wind turbine during the day is approximately two times the output at night thereby fluctuating enormously around the seasonal mean distribution. When this is not taken into account the economic and technological viability of a wind turbine project may be overestimated or not even be identified. This work shows how a wind energy resources assessment based on the Weibull distribution model can be done and how the power output of a horizontal axis turbine is calculated. An analysis of the recorded wind data confirms the application of the Weibull density function as a suitable tool for modelling wind regimes. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.