Site-specific technical and economic analysis of wind power potential and energy generation using Weibull parameters

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out a new potential site for energy generation to maximize the energy generation via installing utility wind turbines.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, Weibull two-parameter methodologies are used to determine the effectiveness of the wind speed at three different heights including 80, 60 and 30 m. Standard deviation and wind power density (WPD) are also calculated for the site. After analyzing the wind resource, the wind turbine selection is materialized to maximize the energy production, considering the best configuration of the wind turbines that is suitable for the site. In the end, economic aspect is also calculated.

Findings

The mean Weibull dimensionless parameter k is found to be 2.91, 2.845 and 2.617, respectively. The mean Weibull scale parameter c is found to be 6.736, 6.524 and 6.087 at the heights of 80, 60 and 30 m, respectively. The mean standard deviation is found to be 2.297, 2.249 and 2.157 at the heights of 80, 60 and 30 m at the heights of 80, 60 and 30 m, respectively. Wind power densities are calculated to be 265, 204 and 157.9 W/m² at the heights of 80, 60 and 30 m, respectively (highest in the month of July when the mean wind speed is 7.707 m/s and WPD is 519 W/m²). Finally, site-specific economic analysis of wind turbines is carried out, which shows $0.0230 per kWh at the height of 80 m.

Originality/value

The results show that the site is beneficial for the installation of small and large wind turbines.

Citation

Hulio, Z.H. and Jiang, W. (2018), "Site-specific technical and economic analysis of wind power potential and energy generation using Weibull parameters", World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 35-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJSTSD-10-2016-0058