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Associate

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Wind Turbines and Data Analysis

04/15/2009 7:53 AM

Dear All,

I have several months of wind data collected for a site where a small to medium wind turbine is intended to be installed.

I have been asked to provide a wind analysis of this data to facilitate/validate this decision.

Can anyone point me to a source of analysis methods to enable me to provide the most usefull information?

Once I know what to extract from the data I can run it through a small program to provide a report containing the significant data.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to receiving your assistance.

Ian.

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#1

Re: Wind Turbines and Data Analysis

04/15/2009 3:38 PM

What data have you collected? If it is wind speed and duration, then a simple Microsoft Excel spreadsheet graph of this including figures for average wind speed and wind utilisation (additional upper and lower wind speed limit lines to clearly show the minimum and maximum range of wind speed the turbine will produce power within) is a good start. Also, an additional calculated power generated graph (based on wind speed and wind utilisation) would then help to show estimated monthly generation, who's figures could then be used to calculate the estimated cost savings and payback period of the turbine(s) and their associated electronics and infrastructure.

Those are probably the main ones. If this is for a small wind turbine for a building (kW range) then a simple analysis with figures and graphs using Excel is fine. If this is for a wind farm consisting of multiple wind turbines (or very large MW producing turbines) you will likely need to use professional software to perform a more complete analysis (such as taking into account wind interference and reduced efficiency from multiple turbines close together, etc), as well as measuring wind data over a much longer duration.

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#2

Re: Wind Turbines and Data Analysis

04/16/2009 12:29 AM

Hi Ian,

jack of all trades is right if you are only looking at a small unit for local supply and right again about large units.

If this project requires financing then the data you have is critical to proving the financial viability of the project.

Your data does seem to be very limited as you say "several months". It may be possible to compare this data to a local weather station or airport and determine how similar they are and extrapolate from that to give at least some idea of the seasonal wind differences.

Wind consistency for the full year is important and if it is for local use then storage is also. If it is for grid sale then proximity to a suitable distribution line to connect to is critical.

BAB

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#3

Re: Wind Turbines and Data Analysis

04/16/2009 4:38 AM

A statistical analysis would be useful i.e. using a normal distribution. This would be more useful than simple averages.

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#4

Re: Wind Turbines and Data Analysis

04/16/2009 10:28 AM

You might try contacting the folks at http://www.hullwind.org

They are a municipal power company for Hull, Mass near my old hometown and they might be willing to point you in the right direction. Their site also has substantial information posted that may be of interest.

Good luck with your quest.

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