Computational Visualization of Spatial Variation of Wind Capacity Factor for Different Turbine Characteristics

Abhik Das; Parul Goyal

Abstract

A methodological approach for visualizing the spatial variation of wind capacity factor for different turbine characteristics is described in this paper. A formulation for theoretical wind capacity factor for different turbine characteristics is extended to produce maps showing the spatial variation of capacity factor at different hub heights. Since the approach takes into account the interplay between site-specific wind speed characteristics and turbine characteristics including hub heights, it can facilitatea more comprehensive decision framework while setting up of wind projects. As an application of the proposed methodology, a number of maps capturing the spatial variation of theoretical wind capacity factor for the state of Karnataka, India are presented for different turbine characteristics.