Optimum turbine-site matching

This paper presents a new formulation for the turbine-site matching problem, based on wind speed characteristics at any site, the power performance curve parameters of any pitch-regulated wind turbine, as well as turbine size and tower height. Wind speed at any site is characterized by the 2-parameter Weibull distribution function and the value of ground friction coefficient (alpha). The power performance curve is characterized by the cut-in, rated, and cut-out speeds and the rated power. The new Turbine-Site Matching Index (TSMI) is derived based on a generic formulation for Capacity Factor (CF), which includes the effect of turbine tower height (h). Using the CF as a basis for turbine-site matching produces results that are biased towards higher towers with no considerations for the associated costs. The proposed TSMI includes the effects of turbine size and tower height on the Initial Capital Cost (ICC) of wind turbines. The effectiveness and the applicability of the proposed ISM are illustrated using five case studies. In general, for each turbine, there exists an optimal tower height, at which the value of the TSMI is at its maximum. The results reveal that higher tower heights are not always desirable for optimality. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.