Analysis of a multi-megawatt grid connected wind farm

The increasing global population and more rapidly growing needs of energy have become matter of concern to people from all walks of life. In order to meet power demands new and renewable sources of energy are being as supplemental source in addition to the regular fossil fuel based power generation. This paper presents the wind speed data, frequency distribution, local wind shear exponent, energy yield, air density and turbulence intensity analysis for a site located in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Overall mean wind speed values at 20, 30 and 40 meter above ground level were found to be 4.72, 5.34 and 5.74 m/s, respectively. The mean local wind shear exponent and air density were found to be 0.302 and 1.126 kg/m 3 , respectively. Lower turbulence intensities were noticed at higher altitudes. The proposed wind farm of 550MW installed capacity could generate 2,433.8 GWh of electricity with a plant capacity factor of 50.3% during the year.