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Renewable Energy
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Business Energy Solutions
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Wind Power
Measuring Wind Speed for Wind Power Generation
Measuring wind speed is a key metric for wind generation efficiency and cogeneration business models.
3TIER Q2-2010 Performance Map Shows Wind Speeds are on the Rise Across US
These abnormally low wind speed conditions were the result of a long-lasting El Niño effect coupled with a strong, negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) event.
3TIER generated the Q2 Wind Performance Map using observational data and numerical weather prediction modeling. The map illustrates departures from the long-term mean that range from -10 percent to +10 percent, showing a pattern that is indicative of the climate state during the quarter. It provides an indication of how wind farms should have performed relative to their long-term production average based on their location. As a result of the weakening El Niño and NAO effects, the second quarter saw significant storm activity off the Pacific Coast, which helped drive the overall increase in wind performance in the western US. Texas, the country’s largest producer of wind energy, rebounded particularly well from the first quarter. Wind speeds over Texas were elevated enough to make up for the first quarter lull and push the state to above average for the year. “Texas is a good example for how quickly wind resource strength can change,” said Dr. Eichelberger. “Our data showed below average values during January and February of 2010 - the height of the recent El Niño - with a rapid shift to above average values during March and April as it weakened. While our clients are observing these variations at individual wind farms, our global wind resource data allows us to understand these patterns over broad geographic regions.
Wind Cycles are Predictable Project Siting of Wind Energy Generation
As the wind industry continues to mature, and the financial markets remain constrained, 3TIER believes project siting will demand a higher level of rigor when performing due diligence and accounting for long-term, historical wind performance. Naturally occurring phenomena, such as El Niño and NAO can – and should be – accounted for in the design and due diligence of wind power portfolios.
To learn more about wind as an altnerative energy source, go to: Wind Power/Energy
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