Optimal Planning of Wind Farms Using WERA model integrated with GIS

Abstract

The present study brings out a systematic procedure for Optimal planning and laying out wind turbine at prospective wind farm site. The Wind Energy Resource Analysis (WERA) model was used here for the wind energy analysis and turbine performance simulation. WERA model was validated using long term as well as short term field performance data from Kanjikode wind farm, Palakkad, Kerala. The velocity-power proportionality for the three bladed horizontal axis wind turbine at the wind farm was computed as 1.75. Wind energy potential of 10 prospective sites were analyzed using WERA among which 5 sites were short listed for possible wind farm activities. The short listed sites are Kayattar, Rameshwarm, Kanjikode, Sultanpet and Andipatti. Performance of a 2 MW commercial wind turbine at these sites was simulated using WERA software. An interlinking programme correlating the result of above analysis with GIS was developed. Economics of wind energy conversion systems at these sites was estimated using above programme. It was found that the cost of wind energy in a kWh basis ranges from Rs.1.28 toRs.1.72 at the short listed sites. Based on economic viability, the site Kayattar was finally selected for the wind farm activity. Considering the wind potential and site constraints, a method was developed for micro-siting of the turbine at this site using Geographical Information System. Accordingly, elevation contour map, digital elevation model, velocity map, distance from boundary map, cut velocity map, suitability map and location map were developed. Optimal locations of the turbines for a 20 MW wind farm at this site were identified. Energy yield of individual turbines installed at the site were computed using WERA software. The total energy output of the wind farm is found to be 45927605.9 MWh.