As already stated, the analysis part of the project was split into two stages, the validation of our methodology and an application of this methodology in some remote location.

Validation - Sites in the UK

The results of the prediction of wind resource and the energy production are subjects to uncertainty.

Uncertainty of the model for the transfer of the wind conditions from the long-term station to the potential site or the assessment of the terrain characteristics which is highly subjective are some of the uncertainties associated with the prediction of the wind resource. 

The uncertainty associated with the energy production may come from the uncertainty of the measured power curve. The model transferring the wind regime to a single wind turbine position plays also an important role when calculating the wind farm efficiency because of the wake effect of each turbine on the others which is particularly difficult to evaluate.

In order to minimize these uncertainties, a verification of the predicted results must be carried out. 

The validation of the method was conducted by comparing the reanalysis data with real measured data at already existing wind farm locations, both wind speed measurements and turbine power output.

We were able to obtain real measured data about operational wind farms, provided by Scottish Power (via SgurrEnergy). For reasons of commercial data protection, this information will not be given here. However the differences between our predicted computer model output and the real power output are provided below.

•  Comparison of Different Reanalysis Projects
•  Comparison of Reanalysis Data with Real Measured Data
•  Comparison of Model Prediction and Real Power Output

Case Study - India

After becoming confident the methodology had potential, a  few case sites were located and investigated. At the suggestion of SgurrEnergy, it was decided to investigate the wind resources in India for our main case study. After some background research, we narrowed down the best locations to make a resource model of. With some of the highest wind potential, proximity to existing or developing national grid and populated areas, Gujarat in the north west and Tamil Nadu in the south were chosen as areas warranting closer investigation.

• Site Locations
• Wind Regime
• Capacity Factors