Wind resource assessment for designing of Wind farms in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Wind energy conversion at potential sites would be an alternative solution for the existing energy crisis. In recen: years, there has been growing interest in utilizing wind electric power conversion systems to provide some of the electricity demand on large scale. This study is carried out to investigate the feasibility of wind energy extraction systems for electric power generation in Sri Lanka. Wind data collected by Ceylon Electricity Board(CEB), at eight sites of southern Sri Lanka are analyzed. One of the objectives is to carry out an analysis on the available wind speed data at measured heights to evaluate surface roughness exponent and thereby estimate the probable speec at a height of 30m, which is the selected hub height of the wind turbine and the parameter Mean Annual Wind Speed. Annual energy extraction and plant factors at selected eight sites are calculated for a 300kW horizontal axis stall regulated wind turbine.