Wind resource assesment and turbine selection: case study for Mannar, Sri Lanka

Abstract

In deploying a large scale wind power plant, there are several aspects that have to be assessed. Among them the initial site screening for wind power plants, wind data assessment and proper selection of wind turbines are vital for the success of the project. This paper presents a step by step analysis in selecting a wind turbine, as a case study for Sri Lanka, where it has a substantial amount of wind energy that can be harnessed for power generation. Mannar area is identified as the candidate site with the high wind potential it exhibits throughout the year. After a detailed analysis of the wind resource in Mannar area, Gamesa-114 2 MW wind turbine is selected as the most suitable wind turbine for this particular area of Sri Lanka.