Wind Fabric Diagrams and Their Application to Wind Energy Analysis

Briant L. Davis Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City 57701

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Michael W. Ekern Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City 57701

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Abstract

By means of the Lambert projection, wind vector data may be plotted onto a frequency map. The resulting diagram portrays the “wind fabric” for the data sample of a single station or for groups of stations. The area-true distribution of wind vectors is thus given in great detail and allows several standard tests for homogeneity and anomaly significance. By using a “swinging plate” device the wind energy density and wind power can be calculated for any velocity-compass heading sector of the diagram desired and allows for a universal scaling of the velocity variable of the diagram.

Abstract

By means of the Lambert projection, wind vector data may be plotted onto a frequency map. The resulting diagram portrays the “wind fabric” for the data sample of a single station or for groups of stations. The area-true distribution of wind vectors is thus given in great detail and allows several standard tests for homogeneity and anomaly significance. By using a “swinging plate” device the wind energy density and wind power can be calculated for any velocity-compass heading sector of the diagram desired and allows for a universal scaling of the velocity variable of the diagram.

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