The Use of the Weibull Three-Parameter Model for Estimating Mean Wind Power Densities

L. Van Der Auwera Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium, Brussels

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F. De Meyer Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium, Brussels

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L. M. Malet Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium, Brussels

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Abstract

The Weibull three-parameter model is discussed for estimation of mean wind power densities. This probability density function is a generalization of a number of more conventional density functions. Using wind speed observations, it is shown that this model generally gives a more reliable fit to the empirical wind speed frequency data than the density functions with one or two parameters. Wind power density estimations turn out to be strongly dependent on the hypothesized probability density function. The variation with height of the three parameters of the discussed model is investigated; no simple height dependence can be proposed.

Abstract

The Weibull three-parameter model is discussed for estimation of mean wind power densities. This probability density function is a generalization of a number of more conventional density functions. Using wind speed observations, it is shown that this model generally gives a more reliable fit to the empirical wind speed frequency data than the density functions with one or two parameters. Wind power density estimations turn out to be strongly dependent on the hypothesized probability density function. The variation with height of the three parameters of the discussed model is investigated; no simple height dependence can be proposed.

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