Experiment Name: Wind Modeling Analysis.

Objective: 1. Wind modeling analysis on a given location, through Rayleigh and Weibull
probability density function determination.

2. Compare the calculated Rayleigh and Weibull plots.

Theory: In this era of huge energy demands and shortage of the existing conventional
energy sources, wind energy is one of the most established and cost-competitive renewable
energy sources. A wind turbine is an effective way to harness the energy contained in the
wind. Basically, the energy contained within the wind is in the form of kinetic energy. A
turbine transforms this kinetic energy into mechanical energy which is transformed into
electrical energy with the means of a generator. Energy produced by the turbine is
proportional to the energy contained in the wind column.

The Kinetic Energy of a stream of wind is given by:

1 1
KE = m v 2 = ρ(AΔx) v 2, where ρ is the air density, A is the cross section area of the stream
2 2
and Δx is in the direction of wind movement (mass = density x volume = density x area x
delta length = ρAΔx). Then the Wind Energy Density (Pw) is given by the derivative of KE
with respect to time, divided by the Area.
dKE 1 1 Δx 2 1 1 dx 2 1
Pw = . = . ρ.
dt A 2 dt( )
. v . , Pw = . ρ.
A 2 ( )
dt 2
2
. v = . ρ. v . v ,

1 watts
(
Pw= . ρ . v 3
2 meter 2)
Also, it’s important to note that the density of the air changes with temperature,
P Kg
ρ= ,
( )
( RT ) m3
Where P = Pressure, R = the Gas Constant, and T = Temperature. The air density, ρ, is
frequently assumed to be constant at sea level and equal to 1.2929 kg/m 3.

In order to install and to get the turbine working in good efficiency, there are many factors
to be considered such as: availability of direct wind, height of the location, average wind
speed and annual wind pattern. The studies about the various parameters are collectively
called as “wind performance monitoring”. The size and the generator characteristics of the
turbine can be decided only after the wind performance monitoring.

The energy contained in the wind varies exponentially in proportion with the velocity of the
wind. Logically, the best location for wind energy production would be somewhere where
there is a steady wind, from the same direction, and at a high enough speed for the turbine
to work at optimum efficiency as determined by its aerodynamics

Normally the wind measurements are made for a longer period of time for example, one
month, or two months. Because the data over a larger time period smoothens out the
occasional irregularities in wind distribution due to the prevailing weather conditions of the
location. The wind data is taken from an anemometer attached to the weather station
installed at the site. The anemometer gives the wind direction and the wind speed values.
The readings are fed into a data logger continuously for over a period of time.
The wind speed at which the turbine starts to spin from the rest is called “cut in” velocity
and the velocity at which the turbine stops out from rotation is called “cut off” velocity. So
the cut in and cut off velocities for the location can only be fixed after a detailed wind
distribution statistical study over a longer period. A statistical density function of the wind
velocity is needed. This will give someone investigating the feasibility of a wind production
facility at a particular location a better idea of how well it will work out. A density function
which shows most of its values falling in the optimum wind speed range will indicate a
potential treasure trove of wind energy.

Weibull density function: There is various density functions used for wind speed
monitoring. The most commonly used are Weibull density function and Rayleigh density
function. Weibull density function is two variable density function namely the scale
parameter(c) and shape parameter (k), while the Rayleigh density function a single variable
density function -wind speed (u).Which makes Weibull somewhat versatile and Rayleigh
somewhat simpler to use.
The wind speed u is described as Weibull distribution if its probability density function is
k u k−1 u k
f ( u )= ()
c c [ ( )]
exp −
c
; (k>0, u>0, c>1)

Where k is shape parameter, cis scale parameter and u is the wind speed. The Weibull
u k
[ ( )]
cumulative distribution function is given by, f ( u )=1−exp −
c
Rayleigh Distribution:
πu π u k
2 ú [ ( )]
The Rayleigh probability density function is given by f ( u )= 2 exp −
4 ú
π u k
The Rayleigh cumulative distribution function is f ( u )=1−exp −[ ( )]
4 ú

List of equipment: i) Anemometer, ii) Data Acquisition Module.

Procedure: i) Using Anemometer record the required data for wind modeling analysis.
ii) Using recorded data determine Rayleigh and Weibull probability density function.
iii) Plot separate graph for Rayleigh probability density function and Weibull probability
density function.
iv) Compare both the graph.

Outcome: The Weibull and Rayleigh density functions can give us a fairly accurate
depiction of the wind conditions of this site. These values can be used later on to predict the
power production capabilities of a turbine in the same site.

Fig- Weibull probability density function Fig- Rayleigh probability density function
Conclusion: With this experiment we learn how to analysis wind modeling on a given
location, through Rayleigh and Weibull probability density function. This experiment can
help us to build an efficient wind energy generated power plant at a particular location.