Factors Affecting the Distribution of Wind Energy on the

Surface of Earth
Several factors are responsible for distribution of wind energy on the surface of earth.
Some factors work globally while others have limited local influence. Both global and
local factors influence the availability of wind energy at a particular site. The extent of
influence of each factor varies from site to site.
(i) On planetary level, great mountain massifs influence the circulation of air
currents.
(ii) Surface roughness or friction, owing to the resistance that different elements
of the earth’s surface offer to air circulation affects the nature of wind.
Hills, trees, buildings and similar obstructions impair streamline airflow.
Turbulence results and the wind velocity in a horizontal direction get
markedly reduced. Frictional effect is less on smooth area such as sea or
large open area and more in rough urban area with tall buildings or trees etc.
Therefore, wind speed is quite high at seashore.
(iii) Climatic disturbances such as downdraught from thunderclouds and
precipitation, etc., also affect the local winds.
(iv) Wind speed also increases while passing through narrow mountain gaps,
where it gets channeled.

7.3 NATURE OF WINDS

To be able to understand and predict the performance of wind turbines it is essential
to have some knowledge of the behavior and structure of wind. This is also required
for proper design of supporting structure to carry the imposed load safely and at
an economically viable cost. The behavior and structure of the wind varies from
site to site depending on the general climate of the region, the physical geometry of
the locality, the surface condition of the terrain around the site and various other
factors.
Rapid fluctuations in the wind velocity over a wide range of frequencies and
amplitudes, due to turbulence caused by mechanical mixing of lower layers of
atmosphere by surface roughness are commonly known as gusts.
The Beaufort scale, a wind speed classification, gives a description of the effect
of the wind. It was initially designed for sailors and described the sea state, but has