Wind Resource Mapping
Definition
Wind resource mapping estimates wind speed, direction, turbulence, and shear across landscapes using measurements, reanalysis, and mesoscale models. Maps present long-term means and variability, corrected for terrain and surface roughness via micrositing models. Uncertainty is reported to avoid overpromising yield.
Application
Developers screen regions, utilities plan portfolios, and governments publish atlases. Resource maps underpin energy yield assessments and bankability.
FAQ
How do you validate modeled wind maps?
Compare to mast or lidar data with long overlap, adjust biases, and quantify uncertainty; avoid relying solely on reanalysis at coarse grids.
Why include turbulence intensity and shear?
They affect turbine loads, noise, and power curves; sites with similar mean speed can differ in suitability due to turbulence.
How do land cover changes impact resources?
Afforestation or urban growth increases roughness and reduces speeds; update maps as landscapes change.
What time horizons matter for investors?
At least 10-year climatologies with interannual variability, plus scenarios for climate-driven shifts over project lifetimes.
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