Welcome to the world of wind energy Site Selection Dr. D. V. Kanellopoulos OPWP Renewable Energy Training Program 11-14 December 2016 Muscat, Oman 1
The role of topography in wind resource Strong winds over open sea, roughness class CL0 Deceleration over flat land and forests, roughness Class CL1 Acceleration over hills, roughness Class CL2 Gradual deceleration as we move inland, roughness Class CL3 The Danish wind atlas
Wind turbines on the coast, Denmark
Wind turbines on costal areas
Topography accelerates and creates turbulence in wind Laminar flow Turbulent flow Wind profiles
Topography induced velocity gradients
Topography induced velocity gradients, experimental verification of profiles A 20% increase in speed needs 122 m in height A 20% increase in speed needs 32 m in height only
The effects of ridge orientation and shape on wts site suitability V(hill) could be =2*V (flat plane)
Buildings affecting wind flow h Turbulent region 7-20 * h
Model simulations and wind tunnel experiments show areas of turbulent flows
Multi MW wts are placed high above the ground or the sea surface
Wind flows affected by trees
Wind farm in a mixed forest-agricultural area
Wind farms in forest, tall towers used
Question: can the shape of the trees tell us something about the wind speed magnitude or the prevailing wind direction in the area?
Flagging Prevailing wind directions are more than evident there!
In a case like this one we are almost certain where are the prevailing winds are coming from.
Office work
Methodology for site selection for wind farms Office work 1st Sitting is exiting! A particular site might produce many surprises to a future investor! Preparing a trip to the site requires work in the office and search for information regarding the site such as maps, meteorological data from stations near by, other operational wind farms data, existing wind measurements, modeling and a 4X4 car!
The maps, can be found in paper or digital forms Scale 1:50.000 www.road.gr www.gys.gr
Maps scaled 1:5.000, great for preliminary wind farm layouts
Google maps are useful
Identify other wts, measure distances Andros Kalivari wind farm, PPCR S.A. 7 wts, 225 kw nominal power
Fly over the sites! Google Earth, get 3D views!
Height, AGL Distance Max slope Average slope Slope at any point Google Earth can produce useful cross section an any direction we like
Search for existing wind resource maps http://www.cres.gr/kape/datainfo/maps.htm
National designated forests, protected areas from industrial projects Click on the triangles gives info www.minagric.gr
MUST make a note of the following: The site questionnaire 1. Name of location, see map, or use near by local toponym 2. Mark the location on your maps, if using a GPS it will be very precise and is recommended. Smart phone GPS are a good approximation. A camera with a GPS is a good means in taking pictures as well as recoding longitude and latitude. 3. Check if proposed site lies within a restricted zone Alt! Military installations
The site questionnaire Mark on your maps traditional settlements and monasteries, sites that might be of archeological interest and are not on the maps! Proximity to villages, towns, airstrips Municipal airports
Kos, Greece, take off and landing flight path http://www.hcaa.gr/en/our-airports Wild life reserve The HCAA issues permissions for putting up masts
The site questionnaire, telecommunication and TV towers, permissions needed! Is there room for me too please?
The site questionnaire And now a subjective question: Do you consider the site to be an area of outstanding natural beauty? Will the future wind farm crate a negative visual impact on the area? A few big wts Aerial photo of Wind Farm, Tehachapi, California, CA United States, large number of small wind turbines. Moni Toplou, Crete, wind farm
Transportation issues regarding the site Mmmm I found the perfect site, V(year)= 9 m/s at 10 m AGL A road survey is necessary Quality of access road, can it take the heavy loads? Can it accommodate the long pieces such as towers and long blades? Is a new road necessary?
Transportation issues regarding the site A 62 m blade
A turbine blade convoy passing through Edenfield in the U.K. (2008).
Train, Denver, USA Accident in France Specialized equipment Transport specialists are in demand
Transportation issues regarding the site A hydraulic lifter, which allows lifting the wind blade up to approximately 45º. Doing so it can guarantee important saving on the civil works, above all in mountainous areas where important earthworks have to be realized to reach the wind park. It has to be used together with a 5 axle low loader. The biggest problem is that in many countries it couldn t be used on the public roads, due to restriction the maximum height of the load (around 5 meters).
The future wts transporters, could look like this one! Unique airship with 66-ton payload capacity provides an efficient, ecological alternative means of component transportation
From a main road to a mountainous ridge
Access road Road widening Wind farm site
A simulation rehearsal might be necessary
Photomontage of the future site Make a note of all other activities in the area. Speak with the locals, they know everything!
Make sketches, measure certain distances, mark photos, mark exact locations of photos with a GPS for accuracy
Photos will help identify also the roughness areas needed for future energy calculations as well as the permitting procedure and the environmental impact assessment studies.
Remember to take with me: Maps GPS, with extra batteries Camera, for photos and short videos, with extra batteries Smart phone, could be useful if in range! Compass, a classic saver! Pencil and paper NEVER go alone anywhere, topographic engineer is a good companion and an extra driver if needed. Get the weather report before you start survey. Let someone know where are you heading just in case. Hey, I can help too