Wind speed extrapolation methods and their effect on energy generation estimation

Wind speed profile in the atmospheric layer is critical factor for wind turbine capacity factor estimation. Prior to the installation of wind farm, it is essential to estimate expected energy output in order to assess the economic viability of the project. Wind speeds measurements are generally carried out at 10 or 30 m whereas most turbines in commercial use at present have hub heights between 60 and 100 m. Therefore, wind speed measurements are extrapolated to the wind turbine hub height. In this paper, 16 different extrapolation methods were reviewed and compared to determine wind speed, power density and their energy generation estimation capability. Two different error analyses were used to determine the best method. Utilized wind data was gathered from Turkey for 10, 30 and 50 m.