Wind Assessment Options
ICE Renewables offers three types of wind study
1. Modelled wind report based on Met Office data surrounding the site coupled with computational fluid dynamic report modelling turbulence across the turbine from relevant wind speeds and directions.
2. Hub height metrological (met) mast on site for 6 months
3. Hub height met mast on site for 12 months
All of these studies are compliment with ICE61400-1 2005
The type of study chosen will be dependent on a range of factors;
- The surrounding topography of the site may be overly rough or be on a valley slope, or in close proximity to hills, trees or buildings in which case a minimum 6 month metrological (met) mast study may be required.
- The NOABL wind speed is excessive or insufficient.
- Preferred methodology of your financers
The wind report that we was prepared has allowed us to progress the project with more certainty over the financial return that will be available. While the NOABL database is useful it only looks at an individual grid square whereas the virtual met mast and CFD report give a far greater level of accuracy. Combined with the warranty that is reliant upon the wind study we are now even more confident in proceeding with the project. James Fulton, Practitioner, Berry Brothers
Benefits of a Wind Study assessment
ICE Renewables wind monitoring packages have a range of benefits
- Wind speed assessment and turbulence assessment are often required to gain financial support for a project.
- An assessment ensures you have good wind speed
- Give potential site investors even more confidence in your project
- More informed turbine positioning leads to more profitable sites
- Wind turbine manufacturers including Vergnet require firm wind speed and turbulence data in order to supply the correct turbine for the site
- Vergnet offer 2, 5 and 7 year warranty options on the wind turbine which includes a warranted power curve. The warranted power curve has related liquated damage
In particular the VMM and CFD reporting provides even greater extra benefits.
- It can be done post consent
- It does not require planning permission
- It saves time
- It is the lowest cost option of the studies available.
- There is greater accuracy and confidence at an earlier stage in the project reducing future risk
- Problems can be identified early (e.g. high turbulence) and addressed accordingly
- The ability to assess sites with a high degree of confidence much more quickly.
- For land investment models, the VMM and CFD allows you to retain the high performance sites for your own portfolio.
What is a Virtual Met Mast
VMM is a site specific, hub height wind data tool specially designed by the Met Office for wind turbine developers and consultants. It offers clear and reliable analyses to help you make informed decisions about your investment.
What is Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
CFD is used to calculate the flow field at the turbine site and this approach models the geography and topography of the site. The resolution of the computed data matches the resolution of the input data i.e. if geographic data is provided that is accurate to the nearest metre, flow quantities are available to the same resolution. The CFD gives an accurate assessment of the yield of a wind turbine at a specific location on a given site over a set period of time. It also includes the turbulence level at the wind turbine location averaged over the time period.
Virtual Met Mast and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Report.
This scope of works includes:-
Met Office report assessing:-
- Monthly mean wind speed statistics
- Whole year and monthly wind roses
- Wind speed distributions and Weilbull statistics
- Wind speed exceedence statistics
The results of this report are then utilised in a CFD software model assessing:
- Detailed turbulence across the whole turbine
- Revised wind speed taking into account detailed turbulence levels
- Wake effect where pertinent
- The opportunity for controlling the turbine at certain wind speeds and directions to allow installation in location where an infrequent site specific turbulent condition may otherwise constraint the site.
- Where a site visit has previously been undertaken by ICE Renewables a Site suitability Certificate signed off by Vergnet.
- A budget financial model based on the finalised wind speed.
These reports can be completed within 5 – 6 weeks and be undertaken post consent.
Met Mast
In more complex cases we will have to do a scope of for a met mast installation include the following:-
- Planning application for met mast
- Site assessment to consider location and required anchorage.
- Delivery and installation of mast.
- De-commissioning of mast
- Hire of mast
- Monitoring and reporting to include
Recommended options:- 6 months or 12 months.
I am delighted to take on this role and work with my colleagues on the committee and at Renewable UK to ensure we continue to provide direction and support for the small and medium wind sector. The growth of this sector is set to continue to rise and it is vital that it does so with workable standards to protect both the consumer and the reputation of the industry.
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