Wind Study Assessment

Wind Assessment Options

ICE Renewables offers three types of wind study options:

 1) Hub height metrological (met) mast on site for 6 months. This study is compliant with IEC61400-1 2005 and facilities the lower level of liquidated damages to be included in the warranty contract.

2) Modelled wind report based on Vortex wind data surrounding the site coupled with computational fluid dynamic report modelling turbulence across the turbine from relevant wind speeds and directions.

The benefits of this type of report are:-

• 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.

This study is compliant with IEC61400-1 2005 and facilitates the lower level of liquidated damages to be included in the warranty contract.

3. Hub height met mast on site for 12 months. This is compliant with IEC61400-1 2005 study offers the maximum amount of liquidated damages to be included in the warranty contract.

 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

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 Vortex MAST 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 Vortex MAST and CFD allows you to retain the high performance sites for your own portfolio.

What is a Vortex MAST

Vortex MAST wind study assessment is a site specific, hub height wind data tool 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.