Assessment of wind energy potential of Trombay, Mumbai (19.1°N; 72.8°E), India

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the analysis of wind speed data for one calendar year (1995) at Trombay Hill top station (about 300 m above mean sea level (MSL)) along with the wind energy potential of the site. Seasonal and diurnal trends in the monthly averaged hourly totals of wind energy estimated from observed wind speeds at the site are established. The frequency distribution of observed hourly wind speeds occurring at the station, especially for wind speeds greater than or equal to 2.2 and 3.0 m/s (cut-in speed of a typical low and medium power wind mill respectively) is examined. Altitudinal differences in the wind energy potential are also discussed in relation to similar results at another lower elevation location, Training school station (about 60 m above MSL) in Trombay. The study reveals that a low and medium power wind mill can be operated at the site with an annual availability factor of about 76% and 57%, respectively. The period from March to August could be more suitable for its operation because of the larger monthly availability factor during this period compared to the September to February period. The annual range of the estimated hourly total of wind energy is from 1.9×10 3 J.m −2 to 7.1×10 5 J.m −2 with an average of 9.5×10 4 J.m −2. Also, the annual availability factor for the higher altitude location is larger by about 23% and 28% compared to that at the lower elevation location at the same site for low and medium power wind mill operation respectively.