Comparison of the goodness-of-fit of intelligent-optimized wind speed distributions and calculation in high-altitude wind-energy potential assessment

Abstract

Wind energy is an indispensable component of the power supply. To date, the majority of wind energy is generated based on the surface wind energy projects; however, it has a few technical limitations in satisfying the increasing power demand. Recently, more promising high-altitude wind energy projects (HAWEP) were started around the world using the emerging airborne wind power technology. This process technically requires the determination of high-altitude wind-energy potential for appropriately planning HAWEP. Nevertheless, most of the previous wind-energy potential assessment studies have considered only the wind energy close to the surface; few studies have focused on high-altitude wind energy. To bridge this gap, this study implements a comprehensive assessment of the high-altitude wind-energy potential of offshore China. The assessment applies the intelligent-optimized single and combined distributions to fit the high-altitude wind speed of 20 study sites and identifies the top-ranked distributions. Wind power density and available time are estimated and the general features of high-altitude wind-energy potential in the study area are discussed. The findings of this study can provide valuable suggestions for developing differentiated policies for HAWEP planning.