Environmental factors affecting wind energy generation in western coastal region of India

Abstract

The environmental factors — wind, temperature, humidity, pressure, precipitation, lightning directly or indirectly, independently or in combination with others affect wind energy generation. The saline atmosphere prevailing in the region causes static and dynamic stresses due to cyclic thermal / mechanical / electrical environments resulting in the failure of equipment and transmission line components. In this paper impact of these factors on 68.55 MW wind farm situated at western coastal region of India is discussed. The paper demonstrates the need for quality material specifications for equipment structures and transmission line components with consideration of effects of adverse environments.