Potential for wind generation on the Guyana coastlands

Guyanas dependence upon imported petroleum fuels can only be offset by the sustained exploitation of its indigenous resources. With its populated coastlands exposed to the northeast trade winds and a history of small-scale wind energy utilisation wind is one such potential energy source. In this stu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Renewable energy 1999-10, Vol.18 (2), p.175-189
Main Authors: Persaud, Shashi, Flynn, Damian, Fox, Brendan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Energy
Exact sciences and technology
Natural energy
Wind energy
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Summary:Guyanas dependence upon imported petroleum fuels can only be offset by the sustained exploitation of its indigenous resources. With its populated coastlands exposed to the northeast trade winds and a history of small-scale wind energy utilisation wind is one such potential energy source. In this study, the coastal wind regime is analysed and historical data from a coastal weather station are used to estimate the potential for wind generation. It is found that a hybrid Weibull probability density function best describes the annual wind speed frequency distribution at the reference height of 10.67 m. With an annual mean wind speed of 5.8 m⧸s, an energy pattern factor of 1.41, and an annual average power density of 159 W⧸m 2, this distribution represents a class-3 wind resource, suitable for most wind turbine applications. Site analysis and observed trends in coastal wind availability suggest the strong likelihood of a greater wind resource in more open locations. In view of its apparent potential for wind farm operation, a comprehensive, wind resource assessment programme is recommended for the Guyana coastlands.
ISSN:0960-1481
1879-0682
DOI:10.1016/S0960-1481(98)00793-9