An Evaluation of Wind Energy Characteristics for Four Different Locations in Balikesir

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation and evaluation of wind energy characteristics of four different regions in Balikesir, Turkey, namely, Gonen, Bandirma, Dursunbey, and Ayvalik. Wind speed data and wind direction measured in an hourly time-series format are statistically analyzed based on 2 years between 2006 and 2008. The probability density distributions are derived from time-series data and distributional parameters are identified. Wind energy potentials of the locations are studied based on Weibull and Rayleigh models and compared with each other. Energy output of different wind turbines analyzed, are obtained at only 100 m height at which the interested wind turbine is installed while the capacity factors of these wind turbines at different heights are analyzed.