Weibull Parameters Estimation Using Four Different Methods and Most Energy-Carrying Wind Speed Analysis

Abstract

The study presents the analysis of wind speed data from seven stations in Saudi Arabia, measured at 20, 30, and 40 m height above ground level (AGL) over a period varying from 2 to 5 years. Specifically, Weibull parameters were calculated using five different methods, four of them based on the statistical analysis of the collected data and a fifth one based on WAsP algorithm used in WindoGrapher software. The calculated values using the five different methods were found to be in good agreement at all the measurement heights. The correlation between the monthly mean values of Weibull scale parameter and the measured wind speed values was found to be linear for all the sites. The linear coefficient ‘a’ was found to be site's characteristic value and independent of the height AGL for most of the locations. Moreover, linearity has been substantiated between the monthly mean wind power density (WPD) and the corresponding measured wind speed for all the stations, with linear coefficients ‘a’ directly proportional to height AGL. Finally, the values of Weibull shape parameter (k) were found to be independent of height AGL, while that of scale parameter (c) varying with height.

Keywords:

• Weibull distribution
• Shape parameter (k)
• Scale parameter (c)
• Most probable wind speed
• Maximum energy-carrying wind speed

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Ioannina, Seferi 2, 30100 Agrinio, Greece, and the Center for Engineering Research, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, KFUPM Box 767, Dhahran-31261, Saudi Arabia.