Preliminary Wind Turbine Assessment Using Urban Scaling Factors in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Abstract - It is well known that wind energy applications are most effective in wide open areas. As shown in the literature, rather than completely discard the location of wind turbines in urban areas, the reduction in power generation for wind turbines near building structures can be estimated through the use of scaling factors. This paper explores the opportunity to incorporate wind energy alternatives at urban locations as well as the possibility of using such scaling factors to the design of small-scale wind energy systems in Puerto Rico. The project considers the development of an engineering design tool for the evaluation of the actual performance of wind turbines in proximity to building obstructions. The program predicts the expected wind energy production for a wind turbine in close proximity to a building. The user’s input consists of the desired wind energy production, the average free-field wind velocity and the site characteristics. The output of the program provides a suggested wind turbine model and the estimated energy production. Key Terms - Renewable Energy, Urban Scaling Factors, Wind Energy, Wind Turbine Selection.