An Approach to Determine the Weibull Parameters and Wind Power Analysis of Saint Martin’s Island, Bangladesh

School of Renewable Energy, Maejo University, Sansai, Chiang Mai 50290, Thailand

Abstract

This paper explores wind speed distribution using Weibull probability distribution and Rayleigh distribution methods that are proven to provide accurate and efficient estimation of energy output in terms of wind energy conversion systems. Two parameters of Weibull (shape and scale parameters k and c respectively) and scale parameter of Rayleigh distribution have been determined based on hourly time-series wind speed data recorded from October 2014 to October 2015 at Saint Martin’s island, Bangladesh. This research has been carried out to examine three numerical methods namely Graphical Method (GM), Empirical Method (EM), Energy Pattern Factor method (EPF) to estimate Weibull parameters. Also, Rayleigh distribution method has been analyzed throughout the study. The results in the research revealed that the Graphical method followed by Empirical method and Energy Pattern Factor method were the most accurate and efficient way for determining the value of k and c to approximate wind speed distribution in terms of estimating power error. Rayleigh distribution gives the most power error in the research. Potential for wind energy development in Saint Martin’s island, Bangladesh as found from the data analysis has been explained in this paper.