Detailed analysis of a 550-MW installed capacity wind farm in Saudi Arabia

The study presents the wind speed data, frequency distribution, local wind shear exponent, energy yield, air density, and turbulence intensity analysis for a site located in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Overall mean wind speed values at 20, 30, and 40 m above ground level were 4.72, 5.34, and 5.74 m/s respectively. The mean local wind shear exponent and air density were found to be 0.302 and 1.126 kg/m³ respectively. Lower turbulence intensities were noticed at higher altitudes. The proposed wind farm of 550 MW installed capacity could generate 2433.8 GWh of electricity with a plant capacity factor of 50.3% during the year. The study found that during the entire year of operation, the wind turbines remained calm for 3.9% of the time and operated at rated capacity for 9.3% of the time. Overall, noticeable seasonal and diurnal patterns were observed for all the parameters studied in the present scope of the work.