FACTORIAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED FACTORS AFFECTING THE ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION OF ONSHORE WIND FARMS

Wind energy is increasingly used as a way to generate electricity for consumers around the world. Previous research has revealed that energy produced in wind farms is dependent on many different factors. However, a detailed study of those factors and quantification of their impact on the performance of wind farms has been lacking. This study assesses significant meteorological and wind farm general design factors affecting the annual electricity production of U.S. onshore wind farms. Two case studies were analyzed to quantify the effect of wind speed, precipitation and temperature on the annual power output of major onshore wind farms in the State of Texas and across the United States. MINITAB was used to conduct factorial analysis of eight parameters. Wind speeds between 11.1 and 11.6 mph produce the highest annual production of the selected wind farms. Results are discussed in detail to reveal the significance of selected factors to the onshore wind farm energy output. 2011 by Begell House, Inc.

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