Comparative analysis of Weibull parameters for wind data measured from met-mast and remote sensing techniques

The remote sensing techniques are gaining attention worldwide for the comprehensive assessment of wind resource in flat, complex, and mountainous terrain. This paper presents an attempt to increase the confidence on remote sensing technique to compute Weibull parameters at higher heights for assessment of wind energy resource. The measurement campaign was conducted at Kayathar, Tamil Nadu, India. The 10 min average time series wind speed data for the period of one month (September 2014) were recorded simultaneously at 80 m and 100 m using cup anemometer installed in the proximity of 120 m meteorological mast, Second Wind Triton SODAR (Sound Detection and Ranging) and Continuous wave wind LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). The data obtained from this measurement were analyzed and Weibull parameters were evaluated using nine different methods. The applicability of nine methods for calculation of Weibull parameters is analyzed based on statistical analysis i.e. Root Mean Square Error Test, Coefficient of Determination, Mean Absolute Percentage Error, and Chi-square Test for both measuring techniques. This study also shows the performance of remote sensing technology by comparing with result obtained from met mast. The outcome of this study is expected to encourage the deployment of remote sensing techniques at Indian sites. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.