Statistical analysis of wind characteristics using Weibull and Rayleigh distributions in Deokjeok-do Island - Incheon, South Korea

Wind data measured at the site location called Deokjeok-do Island - Incheon, South Korea, has been analyzed by the two-parameter Weibull probability density function in order to estimate the wind energy potential. Wind data collected at 10 m height, including wind speed and wind direction, recorded for seventeen years (2000-2016) with one minute time interval. Detailed analysis of wind data has been carried out using different statistical parameters in order to understand the wind characteristics and to predict the wind behavior during different years, seasons, months, days and every hour. Throughout the analysis of wind characteristics, it is found that during all the seasons most of the winds either come from east-south (ES) or from south-west (SW) with the maximum magnitude of below 8 m/s but mostly between 2 and 3 m/s. Main wind directions are due to the climate characteristics of Korea and the geographical features of the studied region. Weibull shape and scale parameters for the region have also been analyzed for all years, months and seasons. Based on the statistical analysis of wind conditions presented here, the results of current study can be used to make a sustainable energy plan for Deokjeok-do. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.