Wind Energy Potential Assessment and Techno-Economic Performance of Wind Turbines in Coastal Sites of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

GENCHI, SIBILA A.; VITALE, ALEJANDRO J.; PICCOLO, M. CINTIA; PERILLO, GERARDO M. E.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GREEN ENERGY

TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC

Año: 2014 vol. 16 p. 352 - 365

1543-5075

An assessment of wind energy potential was carried out in five sites (four onshore and one offshore) in South-West (SW) of Buenos Aires province (Argentina). We use high-resolution wind data (2 and 5 min) for the period 2009?2012. The power law was used to estimate the wind speed at 30, 40, and 60 m height from the anemometer position. Turbulence intensity and wind direction were analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted using two-parameter Weibull distribution. A techno-economic analysis based on a set of commercial wind turbines was performed in those sites. The results derived from this work indicate that the SW of Buenos Aires province represents a promising area for the wind energy extraction, which would encourage the construction of wind farms for electricity generation.