Abstract
Wind resource assessment (WRA) is the process of estimating a wind turbine's future energy production and is a key factor in the successful installation, operation, and performance of a small wind turbine (SWT). The definition of SWTs varies from country to country. For example, the US Department of Energy and Japan's NipponKaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) define SWTs as having a power rating less than or equal to 100 kW and 20 kW, respectively. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) SWT design standard IEC61400-2 considers parameters other than power rating and defines SWTs as having a rotor swept area smaller than or equal to 200 m2, generating electricity at a voltage below 1,000-V AC or 1,500-V DC for both on-grid and off-grid applications. The level of detail and analysis in WRA typically increases with turbine size and cost. On the upper end of the SWT range, a simplified WRA might be followed by a more detailed analysis and feasibility study that includes on-site data collection to reduce risk.
