Estimating vertical wind power density using tower observation and empirical models over varied desert steppe terrain in northern China

Abstract. A complex and varied terrain has a great impact on the distribution of wind energy resources, resulting in uncertainty accurately assessing resources. In this study, three speed distributions kernel, Weibull, Rayleigh type for estimating average power density were first compared by using meteorological tower data from 2018 to 2020 under desert steppe contexts northern China. Then key parameters scale factor (c) shape (k) Weibull model surface roughness (z0) investigated resource. The results show that is most suitable over terrain. increases with an increase height, exhibiting obvious form function, while there two different forms relationship between height: i.e., reciprocal quadratic function logarithmic respectively. estimated length withering period, growing lush which can be represented median value each period. maximum minimum values whole period are 0.15 0.12 m, power-law used estimate at six specific heights, greater differences autumn winter, smaller spring summer. gradient height largest smallest Our findings suggest dynamic changes (c, k, z0) should considered resources contexts.