Combining meteorological stations and satellite data to evaluate the offshore wind power resource of Southeastern Brazil

Felipe Pimenta, Willett Kempton and Richard Garvine

Renewable Energy, 2008, vol. 33, issue 11, 2375-2387

Abstract: Wind is strong and steady over the ocean, but on-site marine meteorological data are sparse for evaluation of oceanic wind power. Here, we draw on meteorological station, satellite data (QuikSCAT), and both theoretical and practical measures of wind turbine performance. The meteorological stations measure directly at high time resolution but low spacial resolution, and provide validation and adjustment of the satellite data. The satellite data provide near-complete spacial coverage at lower time resolution. For the southern coast of Brazil, we use both data sets to evaluate the location, seasonal timing, and availability of the wind power resource. Then, using bathymetry and the properties of current wind-electric technology, we develop maps of wind speed, wind power density, and practical turbine output in power units (MW). In the shallower waters of south Brazil, the most favorable conditions are along the coast between 28°S and 33°S. In just this one coastal area, we find a total resource of 102GW average electrical production, approximately equal to the electric demand of the entire country.

Keywords: Wind power resources; Offshore buoys; Satellite; QuikSCAT; South America; Brazil (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (50)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:33:y:2008:i:11:p:2375-2387

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2008.01.012

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