Estimation of Weibull parameters using graphical method for wind energy applications

Wind power resources are abundant in India; as a result the wind power industry has entered a period of rapid growth, and has been facing new challenges currently. Wind power is environment friendly and renewable in nature. The wind is caused by an air in motion and is produced by the uneven heating of the earth´s surface by the sun. The wind speed has been one of the most significant parameter in the design and investigation of wind energy conversion systems (WECS). The objective of the present research paper is to assess the feasibility of wind power generation for a new site in Himachal Pradesh using micro-turbines. The major contribution of this paper, envisages two parameters, i.e., shape and scale parameter based Weibull distribution model for investigating wind speed variations and Weibull parameters calculation by Least Squares Fit Method (LSM) also known as Linear regression model using graphical method. This research work shows that the hilly site of Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh has good wind power potential and large magnitude of winds have been available for power generation during the months of March to June suitable for low wind power generation.