Comprehensive Analysis of Diurnal Wind Power Density Variations for Optimizing Wind Energy Integration in Coastal Regions of India

The global shift towards sustainable energy underscores the increasing importance of wind power in the energy transition. However, there is a scarcity of studies focusing on diurnal variations in wind energy potential across different sites, leading to potential inaccuracies in energy generation estimates. This study addresses this gap by conducting a thorough investigation into the diurnal patterns of wind power density (WPD) at 30 m and 60 m hub heights for six coastal Indian sites spanning the period 1969-2007.

Hourly wind speed data obtained from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) for these locations formed the basis for a detailed analysis using the Weibull distribution model. The study highlights the crucial need to account for diurnal fluctuations in wind speed, as overlooking them may result in overestimating night-time and underestimating daytime WPD.

Key findings include the identification of Tuticorin as exhibiting the highest diurnal WPD, reaching a peak of 714.53 W/m2 in July at the 60 m hub height, while Mormugao experienced the lowest diurnal WPD during December. Substantial variations in WPD were observed between day and night, emphasizing the necessity of considering diurnal wind speed fluctuations for accurate energy generation predictions.

The implications of this study extend beyond mere data analysis. The results have practical significance for designing and sizing energy storage systems to ensure uninterrupted energy supply throughout the day and night. Additionally, the findings can guide the installation of hybrid energy storage systems, contributing to reduced operational costs and environmental impacts.

The study concludes with recommendations for further research, suggesting the implementation of energy storage systems and hybrid systems for selected locations studied. Energy storage systems are deemed essential for balancing intermittent wind energy generation, while the integration of wind and solar resources in hybrid systems could optimize overall renewable energy generation. The insights gained from this study provide a foundation for developing region-specific renewable energy systems tailored to unique wind characteristics, emphasizing the importance of energy storage and hybrid solutions for a reliable and uninterrupted power supply.

In summary, this study contributes valuable insights into the diurnal variations of wind power density in coastal regions of India, offering a comprehensive understanding of the wind energy potential in these areas. These insights serve as a basis for the development of sustainable and efficient renewable energy systems, highlighting the critical role of energy storage and hybrid solutions in ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply.