Wind mixing ratio refers to the ratio of wind speed at a certain height to the wind speed at the height of the wind turbine rotor. This ratio is used to estimate the wind resource available for energy production and is an important factor in wind project design. The wind mixing ratio is influenced by several factors, including the height of the wind turbine, the surrounding terrain, and atmospheric stability.
In wind project design, the wind mixing ratio is used to determine the best location and placement of wind turbines. A wind project developer must consider the wind mixing ratio to ensure that the turbines are placed in an area with a sufficient wind resource for energy production. The wind mixing ratio is also used to calculate the expected energy output of the wind project, which is a critical factor in determining the financial viability of the project.
One of the key factors that affects the wind mixing ratio is atmospheric stability. Stability refers to the vertical stability of the atmosphere and is influenced by temperature and humidity. Stable atmospheric conditions result in a low wind mixing ratio, while unstable atmospheric conditions result in a high wind mixing ratio. As a result, wind project developers must consider atmospheric stability when selecting the location and placement of wind turbines.
Another factor that affects the wind mixing ratio is the surrounding terrain. The topography of the surrounding area can cause the wind to interact with the terrain and create complex wind patterns. For example, hills and mountains can cause the wind to accelerate and create areas of high wind speed. Wind project developers must consider the surrounding terrain when selecting the location and placement of wind turbines to ensure that the turbines are placed in areas with a sufficient wind resource.
Finally, the height of the wind turbine also affects the wind mixing ratio. As the height of the wind turbine increases, the wind speed at the rotor also increases, resulting in a higher wind mixing ratio. However, taller wind turbines also require more complex and expensive components, making it important to balance the benefits of a higher wind mixing ratio with the costs of the components.
The wind mixing ratio is an important factor in wind project design. Wind project developers must consider the wind mixing ratio when selecting the location and placement of wind turbines to ensure that the turbines are placed in an area with a sufficient wind resource. By considering factors such as atmospheric stability, surrounding terrain, and the height of the wind turbine, wind project developers can optimize the design of the wind project for maximum energy production and financial viability.
References:
Musial, W. D., & Gifford, J. (2018). Wind energy handbook (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Archer, C. L., & Jacobson, M. Z. (2005). Evaluation of global wind power. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 110(D12), D12110.
Lundquist, J. K., & Milford, R. B. (2015). Mixing height and atmospheric stability influence on wind energy. Renewable Energy, 76, 200-208.