UBC ATSC 313 course project
Wind Energy Site Assessment
I compared three proposed wind farm sites in the Peace Region of British Columbia using wind climatology and topographic maps.
- Course
- Renewable Energy Meteorology
- Region
- Peace Region, British Columbia
- Sites
- Three proposed locations
- Recommendation
- Site C
01 · Assignment
Compare the three locations
The assessment considered mapped wind speeds, wind-power potential, terrain exposure, mountain and valley effects, and the risk of turbulent airflow. The goal was to identify the strongest location and explain the operating constraints at each site.
02 · Site comparison
Wind and terrain conditions
Downwind of a mountain ridge, with moderate potential and a risk of turbulent mountain wakes.
A sheltered valley location with the lowest mapped wind speed and wind-power potential.
An exposed, flattened ridgetop with the strongest mapped wind and the fewest terrain obstructions.
03 · Recommendation
Select Site C
I recommended Site C because it had the highest mapped wind speeds and wind-power potential. Its exposed ridgetop also allowed more direct airflow than the valley site. I noted that gusts could still affect operations and would require further site-specific measurement.
04 · Scope
Limits of the assessment
This was a course-based screening assessment using the provided maps and site descriptions. A development decision would require on-site wind measurements, a longer observation period, environmental review, and detailed engineering analysis.