The eastern-Iran wind-resource assessment through a planetary boundary layer simulation (2011–2015)

Abstract

Currently, in order to reduce the time and cost of wind measurement masts installation, numerical meteorological models are being utilized to simulate the regional wind climate. In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting model was applied to assess the wind power potential in the East of Iran. After evaluating the model, the wind mean speed and the power map were prepared based on a 5-year simulation (2011–2015). The results indicated that there were high wind-energy-potential areas bordering Iran and Afghanistan. The model illuminated that Khaf city had a satisfactory wind potential, reasonably corresponding with the observations. The model error was greater for the low wind speeds. With regard to the wind resource map of the area, only 3% of the study area falls within class 3 or higher, and therefore, can be considered conformative to the wind power generation.