Wind resource assessment of the Southern Appalachian Ridges in the Southeastern United States

The analysis of wind data collected throughout the Southern Appalachian Mountain region of the Southeastern US is presented. Data were collected at 50 m above ground level on nine ridge top sites between 2002 and 2005. Monthly average wind speeds, power densities, wind sheers, and turbulence intensities, along with monthly maximum gusts, are presented. Measured annual average wind speeds are compared to AWS TrueWind predictions. Diurnal variations in wind speed are also reported. Annual wind roses for each site are presented. Annual wind speeds range from 5.5 to 7.4 m/s with the highest annual average wind speeds found on ridges near the northern TN–NC border. A 20% winter and nighttime enhancement of the wind speed was observed. The prevailing wind is from the westerly directions. The estimated annual energy outputs from a small wind farm consisting of fifteen 1.5 MW GE turbines range from 50 to 75 MkWh, and estimated capacity factors range from 25% to 35%. This analysis suggests that ridges in the region are suitable for utility-scale wind development.