Validation of accuracy of WAsP in vertical wind profile predictiona

Wind, the most industrialized form of renewable energy is always fond of extrapolations and predictions. The imperfection in extrapolation and prediction techniques may feed the uncertainty in wind speed values and hence have a great negative influence in energy estimation. The wind shear profile prediction methodology of the software tools and the topographical nature of the site are the significant reasons for these erroneous outcomes. This paper tries to throw some light on the reliability of the commonly used wind flow modeling software WAsP in wind profile prediction in different terrain conditions by utilizing data from three 120 m high masts which are selected to replicate three different types of terrain. The results of the study enhance the confidence level on WAsP vertical wind profile prediction methods in these three sites. Further the outcomes are expected to provide some awareness regarding the usage of lower height anemometric values for prediction.