Spatial and temporal variation in wind speed: 3) Examine the colour map obtained from the National Institute for Water a
Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2022 2:20 pm
Spatial and temporal variation in wind speed: 3) Examine the colour map obtained from the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA). This maps is produced by interpolating - in space-wind speed measured by a network of climate stations across New Zealand (mostly with cup anemometer technology). You are also provided with a map that shows the path of the electricity grid in New Zealand (below). This map shows you the electrical energy highway. To have a wind farm that is economically viable, it is preferable to site it close to this grid. Another important fact you have to consider is that areas that can provide an annual average wind speed of 8 m/s (meters per second) are the most sought after by energy generation companies. The most important thing to remember with regard to these maps is that they are derived from climate stations, and climate stations are usually placed near where people live. So when considering the usefulness of these colour maps keep that in mind.
New Zealand Median Annual erage Wind Speed m/s 10 9 BO 7 CO 5 st تا 2 Greymouth Kaitaia Dargavle Motuok NEW PLYMOUTH Opunake Kalkohe NELSON BLENHELM WHANGAREI arkworth Stratford Kaikoura -NIWA Taihoro Nukurangi Thames HAMILTON oroa Kuiti Taumarunui Raethi Ohakune Hawera WANGANUI PALMERSTON NORTH Levi WELLINGTON icton TAURANGA RO TAUP Turang Talhape Whakatan Wairon NAPIER Hastings Waipukurau Dannevirke MASTERTON Giborne
INVERCARGILL town Greymouth Hokitika Baldutha Owaka Reefton TIMARU Waimate CAMARU UNEDIN ASHBURTON Kaikoura CHRISTCHURCH karoa 200 0 50 100 LL Kilometres Based on the 30 year period 1981 Copyright: NIWA 2012 Projection: New Zealand Map Grid Disclaimer NEWA have prepared this map exercising all reasonable sk New less, NIVA can give no warranty that the map is me other inaccuracies. Users of this map from all liability whether direct, indirect, or consequential, a the provision of this map
Major Generwion Centre appens ofen nan Ow1000 4VDC mer-Island
Look at the map for 'Annual Median' wind speed. Identify regions with values greater than 8 m/s. How many are there? Where are they? Just from looking at this map, does it look as though New Zealand has great wind energy potential? Consider only those regions that have a suitable amount of energy available for extraction: are they close to the electricity grid? Can you identify the best site? How far does electricity from these sites have to travel before it gets to the major demand locations, often known as load centres (where it is used?)