Leiaute de parques eólicos: estudo de caso do Nordeste Brasileiro.

Abstract

During the planning process of a wind farm, an important aspect to be studied is the best use of the available area. However, an increased number of wind turbines leads to a reduction of the distances between each wind turbine, causing a significant drop in the park’s globlal production due to the track effect. In this context, this paper presents a study case of wind farms layout in northeast Brazil, where considering the preferred wind direction, the wind turbines characteristics and their positions, the minimum distances that must exist between the turbines are analyzed (in the perpendicular direction of the wind and the prevailing wind direction) to mitigate the treadmill effect. Initially, data describing wind energy development in Brazil and worldwide is presented. Then concepts related to the study of winds, wind turbines and the treadmill effect are elucidated. Subsequently the main factors that influence the design layout of a wind farm are presented. Finally, the case study parks are presented, with their respective results and evaluations.