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Estimating Wind &
Solar Resources
Surveying the wind and weather is always of interest, but becomes more
so when it is likely to provide an energy supply!
Living on a site and observation over a period of
time gives some idea of average weather conditions. The Beaufort scale
describes the visual effects of differing windspeeds and 'Windflagging'
(the deformation of vegetation & trees by the wind) is a good
qualitative indicator of strong windspeeds and direction. Using poles
with streamers attached can give a rough indication of wind speed,
direction and turbulence.
Wind speed data may also be available from local Met.
Office or airports etc. (although remember that the position of the
measuring anemometer is critical, and usually such data is not collected
from the point of view of a wind power user!).
Since twice the wind speed could provide eight times
the potential resource, carrying out some simple monitoring on-site will
enable the viability of the wind to be better assessed.
Variations in wind speed on a daily and seasonal
basis, and how this relates to the pattern of energy usage is important
in sizing battery storage systems. Measurements taken at a proposed site
when compared to Met Office data taken over the same period nearby can
be used to extrapolate over longer periods.
Weather Stations have developed considerably over the
past few years and provide excellent value for those interested in
learning more about their site. Connection to a PC allows a very useful
site history of weather patterns to be created.
For more remote sites it is necessary to use a
battery powered logger and the Wind Prospector provides the basic
characteristics necessary for an initial wind energy assessment. Used
from Africa to Australia.
Wind Measurement
 Handheld
Anemometer Product code: W-EOLE
Hand held wind speed indicator. Gives approximate but
useful measure of windspeed. Scale calibrated in mph, m/s, and Beaufort.
Fits in pocket.
 Weather
Wizard 111
Product code: WW-7420
The Weather Wizard 111 LCD display shows current wind
speed (mph or m/s); peak wind gust; wind direction; inside & outside
temperature (plus max, min memories and windchill); clock and alarms.
Optional rain collector for rainfall data. Adding Weatherlink allows
weather data to be stored & processed on a PC or Macintosh computer
(please specify).
c/w anemometer, wind vane, 12m cable, mast clamps,
external temperature sensor & AC-power adaptor.
Solar Estimation
 MacSolar
E Insolation Meter (economy version) Product code: SOL-MAC
(E)
This solar measuring device combines a sensor for measuring global
radiation, a sensor for measuring temperature, a display and operation
unit and a solar power supply in a weather proof casing. This basic
version permits measuring the current light intensity and temperature.
Data Sheet
MacSolar (full version)
Product code: SOL-MAC
The same combination as above but with an
additional computer-assisted simulator for photovoltaic modules and a
mounting fixture for wall or roof. By measuring the current light
intensity and temperature, typical characteristics of solar plants are
simulated by the integrated computer. An exact yield check can be
carried out very quickly and can be performed over any period of time by
registering average values. The data logger allows data to be
stored in the internal memory.
Data Sheet
An optional software package is
available.
 Handheld
Solar Horizon Estimator Product code:
SOL-EST
This enables the potential effect of shading by trees
or buildings to be gauged and is useful for a pre-installation site
assessment.Simply stand at the proposed PV array site and orientate it
towards the South to view obstacles to sunlight.
Includes compass and laminates to show sun paths at different times
of the year.
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