The Comparison of the Efficiency of Small Wind Turbine Generators with Horizontal and Vertical Axis Under Low Wind Conditions

The authors perform a comparative analysis of the efficiency of two types of low-power wind energy conversion systems with horizontal and vertical axis in the meteorological conditions of Latvia. The analysis is based on long-term wind speed measurements over the period of two years conducted by a network of 22 observation stations at the height of 10 m above the ground. The study shows that in the conditions of Latvia wind turbines with a horizontal axis are expected to work with greater efficiency than similar installations with a vertical axis. The paper presents the models of the spatial distribution of average wind speed, Weibull wind speed frequency distribution parameters and the values of the expected operational efficiency for small wind turbine generators. The modelling results are presented in the form of colour contour maps. Overall, the results of the study can serve as a tool for forecasting annual energy production and for estimating the feasibility of commercial use of wind energy at the height of 10 m in the territory of Latvia.