Estimation of the optimum rated wind velocity for wind turbine generators in the vicinity of Edmonton, Alberta

The values of the rated wind velocity at which a wind turbine generator (WTG) will produce its maximum average power was estimated for the vicinity of Edmonton, Alberta. Hourly weather data for 1978-1997 was examined and histograms produced. For each histogram, the optimum value for the rated wind velocity was determined. The values obtained range between 30 km/hr to nearly 50 km/hr, based upon how histograms for the wind velocities are approximated. These values are found to be consistent with those for actual operating WTGs.