Wind energy potential in close proximity to the rail network of the Swiss Federal Railways SBB
At a glance
- Project leader : Martin Geilhausen
- Project team : Dr. Patrick Laube, Valentin Stahel
- Project budget : CHF 13'340
- Project status : completed
- Funding partner : Third party (Agile Windpower AG)
- Project partner : Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBB, Agile Wind Power AG
Description
The wind energy potential in close proximity to the railway network of the Swiss Federal Railways SBB is analyzed and quantified with reference to the vertical turbines A32, A45 and A64 of the Vertical Sky series (Agile Windpower AG).
Wind conditions, topographical restrictions and an extensive list of criteria recommended by the Swiss Government and several national authorities were analyzed to identify and to rank suitable areas. Areas of high priority were aggregated into distinct zones which were re-evaluated and prioritized.
A self-developed algorithm was used to solve fictitious wind farm planning. The iterative algorithm makes use of spatially distributed energy production estimates to automatically place turbines while considering turbine interaction. The turbines placed in each zone were then used to compute the annual energy production of that zone.
Finally, annual energy estimated for all turbine types were compared and the most profitable solution including possible alternatives was determined for each suitable zone.