Computing Weibull distribution parameters from a wind speed time series

This Matlab script computes the Weibull distribution parameters from wind speed data.

Licence

None. Feel free to use it as you wish.

Context

The frequency of wind speeds at a specific location can generally be modeled with a probability density function, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weibull_distribution](Weibull distribution). Its parameters can be determined using several methods presented in the papers listed below. The only required input data is a wind speed time series for the selected location.

Determination method

I implemented a script in Matlab that extracts these parameters from a simple time series of measurements spanning several months. The determination method I used is the simple graphic method.

Sample output

Sample Weibull probability density functions:

References

The following papers describe several Weibull distribution parameters determination methods:

• Akdag, S.A. and Dinler, A., A new method to estimate Weibull parameters for wind energy applications, Energy Conversion and Management, 50:7 1761–1766, 2009
• Seguro, J.V. and Lambert, T.W., Modern estimation of the parameters of the Weibull wind speed distribution for wind energy analysis, Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 85:1 75–84, 2000

Contact

Robin Roche - robinroche.com