MDCD - Michigan Wind Energy Resource Maps

Michigan Wind Energy Resource Maps

AWS Truewind has developed wind energy resource maps for the Energy Office and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory with financial support from the U.S. Department of Energy. Wind energy resource maps are estimates of wind resources and are based primarily upon computer modeling. They are intended to be suggestive of areas within Michigan that may be suitable for wind generators. Values represented for any geographic location may differ from actual conditions at the same location. Although the maps are believed to represent an accurate overall picture of the wind energy resource, estimates at any location should be confirmed by measurement before purchase or installation of any wind power systems.

The maps have been produced by AWS Truewind using the MesoMap system. The MesoMap system consists of an integrated set of atmospheric simulation models, databases, and computers and storage systems. At the core of MesoMap is MASS (Mesoscale Atmospheric Simulation System), a numerical weather model, which simulates the physics of the atmosphere. MASS is coupled to a wind flow model, WindMap, which is used to refine the spatial resolution of MASS and account for localized effects of terrain and surface roughness. The 50 meters map was validated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory using data from over 90 measurement stations, e.g. 35 airports and 20 Coast Guard stations.

The wind speed maps show the predicted mean wind speed in Michigan at heights of 30 meters, 50 meters, 70 meters, and 100 meters above the effective ground level. Four maps were produced because wind speeds are greater at higher heights. A typical tower height for the current generation of large utility-scale wind turbines of 750 KW (kilowatt) to 2 MW (megawatt) rated capacity is 70 meters. A typical height for small turbines of up to 50 KW rated capacity is 30 meters, which is consistent with on-farm or residential use.

The 50-meter wind power density map shows the predicted mean wind power density (amount of wind energy) at a 50-meter height in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) standard wind resource classes. The mean speed and power density describe different aspects of the wind resource. The mean speed is the easiest for most people to understand. Some experts regard the mean wind power, which depends on the air density and the cube of the wind speed, as a more accurate indicator of the wind resource when assessing wind project sites.

Wind Power Density at 50 Meters (PDF) , or (JPEG)

Wind Speed at 30 Meters (PDF) , or (JPEG)

Wind Speed at 50 Meters (PDF) , or (JPEG)

Wind Speed at 70 Meters (PDF) , or (JPEG)

Wind Speed at 80 Meters (PDF), or (JPEG)

Wind Speed at 100 Meters (PDF) , or (JPEG)

Great Lakes Map - Wind Power Density at 90 Meters

Great Lakes Map - Wind Power Density at 50 Meters

Michigan State University Wind Prospecting Tool

AWS Truewind windNavigator - Wind Prospecting Analysis and Maps