WREF 2012: Wind speed and energy at different heights on the Latvian coast of the Baltic sea

The paper is devoted to the investigation into the wind energy potential in Latvia based on long-term observations of the wind energy density fluctuations at heights from 10 to 60 m on the Baltic Sea coast in the northland south-west. The wind speed values were measured in 2004 - 2011 using a LOGGER 9200 Symphonie measuring system, and since June of 2011 - a lidar ZephIR for the heights up to 160 m. The results are presented in the form of tables, bar charts and graphs for three areas with different terrain types. The histograms are composed for the relative repetition frequency of wind speed. In the paper, the coefficients of approximating functions were derived. The extrapolation results are shown for the distribution curves of averaged wind speed and energy density values at heights up to 200 m. Comparative results of the wind speed distribution in height are given for two areas spaced 30 km apart.