Weibull parameter calculation and estimation of directional and seasonal wind speeds for the return period: A case study in the Barakah NPP area

This paper presents the Weibull parameter results for calculation of the directional wind characteristics that were determined using probabilistic distribution modeling in a preliminary study that evaluated the position of the environmental radiation monitoring system (ERMS) in the Barakah nuclear power plant (BNPP) area. Using actual weather data modeling, the distribution frequency showed extreme discrepancies from the wind direction. North and west winds accounted for more than 90% of the wind directions in the BNPP area. The Weibull parameters for wind direction, month, and season were estimated. The Weibull parameters c and k ranged from 6.74 to 10.67 and 3.01 to 7.41, respectively, when using wind direction statistics; however, k and c ranged from 2.28 to 7.55 and 6.56 to 11.24, respectively, when using seasonal estimation. The minimum and maximum return periods for the extreme directional wind speed were estimated at 9.12 and 17.84 in the ENE and SSE directions, respectively, based on a 60 year return period. These study results provide a useful reference for establishing the ERMS in the BNPP area. The study results can also be used to assess the environmental impacts of the new nuclear power plant. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.