Obtaining long-term graphs

[DanielF]

I did a forum search about this, but couldn't find anything. I was sure I remembered reading (long ago) that someone had written an Excel (or some) application to generate long-term graphs (or data series) from the monthly Cumulus files.

If anybody knows of such a (free) application, please point me to it. Otherwise I'll have to write my own. I want to plot my annual wind profile as part of researching the possibility of installing a wind turbine (I live on the coast – it's often windy here).

[hills]

What about using the select-a-graph option on the PC based Cumulus?

[DanielF]

What about using the select-a-graph option on the PC based Cumulus?

Ah, isn't it strange how you can use a program for over a year and not know all that it's capable of! Yes, select-a-graph does exactly what I'm after. Thanks Hills.

[hills]

no worries, let us know the result of your investigations. What sort of wind turbine are you considering?

[DanielF]

no worries, let us know the result of your investigations. What sort of wind turbine are you considering?

Phil,
The attached graph shows a 12-month average of wind readings (apart from a gap when my anemometer was stuck), which seems to indicate (just visually) that we average around 15kph over the whole year (in the right range for a small turbine).
If I were to get a wind turbine, it would probably be a vertical-axis type (less efficient, but visually less intrusive), but considering the cost of installation (tower etc) and unknown noise impact (till after it's installed - too late to scrap it if the neighbours complain!), I would more likely go for solar PV.
Trouble with any of these technologies is that they're often not designed for an exposed coastal location, and contain corrodible metals in their construction. So they might disintegrate before they've paid for themselves!
I've attended a few 'environmental' exhibitions and discussed this problem with a number of suppliers, but they seem content to supply to the bulk of their (inland) market, and not worry about serving the relatively small extreme coastal population. And it's staggering how many manufacturers think galvanised steel is suitable for coastal areas - they've obviously never lived in one!