Wind Speed Change and Influence on Wind Energy in Recent 50 Years over Hexi Corridor

Based on wind speed data of 13 meteorological stations in 1958-2012,Mann-Kendall nonparametric test methods was been used to study on wind speed changes in Hexi Corridor.Spatial and temporal characteristics of seasonal and monthly wind speed changes was examined. (1) The maximum wind speed appeared in the higher elevations of study area, such as Wushaoling and Mazongshan station. From east to west mean wind speed increased in Hexi Corridor.For nearly 50 years wind speed had showed decreasing trend. (2)In each season Spring with an maximum mean wind speed was 3.4m/s,the Summer mean wind speed was 2.9 m/s,Autumn mean wind speed was 2.6 m/s,the mean Winter wind speed was 2.8m/s.The seasonal wind speed mainly had decline trend, each station.has different characteristics trends (3) Mean wind speed in each month was greater than 2.5m/s,maximum monthly wind speed appeared in April was 3.5m/s,the minimum wind speed appeared in the September-October was 2.53m/s,the wind speed in March,April and May was greater than the November month,December,January.In addition to Mazongshan and Wushaoling,other station monthly wind speed showed a decreasing trend.Monthly mean wind speed in Jiuquan,Dingxin and Zhangye was slow decreasing trend.Anxi,Yumen wind decreasing trend were more obvious.(4)Wind decreasing trend will have a significant impact on wind energy, wind speed changes and wind energy should be evaluated in the future.