An Exploratory Geophysical Study Focused on a Site of a Wind Energy Generation Park

Uruguay’s commitment to incorporating non-traditional indigenous renewable energy sources into the national energy matrix represented a fundamental step towards energy independence. The country successfully transitioned from having no wind energy in its electrical distribution system to currently ranking among the world leaders in terms of wind power participation in its energy matrix. This study presents a survey campaign conducted at a productive wind farm site and on a wind tower structure using the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method, multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW), and seismic refraction tomography. Seismic velocities and ground accelerations were measured over a long period of time, obtaining environmental vibration records collected at various points on the structure and in the surrounding subsoil. The HVSR of microtremors recordings was used to extract relevant information from the data such as the natural vibration frequencies of the structure and underlying ground. The shear and compressional seismic wave velocities were calculated. These results may have applications in the correct site selection for future wind farms, in the design of wind turbine structures, as well as in monitoring and determining the structural health of existing wind towers.