Assessment of wind energy potentiality at Kudat and Labuan, Malaysia using Weibull distribution function

The wind resource is a crucial step in planning a wind energy project and detailed knowledge of the wind characteristic at a site is needed to estimate the performance of a wind energy project. In this paper, with the help of 2-parameter Weibull distribution, the assessment of wind energy potentiality at Kudat and Labuan in 2006-2008 was carried out. “WRPLOT” software has been used to show the wind direction and resultant of the wind speed direction. The monthly and yearly highest mean wind speeds were 4.76 m/s at Kudat and 3.39 m/s at Labuan respectively. The annual highest values of the Weibull shape parameter (k) and scale parameter (c) were 1.86 and 3.81 m/s respectively. The maximum wind power density was found to be 67.40 W/m² at Kudat for the year 2008. The maximum wind energy density was found to be 590.40 kWh/m²/year at Kudat in 2008. The highest most probable wind speed and wind speed carrying maximum energy were estimated 2.44 m/s at Labuan in 2007 and 6.02 m/s at Kudat in 2007. The maximum deviation, at wind speed more than 2 m/s, between observed and Weibull frequency distribution was about 5%. The most probable wind directions (blowing from) were 190° and 269° at Kudat and Labuan through the study years. From this study, it is concluded that these sites are unsuitable for the large-scale wind energy generation. However, small-scale wind energy can be generated at the turbine height of 100 m.     

6 years of wind data for Marsabit,Kenya average over 14 m/s at 100 m hub height; An analysis of the wind energy potential

The wind energy potential for generation of electricity and for domestic water pumping has been investigated for Marsabit, Kenya. Marsabit (37° 58′N, 2° 19′E) lies in Eastern province approximately 560 km from Nairobi. Wind data from the Kenya Meteorological department for the period 2001–2006 has been used to study the Diurnal, monthly and inter-annual variability using empirical methods including the Power law and Weibull statistics. Average wind speeds greater than11 m/s at a height of 10 m are prevalent in this area. The available power density at a height of 100 m is between 1776 W/m² and 2202 W/m² which is in the wind class range of 7 and 8. The maximum extractable power density at 100 m varied between 1417 W/m² and 1757 W/m². Values of Weibull parameters k (dimensionless) and c (m/s) ranged between 2.5–3.05 and 11.86–12.97 respectively. Wind Rose analysis revealed no marked variation in wind direction and frequency throughout the year (mean direction between 150 and 160 degrees with highest standard deviation of 33.5 degrees). From the analysis, the site was found suitable for grid connected power generation and also for other stand-alone generators that can be used for water pumping and battery charging.     

Wind power resource in the south-western region of Algeria

In this study, we present a statistical analysis of wind speeds at Tindouf in Algeria using Risoe National Laboratory's Wind Atlas Analysis and Application Program (WAsP). It requires information related to the sheltering obstacles, surface roughness changes and terrain height variations in order to calculate their effects on the wind. Wind data, consisting of hourly wind speed records over a 5-year period, 2002–2006, were obtained from SONELGAZ R&D Office; the average wind speed at a height of 17 m above ground level was found to range from 7.19 to 7.95 m/s. The Weibull distributions parameters (c and k) were found to vary between 8.0 and 8.9 m/s and 2.54–3.23, respectively, with average power density ranging from 318 to 458 W/m². The dominant wind directions and the frequency distributions were also determined.     

Determination of Weibull parameters for wind energy analysis of İzmir,Turkey

In this study, the two Weibull parameters of the wind speed distribution function, the shape parameter k (dimensionless) and the scale parameter c (ms^?1), were computed from the wind speed data for ?zmir. Wind data, consisting of hourly wind speed records over a 5‐year period, 1995–1999, were measured in the Solar/Wind‐Meteorological Station of the Solar Energy Institute at Ege University. Based on the experimental data, it was found that the numerical values of both Weibull parameters (k and c) for ?zmir vary over a wide range. The yearly values of k range from 1.378 to 1.634 with a mean value of 1.552, while those of c are in the range of 2.956–3.444 with a mean value of 3.222. The average seasonal Weibull distributions for ?zmir are also given. The wind speed distributions are represented by Weibull distribution and also by Rayleigh distribution, with a special case of the Weibull distribution for k=2. As a result, the Weibull distribution is found to be suitable to represent the actual probability of wind speed data for ?zmir (at annual average wind speeds up to 3 ms^?1). Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Wind resource evaluation in six selected high altitude locations in Nigeria

This paper presents an assessment of wind energy potentials of six selected high altitude locations within the North-West and North-East geopolitical regions, Nigeria, by using 36-year (1971–2007) wind speed data subjected to 2-parameter Weibull distribution functions. The results showed that the maximum mean wind speed is obtained in Katsina as 9.839 m/s while the minimum value of 3.397 m/s is got in Kaduna for all the locations considered. The annual wind power density and energy variation based on the Weibull analysis ranged from 368.92 W/m² and 3224.45 kWh/m²/year to 103.14 W/m² and 901.75 kWh/m²/year in Kano and Potiskum for the maximum and minimum values respectively. Furthermore, Katsina and Kano will be suitable for wind turbine installations while Gusau will only be appropriate for wind energy utilization using taller wind turbine towers whereas Kaduna, Bauchi and Potiskum will be considered marginal for wind power development based of their respective annual mean wind speeds and power densities.     

Assessment of wind power potential for turbine installation in coastal areas of Turkey

This paper analyses the potential and the feasibility basis for the wind energy resources in some locations of coastal regions of Turkey. The dominant wind directions, the mean values, wind speeds, wind potential and the frequency distributions were determined. The results showed that Bal?kesir and Çanakkale among annual averages show higher value of mean wind speed. The mean annual value of Weibull shape parameter k is between 1.54 and 1.86 while the annual value of scale parameter c is between 2.52 m/s and 8.34 m/s. A technical assessment has been made of electricity generation from four wind turbines having capacity of 600 kW, 1500 kW, 2000 kW and 2500 kW. The yearly energy output and capacity factor for the four different turbines were calculated.     

Investigation of wind characteristics and wind energy potential in Kirklareli, Turkey

Utilization of wind energy as an energy source has been growing rapidly in the whole world due to environmental pollution, consumption of the limited fossil fuels and global warming. Although Turkey has fairly high wind energy potential, exploitation of the wind energy is still in the crawling level. In the current study, wind characteristics and wind energy potential of Kırklareli province in the Marmara Region, Turkey were analyzed taking into account the wind data measured as hourly time series. The wind data used in the study were taken from Electrical Power Resources Survey and Development Administration (EIEI) for the year 2004. The measured wind data were processed as annual, seasonal and monthly. Weibull and Rayleigh probability density functions of the location are calculated in the light of observed data and Weibull shape parameter k and scale parameter c are found as 1.75 and 5.25 m/s for the year 2004. According to the power calculations done for the site, annual mean power density based on Weibull function is 138.85 W/m². The results indicate that investigated site has fairly wind energy potential for the utilization.     

Evaluating the performance of wind turbines in selected locations in Oyo state,Nigeria

The wind speed distribution and wind energy potential are investigated in three selected locations in Oyo state using wind speed data that span between 12 and 20 years measured at 10 m height. In addition, the performance of selected small to medium size wind turbines in these sites were examined. The annual energy output and capacity factor for these turbines were determined. It was found that the monthly mean wind speeds in Oyo state ranges from 2.85 m/s to 5.20 m/s. While the monthly mean power density varies between 27.08 W/m² and 164.48 W/m², while the annual mean power density is in the range of 67.28 W/m² and 106.60 W/m². Based on annual energy output, wind turbines with cut-in wind speed of about 2.5 m/s and moderate rated wind speeds will be best suited for all the sites.     

Evaluation of wind energy potential and electricity generation at six locations in Turkey

In this study, wind characteristics were analyzed using the wind speed data collected of the six meteorological stations in Turkey during the period 2000–2006. The annual mean wind speed of the six stations (Erzurum, Elaz??, Bingöl, Kars, Manisa and Ni?de) is obtained as 8.7, 8.5, 5.9, 6.9, 7.4 and 8.0 m/s at 10 m height, respectively. The mean annual value of Weibull shape parameter k is between 1.71 and 1.96 while the annual value of scale parameter c is between 6.81 and 9.71 m/s. A technical assessment has been made of electricity generation from four wind turbines having capacity of (600 kW, 1000 kW, 1500 kW and 2000 kW). The yearly energy output and capacity factor for the four different turbines were calculated.     

Assessment of wind energy potential of two sites in North-East,Nigeria

The study is used to assess the wind energy potential of Maiduguri and Potiskum, two sites in North-East, Nigeria. 21 years (1987–2007) monthly mean wind data at 10 m height were assessed from the Nigeria Meteorological department and subjected to 2-parameter Weibull and other statistical analyzes. The result showed that average monthly mean wind speed variation for Potiskum ranged from 3.90 to 5.85 m/s, while for Maiduguri, it ranged from 4.35 to 6.33 m/s. Seasonally, data variation between the dry and wet seasons revealed that, the mean wind speed variation for Potiskum ranged from 4.46 (for dry) to 5.16 m/s (for wet), while for Maiduguri it ranged from 5.10 (dry) to 5.59 m/s (wet). The wind power density variation based on the Weibull analysis ranged from 102.54 to 300.15 W/m² for Potiskum and it ranged from 114.77 to 360.04 W/m² for Maiduguri respectively. Moreover, Maiduguri was found to be the better of the sites in terms of monthly and seasonal variation of mean wind speed, but they both can be suitable for stand alone and medium scale wind power generation.     

Investigation of wind characteristics and assessment of wind-generation potentiality in Uludağ-Bursa,Turkey

In this study, wind characteristic and wind energy potential of the Uluda? skinning which is located in the south Marmara region of Turkey were analyzed using the wind speed data collected during the period 2000–2006. The wind speed distribution curves of Uluda?-Bursa were obtained by using the Weibull and Rayleigh probability density functions. The average Weibull shape parameter k and scale parameter c were found as 1.78 and 7.97 m/s for the period 2000–2006. The yearly mean wind speed in Uluda?-Bursa was obtained as 7.08 m/s for period of 7 years. A technical and economic assessment has been made of electricity generation from four wind turbines having capacity of (600, 1000, 1500 and 2000 kW). The yearly energy output, capacity factor and the electrical energy cost of kW h produced by the three different turbines were calculated. The cost of each kW h produced using the chosen wind turbines in Uluda?-Bursa were found to between 0.255 and 0.306 $/kW h.     

Wind power analysis and site matching of wind turbine generators in Kingdom of Bahrain

In this paper, the hourly measured wind speed data for years 2003–2005 at 10 m, 30 m and 60 m height for Kingdom of Bahrain have been statically analyzed to determine the potential of wind power generation. Extrapolation of the 10 m data, using the Power Law, has been used to determine the wind data at heights of 30 m and 60 m. Weibull distribution parameters have been estimated and compared annually and on monthly bases using two methods; the graphical method and the another method, designated in this paper as approximated method, which depends on the standard deviation and average wind speed. The maximum power density for 10 m, 30 m and 60 m heights were found to be 164.33 W/m², 624.17 W/m² and 1171.18 W/m² in February, respectively while the minimum power density were 65.33 W/m², 244.33 W/m² and 454.53 W/m² in October, respectively. The average annual wind power density was found to be 114.54 W/m² for 10 m height, 433.29 W/m² for 30 m height and 816.70 W/m² for 60 m height. Weibull probability function, using Weibull parameters estimated from the approximated method, has shown to provide more accurate prediction of average wind speed and average power density than the graphical method. In addition, the site matching of wind turbine generators at 30 m and 60 m heights has been investigated by estimating the capacity factors of various commercially available wind turbines generators. The monthly and annual variation of capacity factors have been studied to ensure optimum selection of wind turbine generators.     

Wind resource evaluation in São João do Cariri (SJC) - Paraiba, Brazil

In this study wind resources evaluation and wind energy assessment of the São João do Cariri (SJC) in Paraiba (PB) state situated in Brazilian northeast were analyzed during the period 2006/2009. Wind speed (V, m/s), wind direction and air temperature (T, °C) at 25 m and 50 m were collected from SONDA (Sistema de Organização Nacional de Dados Ambientais) meteorological station (38°N 7°E). The average wind speed and temperature for 25 m and 50 m were found 4.74 m/s, 24.46 °C and 5.31 m/s 24.25 °C respectively. The wind speed predominate direction found were SSE (165°) from both 25 m and 50 m heights. The wind speed distribution curve was obtained using the Weibull probability density function through the WAsP program, the values of Weibull shape (K), scale (A, m/s) and Weibull fit wind speed and power wind density (P, W/m²) were found 2.54, 5.4 m/s, 4.76 m/s and 103 W/m² for 25 m wind height measurements and 2.59, 6.0 m/s, 5.36 m/s and 145 W/m² for 50 m wind height measurements. The cost (€/kWh) from electrical wind energy obtained by wind turbine generation, at 25 m height, was found 0.046 by using 300 kW power rated wind turbine, in the best scenario, with an associate C_f of 14.5%.     

The potential of electricity generation on the east coast of Red Sea in Egypt

Wind characteristics have been analyzed based on long-term measured data of monthly mean wind speed of seven meteorological stations along the east coast of Red Sea in Egypt. It was found that the windiest stations (Region A) namely (Zafarana, Abu Darag, Hurghada and Ras Benas) have annual mean wind speeds (7.3, 7.2, 6.4 and 5.5 m/s) at 10 m height, respectively.Numerical estimations using measured wind speeds and frequencies to calculate the two Weibull parameters were carried out and two methods were applied.The methodical analysis for the corrected monthly wind power density at a height of 10 m above ground level, over roughness class 0 (water), for each station was done. The recommended correlation equation was also stated for Red Sea zone in Egypt. Also the corrected annual wind power density at the heights (50–70) m was obtained for all stations. Moreover, calculations show that the four stations in (Region A) have a huge energy potential available (430–1000 W/m²) at 70 m height, while Quseir and Suez stations (Region B) have good wind power density (170–190 W/m²) at 50 m height.A technical and economic assessment has been made of electricity generation from two turbines machines having capacity of (1000 and 600 kW) considered in Regions A & B, respectively, using WASP program. The yearly energy output, capacity factor and the electrical energy cost of kWh produced by the two different turbines in each region were estimated. The production costs of four stations in Region A was found to be less than 2€ cent/kWh and compared with retail tariff.     

The wind energy potential of Malaysia

Routine observations have been used to determine the diurnal and seasonal variations of the wind at 20 meteorological stations in Malaysia. The wind speed distributions, with calms omitted, are represented by Weibull functions. Seasonal mean wind power densities at the surface exceed 20 W m⁻² only at stations on the east coast and in the south of West Malaysia during the northeast monsoon from November to March. Estimates of seasonal power densities at 600 m above the surface range from below 100 W m⁻² to over 300 W m⁻², with the highest values over the south of West Malaysia and the east coasts of East and West Malaysia during the northeast monsoon.     

Wind energy assessment and wind farm simulation in Triunfo – Pernambuco,Brazil

This paper presents a wind energy assessment and a wind farm simulation in the city of Triunfo in the state of Pernambuco in the northeast region of Brazil. The wind data were obtained from the SONDA (Sistema de Organização Nacional de Dados Ambientais) project’s meteor station (wind speed, wind direction and temperature) at both heights of 50 m during a period of time of 30 months. The Triunfo wind characterization and wind power potential assessment study shows an average wind speed (V) of 11.27 m/s (predominant Southeast wind direction), an average wind power density (P/A_T) of 1.672 W/m² and Weibull parameters shape (K) and scale (A) respectively equal to 2.0 and 12.7 m/s. Those values demonstrate an important wind potential in this region for future wind farm prospection. The wind farm (TRI) was simulated by using 850 kW wind turbines given a total of 20 MW installed. The simulated results show(s) an AEP (annual energy produced) of 111.4 GWh, a capacity factor (C_f) of 62% and a total of 5.462 h of operation by year (full load hours). The economical simulated results show(s) a Pay-back of 3 years Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 47% and Net Present Value (NPV) of 85.506 k€ (both in a period of time of 20 years).     

Economic evaluation of hybrid renewable energy systems for rural electrification in Iran—A case study

The Binalood region in Iran enjoys an average wind speed of 6.82 m/s at 40 m elevation and an average daily solar radiation of 4.79 kWh/m²/day. Within this perspective, a remote rural village in Binalood region, called Sheikh Abolhassan, can readily be expected to have more than enough potential for its load demand to be supplied with a stand-alone hybrid renewable energy system. Yet the local state-run electrical service provider extended the utility grid to the village in 2006 to boost the already present diesel generator. This study aims, firstly, to explore how economical it would have been to keep supplying the electricity of the village by the diesel generator and add renewable energy generators to increase the renewable fraction of the system. On a second stage, we tried to investigate how renewable energy sources (RESs) can still be added to the current utility grid power supply in Sheikh Abolhassan to achieve a more economical and environmentally friendly system. The software HOMER is used in this study to evaluate the feasibility of various hybrid diesel-RES and grid-RES energy systems. Findings indicated that the addition of renewable power generators to the system both before and after the grid extension could and still can result in a more economical power system, which is obviously cleaner and more climate-benign.     

Wind energy as a potential generation source at Ras Benas,Egypt

Analysis of the wind characteristics in Ras Benas city located on the east coast of Red Sea in Egypt using measured data (wind, pressure and temperature) and Weibull function were made.Statistical analysis model to evaluate the wind energy potential was introduced. According to the power calculations done for the site, the annual mean wind density is 315 kW/m² at a height of 70 m above ground level. This station has a huge wind energy potential for electricity generation, especially during spring and summer seasons, comparing with some European countries.In addition, the monthly wind turbine efficiency parameter (η_monthly) has been calculated by using a commercial wind turbine 1 MW with 70 m hub height to help designers and users in evaluating the potentialities and choosing the suitable wind turbine for the considered site. The use of wind turbine with capacity greater than 1000 kW at this station was recommended.Ras Benas station was selected to install 30 MW-wind farm consists of 20 commercial wind turbines (Nordex S 77) with hub heights and Rotor diameter were 100 and 77 m, respectively. This site has annual wind speed more than 9.8 m/s at 100 m height and enough area to locate these turbines.The estimated energy production using WASP Program of these wind farm was 130 GWh/year. Furthermore, the production costs was found 1.3€ cent/kWh, which is a competition price at the wind energy world market.     

Potential wind power generation in the State of Kuwait

The wind characteristics of six locations in the State of Kuwait have been assessed. The annual average wind speed for the considered sites ranged from 3.7 to 5.5 m/s and a mean wind power density from 80 to 167 W/m² at standard height of 10 m. The Weibull parameters and power density of each station have been determined using Weibull distribution. The wind data at heights 15, 20, 25 and 30 m were obtained by extrapolation of the 10 m data using the Power-Law. The potential wind energy at different heights was estimated using Weibull parameters. Maximum power density is found at 30 m height which varies between 130 and 275 W/m² with 70% increase from the standard height indicating fairly potential wind energy especially in the northern part of the country. The highest potential wind power was found during the summer season which is the peak demand season of electricity in Kuwait.     

Examining wind quality and wind power prospects on Fiji Islands

Wind resource analysis was carried out for two major islands in the Fiji. Wind data from July 1993 to June 2005 from NASA data base was analysed. Annual seasonal variation in wind speed, direction and power density were analysed for various locations. The average yearly wind speed for Fiji is between 5 and 6 m/s with average power density of 160 W/m². Site specific validation showed no significant relationship between NASA and experimental data. The wind resource at Laucala Bay has a power density of 131 W/m² at 55 m. The expected annual energy produced from a 275 kW GEV Vergnet wind turbine is 344 MWh. The capacity factor of the turbine is expected to be 14.3% with an overall efficiency of 37%. The electricity generated would cost $FJ 0.27 per kWh. The system will payback its worth in 12.2 years.