Assessment of wind energy potential in East Azarbaijan province of Iran (Case Stady: Sahand station)

Abstract

<p>Today's world requires a change in how the use of different types of energy. With declining reserves of fossil fuels for renewable energies is of course the best alternative. Among the renewable energy from the wind can be considered one of the best forms of energy can be introduced. Accordingly, most countries are trying to identify areas with potential to benefit from this resource.</p> <p>The aim of this study was to assess the potential wind power in Sahand station of Iran country. Hourly measured long term wind speed data of Sahand during the period of 2000-2013 have been statistically analyzed. In this study the wind speed frequency distribution of location was found by using Weibull distribution function. The wind energy potential of the location has been studied based on the Weibull mode. The results of this study show that mean wind speed measured at 10 m above ground level is determined as 5.16 m/s for the studied period. This speed increases by, respectively, 34.78 % and 41.21 %, when it is extrapolated to 40 and 60 m hub height.</p> <div> <p>Long term seasonal wind speeds were found to be relatively higher during the period from January to September. At the other hand, higher wind speeds were observed between the period between 06:00 and 18:00 in the day. These periods feet well with annual and daily periods of maximum demand of electricity, respectively. </p> </div> <p> </p>