Estimation of Wind Energy Potential for Two Locations in North-East Region of Nigeria

Abdullahi Ahmed,Bashir Isyaku Kunya

doi:10.11648/j.jenr.20200902.15

Abstract

This paper presents an estimation of wind power potential of North East, Nigeria (Bauchi and Maiduguri) on the basis of monthly wind speed data at 10m height from the ground. The data for the locations were collected from Nigeria metrological station, Abuja for the period of (2013-2017). Mean monthly values were used in calculation of Weibull distribution parameters c (scale factor ms-1) and k (shape factor). The Weibull results shows that for Bauchi, the shape factor ranges from 2.86 – 5.96 and scale factor ranges from 2.32ms-1 – 2.54ms-1 while Maiduguri the shape factor ranges from 2.66 – 5.52 and values of scale factor ranges from 4.74ms-1 – 5.89ms-1. It is evident that the maximum average monthly value of wind speed in Bauchi occurs in year 2017 with value of 3.8ms-1 in the month of May while the maximum average wind speed in Maiduguri occurs in year 2013 with value of 8.5ms-1 in the month of December. The probability distribution function f(V) of wind speed, together with the duration function T(V) was evaluated for the period under investigation. From the statistical analysis of distributions, the Weibull distribution was found to have better fittings in the probability distribution functions f(V) and T(V). The value of power density was computed to be 33.47W/m2 (class I) & 374.62W/m2 (class II) and energy density was also computed to be 24.9 kWh/m2 & 278kWh/m2 for both Bauchi and Maiduguri respectively.

Highlights

Wind energy is the energy that is extracted from the wind using mechanical turbines
The wind speed data of the two sites were obtained from Nigeria metrological station, Abuja
Values of the two Weibull parameters, the scale factor and shape factor, calculated from the long term wind data for the sites studied with values of ranges from 2.86 - 5.96 and values of ranges from 2.32 ms-1 – 2.54ms-1 for Bauchi, while values of ranges from 2.66 - 5.52 and values of ranges from 4.74 ms-1 – 5.89 ms-1 for Maiduguri

Summary

Introduction

Wind energy is the energy that is extracted from the wind using mechanical turbines. Even though it is a renewable energy resource. The contribution of wind energy varies between different years. Wind energy can be harnessed for grid and non-grid electricity generation, water pumping, irrigation and milling [1]. Wind energy is currently the most economic renewable energy apart from hydropower. Its usage versatility and ability to use it as a decentralized energy form make its application possible in rural areas where it is technically and economically feasible in the country. The major challenge to using wind as a source of electricity generation is that wind is intermittent and does not always blow when electricity is needed [3]

Objectives

Results

Conclusion