Abstract
This study examined wind energy potential of six selected locations the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria using 10 year wind data obtained at a height of 10m as a possible location for energy generation from wind. The obtained data showed that the annual mean wind speed for Asaba, Benin, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and Warri were 3.3m/s, 3.3m/s, 4.4m/s, 3.4m/s, 3.5m/s and 3.7m/s respectively, with corresponding mean power density of 21.8W/m 2 , 21.4W/m 2 , 35.8W/m 2 , 23W/m 2 , 25.2W/m 2 , and 30.8W/m 2 .. The mean energy output of 183.4KWh/m 2 , 205.4KWh/m 2 , 311.7KWh/m 2 , 200.9KWh/m 2 , 220.9KWh/m2, and 274.3KWh/m2 were found for the respective locations. The corresponding annual mean wind speed with maximum energy ranged from 4.1m/s to 4.4m/s with Calabar station found to be the most suitable site for the installation of wind turbine for power generation. The overall mean wind power densities and the annual mean power densities were under class 1 of wind classification scheme indicating that, the mean wind speed fell short of required standard of 6m/s for large-scale installation of wind energy generation. Nevertheless, the power generated could be improved using suitable wind turbines at reasonable heights. Keywords: Mean wind speed, Wind power density, Wind energy, Renewable energy
Highlights
Non-exploitation of wind resources and lack of research interest in wind energy technology in Nigeria could be due to poor government policy in the energy sector
These factors have resulted in few studies in wind energy technology in Nigeria and with limited publications in literature
This paper aims at evaluating wind energy potentials in the south-south region to select an appropriate location for the installation of wind turbines for power generation
Summary
Non-exploitation of wind resources and lack of research interest in wind energy technology in Nigeria could be due to poor government policy in the energy sector. Some studies on assessment of wind resources on specific sites and regions in Nigeria have been investigated (Asiegbu, and Iwuoha, 2007; Fagbenle et al, 2011; Fadare, 2008; Nze-Esiaga and Okogbue, 2014; Ohunakin, 2011; and Okeniyi et al, 2015). These reported studies demonstrated the feasibility of harnessing wind energy as an alternative to conventional fossil fuel. This paper aims at evaluating wind energy potentials in the south-south region to select an appropriate location for the installation of wind turbines for power generation
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