Harnessing wind potential in Covenant University

Abstract

Energy is one of the major necessities for economic growth and development of any nation. It is one of the most demanded commodities globally, which measures the growth of both government and private settings. Due to the emission of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels in electricity generation, greater attention has been directed towards the generation and application of renewable sources of energy that can be used with little or no carbon and/or greenhouse gas emission. It is therefore necessary to explore the applicability of renewable energy resources in our local domains. The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of using wind turbines in the generation of electricity in Covenant University. This study reports the wind potential in Covenant University and explores the utility that is attainable from the use of wind turbines in Covenant University and its environs. The wind data profile for Covenant University was collected from World Weather Online from May 2017 to May 2022 and then compared with some models of wind turbines. The wind speed data for Kano state was acquired and analyzed to gain insight into the turbine efficiency in Covenant University. The average wind speed in Covenant University over the 5-year period was found to be 3.75 m/s, while the average wind speed in Kano State over a 3-year period was found to be 4.02 m/s. The available data revealed that the wind potential is not sufficient to substantially drive wind energy conversion in Covenant University, especially with turbines of higher ratings.