Investigation of Wind Power Potential in Al-Aqiq, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Saudi Arabia authorities recognize the importance of renewable energy, especially wind, and they intend to invest in this promising power sector. This paper presents a wind data analysis in terms of annual, seasonal, and diurnal variations at Al-Aqiq, which is located in the highlands of the southwestern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the analysis, the diurnal variation of wind speed at 3 m above the roof surface shows that wind speed remains above 2.5 m/s during the period 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The overall wind speed is found to be 2.68 m/s, 4.2 m/s, and 5.48 m/s at heights of 3 m, 10 m, and 50 m, respectively, with the main wind direction ranging approximately from south-southeast to south-southwest. The highest average monthly wind speed is recorded in March, with values of 3.09 m/s, 5.11 m/s, and 6.43 m/s at heights of 3 m, 10 m, and 50 m, respectively, and with southwest being the main wind direction. The wind data analysis is then used to estimate wind energy production. Wind energy generation is considered for 21 wind machines of different sizes. At a height of 10 m above ground level, the highest energy estimate is generated using an Enercon E141/4200 wind machine, with a rate of 4898.96 MWh/Year. The lowest energy estimate is generated using a Soyut Wind 100 wind machine, with a rate of 165.54 MWh/Year. The highest capacity factor (26.0%) is recorded for an Aeronautica Windpower 33-225 wind machine and the lowest capacity factor (5.9%) is recorded for an Enercon E126/7580. The analysis shows that the power factor is low for wind turbines located at 3 m above roof surface level, but higher heights at Albaha University, Al-Aqiq, may be suitable for wind farm development.