Multiple criteria application in determining wind power potential: A case study of Adama Zuria woreda, Ethiopia

Abstract

The total predicted wind energy in Ethiopia is around 10 GW. However, location specific assessment is required to utilize the resource. In this work, a ten-year wind data (2008–2017) at 10 m was analyzed. The objectives of the study were to characterize the wind power potential via the wind rose representation, Weibull distribution functions and geospatial analysis at various elevations (10, 50 and 100 m). The performance assessment was also judged based on the degree of the fitness by evaluating shape factor (k) and scale factor (c) from an empirical, graphical and moment methods. The three wind parameters such as wind speeds, power densities and capacity factors were geospatially determined by GIS modeling. Annual electricity output and turbine's capacity factors for various models were also discussed. The results show Weibull way proved that 4 m/s and 6 m/s are the frequent wind speeds in the distribution. In the assessment, the k's and c's in winter and summer were more likely closer to 3 and 6 m/s proving regular-steady flows and a high class of wind energy in the site. For the remaining season, the k's and c's were found to be very close to 2 and 4 m/s indicating moderate flow and medium energy class in the area. On the other hand, the degree of the fitness using Root Mean Square (RMSE) lied between 0.025 and 0.176 proving lower errors in statistical modeling whereas the R2 was ranged between 0.740 and 1 indicating stronger explanatory powers. The study highlights the importance of multiple tool assessment to determine the proper location of windy sites for wind energy development. The capacity factor (CF) and present value cost (PVC) analysis are also essential tools for installing proper turbine model at the site suitable for energy developers.