Optimization of wind turbine design parameters for power output in southern Nigerian states using response surface methodology

Abstract

Weather Risk Optimization of Vertical Wind Turbines when situated in Southern Nigeria was achieved using Response Surface Methodology. Wind speed at heights of 10m and 50m between the years of 1990 and 2020 was acquired for four sampled southern states of Imo, Delta, Edo, and Bayelsa states from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. Parametric profiling in various locations in the country aided the selection of locations with low wind speeds in the region. Delta has the lowest wind speed of 1.81m/s. The model for determining the power output in the region shows 98% R squared value. Analysis shows that if offshore wind turbines must be sited in southern Nigeria, hub height will be 1125m and 827m for obtaining wind speeds of 10m/s and 5m/s respectively. The optimization plot shows a wind turbine of 114. 5m blade length, wind speed of 10 m/s, and hub height of 1125m can produce wind power of 8MW.