Wind Distribution Map of Iraq - A Comparative Study

Abstract

Wind speed data of 10m in height for 11 meteorological station in Iraq has been studied, to understand and determine the distribution of wind speed. Wind speed values is increased when we go toward the southern region of Iraq because the flatness of the ground surface. The sites of Basrah, Nasiriya and Hai were the best with respect to wind speed, especially, at summer. These sites have an annual average values of wind speed of about 5m/s and more. A good similarity obtained when comparing the prepared wind map of the annual average wind speed, with the wind map of Iraq that produced by the National Renewable Energy Centre of Spain (CENER). This similarity demonstrates the reliability of the local data used in this paper, which means it is certified and a good source for the researchers in the site assessment. Also, this data is useful to the decision maker when he decide to install wind turbine or establish wind farm to generate electric power.