Wind energy potential assessment for KPT with a comparison of different methods of determining Weibull parameters

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate wind power potential of site using wind speed, wind direction and other meteorological data including temperature and air density collected over a period of one year. Design/methodology/approach The site-specific air density, wind shear, wind power density, annual energy yield and capacity factors have been calculated at 30 and 10 m above the ground level (AGL). The Weibull parameters have been calculated using empirical, maximum likelihood, modified maximum likelihood, energy pattern and graphical methods to determine the other dependent parameters. The accuracies of these methods are determined using correlation coefficient (R²) and root mean square error (RMSE) values. Findings The site-specific wind shear coefficient was found to be 0.18. The annual mean wind speeds were found to be 5.174 and 4.670 m/s at 30 and 10 m heights, respectively, with corresponding standard deviations of 2.085 and 2.059. The mean wind power densities were found to be 59.50 and 46.75 W/m² at 30 and 10 m heights, respectively. According to the economic assessment, the wind turbine A is capable of producing wind energy at the lowest value of US$ 0.034/kWh. Practical implications This assessment provides the sustainable solution of energy which minimizes the dependence on continuous supply of oil and gas to run the conventional power plants that is a major cause of increasing load shedding in the significant industrial and thickly populated city of Pakistan. Also, this will minimize the quarrel between the local power producer and oil and gas supplier during the peak season. Social implications This wind resource assessment has some important social implications including decreasing the environmental issues, enhancing the uninterrupted supply of electricity and decreasing cost of energy per kWh for the masses of Karachi. Originality/value The results are showing that the location can be used for installing the wind energy power plant at the lower cost per kWh compared to other energy sources. The wind energy is termed as sustainable solution at the lowest cost.