Abstract
This study presents wind energy resource assessment and financial analysis of a 15 MW wind farm in Mustang for utility scale power generation. Hourly meteorological data at Kagbeni and Thini measured at 10 m and 20 m height from 2001 to 2005 have been analyzed and annual average wind speed and power density at 75 m above ground level at Kagbeni 8.05 m/s and 851 W/m2 whereas the same for Thini are 6.99 m/s and 337 W/m2 respectively.WAsP analysis showed that the wind speed and wind power density in the study area (20 × 20 km2) varied from 2.72 m/s to 44.51 m/s and 0.23 kW/m2 to 173.27 kW/m2. Optimized layout of a 15 MW wind farm that comprised of twenty five S52 -600 kW turbines, developed by open Wind software yields annual gross energy 63.58 GWh, and net energy 41.66 GWh with capacity factor of 31.68 %. The economic analysis of the farm suggests that the unit energy cost stands on range NRs 4.57 to NRs 6.10 under different energy availability scenario to meet the project MARR of 16.1%. Based on the results, it is apparent that the wind resources at Mustang are suitable for harnessing wind energy especially for the purpose of utility scale electricity generation. Site accessibility is a major challenging factor to establish a wind farm currently. Key words: WAsP; wind energy; wind farm DOI: 10.3126/njst.v11i0.4139Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 11 (2010) 159-166
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