Wind Profile Characteristics and Econometrics Analysis of Wind Power Generation of a Site in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract: This study assessed the viability of wind electricity production at a local meteorological site in Sokoto State, Nigeria. 21 years monthly mean wind speed data at 10 m height obtained from the Nigerian meteorological station were employed to carry out monthly, seasonal, yearly and whole years wind profile characteristics. The data were subjected to the Weibull 2-parameter and other statistical analyses. The econometrics analysis of wind electricity generation from the site was also studied using three wind turbine models of AV 928, V90 and SWT-3.6-107. The outcome showed that the wind speed data ranged from 2.4 to 12.1 m/s while the modal wind speed range was from 6.9 to 9.0 m/s. 98% of the data were found to be greater than 3.0 m/s and better potential exist for wind power generation in the dry season than in the wet. It was also discovered that potential exist for electricity generation of between 60.0MWh and 1.5GWh per month and between 2.1 and 10.8GWh per annum. The least cost of generating 1kWh of wind electricity with the turbine models at the site is estimated to be € 0.014. Key words: Wind power; Turbine cost; Cost per kWh; Weibull distribution; Sokoto; Nigeria