Wind Resource Assessment for Wind Energy Utilization in Port Harcout, River State, Nigeria, Based on Weibull Probability Distribution Function

Year 2013, Volume: 3 Issue: 1, 180 - 185, 01.03.2013

Christopher Okechukwu Izelu Orobome Larry Agberegha Olusola Bode Oguntuberu

Abstract

Abstract- The development and sitting of wind energy conversion systems, for electrical power generation and other applications, in various states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria demand proper wind resource assessment of the project sites. This paper therefore presents an assessment of wind resource for wind energy utilization in Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria. The average monthly wind velocity data, obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria, was used, in conjunction with the logarithmic profile equation, to determine wind velocity data at a desired hub height, and with the Rayliegh probability distribution function, a form of Weibull probability distribution function, to determine wind velocity and energy distribution. The results obtained include the wind velocity distribution, wind energy distribution, and the optimum average wind velocity of 17.75 m/s at an altitude of 50 m, which corresponds to the optimum power density or yield of 1370.13 W/m2. The results also revealed a maximum power density or yield of 10731.08 W/m2. This amount of energy corresponds to a maximum average wind velocity of 35.25 m/s beyond which the power density drops off. These results are quite adequate and indicative of high wind energy potentials for Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria.

Keywords

Keywords: Wind Resource, Wind Energy Studies, Wind Energy Conversion System, Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria

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