Estimation of Wind Energy Potential for Two Locations in North-East Region of Nigeria

Abstract

This paper presents an estimation of wind power potential of North East, Nigeria (Bauchi and Maiduguri) on the basis of monthly wind speed data at 10m height from the ground. The data for the locations were collected from Nigeria metrological station, Abuja for the period of (2013-2017). Mean monthly values were used in calculation of Weibull distribution parameters c (scale factor ms-1) and k (shape factor). The Weibull results shows that for Bauchi, the shape factor ranges from 2.86-5.96 and scale factor ranges from 2.32ms-1-2.54ms-1 while Maiduguri the shape factor ranges from 2.66-5.52 and values of scale factor ranges from 4.74ms-1-5.89ms-1. It is evident that the maximum average monthly value of wind speed in Bauchi occurs in year 2017 with value of 3.8ms-1 in the month of May while the maximum average wind speed in Maiduguri occurs in year 2013 with value of 8.5ms-1 in the month of December. The probability distribution function f(V) of wind speed, together with the duration function T(V) was evaluated for the period under investigation. From the statistical analysis of distributions, the Weibull distribution was found to have better fittings in the probability distribution functions f(V) and T(V). The value of power density was computed to be 33.47W/m 2 (class I) & 374.62W/m 2 (class II) and energy density was also computed to be 24.9 kWh/m 2 & 278kWh/m 2 for both Bauchi and Maiduguri respectively.