Wind Energy Assessment at Bafoussam, Cameroon

Abstract

Three-hourly wind speed data measured using the Beaufort scale at a height of 10m, from 6am to 6pm local time (5 periods per day), was obtained from the Bafoussam Airport. It was analyzed using the Weibull and Rayleigh probability density models and wind rose plots. It was determined that the lowest wind speeds (most calms) were observed during the first period (6am) and the highest at 3pm (fourth period). The very low morning wind speed adversely affected the daily mean wind speed. Better, but still poor, power density results were obtained at this fourth (3pm) period. The monthly and yearly mean speeds varied between 1.9 and 3.1m/s and with very low standard deviations. The wind rose plots also showed that all the significant winds fell in the first quadrant (NE) and predominantly on angle 10 o with some discernibly on 20 o and 30 o , only. Three goodness-of-fit tests: the chi square, coefficient of determination or R 2 and root mean square error, showed the Weibull to be a better fit to the wind regime than the Rayleigh model. The shape parameters were always greater than the scale parameters. Results show that, using the Weibull parameters, the power density of Bafoussam falls in the category 1 of the wind energy resource group and hence is not a very good wind energy exploitable candidate.

Comparative models for multi-step ahead wind speed forecasting applied for expected wind turbine power output prediction

“…But, several works are done which will help the decision maker to give the best orientation on the development of the wind energy systems. Kisito et al (2015) assessed wind energy in Bafoussam, Cameroon, by using power density and Weibull approach. Arreyndip et al (2016) carried the wind energy potential assessment of Cameroon’s coastal regions for the installation of an onshore wind farm.…”