Wind Profile Characteristics and Turbine Performance Analysis in Kano, North-western Nigeria
No Thumbnail Available
Date
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Description
This study analyzed the electricity generation potential from wind at Kano, Nigeria (12.05°N; 08.2°E; altitude 472.5 m;
air density 1.1705 kg/m3). Twenty one years (1987 to 2007) monthly mean wind speed data at a height of 10 m
were assessed from the Nigeria Meteorological Department, Oshodi. The data were subjected to different statistical
tests and also compared with the two-parameter Weibull probability density function. The outcome shows that the
average monthly wind speed ranged from 6.6 to 9.5 m/s. Seasonally, average wind speeds ranged between 6.6 to
8.5 m/s and 7.4 to 9.5 m/s for dry (October to March) and wet (April to September) seasons, respectively. Also,
estimated monthly wind power ranged between 3.6 and 12.5 MWh/m2. The most probable and maximum energy
carrying wind speeds were also determined and the two parameters of the Weibull statistics were found to lie
between 2.1 ≤ k ≤ 4.9 and 7.3 ≤ c ≤ 10.7, respectively. These results indicate that wind speeds at Kano may be
economically viable for wind-to-electricity at and above the height of 10 m. In addition, five practical turbine
models were assessed for the site’s wind profile, with results suggesting strong economic viability
Keywords
TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery