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Evaluation of wind energy potential in the south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria
EBOIBI, B; EBOIBI, O; OKUBIO, E & IYASELE, C
Abstract
This study examined wind energy potential of six selected locations the South-South geopolitical
zone of Nigeria using 10 year wind data obtained at a height of 10m as a possible location for energy generation from
wind. The obtained data showed that the annual mean wind speed for Asaba, Benin, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and
Warri were 3.3m/s, 3.3m/s, 4.4m/s, 3.4m/s, 3.5m/s and 3.7m/s respectively, with corresponding mean power density
of 21.8W/m2, 21.4W/m2, 35.8W/m2, 23W/m2, 25.2W/m2, and 30.8W/m2.. The mean energy output of 183.4KWh/m2,
205.4KWh/m2, 311.7KWh/m2, 200.9KWh/m2, 220.9KWh/m2, and 274.3KWh/m2 were found for the respective
locations. The corresponding annual mean wind speed with maximum energy ranged from 4.1m/s to 4.4m/s with
Calabar station found to be the most suitable site for the installation of wind turbine for power generation. The overall
mean wind power densities and the annual mean power densities were under class 1 of wind classification scheme
indicating that, the mean wind speed fell short of required standard of 6m/s for large-scale installation of wind energy
generation. Nevertheless, the power generated could be improved using suitable wind turbines at reasonable heights.
Keywords
Mean wind speed; Wind power density; Wind energy; Renewable energy.
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