Estimation of the Wind Energy Potential of Kebbi State Based on Weibull Distribution Function

Abstract

The performance of a proposed energy source depends on the breeze distribution pattern for a region. This study was embarked upon to estimate the wind energy potential in Kebbi State based on Weibull distribution function. Estimation of the potential the proposed energy source in the region provides a means of establishing the viability of deploying energy source in generating electricity in that region. The Data on Breeze speed in Kebbi State spanning a period of five years (2017-2021) was obtained from Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET). The mean speeds were obtained at a height of 10.1m and transformed to a height of 50m using power law coefficient value of 0.143 to allow for accurate evaluation of energy source to compensate for height of modern wind turbines. The study revealed that monthly mean breeze speed values for Kebbi State was mostly between 3 to 4minutes per second. The maximum monthly rate is 6.372 minutes per second was recorded in February. From the results obtained, the shape parameter range between 1.404 and 1.844 an indication that the wind distribution is skewed towards lower velocities. The average power density value for the years studied was found to be 64.88(W/m2). This result classifies Kebbi State using the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) as poor. However, the wind energy distribution in the study area could be used to power light loads. Selection of α value of 0.4, a factor which depends on the terrain improved the monthly wind speed to a range of 2.531 m/s to 9.733 m/s. The mean yearly velocity also range from 4.486 m/s to 7.731 m/s. These values is greater than the yearly mean speed range of 2.863 m/s to 4.933 m/s recorded when α is 0.143 This increment in wind speed will greatly impact on the breeze power density of the region. The study therefore recommended that further work should be done to determine the actual value of power law coefficient (α) in Kebbi State to enable us take a more decisive decision on the energy potential of Kebbi State. However, to deploy wind energy on a large scale in Kebbi State effort has to be geared towards designing wind turbine with low rated speed to match the frequency probability distribution in Kebbi State.