Ajayi O.O., Fagbenle R.O., Katende J., Aasa S.A., Okeniyi J.O.
Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P. M. B. 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Mechanical Engineering Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria; College of Engineering and Technology, Botswana International University of Science and T
Ajayi, O.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P. M. B. 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Fagbenle, R.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria; Katende, J., College of Engineering and Technology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Gaborone, Botswana; Aasa, S.A., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P. M. B. 1023, Ota, Nigeria; Okeniyi, J.O., Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, P. M. B. 1023, Ota, Nigeria
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. © 2013 Ajayi et al.