Wind power potential assessment of Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper investigates wind power potential assessment of Kano, located at North-Western region of Nigeria where the wind is highly variable and energy demand is high. Weibull probability density function is used to analyze Kano wind speed data obtained from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET). The analysis shows that average monthly wind power density of Kano varies from 213.913 W/m2 to 735.925 W/m2. The study also revealed that Kano has seasonal average wind power density of 471.941 W/m2 for dry seasons and 461.450 W/m2 for rainy seasons. The annual power density ranges from 297.481 W/m2 to 830.801 W/m2. The most probable wind speed (Vmp) and maximum energy carrying wind speed (VmaxE)monthly and annually values are found for dry and rainy seasons. Seasonal conditions are considered as well. All of the results show that Kano clearly falls under the highest class of 7 according to wind power density classes.