Wind Resource Assessment In The Western Part Of Algerian Highlands, Case Study Of El-Bayadh

the aim of this work is to assess the wind potential in El-Bayadh region, located in the western part of Algerian highlands, using 12 years collected data. The statistical analysis at the measurement mast give the studied region with a significant wind potential, approved with an annual mean wind speed equal to 4.83 m/s and an annual mean power density of 133W/m2 at 10m over ground level. Regarding the temporal study, it was found that the studied site is windiest from February until March, while the night time is relatively calm. The use of WAsP software leads us to evaluate the distributions of mean wind speed over the region of El-Bayadh and to simulate the energy produced by a hypotheticals wind farms established in the two windiest areas in the region. The wind farm layout optimization using wind turbines of 2 MW rated capacity from Bonus manufacturer has allowed to maximize the simulated annual energy production and the full load hours for the two simulated wind farms. Finally, the economic analysis gives a cost per kWh less than 0.0142 US$ for both wind parks.