Assessment of Wind Energy in Nigeria for Generation of Electricity in Ikeja and Minna

Abstract

In this study, the assessment of the potential of wind energy for  power generation at Ikeja [latitude 6.59^o and longitude 3.34^o and altitude 41] and Minna [latitude 9.37^o and longitude 6.32^o and altitude 256] location in the south-western and north - western part of Nigeria was carried out. One year [2011] with time interval of 9hrs and 15hrs of daily mean Monthly wind speed measured at 10m height obtained from the Nigeria meteorological agency Oshodi, Nigeria.

The wind parameters, such as Most probable wind speed [V_mp ] , Maximum energy carrying wind speed [V_max] and wind power density distribution were obtained from Weibull Probability Distribution Function. The result showed that the mean wind speed at 9hrs were 4.97ms^-1 and 8.33ms^-1 respectively for Ikeja Minna while at 15hrs, they were 8.08ms^-1 and 6.75ms^-1 respectively for Ikeja and Minna.

The  standard deviation at 9hrs were   3.15ms^-1 and  4.16ms^-1 respectively for  Ikeja and Minna while at 15hrs,they were 3.17ms^-1 and 3.10ms^-1 for  Ikeja and Minna, The maximum energy carrying wind speed for  Ikeja and Minna at  9hrs were  9.66ms^-1 and12.96ms^-1 while  Ikeja and Minna at 15hrs were 12ms^-1 and 9.54ms^-1.

The most probable wind speed for Ikeja and Minna at 9hrs was 4.17ms^-1 and 6.66ms^-1 while Ikeja and   Minna at 15hrs were 6.87ms^-1 and 5.71ms^-1 on monthly basis. The wind power density for Ikeja and Minna at 9hrs was 382.75 w/m² and 1158.30 w/m² while Ikeja and Minna at 15hrs were 1320.47 w/m² and 562.18 w/m^2.

The assessment of Monthly mean wind speed and Power density of Ikeja and Minna are good location for generation of electricity in Nigeria.