WIND ENERGY ASSESSMENT OF MICHIGAN CITY, UNITED STATES

摘要

There is a growing need for an environmentally friendly source of energy that can replace the conventional fossil fuel energy. This is because the effects of global warming is becoming very obvious, as evidenced by the severe flooding that occurred in the U.S. in 2017. Two notable solutions to this dilemma are wind and solar energy. Solar powered devices derive their energy from the sun, hence, the amount of energy is severely limited during the cold months of the year when solar intensity is typically low. Wind energy, on the other hand is most prevalent during this cold months when the wind speed is typically higher. The aim of this research is therefore to conduct a comprehensive assessment of wind energy potential in Michigan City, Indiana, United States. This information will allow homeowners and investors with interest in alternative energy to make critical decisions in this regard. The study was conducted using wind speed data collected over a five-year period from 2012 to 2016. In this work, we have also determined the best method for evaluating the Weibull parameters (shape and scale factors) for wind data analysis. The site average wind speed ranged from 4m/s to 9m/s with a peak in the winter months and minimum in the summer months. The wind speed with the maximum energy at the hub height varied between 5.84 m/s in August 2016 to 12.79 m/s in October 2012 with annual average speeds between 8.85 and 9.35 m/s and a five-year average of 9.13 m/s. The prevailing wind speed was within the range of 4 - 8m/s and strongest on the Southern part of the site especially in the South Southeastern direction. Consequently, siting a wind turbine on the Southern part of the City would generate more energy than on any other direction. Among the turbines analyzed, ITALTECH 250 will yield the maximize energy production with a capacity factor of 0.385 and average annual energy production of 840 MWh/yr. The results presented in this work proves the great potential for investments in wind energy in Michigan City.