An Investigation on Wind Energy Potential in Nalut, Libya, using Weibull Distribution

摘要

The objective of the present paper is to analyze the wind speed characteristics of mountain area (Nalut) in Libya. In the present paper, monthly wind speed is used, taken from the meteorological service during a 30-year period (1981-2010) and measured at 10m height. Weibull probability density function is used to analyze the wind speed characteristics and wind potential of the selected area. The results indicated that the mean monthly wind speeds in the studied area are within the range of 3.66-4.84m/s. Moreover, the results showed that the annual wind speed and wind power density are 4.35m/s and 50.90 W/m2, respectively. In this study, three wind turbine with various power rated (Bonus 300kW/33, Bonus 1MW/54 and Vestas 2MW/80) is used. Because of this study; the annual energy generated and capacity factor were ranged from 28.33-199.74kWh and 25.87-31.02%. It is found that the highest capacity factor and maximum annual generated energy were obtained from Bonus 1MW/54 and Vestas 2MW/80, respectively. Furthermore, energy cost per kWh (EC) of the selected is determined. It was revealed that the EC is obtained in the range of 0.850-1.867$/kWh for Bonus 300kW/33, 0.723-1.484$/kWh for Bonus 1MW/54 and 0.787-1.866$/kWh for Vestas 2MW/80, respectively. It concluded that Bonus model with a power rated of 1000kW could be strongly recommended for installation in the studied area.