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Assessment of Wind Energy Potential for Small Communities in South-South Nigeria: Case Study of Koluama, Bayelsa State

Akintomide Afolayan Akinsanola, Kehinde Olufunso Ogunjobi, Akintayo T Abolude, Stefano C Sarris and Kehinde O Ladipo

Although the concept of wind energy potential assessments has matured considerably, there is only limited application and adoption in regions of energy crisis where electricity demand far exceeds supply. For Nigeria, seeking alternate sources of energy to meet its energy demand is essential and must be met in a sustainable practice. This study analyzed the electricity generation potential from wind at Koluama, Bayelsa State, Nigeria using a combination of 10-m monthly mean wind speed and direction data (1984-2013) and five year daily wind speed data (2009-2013). The data were subjected to different statistical tests and also compared with the two-parameter Weibull probability density function. Maximum mean day of year (DOY) wind speed recorded was 5.25 m/s and minimum wind speed was 0.92 m/s, while seasonal mean wind speed during the dry months (DJF) is estimated to be 4.05 m/s and 4.32 m/s during the wet months of June, July August and September (JJAS) for the 30-year period considered. Wind power density (WPD) ranged from 82 W/m2 to 145 W/m2 in November and August respectively. Lastly, small scale wind-to-electricity power generation was assessed using six (6) practical wind turbines. The AV 928 turbine had the maximum energy yield, despite relatively low capacity factor of less than 10%.