Volume 10 Issue 1
Wind Energy Study and Energy Cost of Wind Electricity Generation in Nigeria: Past and Recent Results and a Case Study for South West Nigeria
Oluseyi O. Ajayi, Richard O. Fagbenle, James Katende, Julius M. Ndambuki, David O. Omole and Adekunle A. Badejo
1Mechanical Engineering Department, Covenant University, Private Mail Bag 1023, Ota 112101, Nigeria
2Mechanical Engineering Department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220282, Nigeria
3College of Engineering and Technology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Gaborone 0000, Botswana
4Department of Civil Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
5Civil Engineering Department, Covenant University, Private Mail Bag 1023, Ota 112101, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The study assessed the wind energy potential of ten selected sites in the south western region of Nigeria and carried out a cost benefit analysis of wind power generation at those sites. Twenty four years’ (1987 to 2010) wind speed data at 10 m height obtained from the Nigerian meteorological agency were employed to classify the sites wind profiles for electricity generation. The energy cost analysis of generating wind electricity from the sites was also carried out. The outcome showed that sites in Lagos and Oyo States were adequately suited for large scale generation with average wind speeds ranged between 2.9 and 5.8 m/s. Those from other sites may be suitable for small scale generation or as wind farms, with several small turbines connected together, to generate large enough wind power. The turbine matching results shows that turbines cut-in and rated wind speeds of between 2.0 and 3.0 m/s, and between 10 and 12.0 m/s respectively will be very suited to all the sites, particularly those in locations outside Lagos and Oyo States. The energy cost analysis shows that generation cost can be as low as 0.02 €/kWh and as high as 5.03/kWh, depending on the turbine model employed.
Keywords:wind power; energy cost; Weibull; South West Nigeria; turbine matching