Authors :
Kwamboka, J. O., Kamau, J.N., Saoke, C.O., Ndeda J.O. and Maina A.W.
Volume/Issue :
Volume 3 - 2018, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://goo.gl/DF9R4u
Scribd :
https://goo.gl/qot2jC
Thomson Reuters ResearcherID :
https://goo.gl/3bkzwv
Abstract :
This study was carried out at the Manga hill in Nyamira County, Kenya, for a period of three months at the height of 10 m and 15 m. The study sought to determine the wind characteristics and power potential for the site. In addition economic analysis to determine viability of harnessing power for the site was considered. Weibull and Rayleigh distribution methods were compared. Different statistical methods namely; graphical method, moment method, maximum likelihood method and power density method were employed. The mean wind speed for the period of study is 5.1 m/s and wind power flux was estimated to be 142.57 W/m 2 by Weibull distribution for 10 m above ground level. The wind characteristics obtained was categorized as wind power flux class II. The shape parameter k values obtained range from 2.22 to 2.26 and the scale parameter c values range from 5.83m/s to 6.21 m/s. The wind shear exponent was found to be 0.233. Installation of a 10 kW rated power horizontal axis wind turbine, at 30 m height would be economically viable for Manga Hill site for domestic power generation.
Keywords :
Graphical Method, Moment Method, Probability Distribution, Weibull Parameters, Wind Energy, Wind Shear.
This study was carried out at the Manga hill in Nyamira County, Kenya, for a period of three months at the height of 10 m and 15 m. The study sought to determine the wind characteristics and power potential for the site. In addition economic analysis to determine viability of harnessing power for the site was considered. Weibull and Rayleigh distribution methods were compared. Different statistical methods namely; graphical method, moment method, maximum likelihood method and power density method were employed. The mean wind speed for the period of study is 5.1 m/s and wind power flux was estimated to be 142.57 W/m 2 by Weibull distribution for 10 m above ground level. The wind characteristics obtained was categorized as wind power flux class II. The shape parameter k values obtained range from 2.22 to 2.26 and the scale parameter c values range from 5.83m/s to 6.21 m/s. The wind shear exponent was found to be 0.233. Installation of a 10 kW rated power horizontal axis wind turbine, at 30 m height would be economically viable for Manga Hill site for domestic power generation.
Keywords :
Graphical Method, Moment Method, Probability Distribution, Weibull Parameters, Wind Energy, Wind Shear.
