Evaluation Of Wind Energy Potential In Zaria Metropolis

Abstract

Meteorological data were acquired from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology Zaria. The station is   located at Longitude 07^o 41' E, Latitude 11^o08' N and elevation of 686 m above sea level. Diurnal wind speeds and directions were recorded with Wind Vane and Anemometer from 1995 through 2004. The readings were usually taken twice daily, at 10.00 am and 4.00 pm. A total of 6856 direction counts were recorded throughout the years. The north-easterly wind had 3050 direction counts, representing 44.5 %. Maximum wind speed of 2.35 m/s was obtained at a height of 2.5 m while 3.0 m/s was obtained at 10 m above the earth's surface, showing  speed enhancement with height. The available wind power in the area was 16.46 w/s² but the maximum average  extractable wind power per unit area was 9.76 w/m² . It was also observed that dry season (High North-East (NE) wind period), normally ran from the months of November to February whereas the rainy season (High South-West (SW) wind period) ran from the months of May to September. In spite of the low available power, exploitations could be enhanced at higher level above the earth's surface. Maximum output was expected within the months of November and February when the dominant north-easterly wind was high and consistent.

Keywords: Wind, Extractible Energy, Speed, Power.