The use of energy pattern factor (EPF) in estimating wind power density

Abstract

The Energy Pattern Factor (EPF) method is a less computational method of estimating the available wind power density of an area and wind speed variation account for the energy power density throughout a given period. Using the Average daily wind speed data for an 11 year period (2004-2014) obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological (NIMET) Station located around the Kaduna Airport, Mando, Kaduna. The Average Annual Energy Pattern Factor of Kaduna was estimated to be 1.03 and from the energy pattern factor, the average annual available wind power density was calculated to be 222.13 W/m². This calculated wind power density falls within the stipulated values under wind power class 4 of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the US Department of Energy (DOE), and is considered very adequate to drive utility sized wind turbines.

Keywords: Energy Pattern Factor, Wind Speed, Wind Power Density, Utility Sized Wind Turbines