Sizing and Power Estimation Models of an Off-grid Wind Power Supply System in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract
The exploitation of wind energy for electricity generation could be done by the use of wind turbines. The power output from the wind generator fluctuates due to the variability of wind speed and therefore storage facilities are needed for power supply stability. This research focuses on the wind power potential investigations, sizing of wind power system components and determination of the better wind turbines for residential power supply in Sokoto, Nigeria. The results showed that 4.37 kWh/day (1596 kWh/yr) typical load demand could be powered efficiently by 1 kW wind turbine with 5.04 m/s wind speed. The Bergey wind turbines model with 49.14% energy efficiency could be the best for off-grid power supply system in Sokoto. The fact that the turbine power output increases by one-third due to 100% increase in hub height, and increases by three-times due to10% increase in wind speed;the wind speed has more significance in turbine power output optimization than the height. However, with 5.04m/s average wind speed, the 1kW Bergeywind turbine generates 1660kWh/yr, which is greater than a typical load demand of 1595.05kWh/yr, indicating that Sokoto has enough wind energy potential to be harnessed by the wind turbine for off-grid power supply.

Keywords: Batteries, grid inverter, wind speed, wind turbine

Cite this Article
Umar Muhammad Kangiwa, Muazu Musa, Aminu Muhammad Bayawa, Sadiq Umar. Sizing and Power Estimation Models of an Off-grid Wind Power Supply System in Sokoto, Nigeria. Journal of Nuclear Engineering & Technology. 2020; 10(1): 1–7p.