Assessment of wind resource for possibility of small wind turbine installation in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

This work presents an evaluation of the wind characteristics of a particular location in University of Ilorin, Nigeria. The daily wind data for this location (lat. 8.48N, long. 4.67E) at three different heights of 10 m, 20 m and 30 m were measured over a period of six months. Although there seems to be flashes of higher wind speed at H = 20 m due to not too far away trees having more leaves up there and causing occasional turbulence, consistent wind availability still occurs at H = 30 m. The mean wind speed obtained at H = 30 m was 5.5 m/h (2.5 m/s) which is close to the cut-in wind speed of most modern commercially available small wind turbines. The results obtained ascertained that the wind speed increases with height that produces more power and the resulting wind profile may be useful in determining the type of wind turbine that may be suitable for this location. The adoption of wind energy technology will improve electricity supply, ensure greater energy mix and enhance the overall economic development in Nigeria.