MODELLING A WIND MAP OF NIGERIA TO ASSESS THE UTILIZATION OF WIND AS AN ALTERNETIVE SOURCE OF ENERGY

S. O. Owoeye; A. Waheed; A. Ishola; A. Yussouf

S. O. Owoeye Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
A. Waheed Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
A. Ishola Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
A. Yussouf Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria

Keywords: Wind map, Wind energy, ArcView, Wind speed, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper deals with the feasibility study and efficient utilization of wind energy in Nigeria. Twenty (20) years hourly wind data at 10 m height were collected for 2 stations in each of the 6 geographical zones of Nigeria. The selected stations were: Abeokuta, Osogbo, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Enugu, Sokoto, Kano, Jos, Abuja, Maiduguri and Yola. A wind map of Nigeria was modelled using ArcView^© Geographical Iinformation System. The study revealed that Jos, Kano and Sokoto have wind energy potential sufficient to generate electrical power that could be connected to the national grid, while Enugu and Maiduguri have enough wind energy potential that could be used to power irrigation devices and other agricultural activities. The establishment of wind power plants for excellent stations such as Jos, Kano and Sokoto for the generation of electricity which could be integrated with the present national grid is recommended.

Author Biographies

S. O. Owoeye, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Department of Mechatronics Engineering,

A. Waheed, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Department of Mechanical Engineering

A. Ishola, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Department of Mechatronics Engineering

A. Yussouf, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria

Department of Mechanical Engineering