Comparison of numerical methods in estimating Weibull parameters to install a sustainable wind farm in mount Bamboutos, Cameroon

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the wind energy potential of Mount Bamboutos in Cameroon by comparing nine numerical methods in determining Weibull parameters for the installation of a sustainable wind farm. Design/methodology/approach By using statistical analysis, the analysis of shape and scale parameters, the estimation of the available wind power density and wind direction frequency distributions, the objective of this paper is to compare nine numerical methods in estimating Weibull parameters for the installation of a sustainable wind farm in Mount Bamboutos, Cameroon. Findings The results suggested that the minimum and maximum values of the standard deviation occurred in the months of May and November 2016, respectively. The graphical method appeared to be the most effective method with the maximum value of variance and minimum values of chi-square and RMSE. The scale factor parameter values indicated that Mount Bamboutos hills were a potential site for electricity generation. The analysis of wind power density showed that it reached the maximum and minimum values in February and September, respectively. The wind direction frequency distributions showed that the prevailing wind directions were North-East. Originality/value The wind energy potential of Mount Bamboutos in Cameroon was performed by using nine numerical methods. Therefore, it could be effective to have a prediction model for the wind speed profile. The analysis of wind power density showed that it reached the maximum and minimum values in February and September, respectively. The wind direction frequency distributions showed that the prevailing wind directions were North-East.