Wind energy potential assessment: a case study in Central India

Abstract

Access to sustainable energy is important for economic development and environmental protection. The shift towards renewable energy is essential for mitigating climate change and ensuring long-term energy sustainability. Though developing nations possess significant renewable energy capacity, transitioning to renewable sources remains a challenge. India's expanding wind energy sector has the potential to lower carbon dioxide emissions and produce energy in a sustainable manner. This research uses the Windographer software to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the wind energy potential at a distinct site in Nagpur, India. The assessment includes monthly average wind speeds, wind rose diagrams that show the prevailing wind directions, and wind power density (WPD) calculations. These factors together establish the site's classification. In this study, Weibull parameters are derived using four distinct methods to estimate the probability distribution function. The average WPD is found to be 13.63 and 71.08 W/m2 at heights of 10 and 100 m above ground level, respectively. Through wind turbine output analysis, numerous turbine models are assessed for suitability at the specified location. The Windtec DD 3000-125 model, interestingly, has a maximum capacity factor of 9.27%. The results highlight comparatively low wind potential in the studied region. Nevertheless, a wind turbine at this location can produce about 2 412 379 kW of electricity annually using the aforementioned wind turbine model.