EVALUATION OF WIND ENERGY FOR POWER GENERATION IN BAUCHI STATE NIGERIA

This study evaluated the wind power potential of a selected site (Bauchi) in Nigeria using wind speed data from 2015 to 2020, which were analyzed by Weibull probability distribution function. The average annual wind speed variation of the site lies between 2.05 m/s and 2.13 m/s. The shape factor K lies between 8.619 and 6.043, while the scale factor c lies between 7.33 m/s and 4.10 m/s. The average wind speed range of 2.05m/s-2.13m/s is small but sufficient enough for small scale wind turbines with cut-in speeds of 2.0m/s hence, the site can be used for water pumping and battery charging. Selection of wind turbine was basically done on the average wind speed on the study site which has to be sufficient to meet the cut-in wind speed. Tumo-Int 400W wind turbine generator is suitable for the study site; it is efficient even at lower wind speed. It is recommended that more sites should be studied, as wind is stochastic in nature so as to get more accurate and comprehensive wind profile for Nigeria. The government also needs to develop good policy that would foster the development of wind energy technology and attract investors.