A Study Of Wind Powered Turbine Generation

CHAPTER FIVE
5.0    VIABILITY IN NIGERIA
Nigeria generates her electric power from two main systems the hydro and the thermal/gas turbines. For now there are three hydro-stations in the country. These are kanji, Jebba and Shiroro and for some reason two of the hydro – stations (Kainji and Jebba) are built in the same river “THE RIVER NIGER”. The rest of the stations are predominantly thermal/gas. These are Afam, Delta, Egbim, and Sapele etc
At present their capacities are shown as seen on table 1. Unfortunately the generated power is not yet adequate for the Nation’s Power Consumers. To worsen the situation there are lots of limitations in both transmission and distribution sectors. Such limitations are transformers, cable’s etc and they make it difficult for the power consumers to enjoy steady electricity supply thus most of the station and substation were built long time ago and needed to be up-graded in other to meet the challenges of the present day.
Most of the prospective consumers are, yet to be connected to the Nations Power Supply System. Many towns and villages have not been privilege to see electric poles and cable in their land, yet need electricity like others.
These brings the wind turbine generators into play and why it is likely to succeed in Nigeria because the poor performance of the “POWER HOLDING COMPANY ON NIGERIA PLC” (PHCN) disturbs the consumers and as such those lining in good wind catchments area will not hesitate to request for it.
Unfortunately the Nigeria populaces are still ignorant of this energy that can cost less and yet requires no money to fuel supply system.
The wind generator can be used in remote area where erections of power lines pose both financially problems and inconvenience due to the nature of the areas. For examples island or areas located in or surrounded by swamps and also in small isolated towns and village located in rocky highland scattered all over the country.
Further research on wind turbine will help to uplift our technological base. In fact, introduction of wind turbine generator in Nigeria will help to diversify our power source. We often hear of low water heads or over floating of the dam as causes of low or no power supply.
Finally new areas of electric power generator should be explored (wind power generator) if Nigeria should move forward more especially now we talk more about technological advancement of the country.5.1    ANALYSIS OF WIND RESOURCE.
The production of wind power speed maps depends on the coherent synthesis of several pieces information. The goal of the synthesis process is to present wind power speed value representatives of sites that are well exposed to wind.
Hilltops ridge crests mountain summits large clearing and other location free of local obstruction to the wind are expected to have good exposure to the wind. In contrast location in narrow valleys and canyons downwind of hills and obstruction or in forested or urban areas likely to have poor exposure.