6 years of wind data for Marsabit, Kenya average over 14 m/s at 100 m hub height; An analysis of the wind energy potential

The wind energy potential for generation of electricity and for domestic water pumping has been investigated for Marsabit, Kenya. Marsabit (37 degrees 58'N, 2 degrees 19'E) lies in Eastern province approximately 560 km from Nairobi. Wind data from the Kenya Meteorological department for the period 2001-2006 has been used to study the Diurnal, monthly and inter-annual variability using empirical methods including the Power law and Weibull statistics. Average wind speeds greater than 11 m/s at a height of 10 m are prevalent in this area. The available power density at a height of 100 m is between 1776 W/m(2) and 2202 W/m(2) which is in the wind class range of 7 and 8. The maximum extractable power density at 100 m varied between 1417 W/m(2) and 1757 W/m(2). Values of Weibull parameters k (dimensionless) and c (m/s) ranged between 2.5-3.05 and 11.86-12.97 respectively. Wind Rose analysis revealed no marked variation in wind direction and frequency throughout the year (mean direction between 150 and 160 degrees with highest standard deviation of 33.5 degrees). From the analysis, the site was found suitable for grid connected power generation and also for other stand-alone generators that can be used for water pumping and battery charging. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.