Evaluation of wind energy potentiality at coastal locations along the north eastern coasts of Turkey

Abstract

This study aims to determine and evaluate wind energy potentiality along coastal locations at the North Eastern of Turkey. For this purpose, the present study has statistically analysed wind power potentials and wind characteristics from six meteorological stations (Sinop, Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, and Hopa) along the North Eastern (NE) geo-political coastal region of Turkey using the hourly or 3-hourly wind speed data measured at 10 m height during 9 years. The diurnal, monthly, and seasonal mean wind speed and wind power density at all the stations are assessed to have remarkable variations. The annual and seasonal frequency distributions and dominant wind directions of the all locations are determined. It is observed that the monthly mean wind speed in this region ranges from 1.53 m/s to 4.06 m/s. The maximum annual mean wind power density was found to be 59.96 W/m(2) at Sinop while the maximum annual mean wind energy density was obtained to be 525.25 kWh/m(2)/year at the same station. It is further shown that Sinop, Hopa, and Trabzon have the higher wind power potential than other locations and their potential are close to each other. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.