Assessment of wind energy for small-scale wind power in Chuuk State, Micronesia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to conduct a precision survey by installing a meteorological observation mast in Weno Island, Chuuk State, in order to assess the possibility of introducing a wind energy in Chuuk State, Micronesia. The meteorological data observed by the meteorological observation mast during 2013 were used to assess the wind energy density and wind energy potential. The Weibull and Rayleigh model are used to fit the distribution of wind data. Meanwhile, the annual wind energy density was recorded at about 157.08 W/m(2), while the highest wind energy density was 345.91 W/m(2) in February 2013. In addition, the annual energy generation was estimated by using the power curves of 3 kW(V), 5 kW(V), 10 kW(V), 10 kW(H) and 20 kW(H) small-scale wind turbine. The results show that the annual energy production of 20 kW(H) wind turbine is expected to be about 36,841.73 kWh/year using estimated Rayleigh distribution. It was found that the Aeolos-H 20 kW wind turbine was suitable for installation of wind power in Chuuk. Meanwhile, capacity factor of 10 kW(H) was about 23.36% using Rayleigh distribution. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.