Wind Energy Analysis, Utilizations, And Economic Viability For Different Applications In Iraq

Abstract

Thirty years of wind data, for 22 stations and a experimental locations inside Iraq, were used to calculate the potential of wind energy in Iraq. A full statistical analysis has been carried out for five selected stations which involved hourly wind speed, monthly average speed, annual values of shape and scale parameters of normal and weibull distribution. Frequency distribution, speed distribution, with their individual and cumulative probability pattern, are analyzed. It can be seen that 24% of the country enjoys monthly wind speed greater than 4 m/sec. Therefore, wind energy is sufficient for water pumping or electricity supply for remote areas in Iraq. Here we examine the viability of utilizing wind energy to supplement solar energy by comparing the supply and demand for different utilizations. The economic viability of wind energy visa vis traditional energy resources is also discussed.