Assessment of the wind energy potential of Kutahya, Turkey

In Turkey, as in various parts of the world, there is almost no wind data of the appropriate quality for an evaluation of wind potential. Therefore, in this study, wind characteristics have been analysed in Kutahya, Turkey. Characteristics such as annual, seasonal, monthly and diurnal wind speed, and wind direction variations are examined between July 1, 2001 and June 30, 2004. A technical assessment has been made of the electricity generation using ALWIN program for the wind turbines that have different sizes between 300 and 2000 kW rated power. The annual energy produced by a Bonus I MW/70 wind turbine is estimated to be 1276 MWh for the Dumlupinar University Main Campus. The energy production analysis showed that the average wind speed, which indicates the suitability with small size wind turbines, produces electricity to fulfil the deficient electric power during the peak hours.