INVESTIGATION OF BALIKESIR WIND ENERGY POTENTIAL AND COMPARISON OF THE TURBINES BASED ON THE ECONOMICAL ANALYSIS

Balikesir Province is in the first places in the field of wind energy in Turkey. Wind power plants in many locations throughout the province have been established and continues to be established. In this study, wind energy potential of 11 different locations in Balikesir (Bandirma, Edremit, Akcaldede (Balya), Ayvalik, Erdek, Gonen, Bigadic, Manyas, Dursunbey, Susurluk ye Burhaniye) were investigated. The wind speed measurement data from the Turkish State Meteorological Service for 2011-2015 at a height of 10 m were analysed. Weibull and Rayleigh probability density functions were used to obtain wind speed distribution curves. The wind speed data and Weibull parameters for different heights were calculated using an extrapolation method. The highest mean wind speed was obtained with 6,42 m/s in Akcaldede, while the lowest mean wind speed was obtained with 1,69 m/s in Dursunbey. Weibull shape parameter k varied between 1,68 and 1,16 while the scale parameter c varied between 6,66 and 1,50 m/s. The prevailing winds in the region were N (0 degrees) and NNE (22,5 degrees). A comparison of the five wind turbines with rated power ranging from 1000 kW to 3000 kW was performed based on economic analysis for each location. Best performance has been achieved in the Akcaldede location with Vestas V90 (2000 kW, 125 m) turbine. The aim of this study is to scientifically contribute to the development of wind energy in the region.