WIND POWER GENERATING POTENTIAL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS CAMPUS

This study utilizes two sets of wind speed data at 3 m above the ground surface level retrieved from two on-campus weather stations to study the wind power generating potential at the University of North Texas Campus. Weather stations have been installed approximately 5 miles away from each other. The mean wind speed data of 10 minute intervals in a one-year period from February 1st 2011 to January 31st 2012 has been adopted and analyzed. The numerical values of the dimensionless Weibull shape parameter (k) and Weibull scale parameter (c) have been determined. Monthly average wind speed and standard deviation, power generation, and power density at the sensor level for both locations has been discussed. Lower values of wind speed were found during summer months and higher during spring months. The results show that the wind power. density in the area is fair enough to be considered as a renewable power source for the University. Thereafter annual energy production by using two wind turbines with nominal capacities of 100 and 3.5 kW for both weather stations has been studied. Initial costs of using each turbine to maintain power demands of selected buildings have been compared. In order to utilize wind energy, it is recommended to install highly efficient wind turbines for electricity supply of campus buildings with lower power demands. Using grant monies to maintain the initial costs of the installation of wind turbines make them economically more desirable. Since wind power potential is low during summer, PV panels as proper supplements to the power generating system are suggested.