Evaluation of Wind Energy Potential in View of the Wind Speed Parameters – A Case Study for the Southern Jordan

Abstract

In this paper, the potential resources of wind energy were examined, in the case of three different locations in Southern Jordan. On the basis of the collection of wind speed data, this study attempted to estimate the potential wind power. The empirical analysis was conducted using three different numerical approaches: empirical method, energy pattern factor method, and method of the moment. Afterward, the energy yield was evaluated including Weibull parameters, such as shape parameter and scale parameter. The analysis findings helped designate the most prospective locations for developing the strong wind energy potential. The annual mean values of wind speed observed in the typed locations were from 3.9 m/s to 4.9 m/s, and the theoretical wind power density distributions were from 87.6 W/m2 to 126.8 W/m2. The Aqaba area would be the most promising wind power location due to the greatest wind energy potential.