Statistical study of wind speed variations by Weibull parameters for Socotra Island, Yemen

Abstract

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA-2013), Electricity alone does not create all the conditions for socioeconomic growth, but it is obviously essential to meet basic human needs and facilitate the development of economic activities. For the isolated areas with high wind potential and the island suffering from the electrification problems, the prospective solution is the use of renewable energies, especially wind energy. The present paper deals with a detailed statistical study on wind energy, its parameters, and variables on Socotra Island in Yemen, where that island is isolated from the main electricity grid in addition to the difficulty of providing electrical energy to this region in light of conditions in which Yemen has been living in recent times. The simulation results prove that the mean wind speed can reach a value ranging from 8.36 to 10.36 m/s, which is a large and enough speed to generate electricity using turbine farms. Based on the k and c Weibull parameters, the maximum probability at speeds 3 and 4 m/s is 0,052, while a value of 0,085 at speed 7 m/s is given by Rayleight distribution. Every result proved that Yemen has a good wind energy potential can utilize it for electrical energy production, and that strengthens the planning of economical wind turbines capacity for electricity production in the region.