Wind power plant site selection problem solution using GIS and resource assessment and analysis of wind energy potential by estimating Weibull distribution function for sustainable energy production: The case of Bitlis/Turkey

Abstract

Wind energy, being a sustainable energy source, is a benign, dependable, limitless, and cost-effective source of energy. This study involved the creation of a wind power plant site selection map at a provincial scale using a GIS application. The map took into account both environmental risks and environmental criteria. A wind energy measurement station of the PCE-FWS 20 type, equipped with a touch screen, was installed in the Rahva campus of Bitlis Eren University. Over the course of one year, data on wind direction, wind speed, temperature, relative humidity, and air pressure were collected at 5-s intervals and averaged over 20-min periods. The purpose of this study was to assess the suitability of the measured region for wind energy potential. A comprehensive statistical analysis was conducted using all the data collected during this period to assess the wind energy potential in the studied region. The Weibull distribution was employed to analyse the wind energy potential of this particular region. We employed graphical techniques to ascertain the Weibull distribution. The wind data analysis and simulation were conducted using the Matlab application. Analysed were the monthly statistical wind energy potential of the region, wherein the average wind speed and power density values were determined and presented through graphs at 20-min intervals. Upon analyzing the map generated using the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technique, it has been ascertained that Bitlis Eren University Rahva campus is located in favorable areas.