Investigation of Wind Energy Density in the Southern and Southwestern Region of Turkey

In this study, wind energy density in the southern and southwestern region of Turkey was investigated by using the Weibull and Rayleigh probability density functions, and the wind atlas analysis and application program (WAsP). Hourly wind speeds and directions collected by the General Directorate of Electrical Power Resources Survey Administration were used. Before the construction of the wind turbine generator in these locations, several fundamental properties of the site such as wind behavior, availability, continuity, and probability should be carried out in order to provide the necessary information to the potential investors about cost and economical aspects of planning the wind energy project. The dominant wind direction, probability distribution, Weibull parameters, mean wind speed and power potential of all stations were determined by the Weibull and Rayleigh models, and the WAsP program. The results obtained with these models were compared with the measured data. Finally, it is found that these regions have a reasonable wind power potential and they are suitable for planting wind energy turbines. However, Belen is the most promising and convenient site for production of electricity from wind power.