Assessment of wind energy potential locations in Oman using data from existing weather stations

This paper analyzes five years hourly wind data from twenty-nine weather stations to identify the potential location for wind energy applications in Oman. Different criteria including theoretical wind power output, vertical profile, turbulence and peak demand fitness were considered to identify the potential locations. Air density and roughness length, which play an important role in the calculation of the wind power density potential, were derived for each station site. Due to the seasonal power demand, a seasonal approach was also introduced to identify the wind potential on different seasons. Finally, a scoring approach was introduced in order to classify the potential sites based on the different factors mentioned above. It is concluded that Qayroon Hyriti, Thumrait, Masirah and Rah Alhad have high wind power potential and that Qayroon Hyriti is the most suitable site for wind power generation. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.