Techno-economic analysis of utilizing wind energy for water pumping in some selected communities of Oyo State, Nigeria

This paper presents the technical, economic and environmental benefit of meeting the water requirements of some selected communities in 3 regions of Oyo state, using off-grid wind energy conversion system. The study is conducted using 16 years (2000-2015) daily average wind speed data obtained from Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Oshodi, Lagos. The data are observed at anemometer height of 10 m and extrapolated to turbine hub height. The water requirements of the locations are estimated using water consumption data obtained from Nigeria Population Commission (NPC). The wind power analysis of the sites are conducted using 2-parameter Weibull probability distribution to ascertain the wind power potential for water pumping application. The complete system is designed in such a way that the energy requirement of the pumps matches the wind power of the sites. The annualized life cycle cost of the system over 20 years lifetime and the cost per cubic meter of pumped water are evaluated. The results show that the wind power densities of the 3 divisional areas range from 165.75to207.2 W/m2 and it is sufficient to provide for the water requirements between 1987 m3/day to 2333 m3/day) for the areas. It is also revealed that Polaris P50 with rated power of 50 kW, cut-in, rated and cut-out wind speed of 2.7 m/s, 9 m/s and 25 m/s, respectively is the most suitable wind turbine. The water pumps that match the requirement of the sites are identified to be 320 L series Goulds model submersible pumps in the range of 30-50 hp. The annualized life cycle cost of the system ranges from $7,985-$11,594 and the unit cubic cost of pumped water ranges from $0.014-0.025 m3/day. This paper provides first-hand scientific information to the investors, government officials and policy makers at alleviating the water poverty in Nigerian communities. This would impact positively on the well-being of the local residence.