6 years of wind data for Marsabit, Kenya average over 14m/s at 100m hub height; An analysis of the wind energy potential

The wind energy potential for generation of electricity and for domestic water pumping has been investigated for Marsabit, Kenya. Marsabit (37° 58′N, 2° 19′E) lies in Eastern province approximately 560km from Nairobi. Wind data from the Kenya Meteorological department for the period 2001–2006 has been used to study the Diurnal, monthly and inter-annual variability using empirical methods including the Power law and Weibull statistics. Average wind speeds greater than11m/s at a height of 10m are prevalent in this area. The available power density at a height of 100m is between 1776W/m2 and 2202W/m2 which is in the wind class range of 7 and 8. The maximum extractable power density at 100m varied between 1417W/m2 and 1757W/m2. Values of Weibull parameters k (dimensionless) and c (m/s) ranged between 2.5–3.05 and 11.86–12.97 respectively. Wind Rose analysis revealed no marked variation in wind direction and frequency throughout the year (mean direction between 150 and 160 degrees with highest standard deviation of 33.5 degrees). From the analysis, the site was found suitable for grid connected power generation and also for other stand-alone generators that can be used for water pumping and battery charging.