Evaluation of Wind Energy Potential and Electricity Generation in Northern of Thailand

Wind energy assessment plays a vital role on determining installation of wind turbines in worldwide. Wind analysis is proposed to systematically assess the potential of electrical energy production from wind turbine. Statistical information of wind data and power curves of wind turbines were applied for establishment such as annual energy production and capacity factor. Several case studies are investigated in the northern region of Thailand, which has meteorological station (7 stations); these stations of 7 stations are applicable for wind speed and wind direction measurement at 40 meters from ground level. Direction of southwest monsoons results was revealed the annual average wind speed between 3.36-5.03 m/s. With the proposed methodology, a wind turbine with low cut-in wind speed is Fuhrländer 600kW and 1000 kW. It was found that MAEHAE station confirmed that high wind energy potential, approximately annual electricity production of 1.51 GWh and 1.72 GWh, respectively. Furthermore, the annual energy production has the most impact on financial parameters. Consequently, MAEHAE station can be recommended as one of the most feasible wind turbines for electricity generation under weak and moderate wind conditions in the considered sites in Northern of Thailand.

Keywords: Wind Energy Potential, Northern of Thailand