Wind energy resource assessment for the Fiji Islands: Kadavu Island and Suva Peninsula. (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, Kaushik; Ahmed, M. Rafiuddin
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 89(2016)
• Page Start: 168
• Page End: 180
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Resource assessment -- WAsP -- South-East Trade winds -- Resource map; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2015.12.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: Wind energy assessment of two sites in the Fiji Islands is presented. The wind resource of the remote island of Kadavu is analysed along with the urban Suva Peninsula. The former has average (mean) wind speeds of 3.59 ms −1 and 3.88 ms -1 at 20 m and 34 m above ground level (AGL). The latter has average wind speeds of 5.65 ms -1 and 6.38 ms -1, respectively. The prevailing wind direction for both the sites corresponds to the South-East winds. A wind shear analysis shows the variations in wind speeds during different periods of the day for the Suva site. A high resolution wind resource map of both the sites is simulated using the WAsP software for a radius of 5 km. The WasP analysis indicates good wind power development potential for Kadavu is for the windward side of the Kadavu ridge in the eastern region. The Suva Peninsula site showed good wind power development potential for the Laucala Bay area. A power analysis using the Vestas V27 225 kW turbine is carried out for the specific sites. Highlights: Wind resource assessment was carried out at two locations in Fiji. One site was the urban Suva peninsula and the other remote Kadavu Island. Suva location recorded a maximum wind speed of 6.38 ms -1 and Kadavu 3.88 ms -1 at 34 m ASL. A high resolution wind resource map of both the sites is simulated using WAsP. The Suva Peninsula site showed good wind power potential for the Laucala Bay area.