Investigation of Wind Power Potential in Equatorial Area from the Meteorological Data Measurement in Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Johor

Abstract

Renewable energy has an increasing role in achieving the goals of sustainable development, energy security and environmental protection. As a tropical country, Malaysia has significant wind resources, but a very limited monitoring network. Meteorological data are available in more locations, but analyses of these data are limited. This work aims to investigate the potential renewable energy such as wind power using recent meteorological data collected in UTHM Johor, Malaysia. The analysis of wind energy potential was evaluated by means of few key variables such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction and pressure in order to estimate wind power energy. The average power, the optimum wind speed for a wind turbine as well as power output characteristics are determined subsequently. On the other hand, wind speed and wind direction statistics are computed based on the available meteorological data collected with respect to a diurnal and monthly basis. The outcome of this work should provide critical information on the potential of alternative renewable energy in tropical area of Malaysia, specifically in the Southern region.