Investigation of Wind Energy Potential in Zanjan Province, Iran

In the present work, we aim to investigate the possibility of using the wind energy in some regions of the Zanjan Province. The current research work concentrates on computing the wind energy potential and wind power density. Furthermore, some features related to wind for two locations in the Zanjan Province are obtained. The feasibility study of wind energy utilization and computing the wind power density and wind power potential has been widely conducted for the Zanjan Province. First, two locations in the Zanjan Province are considered in order to analyze the data at a reasonable level of the province, and to avoid over -focusing on one area. Thereafter, the statistics about the wind speed are achieved from the Renewable Energy Organization of Iran in ten-minute intervals and include wind speeds at the heights of 30 m, 10 m, and 40 m, and wind directions at the heights of 30 m and 37.5 m. Finally, various wind features are investigated for the given locations in the Zanjan Province. The results obtained demonstrate that the annual wind speeds for Soltanieh and Tarom at a height of 40 m are 4.81 m/s and 3.93 m/s, respectively. The highest values for ������me and ������mp are calculated; at a height of 40 m, at Soltanie, they are 11.35 m/s and 1.27 m/s, respectively. Also the performance of several wind turbines in the mentioned areas is investigated. Finally, a suitable wind turbine is identified.