Contribution of Cartography to the Optimization of the Evaluation of Wind Energy Potential in the Republic of Cameroon: Case of Bitchoua Highlands

Abstract

This study deals with a model combining cartography with mathematical simulation for the optimal evaluation of wind potential in the context of the absence of networks of in-situ observation stations. It is based on both geographic Information Systems (GIS), climate data from NASA Surface Meteorology and Solar Energy (SSE) from 1985 to 2018, and field survey data from 2018.The NASA-SSE data, made it possible to obtain information on the direction of the winds, to determine parameters of distribution of wind speed frequencies (by the Weibull method).Then, we proceeded to the processing and numerical simulation of the data to provide predictions of the electrical energy that could be generated. By mobilizing GIS, the study proposes a decisional mapping allowing the planning and realization of wind energy projects in the studied area. It appears from the work carried out in the field that with an average wind speed of 2.56m / s (at 50 m from the ground) the winds of Bitchoua have an average power density estimated at 1612.64 W. Under current operating conditions defined by the Betz limit, it would be possible to recover from the local wind, thanks to a 50 m diameter wind turbine, an electrical power of approximately 956.87 W / s, for a maximum average of 974.17 W / s. The spatial representation of this potential presents the Center and North-East of Bitchoua as the most suitable sectors for the installation of wind turbines in the locality. Indeed, with an average wind speed of 2.8m / s, the area has an average wind power density evaluated at 13.45 W, for an available power of 4221.53 W. Under current conditions of exploitability, the recoverable potential in this part would be about 1251.79 W / s, for 1275.07W / s on average maximum (well above the local average).