Wind Prospects

Wind is infinite and renewable. Wind energy provides uncontaminated sustainable solutions for our energy dilemmas. It is an alternative source for generating electricity, without the emanation of greenhouse gases.

The Wind energy system converts the kinetic energy of moving air into electrical or mechanical power that can be harnessed for practical use. Wind turbines can be used to make electrical power, windmills for mechanical power, wind pumps for water pumping or drainage, or sails to propel ships. The energy available from the wind increases in proportion to the cube of the wind speed, which typically increases with height above the ground. The annual average wind speed for a wind energy project should exceed 4 m/s at a height of 10 m above the ground.

General Types of Wind Turbine:

• a. Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT).
• b. Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT).

Wind Prospects in Bangladesh:

• Adequate information on wind speed & power density isn’t available.
• Measurements at around 10-30m above the surface have been made but reliable data aren’t available at 50m height which is a preferred hub height for many wind generators.
• Some reports such as Solar and Wind Energy Resource Assessment (SWERA) provide wind speed and wind energy density at different heights including 50m height to look for the possibility of wind power generation.

Wind Resource in Bangladesh:

• Most of the coastal areas are good for small wind turbines with a hub height of 30m.
• Kutubdia, St martin’s, Swandip, Hatya, Charfassion Islands and some of the see-site of inland like Kuakata, Feni where power density is above 200 w/m2 for large turbines.
• Long term measurement of wind speed at 50m height should be made for locations where predicted speed is high.
• For all prospective areas detailed maps should be produced which require measurements & detailed information.
• For off-grid coastal areas, hybrid generation using wind and PV or diesel should be started.