Wind characteristics and energy potentialities of some selected sites in northern Cameroon

The wind regime as observed in three meteorological stations in the north Cameroon are presented in form of velocity duration curves as well as in form of velocity frequency curves. Monthly average wind speed distributions were determined for each station. Based on the analysed data, the utilisation of wind for power production purpose is promising in Maroua Salack and in Garoua. The cost analysis takes into consideration the investment per kW installed power, the specific energy output per kW installed power, the investment recovery factor, the life time of the wind energy conversion system (WECS), the ratios of the \'operation and maintenance\' cost and of the scrap value of the scheme. These factors are used in evaluating the present value of the unit energy cost (PVUC) for a single WECS of 22 kW rated power. Results show that these WECS provide xpensive electricity. Key Words: Wind speed, wind energy, WECS, Present value of unit energy cost, specific energy output, power. Botswana Journal of Technology Vol.13(2) 2004: 55-6