Title: Estimation of capacity credit for wind power in Libya

Authors: Wedad B. El-Osta, Mohamed Ali Ekhlat, Amal S. Yagoub, Yousef Khalifa, E. Borass

Addresses: Center for Renewable Energy Research and Water Desalination, Renewable Energy Branch, Wind Energy Department, P.O. Box 12932, Tripoli, Libya. ' Electrical Engineering Department, University of Al-Fateh, P.O. Box 81187, Tripoli, Libya. ' Center for Renewable Energy Research and Water Desalination, Renewable Energy Branch, Wind Energy Department, P.O. Box 12932, Tripoli, Libya. ' Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST), Electronic and Electrical Engineering Department, Loughborough University, 80 Martival, Leicester LE5 0PH, UK. ' General Electric Company of Libya, Planning and Studies Department, P.O. Box 81187, Tripoli, Libya

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a study that evaluated the wind potential at the central region of the Libyan coast and estimated the capacity credit of wind power in the national network. Several sites were investigated to choose the most suitable sites for wind farm establishment. Different sizes of Wind Energy Converter Systems (WECSs) were selected to estimate the wind potential. The sizes were selected to satisfy present and future market development as well as to satisfy technical, economic, and environmental aspects. Wind data from three meteorological stations in the proposed region were used in assessing the wind potential. The wind potential was estimated according to the characteristics of the sites and power curves of the WECSs, and considering certain assumptions. The results showed that the capacity credit varied from about 20% to 50%, depending on penetration levels of wind power, for the assumptions made in this study.

Keywords: wind potential; Libya; wind power modelling; electricity generation modelling; site selection; capacity factors; capacity credit; penetration level; wind farms; wind energy conversion.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETP.2005.008401

International Journal of Energy Technology and Policy, 2005 Vol.3 No.4, pp.363 - 377

Published online: 17 Dec 2005 *

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