Assessment of wind power potential along the south western Black Sea coasts.

Information about wind characteristic together with the analysis of its potential are a key step when it comes to planning and performance estimation of wind energy projects. In the current study, hence, a statistical analysis on wind energy potential and wind characteristics over the coasts of the South Western Black sea is carried out. The aim is to determine fields where wind force is strong and consistent for energy production along south western coasts of the Black Sea. For this purpose, seven meteorological stations (Kumköy, Şile, Akçakoca, Zonguldak, Amasra, Cide, İnebolu) from west to east are selected, and 10 year wind data acquired from TSMS (Turkish Meteorological Service) measured hourly at a height of 10 m were used. Annual, seasonal, monthly and diurnal average wind speed and power density variations are evaluated at all stations, after which conclusions on dominant wind directions and frequency distributions at all sites are made. Based on overall results, Amasra and İnebolu indicated the highest potential of wind power among the other sites with Amasra having about 159 W/m2 maximum yearly average wind power density and about 1392 kWh/m2/year maximum yearly average energy density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]