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Wind Energy Generation Potential in Union Hidalgo, Mexico: A Preliminary Study



Author(s)

J.R. Dorrego¹, O. Lastres¹, A. Núñez¹, G. Hernández², U. Miranda³ and R. Saldaña³

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DOI:10.17265/1934-8975/2011.02.008

1. Instituto de Estudio de la Energía de la Universidad del ISTMO, Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, México
2. Centro de Investigación en Energía, UNAM, Temixco, Morelos, México
3. Gerencia de Energías No Convencionales, Instituto de Investigaciones Eléctricas, Reforma 113, Col. Palmira, Cuernavaca, Morelos, C. P. 62490

Union Hidalgomunicipality inOaxaca State,Mexico, is located in an area with attractive wind potential. For this reason, this paper presents a preliminary study of the technical feasibility of wind power generation in Union Hidalgo, by a micro-study with a higher resolution than that used in Wind Resource Atlas of Oaxaca, published in April 2004. In this work, the wind map of Union Hidalgo was generated using the micro-scale model WAsP 9.1, with a resolution of 50 meters. Wind speed and direction data recorded at15 mand32 magl (above ground level) over four years and seven months in a surface anemometer station were used. With Class 7 wind patterns, the results show values that justify the installation of wind turbines to produce electricity in the area. Estimated capacity factors (55% on average) are comparable with those obtained in wind power plants already operating in areas near Union Hidalgo and sites with high wind potential in other parts of the world. The topography of the study area is predominantly flat, and together with the directional behavior of the wind, which comes from the NNW 44% of the time, this favors the introduction of wind power plants in the area.

Wind resources, wind map, wind power plants, wind turbine, micro-scale model, technical feasibility.