Preliminary Wind Resource Assessment of Songkhla, Thailand Using WAsP Simulation

Abstract

This study presents a preliminary wind resource assessment at specific sites in southwestern Thailand for the deployment of onshore wind power for the future deployment. The primary objective of this research is to estimate wind power potential by using the near-surface wind observations over a period of 10-year (2013-2022) acquired from four weather observation stations. WAsP simulations were conducted to analyse prevailing wind direction, wind speed, and power density. The Bonus 300kW Mk III wind turbine was selected to estimate energy production at each site at 30 meters above ground level (AGL). The findings identify four sites Sadao, Hat Yai, Kho Hong, and Songkhla that demonstrate strong potential for prospective wind farm development. The WAsP analysis indicates mean wind speeds of 2.40 m/s for Sadao, 5.83 m/s for Hat Yai, 3.84 m/s for Kho Hong, and 3.41 m/s for Songkhla. The estimated power densities for Sadao, Hat Yai, Kho Hong, and Songkhla are 86 W/m², 74 W/m², 259 W/m², and 74 W/m², respectively. The mean net annual energy production values calculated for Sadao, Hat Yai, Kho Hong, and Songkhla are 171.401 MWh, 629.079 MWh, 351.292 MWh, and 217.072 MWh, respectively.