Technical review of wind energy potential as small-scale power generation sources in Penang Island Malaysia

This project presents an investigation and assessment of the wind energy potential in Penang Island, located about 15 km off the west (W) coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The wind data were statistically analyzed using Rayleigh distribution function. Based on the investigation, the results show that the measurement site falls under Class 1 of the International System Wind Classification. The climate in Penang Island is highly influenced by the northeast (NE) and southwest (SW) monsoon seasons. Besides that, most of the wind is the prevailing wind from the north (N) and SW directions. Meanwhile, the directions that contribute higher energy frequency are from NE and south-southwest (SSW). The mean annual wind power density (WPD) in this regime is estimated to be about 24.54 W m−2. Furthermore, the mean annual wind energy density (WED) is also forecast to be 17.98 kWh m−2 month−1. The total annual WED is 216 kWh m−2 year−1. Thus, the results of this investigation indicate that the grid-network connected to the wind turbine-generator systems may not be a commercially viable proposal in Penang. Nevertheless, a small-scale wind turbine system is more suitable and sustainable in Penang Island.