Wind energy potential and wind characteristics for the districts of the central development region of the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The poor energy security worldwide and especially at the national level, requires all entities to look for effective solutions to rectify the current situation by turning to renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to study the wind energy potential and wind characteristics for second-level administrative-territorial entities (districts) from the Central Development Region, Republic of Moldova, which includes 13 districts: Anenii Noi, Călărași, Criuleni, Dubăsari, Hâncești, Ialoveni, Nisporeni, Orhei, Rezina, Străseni, Șoldănesti, Telenesti and Ungheni. The Wind Atlas Method accompanied by the special Wind Atlas Analysis and Application Program, data on wind speed and direction measured by the Technical University and the orographic map of the Republic of Moldova was used for the research. For each individual district there were: calculated and presented the maps of the average annual wind speed and wind power density at the height of 100 m above ground level; classified the district territory according to the power density value and also calculated the theoretical wind power possible to install. Following the calculations made for the thirteen analyzed districts, it was found that the average annual wind speed at the height of 100 m is between 6.70 and 7.40 m/s, and the wind power density -between 287 and 398 W/m2. The highest average annual speed equal to 7.40 m/s and windpower density equal to 398 W/m2 was identified in Nisporeni district and the lowest inIaloveni, Rezina, Șoldănești and Dubăsari districts.