The potential of wind energy in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, East Malaysia

Lam, Kenny Tze Haur (2010) The potential of wind energy in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, East Malaysia. Masters thesis, Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

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Abstract

The wind speed studies have been carried out to find the efficient utilization of wind energy as alternative resource in east Malaysia. The main objective of this thesis is to evaluate wind energy potential based on measured data obtained from the Malaysia Meteorological Service in Kuching, Sarawak and Kata Kinabalu, Sabah. The wind data from 1990 to 2009 was analysed to determine the mean wind speed and direction in Kata Kinabalu. The wind direction was presented using wind rose scale. The Weibull density function has been used to estimate the wind energy potential. The comparison of wind speed and direction between 2004 and 2009 was conducted to identify the potential of wind energy in Kuching and Kata Kinabalu. Two types of wind turbines were simulated and compared to identify their profitability for producing wind power. The results showed that 8.5 m/s was the highest mean wind speed in Kata Kinabalu and the annual prevalent wind blows from north-west direction. Furthermore, the winds in Kuching are generally characterized by larger mean values than in Kata Kinabalu. The highest mean wind speed in both areas is found in September which is the end of the southwest monsoon. The highest wind power densities found in September in both study areas with the values of 703 W/m2 (Kata Kinabalu) and 668 W/m2 (Kuching). The results of this study showed that Kuching and Kata Kinabalu are not feasible to use wind energy. This is due to high installation cost and requires large tracts of land. This study is important for further research on wind energy where more data is needed for comparison.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Keyword:	Tenaga angin, Malaysia Timur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Kelajuan angin, Arah angin
Subjects:	T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery > TJ1-1570 Mechanical engineering and machinery > TJ807-830 Renewable energy sources
Department:	SCHOOL > School of Science and Technology
Depositing User:	DG MASNIAH AHMAD -
Date Deposited:	11 Jun 2025 15:26
Last Modified:	11 Jun 2025 15:26
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/44086

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