Investigation of the Capacity of Underground Water Pumping Using Wind Energy in Dhahran

The capacity of pumping ground water with wind energy conversion systems in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia was statistically analyzed. Experimental data of half-hourly wind energy measurements made for a period of 5 years (1995-2000) were used in the analysis. Seven horizontal-axis wind turbines with different power ratings were considered in the study. Eight water pumps with different power ratings to be powered by the wind turbines were considered. The numbers of pumps that can be powered by the wind turbines and the daily water pumping capacities at the study sites were analyzed. It was found that there is considerable wind power for pumping underground water for irrigation purposes. The net equivalent values of the annual wind energy generated by the various wind turbines were estimated. The net present value of total revenue generated by wind turbines was determined and it was deduced that the N60/1300 turbine would be an economically profitable investment. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the break-even initial cost of the seven wind-electric conversion systems.