Exploring Wind Energy Potential: Operational Performance of Basra's Offshore Wind Farms

Abstract

Muayed khaleel Ibrahim, Hasan Mohamed Ibrahim and Mohamed Ali Jaa'z

This research focuses on assessing the operational performance and feasibility of wind farm development in Basra's offshore line zone, which runs along the Arabian Gulf. Because of the region's abundant wind resources and strategic location for green energy expansion, it offers a promising future for wind power generation. Over three months, the project will collect extensive wind data, including speed, direction, and air density (May to July 2023). This data was used to determine wind availability and evaluate the technical feasibility of wind farm development, considering elements such as water depth, seabed characteristics, and atmospheric dynamics.

We discovered considerable fluctuations in wind speed and direction during our investigation, which is critical for optimizing wind energy project design and operations. The selected turbine, Litwin LTW80 LS39.0 1.0MW. Class IIA was chosen for its low cut-in speed, strong construction, and appropriateness for marine settings. The research comprises a thorough site selection process, turbine arrangement design, and the compilation of wind maps to illustrate wind velocities across the turbine array. The findings show that, while wind farm development in the Basra offshore line region is theoretically viable, it requires careful site selection and optimization to optimize energy output while minimizing environmental effects. The study emphasizes the potential benefits of offshore wind energy, such as stronger and more consistent winds, lower visual and acoustic impacts, and larger turbines that can produce more energy. However, issues such as expensive installation and maintenance costs, difficult inspection access, and the requirement for advanced wake management techniques must be addressed. Overall, the goal of this exploratory work is to unleash the wind energy potential in Basra's offshore boundary, thereby giving useful insights for data-driven policy and clean energy transition.

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