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Wind Energy Potential of Gaza Using Small Wind Turbines: A Feasibility Study

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 energies
Article
Wind Energy Potential of Gaza Using Small Wind
Turbines: A Feasibility Study
Mohamed Elnaggar 1 , Ezzaldeen Edwan 1 and Matthias Ritter 2, * ID

1 Department of Engineering, Palestine Technical College, College street, 920, Deir El-Balah, Gaza Strip,
Palestine; melnaggar@ptcdb.edu.ps (M.E.); ezedwan@ptcdb.edu.ps (E.E.)
2 Department of Agricultural Economics, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstr. 13,
10115 Berlin, Germany
* Correspondence: matthias.ritter@agrar.hu-berlin.de; Tel.: +49-30-2093-46851

Academic Editor: Frede Blaabjerg

Received: 20 July 2017; Accepted: 14 August 2017; Published: 18 August 2017

Abstract: In this paper, we conduct a feasibility study of the wind energy potential in Gaza, which
suffers from a severe shortage of energy supplies. Our calculated energy harvested from the wind
is based on data for a typical meteorological year, which are fed into a small wind turbine of 5 kW
power rating installable on the roof of residential buildings. The expected annual energy output at a
height of 10 m amounts to 2695 kWh, but it can be increased by 35–125% at higher altitudes between
20 m and 70 m. The results also depict the great potential of wind energy to complement other
renewable resources such as solar energy: the harvested energy of a wind system constitutes to up to
84% of the annual output of an equivalent power rating photovoltaic system and even outperforms
the solar energy in the winter months. We also show that one wind turbine and one comparable
photovoltaic system together could provide enough energy for 3.7 households. Hence, a combination
of wind and solar energy could stabilize the decentralized energy production in Gaza. This is very
important in a region where people seek to reach energy self-sufficient buildings due to the severe
electricity shortage in the local grid.

Keywords: renewable energy; wind energy; small wind turbine; Gaza; Palestine

1. Introduction
During the last decade, renewable energies have witnessed a great deal of importance worldwide:
renewable power capacity doubled from 1010 GW in 2007 to 2017 GW in 2016 with installed wind
energy capacity increasing from 95 GW to 487 GW and installed solar capacity increasing from 7.8 GW
to 303 GW in this period [1,2]. Currently, Gaza is also witnessing a spread in the use of photovoltaic
power systems due to the sunny weather conditions, but the use of wind power systems is currently
rare in the Gaza Strip [3,4].
The Gaza Strip has an increasing demand for electrical power with an increasing shortage of
power supplies. The Gaza Strip is a coastal strip and it is part of the state of Palestine located on
the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Gaza constitutes the Southern Palestinian governorates,
which also includes the West Bank as northern governorates. The Gaza Strip is 41 km long, and from
six to twelve kilometers wide, with a total area of 365 square kilometers and more than 1.85 million
inhabitants, Gaza is among the regions with the highest population density in the world.
In 2009, Gaza’s total demand for power, according to estimates by the Gaza Electricity Distribution
Co. (Gaza, Palestine), is 244 MW [5]. However, even when the only power plant is running, Gaza
obtains, at most, only 198 MW from all power supplies. The working power plant contributes about
60 MW [5]. Another 121 MW are brought in from Israel (but only if all 10 feeding lines are in good
order), and Egypt powers the Southern Gaza city of Rafah with another 17 MW. Therefore, the deficit

Energies 2017, 10, 1229; doi:10.3390/en10081229 www.mdpi.com/journal/energies

Energies 2017, 10, 1229 2 of 13

under the best circumstances is 18%. According to a UN report from July 2017, Gaza’s energy crisis has
worsened: the electricity demand in 2017 amounts to 450 MW, whereas only 120–142 MW are supplied
due to a halt of the power plant, leading to a deficit of more than 68%. Under different growth and
energy supply scenarios, energy deficit projections for 2020 range between 29% and 75% [6].
Adding to the complexity, the “grid” is not actually integrated, meaning that power from
Egypt, Israel, and the power plant cannot be diverted within Gaza to make up for losses in another
part. That means, for example, if the power plant stops working, electricity from Egypt cannot be
rerouted to Gaza City [5]. The grid has an average blackout schedule of at least 12 h daily. With the
current grid infrastructure, it is impossible to feed it directly with renewable electricity generated by
individuals using solar or other renewable sources. Therefore, the typical solution would be to develop
self-sufficient energy supply systems. This solution can be realized through a hybrid power system
composed of solar panels and/or wind turbines, battery banks, and inverters. Wind energy is one
of the most promising clean energy sources that developing and developed countries are seeking to
harvest to reduce dependence on non-renewable sources of energy [7,8].
Despite its current low use, wind energy has a promising future in Gaza for the following reasons:

• Solar energy is not enough alone to supply the needed energy, especially during the night and
in the short gray days of winter. Moreover, according to local weather statistics, wind speed
increases in winter, so that solar energy and wind energy can complement each other.
• Photovoltaic modules are not cheap, roughly 1.2 USD $/Wp , and their manufacturing technology
is complicated (Wp denotes peak power and it is used in photovoltaic systems to describe the
power rating of installed solar panels. The subscript p is to differentiate it from measured power).
Small wind turbines, in contrast, have a rather simple manufacturing technology and can be
completely manufactured in Gaza. Therefore, wind turbines could have lower costs than solar
panels in terms of $/W if manufactured locally. Moreover, manufacturing itself contributes to the
local economy.
• Due to the high population density, Gaza city is full of high-rise residential buildings. The majority
of the buildings are restricted to five floors as regulated by the local municipality. Therefore,
the majority of the city areas will access unobstructed wind at nearly the same height since the
land is flat. The height of the buildings of around 50 m and the installation of the turbine on
a metal pole allow for wind turbines installed at higher altitudes. All of the roofs in Gaza are
flat and, therefore, the installation is possible and technically stable due to the concrete building
structure. Although the wind speed is not that high at low altitudes, we expect it will be more
efficient at higher altitudes. This issue will be investigated deeply in our research.
• Wind turbines require less land area, which is restricted to the metal pole and, therefore, they fit
the small land area of the Gaza Strip.

In this paper, the possibility of using small wind turbines in Gaza to harvest wind energy is
investigated theoretically and by simulation using TRNSYS software through finding wind speed,
maximum power produced by the wind turbine, and the actual turbine power. We base our analysis
on the specifications of the proposed WTT 5000S (small) wind turbine. The goal is to explore the
use of wind energy in dense urban areas and to evaluate the performance of a small wind turbine at
different altitudes on top of residential buildings based on its output power and the total generated
energy. Moreover, the potential to complement solar energy and to meet the household energy demand
is assessed.

2. Climatic Data
Gaza is located on the western edge of the Asian continent and the eastern extremity of the
Mediterranean Sea at 31.5◦ N latitude and 34.47◦ E longitude [9]. Due to its location as a narrow strip
adjacent to sea, it is exposed to stable wind patterns during the whole year, as far as small wind-energy
Energies 2017, 10, 1229 3 of 13
Energies 2017, 10, 1229 3 of 13

energy systems are concerned [10]. Moreover, this location, as a residential area, makes it a good
candidate
systems arefor
Energies exploiting
concerned
2017, 10, 1229 [10]. wind energy this
Moreover, for home
location,usageas atoresidential
solve energy
area,shortages.
makes it a good candidate 3 of 13 for
The climate
exploiting wind energy database
for home is constructed
usage to solvebased energyon Meteonorm software (Meteotest, Bern,
shortages.
energy
Switzerland,
The systems
climate are concerned
meteonorm)
database isfor the[10].
period
constructed Moreover,
fromon
based this
1991 location,
to 2010. as
Meteonorm a residential
Meteonorm
software area, makes
provides
(Meteotest, itSwitzerland,
hourly
Bern, a good
data for a
candidate
meteonorm) for
‘typical meteorological exploiting
for the period wind
year’from energy
based1991 for
on nearbyhome usage
to 2010.weather to solve
Meteonorm energy
stations shortages.
and stochastic
provides hourly weather
data for generators
a ‘typical
Thebeclimate
(details can found database
in [11]). is constructed based on Meteonorm year software (Meteotest, Bern,
meteorological year’ based onSince
nearby there is no stations
weather typical meteorological
and stochastic weather datagenerators
for Gaza, specifically,
(details can
Switzerland, meteonorm) for the period from 1991 to 2010. Meteonorm provides hourly data for a
wefound
be will rely on Ashdod
in [11]). Since there climaticis nodata duemeteorological
typical to the similarity between
year data forthese
Gaza, two cities. Ashdod
specifically, we willis only
rely
‘typical meteorological year’ based on nearby weather stations and stochastic weather generators
30 Ashdod
on km away from Gaza,
climatic data duelocated
to the also in the between
similarity coastal plainthese of
two the Mediterranean
cities. Ashdod is Sea 30
only at km
the away
same
(details can be found in [11]). Since there is no typical meteorological year data for Gaza, specifically,
elevation,
from Gaza,
we solocated
will they
rely onhave
alsocomparable
Ashdod in climatic
the coastal climatic
data plain
due to conditions.
ofthe
thesimilarityThis
Mediterranean makesSea
between it a at
these reasonable
thecities.
two candidate
sameAshdod
elevation, for
so Gaza
is only they
wind30
have data
km in
comparable other
away studies,
climatic
from Gaza, aslocated
well (e.g.,
conditions. This[9]).
also inmakes it a reasonable
the coastal plain of the candidate for Gaza
Mediterranean Seawind data
at the in other
same
Figure
elevation,
studies, 1 so
as well depicts
they have
(e.g., the comparable
[9]). histogram climaticof windconditions.
speed data This atmakes
10 m itheight for a typical
a reasonable candidate meteorological
for Gaza
year.Figure
It can
wind be
data noticed
in other that
studies, theas wind
well speed
(e.g., [9]). can reach above 13 m/s
1 depicts the histogram of wind speed data at 10 m height for a typical meteorological for a few hours in certain days.
In Figure
year. Figure
It can2,be 1 depicts
thenoticed the
wind situation histogram
that the wind of
is summarized wind speed
speed canthrough data
reach above at 10
a windm height
rose. for
13 m/s for
Most a typical
of the
a few meteorological
times,
hours wind comes
in certain days.
year. It canthis
from
In the 2,
Figure the be
sea, windnoticed
means that
situation from thebetween
is wind speed
summarized can reach above and
south-southwest
through a wind 13 m/s for a few hours inMost
north-northwest.
rose. Most of the times, certain
of days.
windthecomes
wind
In Figure
speeds lie 2, the wind
between 2 and situation
6 m/s. is summarized
Figure 3 shows through
the a windmeans
monthly rose. Most
of of thespeed.
wind times, wind
It comes clear
becomes
from the sea, this means from between south-southwest and north-northwest. Most of the wind speeds
from the sea, this means from between south-southwest and north-northwest. Most of the wind
that
lie the average
between 2 andmonthly speed mostly
6 m/s. Figure 3 showsexceeds
the monthly4 m/s,means
except of forwind
October
speed.andItNovember.
becomes clear Thethat
highest
the
speeds lie between 2 and 6 m/s. Figure 3 shows the monthly means of wind speed. It becomes clear
average wind speeds are achieved in February and September.
average monthly speed mostly exceeds 4 m/s, except for October and November. The highest average
that the average monthly speed mostly exceeds 4 m/s, except for October and November. The highest
windaverage
speeds wind
are achieved inachieved
speeds are Februaryin and September.
February and September.

Figure 1. Histogram of wind speeds and the fitted Weibull distribution function (red) for the typical
Figure 1. Histogram
Figure 1. Histogram ofof wind
wind speeds
speeds and
and the
the fitted
fitted Weibull
Weibull distribution
distribution function
function (red)
(red) for
for the
the typical
typical
meteorological year.
meteorological
meteorological year.
year.

Figure 2. Wind rose for the typical meteorological year.

Figure 2. Wind rose

rose for
for the
the typical
typical meteorological
meteorological year.
year.
 Energies 2017, 10, 1229 4 of 13
Energies 2017, 10, 1229 4 of 13

4.6
4.4
Wind speed (m/s)

4.2
4
3.8
3.6
3.4

Monthlyaverage
Figure3.3.Monthly
Figure averagewind
windspeed
speedininaatypical
typicalmeteorological
meteorologicalyear.
year.

3.3.Methodology
Methodology

3.1.Wind
3.1. WindHarvesting
HarvestingSystem
SystemBasics
Basics
Thewind
The windturbine
turbineused usedfor
forharvesting
harvestingwindwindenergy
energyneeds
needstotobe bemounted
mountedatataarelatively
relativelylarge
large
heightabove
height abovethetheground
groundtotoavoid
avoidlocal
localobstacles.
obstacles.ToToovercome
overcomethe theintermittency
intermittencyofofwind windenergy,
energy,
harvested energy is stored in battery banks and a DC/AC inverter is used to convert
harvested energy is stored in battery banks and a DC/AC inverter is used to convert it to AC electrical it to AC electrical
power.Home
power. Homewind windturbines
turbinesconsist
consistofofaarotor,
rotor,aagenerator
generatormounted
mountedon onaaframe,
frame,and
and(usually)
(usually)aatail.
tail.
Throughthe
Through thespinning
spinningof ofturbine
turbineblades,
blades,the
therotor
rotorcaptures
capturesthe
thekinetic
kineticenergy
energyof ofthe
thewind
windand andconverts
converts
it into rotary motion to drive the generator. The rotor can have two, three, or
it into rotary motion to drive the generator. The rotor can have two, three, or more blades, but more blades, butthe
the
mostcommon
most common rotors
rotors have
have three
three blades.
blades. The
The input
inputpower
powerthat
thatisisfed
fedtotothe
theturbine
turbineisisproportional
proportional to to
its
swept area, which is proportional to the blade diameter. Details about the structure
its swept area, which is proportional to the blade diameter. Details about the structure of wind of wind turbines
can be found
turbines can beinfound
[12]. in [12].

3.2. Theoretical Analysis: Wind Turbine Coefficient and Power

3.2. Theoretical Analysis: Wind Turbine Coefficient and Power
The efficiency of the wind turbine is referred to as power coefficient C , which is a measure that is
The efficiency of the wind turbine is referred to as power coefficient p , which is a measure that
often used by the wind power industry. The efficiency is a ratio of the actual electric power produced
is often used by the wind power industry. The efficiency is a ratio of the actual electric power
by a wind turbine divided by the total wind power flowing into the turbine blades at a specific wind
produced by a wind turbine divided by the total wind power flowing into the turbine blades at a
speed [13]:
specific wind speed [13]: Actual Electrical Power Produced Pout
Cp = = (1)
ActualWind
Electrical
PowerPower Produced Pin
into Turbine
= = (1)
Wind Power
The wind power entering the turbine blades into
P isTurbine
calculated from the following equation:
in
The wind power entering the turbine blades is calculated from the following equation:
1
Pin =1 ρAv3 (2)
= 2 (2)
2
where ρ is the air density (equal to 1.225 kg/m3 3 ), A is the swept area, and v is the magnitude of the
where is the air density (equal to 1.225 kg/m ), is the swept area, and is the magnitude of the
horizontal velocity [14].
horizontal velocity [14].
The electrical power output Pout can be obtained through the efficiency of the turbine according
The electrical power output can be obtained through the efficiency of the turbine according
to Equation (1) [15,16]:
to Equation (1) [15,16]: 1
Pout = C p Pin = ρAC p v3 (3)
12
= = (3)
2
The power coefficient C p can also be calculated from the following equation [13]:
The power coefficient can also be calculated from the following equation [13]:
C p = ηb ηm ηe (4)
= (4)
where η is the blade aerodynamic efficiency, η is the mechanical efficiency, and η is the electrical
where b is the blade aerodynamic efficiency, m is the mechanical efficiency, and e is the electrical
efficiency. Power flow in a typical wind turbine can be found in [13].
efficiency. Power flow in a typical wind turbine can be found in [13].
Energies 2017, 10, 1229 5 of 13

The Betz limit shows the maximum possible energy that may be derived by means of an infinitely
thin rotor from a fluid flowing at a certain speed [17]. The power coefficient C p has a maximum value
of C p,max = 16/27 = 0.593 [18]. The Betz limit describes the maximum amount of energy a turbine
can theoretically extract from the wind [14]:

1
Pout,max = · 0.593 · ρAv3 (5)
2

3.3. Wind Turbine Specification

The wind turbine WTT 5000S (small) produced by WTT GmbH (Reichling, Germany) and applied
in this study was selected based on different criteria:

1. Output power: It fits home use as the harvested energy is in the range of the average consumption
of a household;
2. Price (its price is competitive compared with others);
3. Operation speed (fits low speed as starts from 2.5 m/s until 15 m/s);
4. Efficiency is 30.5% which is relatively good; and
5. Weight and size are suitable for home installations.

Table 1 shows the specifications of the WTT 5000S (small) wind turbine [19]. According to the
manufacturer, it is an extremely quiet horizontal wind turbine, low speed, movable tail fin, slip rings,
aluminum housing, permanent magnet direct drive, and it comes with a high-quality power inverter.
The wind turbine is designed by the manufacturer to operate at a power of about 4 kW. If a larger
inverter with a power of 5.5–6 kW is used and tail fin weights (100–300 g) are added, it reaches
4.5 kW–5 kW. As an approximation for the power coefficient which, in general, depends on the wind
speed, we use the turbine’s total efficiency of 0.305 (a more sophisticated simulation approach is
described in the next section). When calculating Pout and Pout,max for this turbine, we will cut the power
at the maximum of 5 kW. Even for higher wind speeds, the turbine power will then not increase.

Table 1. Wind turbine specification.

Wind Turbine Type WTT 5000S (Small)

Blade diameter 3.8 m
Rated speed 450 rpm
Power at 12.5 m/s 3800 W
Power at 15.0 m/s 5000 W
Start wind speed 2.5 m/s
Total efficiency 30.5%
Total weight of the system approx. 74 kg

The turbine itself costs around $4000 USD including shipping costs. Moreover, a charging
controller and a DC/AC inverter for together about $2000 USD and a battery bank for about $2000
USD are necessary since the generated electricity cannot be fed into the local grid during blackouts.
The costs for a tower and the installation at higher heights amount to approximately $1000 USD.
Hence, total costs of around $9000 USD apply. When combining this turbine with other turbines or
photovoltaic systems, the costs do not increase linearly.

3.4. Simulation Model Using TRNSYS

Simulation models are useful tools for predicting system behavior without the need for
constructing the system as a hardware. TRNSYS is a transient system simulation program with
a modular structure that was designed to solve complex energy systems problems by breaking the
problem down into a series of smaller components known as “types” [20,21]. It is one of the most
Energies 2017, 10, 1229 6 of 13

reliable modeling and simulation programs oriented to deal with complicated energy systems [22].
The core TRNSYS components of the model are presented in Table 2 and Figure 4.
Figure 4 shows the TRANSYS interface of the model. It depends on a certain number of
Energies 2017, 10, 1229 6 of 13
interconnected components and each component has an input and an output. The description of each
component is shown
Figure 4 shows in Table 2. It should
the TRANSYS be noted
interface of here that theIt core
the model. component
depends modelnumber
on a certain in the system
of
is theinterconnected
wind turbinecomponents
defined as Type90
and eachwhere we configured
component has an inputthe
andparameters of this
an output. The component
description of eachmodel
according to theisspecifications
component shown in Table of 2. ItWTT 5000S
should small
be noted wind
here that turbine. Type109-TMY2
the core component model in is the
thesystem
model for
is theData
“Weather windReading
turbine defined as Type90 where
and Processing” whichweconsists
configured the parameters
of wind of this
speed, wind component
direction, model
and ambient
temperature. The online_T65 model creates plots of wind speed, resulting power in daily andfor
according to the specifications of WTT 5000S small wind turbine. Type109-TMY2 is the model hourly
basis.“Weather Data Reading
The functionality and Processing”
of Type25a which consistsand
and Type25b/Daily of wind
Totalspeed, wind
Results direction,
models and ambient
are shown in Table 2.
temperature. The online_T65 model creates plots of wind speed, resulting power in daily and hourly
Opposite to the approaches in the previous section, the size of the power coefficient C p in the TRANSYS
basis. The functionality of Type25a and Type25b/Daily and Total Results models are shown in Table 2.
model depends on the wind speed.
Opposite to the approaches in the previous section, the size of the power coefficient in the
TRANSYS model depends on the wind speed.
Table 2. Explanation of TRNSYS model components following [23].
Table 2. Explanation of TRNSYS model components following [23].
Name Component type Description
Name Component type Description
Weather Data Reading and Processing.Typical
Weather data
Weather Type109-TMY2 Weather Data Reading and Processing.
Type109-TMY2 Meteorological Year (TMY) data
data Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) data
Wind
WindEnergy ConversionSystem
Energy Conversion System (WECS).
(WECS). Power
Power versus
versus
Wind
Wind turbine Type90
Type90 wind
windspeed
speed data areread
data are readinina afile.
file.
TheThe impact
impact ofdensity
of air air density
turbine
changes
changes and windspeed
and wind speedincrease
increase with
with height
height are are modeled.
modeled.
OnlineOnline
Plotter online_T65
online_T65 Output/Online Plotter/Online
Output/Online Plotter/Online Plotter
Plotter WithWith
File. File.
Plotter
Type25aand
Type25a and Type25b/
Type25b/Daily ItItcan
can print withaatime
print with timestep
step that
that is different
is different from
from the the
Printer
Printer Dailyand
and Total results
Total results simulation time step.
simulation time step.

Figure System
4. 4.
Figure Systemmodel
model designed usingTRNSYS
designed using TRNSYS [23].
[23].

3.5. Extrapolation
3.5. Extrapolation of Wind
of Wind Speed
Speed to to DifferentHeights
Different Heights
To calculate
To calculate the the effect
effect of the
of the height,the
height, thewind
wind speeds
speeds are
areextrapolated
extrapolatedto to
different heights
different usingusing
heights
the power law (e.g., [14,24]):
the power law (e.g., [14,24]):  α
z
v ==vr (6) (6)
zr
wherewhere denotes
v denotes the the
windwind speed
speed extrapolatedto
extrapolated to height
height zand
and vrthe
thewind
windspeed at reference
speed height
at reference height
(10 m in our case). describes the stability of the atmosphere and is often assumed to be 1/7.
zr (10 m in our case). α describes the stability of the atmosphere and is often assumed to be 1/7.
According to Brown, Katz, and Murphy, the power law provides a ‘reasonable first approximation
Energies 2017, 10, 1229 7 of 13

According to Brown,
Energies 2017, 10, 1229 Katz, and Murphy, the power law provides a ‘reasonable first approximation 7 of 13 to
the change of wind speed
Energies 2017, 10, 1229 with height under most meteorological conditions’ [24] (p. 1190). If data
7 of 13 on
to the change of wind speed with height under most meteorological conditions’ [24] (p. 1190). If data
surface roughness and atmospheric stability were available, a better approximation could be achieved
on surface roughness and atmospheric stability were available, a better approximation could be
usingtothe
the log
change
wind of profile
wind speed
(e.g.,with height under most meteorological conditions’ [24] (p. 1190). If data
[25,26]).
achieved using the log wind profile (e.g., [25,26]).
on surface roughness and atmospheric stability were available, a better approximation could be
achieved
4. Results andusing the log wind profile (e.g., [25,26]).
Discussion
4. Results and Discussion
Figure
4. 5 shows
Figure
Results the the
5 shows
and results
Discussion of the
results hourly
of the power
hourly power C p ==0.305
Pout at at 0.305over
over the
the year
year based
based on
on the
the wind
speed depicted in Figure 1. It can be noticed that the maximum power output of
wind speed depicted in Figure 1. It can be noticed that the maximum power output of 5000 W was5000 W was not
Figure 5 shows the results of the hourly power at = 0.305 over the year based on the
achieved due to too
not achieved due low wind
to too speeds
low wind at the
speeds at turbine height
the turbine of of
height 1010
m.m.
wind speed depicted in Figure 1. It can be noticed that the maximum power output of 5000 W was
not achieved
5 due to too low wind speeds at the turbine height of 10 m.

5
4

4
(kW)(kW)

3
P_outP_out

3
2

2
1

1
0
1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul 1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct 1-Nov 1-Dec
0
1-Jan 1-Feb 1-Mar 1-Apr 1-May 1-Jun 1-Jul
Figure 5. Hourly distribution of power output for1-Aug 1-Sep 1-Oct
the typical 1-Nov 1-Dec
meteorological
Figure 5. Hourly distribution of power output for the typical meteorological year.
year.

Figure 5. Hourly distribution of power output for the typical meteorological year.
A detailed
A detailed visualizationofofthe
visualization thehourly
hourly wind
wind speeds
speedsininFebruary
February andand
the the
corresponding powerpower
corresponding
output
output is presented
isApresented in Figure 6.The
Themaximum
maximum wind speed was 12.7 m/s on 15 February leading to a
detailed visualization of the hourly wind speeds in February and the corresponding power to a
in Figure 6. wind speed was 12.7 m/s on 15 February leading
power
power output
output of 4340
of 4340 W. W. In addition, the daily cycles of wind speed and, hence, power become visible.
output is presented in In addition,
Figure 6. Thethe daily cycles
maximum of wind
wind speed wasspeed and,
12.7 m/s onhence, powerleading
15 February become to visible.
a
Figure 7 first shows the energy that can be harvested in each month of the year based on the
Figure
power 7 firstofshows
output 4340 W.the energy that
In addition, can cycles
the daily be harvested in each
of wind speed and,month of thebecome
hence, power year based
visible.on the
simulations using TRNSYS for the typical meteorological year, denoted . The months of January
Figure
simulations 7 first
using shows for
TRNSYS the the
energy that meteorological
typical can be harvestedyear,in each month Eofsimthe
denoted yearmonths
. The based on of the
January
and July have the highest expected energy yields, 225 kWh and 237 kWh, respectively. Since those
simulations
and months
July have using TRNSYS for the typical meteorological year, denoted . The
the highest expected energy yields, 225 kWh and 237 kWh, respectively. Since those months of January
are located in winter and summer, this indicates that it is promising to harvest energy in Gaza
andare
months Julylocated
have the in highest
winter expected
and energy
summer, yields,
this 225 kWh
indicates and
it is237
thatenergy kWh, respectively.
promising to2406
harvest Since those
throughout the year. For the whole year, the total expected amounts to kWhenergy
from one in Gaza
months are located in winter and summer, this indicates that it is promising to harvest energy in Gaza
throughout
turbine atthe
10 year.
m heightForfor
thethewhole
typicalyear, the total expected
meteorological year. energy amounts to 2406 kWh from one
throughout the year. For the whole year, the total expected energy amounts to 2406 kWh from one
turbine at
5 10 m height for the typical meteorological year. 14
turbine at 10 m height for the typical meteorological year.
5 P_out Wind speed 14
12
4 P_out Wind speed
12
10
(m/s)(m/s)

4
(kW)(kW)

3 10
8
speedspeed

3
P_outP_out

8
6
2
WindWind

6
2 4
1
4
2
1
2
0 0
1/2/ 1/2/
2/2/ 2/2/
3/2/ 3/2/
4/2/ 4/2/
5/2/ 5/2/
6/2/ 6/2/
7/2/ 7/2/
8/2/ 8/2/
9/2/ 9/2/
10/2/10/2/
11/2/11/2/
12/2/12/2/
13/2/13/2/
14/2/14/2/
15/2/15/2/
16/2/16/2/
17/2/17/2/
18/2/18/2/
19/2/19/2/
20/2/20/2/
21/2/21/2/
22/2/22/2/
23/2/23/2/
24/2/24/2/
25/2/25/2/
26/2/26/2/
27/2/27/2/
28/2/28/2/

0 0

Figure 6. Hourly wind speed and corresponding power output in February for the typical
meteorological year.
Figure 6. 6.
Figure Hourly
Hourlywind
wind speed
speed and
and corresponding poweroutput
corresponding power output
in in February
February for typical
for the the typical
meteorological
meteorological year.
year.
Energies 2017, 10, 1229 8 of 13
Energies 2017, 10, 1229 8 of 13

E_sim E_out E_out,max E_in

1000
900
800
700
Energy (kWh)

600
500
400
300
200
100
0

Figure 7. Harvested energy for each month of the year.

Figure 7. Harvested energy for each month of the year.

Figure 77 also
Figure alsodepicts
depicts thetheexpected
expected monthly
monthlyenergy Ein , Eout,max
energy , , and Eout
, andat C p = 0.305
at according
= 0.305
,
to the power in Equations (2), (3), and (5), respectively.
according to the power in Equations (2), (3), and (5), respectively. Not Not surprisingly, E in surprisingly, value
has the highest hassince
the
it describes the kinetic energy of the wind arriving at the turbine. It can
highest value since it describes the kinetic energy of the wind arriving at the turbine. It can be seen be seen that the kinetic energy
is lowest
that in theenergy
the kinetic monthsisOctober
lowest in to the
December,
months whichOctober also
to leads to thewhich
December, lowestalso powerleadsoutputs
to the in these
lowest
months. The maximum amount that can be harvested
power outputs in these months. The maximum amount that can be harvested theoretically, E , corresponds
out,max theoretically, to 59.3% of
,
,
E in . Given the
corresponds to 59.3% of efficiency of our turbine to be C p = 0.305,
. Given the efficiency of our turbine to beonly 51.4% of E can be achieved
= 0.305, only 51.4% of
out,max with
our turbine, can leading
be achievedto awith
power our output
turbine, Eout of 2695
leading to kWh
a for the
power entire year.
output of This kWh
2695 shows forthat
thethere
entireis
,
only a slight difference between the results from the TRNSYS
year. This shows that there is only a slight difference between the results from the TRNSYS simulations and the calculations based
on Equationand
simulations (3).the calculations based on Equation (3).
For a moredetailed
For a more detailedperspective,
perspective, thethehourly
hourlypower output
power and wind
output speedsspeeds
and wind on the 1st
on ofthe February
1st of
are shown in Figure 8. On this day of the typical meteorological year,
February are shown in Figure 8. On this day of the typical meteorological year, the peak wind speed the peak wind speed is 6.9 m/s
isat6.97:00 PM
m/s at(19.00)
7:00 PM and leads and
(19.00) to expected
leads to powers
expected of powers
2280 W,of 1350
2280W,W, 6961350
W, andW, 696610 W, andP610
W for in , PW for ,
out,max
Pout, , and Psim
, , respectively.
, and It is confirmed that the simulation results lie very
, respectively. It is confirmed that the simulation results lie very close to close to the theoretical
,
the theoretical results of theproduced
results of the actual power actual power withproduced
the wind with turbine
thetype
wind(WTTturbine5000S)
typewith(WTT an5000S)
overallwithturbinean
efficiency of C p =
overall turbine efficiency of 0.305. = 0.305.
Figure 9 shows the different expected powers with respect to wind speed. Generally, an increase
Figure 9 shows the different expected powers with respect to wind speed. Generally, an increase
of the wind speed leads to an increase of the power output. The available power Pin increases
of the wind speed leads to an increase of the power output. The available power increases
continuously, whereas
continuously, whereas Psim,, Pout,max ,, and and Pout areare bounded
bounded by by the
the turbine
turbine capacity.
capacity.
,
 Energies 2017, 10, 1229 9 of 13
Energies 2017,10,
Energies 2017, 10,1229
1229 99 of
of 13
13

P_sim P_out,max P_out P_in Wind speed

3 P_sim P_out,max P_out P_in Wind speed 7
3 7
2.5 6
2.5 6

Wind speed (m/s)

2 5

Wind speed (m/s)

Power (kW)

2 5
Power (kW)

1.5 4
1.5 4
1 3
1 3
0.5 2
0.5 2
0 1
0 0 5 10 15 20 1
0 5 10Hour of the day 15 20
Hour of the day

Figure
Figure 8. Hourly
8. Hourly power
power output
output andand wind
wind speed
speed on on
thethe
1st1st of February.
of February.
Figure 8. Hourly power output and wind speed on the 1st of February.
16
16
14
14 P_sim P_out P_out,max P_in
12 P_sim P_out P_out,max P_in
12
Power (kW)

10
Power (kW)

10
8
8
6
6
4
4
2
2
0
0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
0 2 4 6Wind speed 8(m/s) 10 12 14
Wind speed (m/s)
Figure 9. The
Figure relationship
9. The of power
relationship output
of power with
output wind
with speed.
wind speed.
Figure 9. The relationship of power output with wind speed.
AllAll
thethe results
results mentioned
mentioned before
before werewere based
based ononwindwind speeds
speeds of the
of the typical
typical meteorological
meteorological year
year
All the
measured results
at a mentioned
height of 10 mbefore
above were based
ground. If aon wind
wind speeds
turbine isof the typical
installed on
measured at a height of 10 m above ground. If a wind turbine is installed on top of a roof, however, meteorological
top of a roof, year
however,
measured
much
much atheights
larger
larger a height
heights ofcan
can 10 be
be m achieved.
above ground.
achieved. ToTo Ifthe
study
study a the
wind turbine
potential
potential is increasing
of installedheight,
of increasing on topthe
height,ofthe
a roof,
wind
wind however,
speeds
speeds areare
much larger
extrapolatedheights
to can be
different achieved.
heights To study
according the
to
extrapolated to different heights according to Equation (6). potential
Equation of
(6). increasing height, the wind speeds are
extrapolated
Figure to
10 different
depicts heights
the according
expected wind to Equation
speeds at a (6).
height of 70 m for the
Figure 10 depicts the expected wind speeds at a height of 70 m for the month of February and the month of February and
Figure 10 depicts
the corresponding
corresponding the expected
power Compared
power output. wind speeds
output. Compared at
to Figure 6, a height
to the
Figure
maximumof 70 m
6, thewind for the
maximum month
wind
speed has of February
nowspeed and
has to
increased now
the corresponding
increased to 16.77 power
m/s, output.
which Compared
leads to the to
maximum
16.77 m/s, which leads to the maximum power output of 5000 W. Figure
power 6, the
output maximum
of 5000 wind
W. speed has now
increased to 16.77 m/s, which leads to the maximum power output of 5000 W.
Energies 2017, 10, 1229 10 of 13
Energies 2017, 10, 1229 10 of 13

6 18.00
P_out 70 m Wind speed 70 m 16.00
5
14.00

Wind speed (m/s)

4 12.00
P_out (kW)

10.00
3
8.00
2 6.00
4.00
1
2.00
0 0.00
1/2/
2/2/
3/2/
4/2/
5/2/
6/2/
7/2/
8/2/
9/2/
10/2/
11/2/
12/2/
13/2/
14/2/
15/2/
16/2/
17/2/
18/2/
19/2/
20/2/
21/2/
22/2/
23/2/
24/2/
25/2/
26/2/
27/2/
28/2/
Figure
Figure10.
10. Hourly
Hourlywind
windspeed
speedat
atheight
height70
70 m
m and
and corresponding
corresponding power
power output
output in
in February.
February.

Figure
Figure 11 11shows
showsthe theresulting
resultingmonthly
monthly expectations
expectations forfor E at heights of 20 m, 30 m, 50 m, and
out at heights of 20 m, 30 m, 50 m,
70
and 70 m above the ground. According to this, the same turbine can achieve ahigher
m above the ground. According to this, the same turbine can achieve a much much energy
higher output
energy
for higher heights. Compared to the energy at a height of 10 m, the yearly
output for higher heights. Compared to the energy at a height of 10 m, the yearly energy output energy output increases by
35% for a height
increases by 35%offor 20 m, by 60%offor
a height 2030 m,m,byand60%97%forfor
3050
m,m.andAt a97%
height
for of
5070m.m,At
thea expected
height ofyearly
70 m,
energy output corresponds to 6055 kWh, which corresponds to a
the expected yearly energy output corresponds to 6055 kWh, which corresponds to a surplus surplus of 125% compared to a
of 125%
height
compared of 10tom. It should
a height of 10bem.noted that be
It should thenoted
installation
that theofinstallation
a wind turbine on the
of a wind roof of
turbine onathe
residential
roof of a
building requires a careful analysis of safety issues. These safety issues, however,
residential building requires a careful analysis of safety issues. These safety issues, however, will be will be manageable
considering
manageablethe use of a small
considering wind
the use of aturbine with aturbine
small wind weightwithof around
a weight74 kg. Compared
of around with
74 kg. the costs
Compared
of a turbine
with the costsandof its installation
a turbine at ainstallation
and its higher height at a of about
higher $9000ofUSD
height in $9000
about total, the
USDyearly yield
in total, theofyearly
6055
kWh at 70 m brings in more than 9% of the initial costs per year assuming
yield of 6055 kWh at 70 m brings in more than 9% of the initial costs per year assuming a price ofa price of $0.14 USD/kWh
according
Energies
$0.14 to10,
2017,
USD/kWh [27].
1229according to [27]. 11 of 13
To put these results in perspective, we compare them with the potential of solar energy
production
700 in Gaza. According to the PVWatts Calculator, an annual photovoltaic energy output of
7196 kWh can be expected from E_out a comparable 20 m 5 kW30 photovoltaic
m 50 m system 70 min a nearby region with
similar600conditions like Gaza. Hence, the harvested annual energy of the considered small wind
turbine at a height of 10 m corresponds to 37% of the solar energy or even 84% at a height of 70 m
above500 ground. Figure 12 depicts the monthly comparison between the wind energy output at 70 m
Energy (kWh)

and the photovoltaic output. Whereas the solar output outperforms the wind turbine’s output in the
400
summer months, the harvested wind energy is higher in the winter months December to February.
Hence, 300a combination of wind and solar energy has a great potential to stabilize the decentralized
energy production in Gaza.
200

100

Figure 11. Expected energy output at different heights.

Figure 11. Expected energy output at different heights.
To put these results in perspective, we compare them with the potential of solar energy production
800 According to the PVWatts Calculator, an annual photovoltaic energy output of 7196 kWh can
in Gaza.
E_Wind E_PV
be expected
700 from a comparable 5 kW photovoltaic system in a nearby region with similar conditions

600
rgy (kWh)

500

400
 400

Energy (
300

200
Energies 2017, 10, 1229 11 of 13
100

0
like Gaza. Hence, the harvested annual energy of the considered small wind turbine at a height of
10 m corresponds to 37% of the solar energy or even 84% at a height of 70 m above ground. Figure 12
depicts the monthly comparison between the wind energy output at 70 m and the photovoltaic output.
Whereas the solar output outperforms the wind turbine’s output in the summer months, the harvested
wind energy is higher in the winter months December to February. Hence, a combination of wind and
Figure 11.to
solar energy has a great potential Expected energy
stabilize output at different
the decentralized heights.
energy production in Gaza.

800
E_Wind E_PV
700

600
Energy (kWh)

500

400

300

200

100

Figure
Figure12. Expected
12.Expected energy
energy output
output for aturbine
for a wind wind at
turbine at 70 and
70 m height m aheight and aphotovoltaic
comparable comparable
photovoltaic system.
system.

Finally,
Finally,we
wewant
wantto tocompare
comparethethepotential
potentialofofwind
windand andsolar
solarenergy
energywith
withthe
theaverage
averageelectricity
electricity
consumption
consumption of a household in Gaza. According to a household energy survey conductedby
of a household in Gaza. According to a household energy survey conducted bythe
the
Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics for January 2015 [28], the average electricity consumption
Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics for January 2015 [28], the average electricity consumption in the in
the Gaza Strip in January 2015 amounts to 265 kWh per household (with on average
Gaza Strip in January 2015 amounts to 265 kWh per household (with on average 5.7 persons). Based on 5.7 persons).
Based on our calculations
our calculations for ameteorological
for a typical typical meteorological
year, the year, the expected
expected output ofoutput
a windofturbine
a windamounts
turbine
amounts to 558 kWh in January, which corresponds to the consumption of
to 558 kWh in January, which corresponds to the consumption of 2.1 households. The expected 2.1 households. The
expected
output ofoutput of a photovoltaic
a photovoltaic system in system
JanuaryinisJanuary
433 kWh, is which
433 kWh, which
would would befor
be sufficient sufficient for 1.6
1.6 households.
households. Hence, a combination of one wind turbine and one photovoltaic system
Hence, a combination of one wind turbine and one photovoltaic system could energize 3.7 households. could energize
3.7 households.
This number canThis number can
be increased be increased
by installing morebyorinstalling more or
larger turbines or photovoltaic
larger turbines or photovoltaic
systems on the roof
systems on the roof of a residential building. For a high density of turbines, however,
of a residential building. For a high density of turbines, however, shadowing effects would have to be shadowing
effects would
considered have to be considered [29].
[29].

5. Conclusions
In this paper, we have conducted a feasibility study for wind energy production with small
turbines in Gaza. With the turbine used in this study installed at a height of 10 m above ground,
around 2406 kWh (TRANSYS simulation) or 2695 kWh (own calculations) of wind energy can be
harvested per year. At higher altitudes between 20 m and 70 m above ground, an increase of the total
harvested energy between 34% and 118% can be expected, but safety issues have to be considered then.
The harvested energy of the considered small wind turbine at a height of 10 m corresponds to 37% of an
equivalent 5 kW photovoltaic system or even 84% at a height of 70 m above ground. Moreover, it was
shown that the harvested wind energy could compensate the weakness in the harvested photovoltaic
energy in the winter months. One wind turbine and one comparable photovoltaic system together
could provide enough energy for 3.7 households. This is a promising result for a region where people
seek to reach energy self-sufficient buildings due to the severe electricity shortage in the local grid.
Energies 2017, 10, 1229 12 of 13

Given the small size of the wind turbine and the large number of flat roofs in Gaza, a high
number of turbines could be used to complement solar energy and to lead to a more reliable and
environment-friendly energy supply. There are challenges coming from the import restrictions on
Gaza, but this might be solved by local manufacturing of these turbines. Our future work will focus
on studying the effect of height in practice through measurements. This research will open the door
for finding better solutions to harvest the wind energy in Gaza, which is not exploited so far.

Acknowledgments: Financial support from the joint German-Palestinian research project POWERUS
(PALGER2015-34-025) funded by BMBF and MoEHE and from the German Research Foundation are
gratefully acknowledged.
Author Contributions: Mohamed Elnaggar created the main structure for the paper, collected the wind data,
wrote the draft paper, and contributed to the tools selection for data analysis. Matthias Ritter analyzed the data,
confirmed the validity, worked on the comparison with a solar PV system, and reorganized the paper to include
the effect of height. Ezzaldeen Edwan incorporated the comparison criteria with a PV system, revised the paper,
and contributed in orienting the paper in its comparative study.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The founding sponsors had no role in the design
of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, and in the
decision to publish the results.

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