Browsing by Author "Tesfay Gebremedhin"

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Item
    Performance Evaluation of Ashegoda Wind farm using Key Performance Indicators and Proposing Mitigation Measures
    (Mekelle University, 2025-09-02) Tesfay Gebremedhin
    The global rise in electricity demand has driven many countries to use fossil fuels; however, environmental concerns have shifted focus toward renewable energy. Ethiopia is leveraging its renewable energy potential, particularly wind energy, with an estimated 10 GW capacity. As part of this initiative, the Ashegoda wind farm, become operational since 2013/14 with a 120 MW capacity. However, data from four Ethiopian fiscal years (EFY) indicate a notable decline in energy output, particularly in the final two years of the study. This thesis evaluates the wind farm’s performance using KPIs and proposes mitigation strategies based on the findings. Wind speed data collected from the SCADA system were processed using Excel and IBM SPSS after missing data were estimated using the Moving Average (MA) model and monthly averages. The analysis revealed the annual average wind speeds at the site are 6.52 m/s (2015/16), 6.96 m/s (2016/17), 7.45 m/s (2017/18), and 7.38 m/s (2018/19), the same all phases. Gross and net energy outputs were estimated using frequency distributions and the turbine power curve, adjusted for site air density and losses. Based on P50 exceedance, estimated net outputs for 2017/18 and 2018/19 were 233 GWh and 229 GWh, respectively. In contrast, the actual measured outputs for the same years were 61.5 GWh and 88.6 GWh, highlighting a significant gap between potential and actual generation. Performance indicators showed low values: capacity factors of 5.86% and 8.43%, energy-based availability of 26.4% and 38.75%, and time-based availability of 35.12% and 11.93% in 2017/18 and 2018/19, respectively. These figures indicate underperformance, resulting in energy losses of 171.73 GWh and 140 GWh which are mainly caused by long downtime. To improve performance, the study proposes mitigation strategies, including better spare part management, improved SCADA reliability, and optimized maintenance. In conclusion, the Ashegoda wind farm is underperforming relative to its design expectations. Implementing the proposed mitigation strategies is essential to enhance its operational efficiency.