Meteorology / Wind Unit
This unit is responsible for the study and recording of weather events explained by the science of meteorology — the variables that exist in the Earth’s atmosphere, including temperature, wind, insolation, humidity and rainfall.
The unit serves as the data bank for the Centre: every research unit depends on the data it collects for the design of their renewable energy systems. Its measuring equipment — including a data logger station and local radiation sensors for direct and diffuse radiation — is installed at the Centre’s testing area.
The unit is also in charge of research, development and manpower training in wind energy conversion systems. It has carried out the design, construction, installation, testing and monitoring of different wind energy conversion systems, of both vertical and horizontal axis types.
Pilot Projects and Local Fabrication
Pilot projects carried out by the unit include a 5 kW wind installation, made up of two 2.5 kW turbines, providing electricity to Sayya Gidan Gada village near the permanent site of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
The unit has the capability to design and construct wind turbines from locally available materials, and has produced a locally constructed 2.4 m, 500 W wind turbine as well as a 500 W hybrid wind/solar power prototype.
It also provides consultancy services and hands-on training to governmental and non-governmental organisations. In recognition of the unit’s capability, the National Directorate of Employment sponsored the training of unemployed graduates in Benue, Gombe, Katsina and Sokoto States.
Wind and Meteorology Work
Local Blade Construction
Turbine blades are shaped from raw timber in the Centre’s own workshop, demonstrating that wind turbine components can be produced from locally available materials and skills.
Wind Turbine Tower Erection
SERC staff construct and erect wind turbine towers on site, covering the full cycle from design and fabrication through installation, testing and monitoring.
Meteorological Instrumentation
Meteorological instruments installed at SERC record the temperature, wind, insolation, humidity and rainfall data on which the Centre’s other research units depend, alongside 5 kW wind electricity generation.