TY  - JOUR
AU  - Mafuratidze, Francis
AU  - Kumba, Hagreaves
AU  - Ndiyamba, David
AU  - Gondo, Ackson
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/07/08
TI  - Technical and Economic Feasibility Assessment of a Mini Wind Turbine Using Statistical Method for Sustainable Urban Energy: A Case Study of Zvishavane Urban, Zimbabwe
JO  - Journal of Energy and Power Technology
SP  - 012
VL  - 08
IS  - 03
AB  - Unreliable electricity supply remains a significant barrier to economic development in sub-Saharan Africa, with Zimbabwe experiencing acute load-shedding that disrupts residential, commercial, and industrial activity. This paper presents a techno-economic feasibility assessment of a mini wind turbine for distributed urban energy generation in Zvishavane, Zimbabwe. Wind resource data were sourced from two independent platforms Weather Spark (30-year climatological record) and Meteoblue (high-resolution reanalysis) and analysed using both direct calculation and the Rayleigh statistical distribution model applied to monthly bin-frequency data at a measurement height of 10 m above ground level. Mean wind speeds at the measurement height range from 3.31 m/s (May) to 5.03 m/s (October), placing the site in the low wind power density class (Class 1: P/A ≤ 100 W/m2) under direct assessment. Application of the Rayleigh probability density function yields substantially higher mean power density estimates, a minimum of 78.98 W/m2 and a maximum of 277.15 W/m2, elevating the site into the fair-to-moderate resource class (150-200 W/m2). Boundary layer wind profile analysis using the logarithmic law indicates that the rated cut-in speed of 5 m/s is achievable at a minimum tower height of 27 m, while a tower of 63 m achieves the low-category power density threshold, both technically practicable. An annual energy production of 438-683 kWh/year is estimated for a representative 400 W rated mini turbine, yielding a levelised cost of energy (LCOE) of USD 0.143-0.224/kWh. At the grid-equivalent avoided cost of USD 0.10-0.15/kWh and with realistic capital expenditure assumptions, the simple payback period ranges from 8 to 14 years, which improves to 5-8 years under preferential financing conditions. The study demonstrates that, while Zvishavane is not a premium wind resource site, targeted turbine deployment at optimised tower heights is technically viable and approaches economic competitiveness under current tariff and financing conditions, particularly as an energy resilience measure against chronic grid outages.
SN  - 2690-1692
UR  - https://doi.org/10.21926/jept.2603012
DO  - 10.21926/jept.2603012
ID  - Mafuratidze2026
ER  -