Windplant Optimization
A wide range of factors that have not been comprehensively studied affects the actual performance of commercial wind turbines. Seasonal changes in air density, blade soiling (insect debris, dust, etc.), control system interactions with turbulent winds, windplant maintenance procedures, windplant connection issues to the electric grid, etc. can have large impacts on electric power production. The Consortium will evaluate windplant performance issues and identify methods and procedures for maximizing energy capture and/or electricity sales revenue through a series of four scenario based white papers.White paper on wind speed and electric power trends |
White paper on optimization of peak capacities |
Electric power need is a peaking problem - during most of the day electric power capacity is underutilized, but a surge in demand during the mid-to-late afternoon hours can cause severe power shortages during these peak hours. During these peak hours, wind-provided electric power helps to distribute the load and can lead to an increase in windplant revenue. The purpose of this study is to evaluate ways to optimize peak electric power generation capabilities of windplants.
The Consortium will prepare a white paper on optimization of peak capacities. This white paper, based on the available wind information, shall evaluate ways to optimize peak electric power generation capabilities of windplants. In addition to the evaluation of wind as a stand-alone resource, the white paper will also evaluate hybrid setups where windplants are combined with e.g., biomass plants or natural gas fired plant to optimize peak capacities. The white paper shall also examine wind in combination with energy storage approaches to manage the electric power peaks.
White paper on transmission infrastructure |
The PIER Renewables Program wants to support the widespread use of wind turbines in California. The purpose of this task is to address is the existing transmission infrastructure as it interacts with and impacts wind turbine installations.
The Consortium will prepare a white paper on transmission infrastructure. This paper shall address the interconnection and transmission infrastructure issues associated with the widespread use of small, medium and large windplants, hybrid windplants and windplants with energy storage systems. The scenarios developed in this paper shall consider but not be limited to wind resource management and the intermittent availability of the resource.
White paper on wind energy facts and fiction |
Additional developments in wind energy are often impeded by a wide array of issues and/or misunderstandings. For example, the amount and cost of electric power and energy generated by wind turbines and the growth and variation in these quantities is documented but advocates and critics of wind energy draw different conclusions from these numbers. Critics indicate that these numbers prove that wind will remain an insufficient source of electric energy and hence a minor energy player. Advocates state that this conclusion is based on outdated facts and that new developments in technology will make wind an important source of electric energy for the state.
The Consortium will prepare a white paper on wind energy facts and fiction. This white paper shall identify and address the facts and fictions associated with wind turbines.
