Wind power integration studies - An overview of the Reading University programme

Preliminary results of studies of the operational characteristics and performance of windpowered turbine clusters are reported. The chance that short gusts above the cut-off speed may cause shut-downs lasting 10-20 min is considered as a control system problem, and it is found that steadier output can be expected from clusters rather than single machines. Wake effects are mentioned, and ongoing studies of simultaneous winds at nine separate sites are indicated. The prediction of wind energy shortfalls is discussed, noting that steadier power can be expected from diverse clusters rather than single site clusters. The interface of spinning reserve to make up the shortfalls when the wind dies down is modeled, and it is shown that wind turbines are capable of producing 30% of the annual electrical demand. The fuel cost for spinning reserve is calculated to be less than having a peaking plant.