Integrating wind generation into Northern States Power`s system
Wind monitoring identified an area in southwestern Minnesota where the annual average wind speeds were about 16 miles per hour. This annual average was approximately 1 mile per hour higher than any other area NSP had monitored. Since this location was close to NSP`s service territory and to NSP`s transmission system, they installed a wind research test facility on the system in 1986. The purpose of the test facility, which consisted of three 65 kW turbines, was to examine the performance of commercial wind turbines in the climate of the upper midwest. As a result of what was learned from the research facility and given the customers` increasing interest in emission-free energy resources like wind, NSP proceeded with plans to develop 100 MW of wind generation by 1998. The 25 MW project, which is owned and operated by KENETECH Windpower, Inc., was the first step in meeting that goal.
- OSTI ID:
- 137096
- Journal Information:
- IEEE Power Engineering Review, Journal Name: IEEE Power Engineering Review Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 15; ISSN 0272-1724; ISSN IPERDV
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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