Transforming intermittent wind energy to a baseload power supply economically
Wind generated electricity can be transformed from an intermittent to a baseload power supply cost-effectively by taking advantage of the fundamental properties of wind and by the efficient utilization of compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems. A utility scale wind-CAES-transmission system can have a 95 percent capacity factor at a cost of delivered electricity that is about 15 percent greater than a conventional wind energy system with a 34 percent capacity factor. This approach has several compelling advantages. It is based on existing technology and makes best use of costly transmission lines. It produces electricity that is the technical equivalent of that from fossil fuel or nuclear power stations. It minimizes greenhouse gas and other fossil fuel pollution, and is an industrial scale system that could cover a significant fraction of total electrical demand in regions such as the US, Mexico, China or Europe.
- OSTI ID:
- 560501
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-961232--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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