| Contents Notes |
This study assesses the potential contribution of wind energy conversion systems (WECS) to the generation of electricity by utilities in Wisconsin and parts of adjacent states. The final report contains a review of the literature on wind and wind machines, an analysis of wind characteristics in Wisconsin and adjoining areas, and an analysis of WECS applied to the Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC), a rural-based cooperative serving parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois. Along the shorelines of the Great Lakes, wind energies are among the highest in the U.S. Inland, wind energies in many areas are suitable for WECS; however, careful study is required to select the most favorable sites. The DPC, with its many small, scattered users, is the type of utility for which wind systems are ideally suited. Peak winds correspond with the utility's winter peak loads for electric heating. An economic analysis indicates that WECS can be economically feasible for DPC in the 1980s. The analysis considers WECS only as peak load fuel-savers; if their role in contributing to base-load generating capacity were included, the economic feasibility would be even greater. Combined with a controlled load of water heaters, WECS would lend diversity and stability to the power system and delay or eliminate the need for more costly additions to generating capacity. A detailed reliability and cost product analysis of WECS plus direct control of a variety of loads, as well as a thorough wind survey, is required for accurate evaluation of any application of wind systems. A model for such analysis is presented in this report. |
