A Feasibility Study of Windpower for the New England Area.
Abstract
SRI International examined the applicability of large-scale windpower electricity generating systems (WEGS) as an alternative source of energy for the New England States in general and for the U.S. Navy Portsmouth Shipyard at Kittery, Maine, in particular. The Boeing Mod 2 wind machine was selected as representative of current technology in the appropriate size range of 2.5 megawatts (MW) rated capacity. Parametric economic analyses led to the conclusion that WEGS electricity can be at economic parity with the incremental electricity from conventional generators using oil or gas without any allowance for a capacity credit, provided that the annual utilization factor for the WEGS is at least 50%. Such utilization appears to be achievable at elevations between 620 and 1,240 m (2,000 and 3,000 ft). About one-eight of the 35,500 sq kilometers of air space reviewed in New Hampshire is at such elevations. Nonutility financing and capitalization can halve the costs of WEGS electricity. Nonutility ownership of WEGS is encouraged by recent state and federal legislation. The primary potential WEGS environmental impact, interference with television reception, can be mitigated by installation of cable TV services.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA076614
Entities
People
- Christopher A. Maxwell
- Gwen Crooks
- Michael Balma
- Patrick Martin
- Roy Endlich
Organizations
- SRI International