01 May 2019 – I can feel the wind (Wind power)

We review wind power from its beginning – then evaluate its future – once again, we use the Levelized Cost Of Energy to get past all the emotional fan-hype. We talk briefly about the analysis a small farm might use to decide whether a personal-scale wind turbine would be worth it.

KYMN Climate Show May 19

References:

  • From Persia to the present – how have we harnessed the wind?
    http://www.thirdplanetwind.com/energy/history.aspx
  • Base load and peaking power – always a concern for renewables
    Base Load and Peaking Power
    https://www.kcet.org/redefine/explainer-base-load-and-peaking-power
  • Wind turbine payback: Environmental lifecycle assessment of 2-megawatt wind turbines
    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140616093317.htm
  • Small Wind Economics
    For a small wind system determining the payback of a project plays a large factor in determining if owning your own system makes sense for you. In order to do this you will need several pieces of information:

    • a reasonable estimate of the wind resource at your site
    • the height of the tower
    • the turbine model’s power curve (can be obtained from the manufacturer)
    • the installed cost of the system
    • annual costs that include maintenance, added insurance, fees paid to the utility, etc.
    • the cost of energy at your site as well as historical electricity consumption on a monthly basis, if available.
    • information from your utility about system size limits, net metering structure and rate for compensation for energy sold back to the utility
    • interest rate on loan for equipment purchased
    • information about grants and incentives available to you
      http://www.windustry.org/small_wind_economics
  • Or, Small Wind Financial Calculator for Minnesota Net Metering Situations
    Spreadsheet allowing a user to input values and estimate project costs. The tool provides estimates using a Bergey, Jacobs, or Endurance model of turbine.
    http://windlibrary.org/items/show/1021

Related Posts

Local Events

Easter Egg Hunt – Dundas

Saturday, March 30, 2024 @ 10:00 am – The Dundas Easter Egg Hunt will be Saturday, March 30, 10:00am at Memorial Park in Dundas. Bring your own basket. Suggested donation is $1/child.

View Event »

The Okee Dokee Brothers

Saturday, April 6, 2024 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm – The Okee Dokee Brothers presented by Northfield Youth Choirs. Saturday, April 6, 3-4pm, Northfield Middle School. $20 general admission. Tickets available at www.northfieldyouthchoirs.org.

View Event »

Northfield Community Market Fair – More than a Home & Garden Show!

Saturday, April 6, 2024 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm – Community Market Fair – More than a Home & Garden Show, Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Dundas Dome. Browse dozens of vendor from landscaping to remodeling, from sustainability to catering services, from insurance to real estate. There is so much to look forward to as you read below. Help keep Northfield in business. 100++ […]

View Event »