The American Public Power Association (APPA) has awarded a research grant through its Demonstration of Energy-Efficient Developments (DEED) program to the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD).
The utility will receive $30,000 to compare and contrast two wind monitoring systems – a 60-meter meteorological tower and a new portable wind monitoring technology using sonic detection. Data will be collected over a period of time and the ease of set-up, ease and accuracy of data retrieval, and ease of moving and relocating installations will be compared and contrasted with traditional methods typically tied to a stand-alone tower.
A trailer-mounted sound detection and ranging system from Atmospheric Systems Corp. will be placed near a meteorological tower, and data will be gathered from both units. The installation, monitoring, data collection and relocation of the two systems will be used in preparing a final report. The study will outline the pros and cons of each system and identify a method for other APPA members to help determine which system would be better suited for their wind monitoring needs.
‘Taking this technology into the field and comparing it with traditional methods of gathering wind data will provide significant information for the public power industry,’ says David Rich, renewable energy manager for NPPD. ‘The interest in developing wind as an energy alternative is high, and doing this study could possibly reduce the costs and the time period for future wind studies in Nebraska and elsewhere.’
SOURCE: Nebraska Public Power District
