Research Abstracts 1993-1994: Report No. 94-01

Barbour, P.L. and S. N. Walker, "An Overview of Wind / Energy Forecasting," OSU Wind Research Cooperative, WRC Report No. 94-01, April 11, 1994, 56 pp.,$14.00

Forecasting is acknowledged to be an essential and valuable step to establishing wind energy as a major energy source for the Pacific Northwest. An overview of the issues and problems associated with wind and energy forecasting is presented. Included in this overview are discussions about the types of variables that can be considered, the different time scales involved and what constitutes an accurate forecast. Discussions are then presented reviewing a number of forecasting methods and their application. From the utility perspective it was determined that wind/energy forecasts are needed for two groups within a utility; the utility scheduler and the utility dispatcher. Programs are outlined that will address the forecasting needs of these two groups. In addition, a catalog of many of the major meteorological data networks located in the Pacific Northwest and a brief assessment of their data is included along with some preliminary examples of applying some short-term forecasting methods to a site in the region.