Research Abstracts 1994-1995: Report No. 95-03

Barbour, P.L. and S. N. Walker, "Evaluation of an Integrated Network for Use in Wind/Energy Forecasting," OSU Wind Research Cooperative, WRC Report No. 95-03, May 25, 1995, 27 pp., $6.75

The use of a variable resource such as wind energy presents some unique challenges for utility dispatchers. It is hoped that the use of wind and energy forecasts may overcome many of the problems associated with the use of a variable resource. However, our understanding of wind and energy forecasting is limited. In this project, wind data from a network of meteorological data from the Pacific Northwest is used to examine issues surrounding the use of wind and energy forecasting for utility dispatchers. In particular, an evaluation is performed to assess the potential benefits associated with using a dedicated forecast network. Results indicate that a network approach can improve forecasts provided that the sites in the network show good relationships with the site for which a forecast is being made.