Oeprational implications of wind power in a hydro based power system

Abstract

Implications of operating wind trubines in the Norwegian hydro-based power system are studied. The study uses thrity years of wind speed data measured at five different locations to give a normalized measure of expected supply from wind turbines situated along the Norwegian coastline. It is found from these that the total annual supply from wind turbines may vary +/- 20%. In comparison, the total annual inflow the the Norwegian hydropower stations may vary +/- 30%. Hence, wind energy seems to be less variable than hydropower in terms of annual energy supply. Seasonal variations in the wind energy supply are also estimated and compared with electricity consumption and inflow to the hydropower stations. It is found that the seasonal wind energy variation closely matches the consumption. This is beneficial. Further analysis indicates that there will always be some weekly wind power production as long as the wind trubines are situated both in the north and south of the country. Limited transmission capacity in the northern parts of Norway may be a limiting factor for utilizing the wind resources. More detailed analyses of the transmission system must however be conducted before any conclusions may be stated on this matter.