Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Variation in average monthly wind power output
12%
10%
8%
6%
4%
2%
0%
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Month
Figure 3.11
Variation in monthly wind power output. (Reproduced from Sinden, G.E., 2007, D Phil
Thesis with permission of Environmental Change Institute, Oxford University Centre for the
Environment)
the temporal availability and operational aspects of wind power and the penalties incurred
for different penetration levels so that the system reliability is maintained at the desired
level.
3.5.2 Aggregation of Sources
In Section 3.2.2 it was shown how integrated electricity systems benefi t immeasurably from
the aggregation of consumer demand. Fluctuating sources can benefi t in the same way. Figure
2.9 in chapter 2 confi rms the benefi ts of adding the output of geographically dispersed wind
sites in the UK [6]. Aggregation here has provided its usual benefi ts by smoothing the output
over short and medium timescales.
The Monthly Distribution of Energy
The seasonal wind power availability from dispersed sites in the UK shown in Figure 3.11
indicates limited production during summer and greater than average production during
winter [6]. On average twice as much electricity is generated during the winter compared to
the summer months. This pattern matches the seasonal demand pattern in the UK.
The Daily Distribution of Energy
Figure 3.12 shows that, on average, wind power availability is higher during the daytime than
at night in the UK [6]. This trend is present irrespective of the time of year and is of benefi t
in a system where the demand peaks during the afternoon period when the wind power avail-
ability is near its maximum.
