In this issue
This publication is being sent to individuals from UWIG member organizations as well as nonmembers to inform you about UWIG activities, meetings, and news. If you do not wish to continue receiving this publication, which will be sent out periodically (i.e., when there is news to report), please send e-mail to info@uwig.org. If there are others within your organization who would like to receive the UWIG Update, please send e-mail to info@uwig.org.
UWIG News and Notes
Distributed Wind Impacts Project Complete
UWIG is pleased to announce the completion of its project to develop a set of engineering software application tools to aid utility distribution and planning engineers in analyzing wind generation at the distribution system level. These tools consist of the Milsoft/Multispeak2 Converter, Voltage Regulation Applet, Overcurrent Protection Applet, Flicker Applet, and Economic Evaluation Applet.
In addition to these tools, the project included the development of three application guides, three distributed wind case studies, and other information resources to help with analysis of distributed wind applications. This analysis focuses on issues of most concern with wind, including grid interconnection requirements, voltage regulation and flicker problems, overcurrent protection on the feeder, and preliminary economic screening. The applets run over the Web and are accessed via the UWIG web site. The project also included monitoring of distributed wind applications at Long Island Power Authority, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, and the Palmdale Water District. Monitoring at the latter site is still underway.
Information on the project can be found at http://www.uwig.org/distwind/default.htm. The applets and other project deliverables are available for use by all UWIG members. Please send e-mail to sandy@uwig.org if you need credentials to access them.
Wind-Hydro Workshop Announced
UWIG, in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Bonneville Power Administration, the American Wind Energy Association and the Canadian Wind Energy Association, will present a Wind/Hydro Integration Workshop March 21-22 in Portland, Ore.
The timing for this event is timely. The Northwest Power and Conservation Council is working with BPA to develop a regional Wind Integration Action Plan. This plan will identify key steps to effectively integrate large amounts of wind power and other renewable resources into the Pacific Northwest Power System. In other areas, most notably the Nordic countries, Canada, and the Western US, significant studies are or have been conducted on integrating wind and hydropower.
Workshop topics include operational studies, technology status and developments, the Northwest Wind Integration Action Plan, and opportunities for regional cooperation. In addition, there will be an introductory background session covering the basics of hydro system planning and operation from around the world. This special session will cover hydro system scheduling and operational fundamentals, regional operational practices, system flexibility considerations, and identification and resolution of technical limitations.
Complete information on the event can be found on the UWIG web site at www.uwig.org/wind-hydro.html.Fundraising Begins for User Group Research and Development Plan
A key priority for 2007 will be raising funds to carry out the workplan for the UWIG User Groups. The UWIG Board of Directors has authorized $25,000 of membership dues to be used as cost-sharing funds to solicit additional funding on an annual basis from member organizations, state and federal sources, and energy foundations to carry out the research agenda outlined in the workplan. A copy of the workplan can be found at www.uwig.org/2007UGWorkPlanandProposal.pdf. The funding solicitation campaign will begin in mid-February.
2007 Annual Meeting & Technical Workshop Will Take Place in Alaska
The UWIG Annual Meeting and Technical Workshop will be held at the Sheraton Anchorage July 23-25. Preliminary information, notably information on accommodations, will be sent to the membership and posted to the UWIG web site next month. Due to limited hotel capacity, employees of UWIG member organizations will receive priority for accommodations. User group meetings, as well as the annual membership meeting, will be held as part of this event.
Dates, Location Set for 2007 Offering of Wind Integration Short Course
The highly-successful and well-received course Wind Generation in Power Systems: A Short Course on the Integration and Interconnection of Wind Power Plants into Electric Power Systems will be offered September 11-14 in St. Paul, Minnesota at the facilities of the Midwest Independent System Operator. Details on accommodations and registration will be released as soon as they are finalized.
On the UWIG Web Site - Wind Integration Studies from Around the World
The Utility Wind Integration Group has made available on its web site more than a dozen studies on wind integration and the impacts of wind energy on power-system operations. The reports were published in the United States, Canada and Europe. These studies can be found at http://www.uwig.org/opimpactsdocs.html. In an effort to offer as many relevant reports as possible, we are inviting suggestions regarding additional reports and other items that might be posted to its site. All items currently included are in the public domain. Please send suggestions and submissions to info@uwig.org.
UWIG Board of Directors
Henry Durrwachter, TXU Wholesale President
Gary Thompson, Nebraska Public Power District Secretary
Brent Petrie, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative Treasurer
Jay Caspary, Southwest Power Pool
Steve Gilbert, Chugach Electric Association, Inc.
Elliot Mainzer, Bonneville Power Administration (Non-Voting)
Brett Oakleaf, Xcel Energy
Richard OConor, We Energies
Dale Osborn, Midwest Independent System Operator
Brad Reeve, Kotzebue Electric Association Inc.
Steve Wotruba, Energy Northwest
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