UWIG User Groups

UWIG announces expanded scope and workplan for user groups.

The Utility Wind Integration Group announced an expansion of member benefits with the formation of five User Groups for its members. These User Groups cover the topics of Operating Impacts and Integration Studies, Wind Plant Modeling and Interconnection, Distributed Wind Applications, Market Operation and Transmission Policy Best Practices, and Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance. These groups are organized around the topics currently of greatest interest to UWIG members and are being supported jointly by the membership and the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The User Groups gather, analyze, and disseminate information generated through the organization, its members, NREL, and other organizations in the U.S. and abroad.

The focus of these groups is as follows:

Operating Impact and Integration Study User Group. UWIG has sponsored work on the cost of ancillary services for wind plants, which stimulated a number of related studies by members and other organizations. The user group has already begun to compare and analyze the results of different studies done in the US and abroad, and provide the results to its members. The user group identifies gaps in the work that need to be filled, and helps members to understand its application to their own situations.

Information on User Group work scope

Wind Plant Modeling and Interconnection User Group. A library of individual wind turbine and aggregated wind plant computer models is being developed and maintained for power system load flow, short circuit, and stability studies. This group will work with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) to support and expand the results of their turbine and wind plant modeling efforts. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) is supporting the development and maintenance of this wind plant model library. This effort is also being supported through a UWIG alliance with EnerNex Corporation. Model verification through field-testing will be performed in conjunction with utility members in order to build confidence in the models, understand their limitations, and identify future development needs.

Information on User Group work scope

Distributed Wind Application User Group. The UWIG research project on electrical distribution system impacts provides a foundation of case studies, monitoring results, planning and analysis tools, and application guides to assist members undertaking new wind projects located on utility distribution systems. This user group serves as the support mechanism for the project.

Information on User Group work scope

Market Operation and Transmission Policy Best Practices User Group. Best practices related to wind energy in Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) are being tracked and made available to members. In addition, UWIG provides a forum for discussion of related issues and, if appropriate, identification of concerns and development of recommendations.

Information on User Group work scope

Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance User Group. This user group provides a forum for participants to exchange information on the most relevant issues to wind turbine owner-operators. It addresses operating, maintenance and management issues specific to wind turbines and other components produced by the major manufacturers. Offering turbine-specific roundtables, this user group is a one-of-a-kind forum for owners/operators to share experiences.

Information on User Group work scope

How to Participate

Individuals from UWIG member organizations are welcome to participate in any user group. Please direct any questions about participation to Sandy Smith.

For more information, please send e-mail to info@uwig.org

 

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