WIND TURBINE SITING IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT:THE HULL, MA 660 KW TURBINE

摘要

The installation in 2001 of a Vestas 660 kW wind turbine at Windmill Point in Hull,Massachusetts represents a high point in the long history of wind energy activity at thislocation. The site is in a highly populated coastal area, within 8 miles of Boston (cityhall) and within 5 miles of Logan Airport. Its location makes this project unique in theUnited States. This paper documents the history of this project, from its early precursorsin the 1800’s, through the installation of a 40 kW Enertech machine in the 1980’s to theinstallation of the new turbine. The turbine is owned and operated by the Hull MunicipalLight Plant (HMLP), and the project was developed by HMLP with assistance of theUniversity of Massachusetts’ Renewable Energy Research Laboratory and theMassachusetts Division of Energy Resources. The issues that were addressed and thefactors that led to successful realization of the project are discussed here. In addition, asummary of the first year’s performance of the wind turbine is given. The paper alsopresents an overview of possible future wind generation projects that are under discussionin the town. These include (1) the installation of a second land-based wind turbine, (2)the construction of a small offshore wind farm, and (3) using wind to power a proposeddesalination plant.