Wind Resource Data for Advanced Wind Turbine Optimization for New York State

摘要

The future utilization of wind energy in New York State is largely dependent ontwo fundamental factors: (1) the availability of land areas containing adequate wind resources and (2) the improvement of wind energy conversion technologies to tap these wind resources cost-effectively. On average, the wind resource availability in New York is better than that of other northeastern states. This study indicates average annual wind speeds between 13 and 16 mph at 100 ft above ground occur at well-exposed sites in developable areas. This speed range is considered 'moderate' compared to the stronger winds found in other areas of the country where substantial wind energy development has already taken place (e.g., California, Hawaii) or is soon likely to occur (e.g., upper Midwest, Pacific Northwest). Most current technology wind turbines are designed to operate cost-effectively in these stronger winds. But in more moderately windy states like New York, their economic viability is less attractive. Consequently, prospects for significant wind energy development in New York have thus far been limited.