HomeMy WebLinkAboutWind Energy Study 4-2009 AEA Oct 09Engineering, Inc.
2522 Arctic Boulevard, Suite 200
Anchorage, AK 99503-2516
P (907) 276-0521
F (907)-2764751
ASSOCIATION of
VILLAGE COUNCIL
PRESIDENTS REGIONAL
HOUSING AUTHORITY
(AVCP RHA) CAMPUS
WIND ENERGY STUDY
April 14, 2009
Prepared by
Xuan P. Ta, P.E.
191 E. Swanson Avenue, Suite 101
Wasilla, AK 99654
P (907) 357-1521
F (907)357-1751
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
Table of Contents
ALASKA'S RENEWABLE ENERGY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SITE DESCRIPTION
1'��II�f77 • •
LOAD STUDY
OFF -GRID SYSTEM
GRID -CONNECTED SYSTEM
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
PROJECT COST ESTIMATE
APPENDIX A —System Cash Flow
APPENDIX B —Historical Demand Load Data
APPENDIX C —Recommended Practices
GLOSSARY
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
Alaska's Renewable Energy Resources
The major renewable energy resources consist of wind, solar, biomass, geothermal,
hydro, and ocean power resources play an important role in the future of our nation.
Wind Resource: Wind energy converts kinetic energy that is present in the wind into
more useful forms of energy such as mechanical energy or electricity. Large modern
wind turbines operate together in wind farms to produce electricity for utilities. Small
turbines are used by homeowners and remote villages to help meet energy needs.
According to Alaska Energy Authority Wind Resource Assessment for Bethel, Alaska
dated February 2008, a seven level classification system based on wind power density
(WPD) is used to simplify the comparison of potential wind sites. Areas of Class 4 and
higher are considered suitable to utility -scale wind power as follows:
Classes of Wind Power Densit
Wind
Power
Class
Resource
Potential
WPD (W/m2)
@30 m
Wind Speed (m/s)
@ 30 m
WPD (W/m2)
@50 m
Wind Speed (m/s)
@ 30 m
1
Poor
<160
<5.1
<200
<5.6
2
Marginal
160 - 240
5A — 5.8
200 - 300
5.6 — 6.5
3
Fair
240 — 320
5.8 — 6.5
300 — 400
6.4 — 7.0
4
Good
320 — 400
6.5 — TO
400 — 500
7.0— 7.5
5
Excellent
400 - 480
7.0 — 7.4
500 - 680
7.5— 8.0
6
Outstanding
480 — 640
7A — 8.2
600 — 800
8,0.8.8
7
Superb
> 640
> 8.2
> 800
> 8.8
A class 4 wind resource is available in Bethel area.
Solar Resource: Solar energy from the sun travels to the earth in the form of
electromagnetic radiation similar to radio waves, but in a different frequency range.
Available solar energy is often expressed in units of energy per time per unit area, such
as watt-hours per square meter (Wh/m2). The available solar energy is primarily
dependent upon how high the sun is in the sky and current cloud conditions. On a
monthly or annual basis, the amount of solar energy available also depends upon the
location.
According to Renewable Energy Atlas of Alaska dated July 2007, Alaska annual average
solar Insolation is follows:
Solar —Annual Average Solar Insolation
kWh/m2/day
December Average Insolation
<3.5
June Average Insolation
3.5 — 4.0
Biomass Resource: The term "biomass" means any plant derived organic matter
available on a renewable basis, including dedicated energy corps and trees, agricultural
food and feed crops, agricultural crop wastes and residues, wood wastes and residues,
aquatic plants, animal wastes, municipal wastes, and other waste materials. Bioenergy
is produced by the release of stored chemical energy contained in fuels made from
biomass. Biomass is actually a product of solar energy that has been stored by the
RSA Engineering, Inc. Page 3
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
photosynthetic activity of plants. The plants remove CO2 from the atmosphere and
combine it with water to produce biomass.
According to Renewable Energy Atlas of Alaska dated July 20073 the State of Alaska's
primary biomass fuels are wood; sawmill wastes, fish byproducts, and municipal waste.
Wood remains an important renewable energy source for Alaskans for space heating
statewide. Ground fish processors are in Unalaska, Kodiak and other locations produce
fish oil for power production each year.
Geothermal Resource: Geothermal energy is the heat from the Earth. It is clean and
sustainable. Resources of geothermal energy range from the shallow ground to hot
water and hot rock found a few miles beneath the Earth's surface, and down even
deeper to the extremely high temperature of molten rock called magma
According to Renewable Energy Atlas of Alaska dated July 2007, the State of Alaska
has four distinct geothermal resource regions. The first distinct geothermal resource
region is the interior Hot Springs, which include the band of hot springs that run east -
west from the Yukon Territory of Canada to the Seward Peninsula. The second distinct
geothermal resource region is the Southeast Hot Springs. The third distinct geothermal
resource region is the Wrangell Mountains, and the fourth distinct geothermal resource
region is the Ring of Fire Volcanoes, which includes the Aleutians, the Alaska Peninsula,
and Baranof Island.
Bethel area is not located in the above geothermal resource regions; therefore,
geothermal resource is not available in Bethel.
Hydroelectric Resource: Hydroelectric energy is a renewable energy source dependent
upon the hydrologic cycle of water, which involves evaporation, precipitation and the flow
A water due to gravity.
According to Renewable Energy Atlas of Alaska dated July 2007, most of the state's
developed hydro resources are located near communities in South-central, the Alaska
Peninsula, and Southeast — mountainous regions with moderate to high precipitation.
However, many rural communities located on the Yukon and other large rivers are
interested in using river current for generating power.
Ocean Resource: According to Renewable Energy Atlas of Alaska dated July 2007,
ocean energy consists of three general categories. The first category is ocean thermal
energy conversion. The second category is tidal energy, and the third category is wave
energy. The ocean thermal energy conversion applications are not suitable for
development in Alaska.
Tidal energy is produced through the use of tidal energy generators. These large
underwater turbines are placed in area with high tidal movements, and are designed to
capture the kinetic motion of the ebbing and surging of ocean tides in order to produce
electricity
Waves are caused by the wind blowing over the surface of the ocean. In many areas of
the world, the wind blows with enough consistency and force to provide continuous
waves. There is tremendous energy in the ocean waves. Wave power devices extract
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
energy directly from the surface motion of ocean waves or from pressure fluctuations
below the surface.
The technology for exploiting tidal and wave energy potentials are not yet commercially
available.
Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to provide a report covering the studying the possibility of
power generation using wind energy for the Association of Village Council Presidents
Regional Housing Authority (AVCP RHA) complex. Wind energy is a pollution -free,
infinitely sustainable form of energy. It does not use fuel; it does not produce
greenhouse gasses, and it does not produce toxic or radioactive waste.
The AVCP RHA complex consists of eleven existing and one new building as followings:
❖ AVCP RHA Office Building
❖ Development Office Building
❖ Lulu Heron Building
❖ Building A (Units range from #1 through #4)
❖ Building B (Units range from #17 through #20)
❖ Building C (Units range from #5 through #10)
❖ Building D (Units range from #11 through #16)
❖ Building E (Units range from #21 through #32
❖ Warehouse #1
❖ Warehouse #2
❖ New AVCP RHA Office Expansion Building
A total calculated demand load for the AVCP RHA complex is 581,573 kWh/year.
Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) had conducted the Wind Resource Assessment for
Bethel, Alaska. The measured wind speed data indicate a Class 4 wind resource in
Bethel area, providing a good potential for wind power development.
The wind turbine models currently available for a remote Alaska installation are very
limited. Due to the risks associated with the harsh operating conditions, remote location,
and lack of service personnel, few manufacturers are willing to support the Alaska
market. Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) and Kotzebue Electric Association
(KEA) utilities have installed Northern Power System Model NW100 wind diesel turbines
in Kotzebue, Toksook Bay, and Kasigluk.
It is our understanding, Federal regulations (specially, the Public Utility Regulatory
Policies Act of 1978, or PURPA) requires utilities to connect with and purchase power
from small wind energy systems; therefore, we would recommend AVCP RHA
Representative continue their efforts to persuade Bethel Utilities Corporation (BUC) to
support any wind power project to be undertaken by the city or private sector or any
other person because grid -connected small wind turbines can provide many benefits to
utilities as well as wind turbine owners. In rural areas with long power lines, they can
improve power quality (by boosting voltage) and reduce line losses. They can also
provide extra generating capacity and reduce power plant emission.
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
We recommend a minimum of 2-Northerwind 100/21 wind turbines, power conditioning
inverter, net metering, step-down transformer, and disconnect switch to connect to the
BUC grid.
Site Description
Bethel is located at the mouth of the Kuskokwim River, 40 miles (74.37 km) inland from
the Bering Sea and 400 air miles west of Anchorage. The community is located at
approximately 600 47' 8" North Latitude and 1610 53' 6" West Longitude. According to
the United State Census Bureau, the community has a total area of 50 square miles
(126 square km), of which, 44 square miles (113 square km) of it is land and 5 square
miles (13 square km) of it is water. The total area is 10% water. Though the region is
flat and generally treeless, Bethel lies inside the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge,
the largest wildlife refuge in the United States.
Precipitation average 16 inches (40.64 cm) a year in this area and snowfall averages 50
inches (127 cm) per year. Summer temperatures range from 420F (5.56°C) to 620F
(16.670C). Winter temperatures range from -2°F (-18.89°C) to -19°F (-28.330C).
(Community profile information from State of Alaska Department of Commerce,
Community and Economic Development website
http://www. commerce,state. ak. us/dca/com mdb/C I S.cfm)
Wind Resource
In December 2004, Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) installed a 50-meter meteorological
tower on the high ground west of the Bethel airport. The resulting data set represents
the long-term wind resource at the site.
RSA Engineering, Inc. Page 6
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
t- _ii:: ti:.L.G_
S� ethel
I
- ILA
i ,. s -
J ��
WE: ' -
IN -
Topographic Map of Met Tower Site and Surrounding Area
(Topographic Map of Met Tower Site and Surrounding Area information from Alaska
Energy Authority (AEA) Wind Resource Assessment for Bethel, Alaska)
AEA Wind Resource Assessment for Bethel, Alaska dated February 21, 2006, the
strong winds come from the northeast, while the lighter summer winds tend to come
from the south. An average wind speed is 7.3 m/s at a height of 50 meters above
ground level as shown in Table 6 of the AEA Wind Resource Assessment for Bethel,
Alaska report.
Table 6. Estimated Lon -Term Wind Speeds at Met Tower Site, 50m Hei ht m/s)
Hour
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
AUCI
Se
Oct
Nov
Dec
A•r
O
9.6
8.5
8.8
8.1
6.4
6.0
6.8
6.4
6.8
7.8
8.0I
8.4
7.6
1
9.4
8.5
8.7
8.0
6.3
6.0
6.4
6
2
6.5
7.8
7.9
6.3
7.5
2
9.5
8.4
8.6
8.0
6.0
5.9
5.9
6.0
6.4
7.8
7.7
8.8
7.4
3
9.5
8.2
8.4
8.0
6.0
5.8
5.8
5.9
6.5
7.8
7.8
8.7
7.4
4
9.5
8.5
8.7
7.9
6.0
6.6
5.6
5.8
6.5
7.5
7.8
8.5
7.3
9.3
8.4
8.8
8.1
6.9
5.4
5.3
6.0
6.5
7.4
7.7
8.3
7.3
6
9_-1
8.2
8.7
7.9
6.7
5.0
52
5.8
6.4
7.4
7.9
8.3
7.1
7
9.3
8.0
8.7
7.9
6.2
4.7
4.8
5.6
6.3
7.6
7.9
6.3
7.0
8
9.3
8.2
8.6
7.5
5.0
4.7
4.8
5.6
6.3
7.9
7.9
6.5
7.0
9
9.2
8.5
8.7
7.1
5.1
4.8
5.1
5.8
6.3
7.7
8.1
6.4
7.1
10
9.3
8.1
8.9
6.7
5.6
6.0
5.0
6.1
6.7
7.4
8.3
B.2
7.1
1 1
9.4
8.1
8.8
6.5
5.8
5.2
5.1
6.4
6.9
7.4
8.3
6A
7.2
12
9.3
8.2
8.8
6.7
5.9
5.3
5.3
6..4
6.9
7.6
8.1
8.2
7.2
13
9.3
8.4
8.6
7.0
6.0
5.3
5.2
6.6
7.2
7.4
7.8
6.2
7.3
14
9.3
8.4
8.4
7.1
6.1
5.3
5.3
6.7
7.3
7.5
7.7
8.7
7.3
15
9.6
8.3
8.7
7.3
6.1
5.4
5.7
6.7
7.0
7.6
7.7
8.3
7.4
16
9.6
8.2
8.7
7.3
6.4
5.6
6.0
6.6
7.0
7.3
7.8
6_3
7.4
17
9.7
8.3
8.6
7.6
6.7
5.7
5.8
6.6
6.9
7.3
7.8
8.3
7.4
18
9.5
8.3
8.3
7.7
6.5
6.0
6.0
6.6
6.8
7.5
8.0
6.7
7.5
19
9.5
8.4
8.5
7.9
62
6.0
6.1
6.3
6.7
7.6
8.1
87
7.5
20
9.3
8.1
8.8
8.0
6.3
6.0
5.7
5.9
6.7
7.7
7.9
8.4
7.4
21
9.3
8.0
8.8
8.2
6.6
5.9
5.7
6.1
6.7
7.9
7.9
6.3
7.4
22
9.6
8.01
8.8
8.1
6.6
6.0
6.0
6.4
6.8
8.2
7.9
8.7
7.6
2 3
9.4
82
6.6
6.2
6.4
6.2
6.4
6.3
7.0
8.0
8.1
8.6
7.6
Av
9.4
8.3
8.7
7.6
6.0
6.6
G.6
6.2
6.7
7.6
7.9
8.4
7.3
The meteorological Tower Data Synopsis for Bethel, Alaska is as noted:
RSA Engineering, Inc. Page 7
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
• Annual Average Wind Speed (30m height):
• Average Wind Power Density (30m height):
• Annual Average Wind Speed (50m height):
• Average Wind Power Density (50m height):
• Wind Power Class (range = 1 to 7):
• Rating (Poor, Marginal, Fair, Good,
Excellent, Outstanding):
• Prevailing Wind Direction:
• Wind Shear
• Turbulence Intensity
• Data Start Date
• Data End Date
6.7 m/s (15.0 mph)
345 W/m2
7.3 m/s (16.3 mph)
440 W/m2
Class 4
Good
Northeast
0.19 (average)
0.06 (low)
12/9/2004
2/12/2006
(The wind resource information from AEA Wind Resource Assessment for Bethel,
Alaska website http://www.akenergyauthority,orci/programwind.thmi
Load Study
1. The historical demand usage in kWh/year for each building is included in the
Appendix C - Historical Demand Load Data'. The annual demand usage in kWh/year
for the existing buildings as shown on the attached 'AVCP RHA kWh Demand History'.
Summary AVCP RHA kWh historical Demand Load Data
11l19707
12t17i07
1i29108
2+1:1;08
3r19ic8
4i21;4A
S119rp8
6:19t08
7t21t08
8,�19I08
�?19r'OS
i0<'21108
Remarks
Building
A
1,800
1:9971
3t2771
2,0561
15613
1;8521
17160
1J261
t299
11323
17?22
1165
See Note 1
Building B
1,107
1.161
1 597
1.368
1,172
1,241
961
1,077
997
1.047
992
1,188
See Note'1
Building C
1,767
177
1,996
1,837
#,520
1,613
1'310
1.701
1 E13
1,714
1,418
1.741
See Note 1
Building D
2,015
2;2461
2J711
2,1561
1 J951
11949
1,393
1 ,3601
1,349
1,168
1 ,3141
1,4141
See Note 1
Buildino E
6,220
5t9021
7,3931
5 465
1 5JR61
6,5811
b,Wbj
5.578
5.331
4 801
1 !>,2321
6.126
1 See Note 1
ota year
See Note'
Lulu
Heron
9,666
9.814
10,%5
9,354
QT1251
9.7681
9.3931
10,570
10,746
gr7871
10,6051
10 772
See Note 1
AVCP
RHA Office
8,487
9.416
10.318
9.745
9,363
ft.291
7.772
7.915
8.130
7.667
8.394
8.843
See Note 1
Develo Went Office
2,435
2,589
3,009
2.702
2 543
2 471
2,173
2.161
2.155
1.966
2,183
2.334
See Note 1
Warehouse #1
509
405
563
466
438
433
308
295
300
344
376
335
See Note 1
are ouse#
b
_
_ee Note
o a
ma n
Tl iti7year
ota
2721119
See Note 3
Grant total
kWh+year
417,982
See Note 4
Notes: #. See attached historical demand load data for each building.
2. Annual Demand usage of existing buildings -A','B', 'C', 'D', and 'E` .
3. Annual Demand usage of existing buifdings Lu€u Heron, AVCP RHA Offrce, Development Crfiice; Warehouse?; t;
and Warehouse #2
4. Annual Demand usage of all AVCP RHA Complex.
2. The calculated demand usage in kWh/year for the new AVCP Office Expansion
Building as shown on the attached AVCP RHA Calculated Demand Load Data'.
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
Rvcri RHn Calcatated
kt m aenianss Laad Data for the taew omce Ex anstin euudtn
__.I fi`!.`69
_. _2mos
vv09 4'evas 5'1-.'<+9
6!vasl 7fIfOB &VID-9 5.t'04 l4'}jDql 1IM09
12/1109 Remars ...
s7r U111iCe
Expansion
3t1ding 1 13.789
12.536
73.71�'1 13.785 13.163
13.789 14-41513.153 15.789 13.789 13.163
t4.446
Tabt kVdht ear 163,591
Na;:• Ogee £xparsion 8vilding: Rn apprarimatety
gross area for the nar` olfiae bvkEMg s:
The folb°,vmg assumptions are made to determine
the calculated
demand toad:
Lighting Load
3Z
VA?SF=
56.00.7
VA
Ta1al calculated demand bad in k'vY 910.50 po.:ar?actA^ 539.23 k4'1
Tha fotia'r.1ng issuntpNins are made 10 compute iha demand usage far each €ninth:
Office operatbn 10 hrrday and 5 deystweek
Load Factor (LF) Vanes 35 to 50 %
tied Factor ((k`vVnfnOL't8 ih Pe?'od)rk1Nj
Thus,.the k4L'im per manth� #Wh = [t-F"(k5N"(hrlday # at days)martih}j
i:;'1h �: tF°R'v's`°hr# 0.35` 13?.23j`19hrsday°(.46daystmanln}.=
- 04S'(13�24)'1Onrtda'r'2sda}�meath)=
= t}46'i33?.^_ € filiti"dap'�Ciais-nroset}r{=
= 04.(t�.S9}'IOhrrriap'(23daaaimanlfll=
An astimaiad fatal kWh)yi'tar a new Ode Expansion Bitlidirrg is:
ta.ao- 6$F
(2@08
MEC Table 220.127
(2006 NEC 220,f4(KX2`,j
jAasume 4.0 VkSFj
[Assume 0.75 :rASSF)
[A load "are the maximum current is oxpectod to con nue for 3 hrc or rnoroj
(2005 NEC 230A2+Aj{ 1}j
[Aastmme VA 04 mechanical load is a continuous loa
(Assume a ICHF AHU]
[Lead taaor iexpressad In parcantag€} is m mamaura od the w?omlmty mrsd
efftiency t:1ih s�mich eteetocal energy is 3:eeng used,j
7P-..in%i 6�a I€or Fe.vra.77
13,163ktrJ71 (firP.xay:+�9ustNi.emGerj
13.7S9 1.1`;h iEor Jarauasy M xch: Apri;' June. Sep!emset, Ocla s rj
1:.416 k`lfim Tor dol3=i�c+l:rsbPr?
1G3,63t1 klYhtyt
Based on the above calculation, the total annual kWh for both existing and new buildings
is 581,573 kWh.
The best measure of wind turbine performance is annual energy output. The difference
between power and energy is that power (kilowatts [kW]) is the rate at which electricity is
consumed. An estimate of the annual energy output from the wind turbine, kWh/year, is
the best way to determine whether a particular wind turbine and tower will produce
enough electricity to meet your needs.
To get a preliminary estimate of the performance of a particular wind turbine, use the
formula below:
AEO = 0.01328*D2*V3
Where:
AEO =Annual Energy Output, kWh/year; D =Rotor diameter, feet
V =Annual average wind speed, mph
However, we recommend coordinating with the specific wind turbine manufacturer for
their assistance on sizing, determining the quantity, and sitting of wind turbines, which
will be needed to provide power for the AVCP RHA Campus. A wind turbine
manufacturer can also help you estimate the energy production and the expected
payback period based on the particular wind turbine power curve, the average annual
wind speed at your site, the height of the tower you plan to use, and the wind frequency
distribution — that is the number of hours the wind blows at each speed during an
average year. The calculation will be adjusted for your elevation, which affects air
density and thus turbine power output. Our report is based on Northwind 100/21: 100
kW, 3-phase, 4-wire 480VAC rated power output, 21 meter rotor (69 ft), variable speed
stall -controlled, 37-meter hub height. Additional information is available at
http://www. northerpower. comm/.
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
100
so
Y
60
u
40
V
N
w
10
Q
0 5 10 15 10 15
Wind Sneed at HUb Heiilht ira:;i
The annual energy calculation for the Northwind 100/21 is shown on the attached
Northwind 100/21 — Annual Energy Calculation'. Based on the calculation, one
Northwind 100/21 will produce an estimate of 291,243 kWhNr; therefore a minimum of
two Northwind 100/21 turbines will be required to supply power to the AVCP RHA
Campus: 291,243 kWh x 2 = 582,486 kWh
RSA Engineering, Inc. Page 10
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
Annual Energy Calculation
Turbine Model:
4>r:1041
DOrneteF
21
Site:
Ietr�i, AK
Density:
1225 kg W3
Vref
T3 nTs
Href
be m
\Mnd Shear
0.12 -
Hub Height
37 m
Vhub
5,9 rr's
Form Factor. k
200 -
Scale Factor; A
7.80 -
Availability_
1009E
Net Losses:
03E.
Timeon-line
873C Ho,s 'Yr
-n4ruv
291,243 kWHrs!Yr
Wind Speed Distribution
Vhub HoursNr
Mps
1
252.1
537 2
3
7424
4
8E2.7
951.1
c
g04.1
7
sg97
8
8042
9
5c4.8
10
557A
11
434.7
12
325.3
13
234.0
14
181.9
5
107.9
id
59.3
17
42.9
18
25.0
19
14.7
20
82
21
4.4
22
2.3
G.5
2E
0.3
P9•aer Curve
Vhub Power
m s Me
15
2
-D.5
3
0j
4
3.7
10.5
e
19.0
7
2CA
41.0
9
54.3
10
55.8
11
77.7
12
MA
13
92.8
14
97.3
15
100.0
15
}00.E
17
1flG G
tc
19
99.4
20
9E.5
21
F7.8
22
97.3
23
S7.3
24
gc.0
25
Pxz7
Proposed Wind Farm Location
Energy Pr9dt&C219n
Vhub Run Tt Energy
Hours/Yr kWhrstYr
1
2i2.1
-141
2
537.2
3
742 c
523
4
8E2.7
320
9521
9U50
5
954.1
18141
7
899.7
2E449
E
804.2
22952
9
5154.E
372G2
10
557_4
37213
:
434.7
23775
325.3
2600
43
224.0
217f3
14
1e1.9
17°51
107.9
10ie4
15
ce 3
89a0
}7
42.0
4311
28
25.e,
2554
19
14.7
1453
2G
E2
E07
4.4
422
221
e
tit;
24
0.5
E4
2
0.3
1 25
Annual Energy
Prnduc4on
Yref
Annual Output
Annual Output
mWS
kWh
MWh
d.O
10,092
197.1
6.5
233,820
223.8
7.G
2590e4
2d9:9
7.5
305,251
305.3
8.0
3399259
33c.3
2.5
371,548
371.5
We can have varied wind resources within the same property. In addition to measuring
or finding out about the annual wind speeds, we need to know about the prevailing
directions of the wind at our site. If we locate the wind turbine on the top of or on the
windy side of a hill, we will have more access to prevailing winds than in a gully or on the
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
leeward (sheltered) side of a hill on the same property. In addition to geologic
formations, we need to consider existing obstacles such as trees, buildings, and sheds,
and we need to plan for future obstruction such as new building that have not reached
their full height. The wind turbine needs to be sited upwind of buildings and trees, and a
general rule of thumb for proper and efficient operation of a wind turbine is that the
bottom of the turbine's blades should be 30 feet above the top of anything within 300
feet. We also need enough room to raise and lower the tower for maintenance, and if
the tower is guyed, room shall be allowed for guy wires. The farther we place the wind
turbine form obstacles such as building or trees, the less turbulence we will encounter.
See Fig. 1 below for illustration,
obstruction of the Wind by o wilding
or Tree of Height (H)
Figure 1: Height or Distance Needed
(Obstruction of the Wind by a Building or Tree of Height (H) information from U.S.
Department of Energy —Small Wind Electric System A U.S. Consumer's Guide)
The best place to site these wind turbines is going to be on a parcel of land south of the
Lulu Heron Building. This land has not yet been purchased.
We recommend that the wind turbines are to be sited at least 50 m (or 165 ft) away from
the commercial office buildings and between 85 to 125 m (280 to 410 ft) apart at the
base. The arrangement is advisory only. It is based on limited information about the
land and wind rose. It is the responsible of the Owner (or purchaser) to comply with all
local, provincial and federal regulations.
If a row is to be added the second row needs to be a minimum of 7 rotor blade diameters
apart. Northwind 100/21 i.e. rotor diameter is 21 meter the rows need to be 147 meter
apart or 482 feet apart.
We suggest the Owner research the potential obstacles before investing in a wind
energy system as follows:
➢ Zoning Issues: A wind turbine is a tall structure that requires a building permit.
Zoning regulations often limit the height, Most cities and towns have ordinances
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
to ensure that structures and activities are safe, proper and compatible with
existing or planned development. Many jurisdictions restrict the height of
structure permitted in residentially zone areas, although variances are often
obtainable. A conditional use permit may be required, which could specify a
number of requirements the installation must meet.
➢ Environment Issues: Your neighbors might object to a wind turbine that blocks
their view, or they might be concerned about noise. The Owner should consider
obstacles that might block the wind (or create turbulence) in the future, such as
planned construction or immature trees.
➢ Tower Height: Country ordinances that may restrict tower height may adversely
affect optimum economics for small wind turbine. Unless the zoning jurisdiction
has established small wind turbine as a "permitted" or "conditional" use, it may be
necessary to obtain a variance or special use permit to erect an adequate power.
➢ Compliance with The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The FAA has
regulations on the height of structures, particularly those near the approach path
to runways at local airports. Objects that are higher than 200 feet (61 meters)
above ground level must be reported, and beacon lights may be required. If you
are within 10 miles of an airport, no matter how tall your tower will be, you should
contact your local FAA office to determine if you need to file for permission to
erect a tower.
➢ Utility Notification: The Owner should contact Bethel Utilities Corporation (BUC)
and reach an agreement with BUC before connecting to their distribution lines to
address any power quality and safety concerns.
➢ Compliance with National Electrical Code and National Electrical Safety Code:
Electrical code requirements emphasize proper wiring and installation and the
use of components that have been certified for fire and electrical safety, such as
Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The utility's principal concern will be that your
wind turbine automatically stops delivering any electricity to power lines during an
outage. Otherwise line workers and the public, thinking that the line is "dead",
might not take normal precautions and might be injured. Another concern among
the utilities is that the power from your wind turbine system synchronizes properly
with the utility's grid, and that is match the utility's own power in term of voltage,
frequency, and power quality.
A list of practices recommended by the "Permitting Small Wind Turbines: Handbook" are
included in Appendix D —Recommended Practices.
Off -Grid System
An off -grid system (stand-alone system which is not connected to the utility grid) requires
batteries to store excess power generated for use when the wind is calm. They also
need a charge controller to keep the batteries from overcharging, inverter to convert DC
to AC power, and back-up power source for complete energy independence.
Small wind diesel hybrid system that combines a wind system with a photovoltaic (PV)
and/or diesel generator can provide reliable off -grid power around the clock for
communities or facilities. For the times when neither the wind turbine nor the PV
modules are producing, most hybrid systems provide power through batteries and/or an
engine -generator powered by conventional fuels such as diesel. If the batteries run low,
the engine -generator can provide power and recharge the batteries. Adding an engine -
generator makes the system more complex, but modern electronic controllers can
RSA Engineering, Inc. Page 13
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
operate these systems automatically. An engine -generator can also reduce the size of
the other components needed for the system. The storage capacity must be large
enough to supply electrical needs during non -charging periods. The battery banks are
typically sized to supply the electrical load for one to three days.
An off -grid hybrid system may be practical if the following conditions exist:
• Bethel area with average annual wind speed of at least 9 mph (4.0 m/s).
• A grid connection is not available or can only be made through an expensive
extension.
• You would like to gain energy independence from the utility.
• You would like to generate clean power.
Advantages:
• Wind energy is free — It needs no fuel and produces no waste or pollution.
• Solar energy is free — It needs no fuel and produces no waste or pollution.
Disadvantages:
• Solar energy can be unreliable unless you are in very sunny climate. The
amount of sunlight that arrives at the earth's surface is not constant. It depends
on location, time of day, time of year, and weather conditions.
• Because the sun does not deliver that much energy to any one place at any one
time, a large surface area is required to collect the energy at a useful rate.
• Very expensive to build solar power stations. Solar cells cost a great deal
compared to the amount of electricity they will produce in their life time.
• Very expensive to build the battery banks to store energy. The battery banks are
typically sized to supply the electrical load for one to cater for periods with little
wind or sun.
• High maintenance cost.
• Cost of diesel fuel for operating the generator.
We recommend utilizing diesel -fired generator (prime rated) instead of solar energy in an
Off -Grid Connection System. The generator will be the primary source of energy. Its
use will be minimized by using wind resource.
The Off -Grid Connection System is the most expensive and the most complicated
system. This would require AVCP RHA to run a power plant and distribution grid. Wind
turbines would be connected to the diesel generator power grid as mentioned in Grid -
Connected System Option 3, a secondary load controller would be included to maintain
frequency and divert excess power from the wind turbines into thermal dump load.
Grid -connected System
Grid -connected system requires a power conditioning unit (inverter) that makes the
turbine output electrically compatible with the utility grid. Usually, batteries are not
needed. Small wind energy turbines can be connected to the utility grid which will
require the approval of the utility. A grid -connected wind turbine can reduce your
consumption of utility -supplied electricity for lighting, appliances, and heating equipment.
If the turbine cannot deliver the amount of energy you need, the utility makes up the
difference. When the wind system produces more electricity than the facilities require,
RSA Engineering, Inc. Page 14
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
the excess is sent or sold to the utility.
Grid -connected systems can be practical if the following conditions exist:
• Bethel area with average annual wind speed of at least 10 mph (4.5 m/s).
• Utility -supplied electricity is expensive in Bethel area.
• The utility's requirements for connecting your system to its grid are not
prohibitively expensive.
• There are good incentives for the sale of excess electricity or for the purchase of
wind turbines.
Advantages:
• Wind energy is free — It needs no fuel and produces no waste or pollution.
• Battery banks, charge controller, and inverter are not needed.
• Backup power is not required.
• A grid -connected system has a stable grid to work with where an off -grid system
can be less stable.
• A grid -connected wind turbine can reduce your consumption of utility -supplied
electricity for lighting, heating, appliances, etc.
• If the wind turbine cannot deliver the amount of energy you need, the utility
makes up the difference.
• When the wind system produces more electricity than the household requires,
the excess is sent or sold to the utility.
• Less operation and maintenance cost.
Disadvantages:
• Power conditioning unit (inverter) is required for most wind turbines.
There are three common wind turbine configuration options for a grid connected system
as noted:
❖ Option 1 —Grid Connected without Net Metering:
This is the least cost effective system. The Option 1 system consists of two
480V, three-phase wind turbines that are connected to the utility grid. No net
metering would be in place; therefore, any excess electricity produced would be
fed back into the utility grid with no pay back for the customer. Due to the
voltage and phase of the wind turbine, a new power equipment building will be
required for housing electrical switchboards and step-down dry type transformers
to provide power to 120/240V single-phase and 120/208V three-phase AVCP
RHA Campus loads.
❖ Option 2 — Grid Connected with Net Metering.
This is the simplest system because it does not require any work on the current
AVCP RHA Campus distribution system. The wind turbines could be connected
directly to the utility grid and the utility would have to pay for the power that wind
turbines produced. The concept of net metering programs is to allow the
electricity meters of customers with generating facilities to turn backwards when
their wind turbines are producing more energy than the customer's demand. Net
metering allows customer to use their generation to offset their consumption over
the entire billing period, not just instantaneously. However, net metering varies
by state and by utility company, depending on whether net metering was
RSA Engineering, Inc. Page 1S
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
legislated or directed by the Public Utility Commission. Net metering programs
all specify a way to handle the net excess generation (NEG) in terms of payment
for electricity and/or length of time allowed for NEG credit.
Option 3 — Grid Connected with Secondary Load Control:
As mentioned in Option 1, the AVCP RHA Campus power system would need to
be reconfigured so that all existing and new building loads would be fed from the
new power equipment building. An additional secondary load controller would be
installed to divert any excess electricity from the wind turbines to a dump load
(most likely a boiler or other heating load). All power generated by the wind
turbines would be utilized within the AVCP RHA Campus in the form of electricity
or heat.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The wind speed measurements in Bethel indicate a Class 4 wind resource offering a
good potential for a wind power system. The viability utilizing this wind resource
depends on a number of factors including the installed cost of the wind project and the
operation and maintenance costs of the system. The Off -Grid System is more
expensive, and less stable than the Grid -Connected System. We recommend to
installing a grid -connected system.
It is our understanding, Federal regulations (specially, the Public Utility Regulatory
Policies Act of 1978, or PURPA) requires utilities to connect with and purchase power
from small wind energy systems; therefore, we would recommend AVCP RHA
Representative continuing to persuade Bethel Utilities Corporation (BUC) to support any
wind power project to be undertaken by the city or private sector or any other person
because grid -connected small wind turbines can provide many benefits to utilities as well
as wind turbine owners. In rural areas with long power lines, they can improve power
quality (by boosting voltage) and reduce line losses. They can also provide extra
generating capacity, reduce power plant emission, and reduce the power plant's fuel
usage as well. Most utilities can provide a list of requirements for connecting your
system to their grids.
If the Owner prefers the Off -Grid System we would like to point out the following items
that will be required:
➢ The NW 100 wind turbine is a 480V three-phase, four -wire system. Step-down
transformers and distribution panels will be required to accommodate 120/240V
single-phase, three -wire and 120/208V, three-phase, four -wire existing AVCP
RHA Campus loads.
➢ The existing AVCP RHA Campus power distribution system will be reconfigured.
➢ Two generators are recommended to provide power when wind power is
insufficient. If the batteries run low, the engine -generator will start to provide
power and recharge the batteries.
➢ A power plant will be needed to house electrical and mechanical equipment.
The power plant will consist of generator, battery, electrical, and mechanical
rooms.
➢ Electrical equipment consists of batteries, chargers, inverter, automatic transfer
switch, electronic load controller, etc.
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
Appendix A —System Cash Flow
Installation costs vary greatly depending on local zoning, permitting, and utility
connection costs. An estimate of $1,700,000 to provide a small wind power project for
the AVCP RHA complex as shown on the enclosed system report from the Homer
model, it appears two NW 100 wind turbines will pay for themselves in about five years.
AVCP
NIIHFk mmLd eGxuF.rlurrt w+umvty
As+x�mpitons STEA23 net kt)RiR y.M-w�.36yPatd
SG.09 Cemricwrci?ECF'�np kite
A 0%. HePu'.isa ka4
k !n�ulud prwec; ;r,U`;sr.!
5
t.7GYr,lIIY�
':nitiu Rats:
4 4d`.
Anrcsz=
G ;dsmm
::o*.inp:
4m'sx�t
1
533'_;i15-85
c
�3551i
1'3.Ta :,
y(3'.S4.actf
F?3fi 9x35G
fi
fi'S <i5
Stl:fi°A
F.iLih
5S.1
S3o2,E+°i.15
5
11Se
SUM
5
tOZC44)
537,413.08
3
1,424.70
V.815
5
1?7 231p
78i[,7ts
IiiIn- k
111,11.s
SScg2ri.3E
3
2=5A88
1# M%
&
525355
7 6 `wt
1 5i1zs5
S
'-' 3G71
D
WL51542
5
3.OSi6.17
tet_IIG'.
5
1�i.i-N
5
53S?, It'7:Ii
S
ASV. TZ7
2G1z.Se't:
S
e.350,7.i
1G
$iTf,f;=•i.9:
5?uZY
175
1?t; 950A
S.
11
5.1n,015.0
S
2r,c�.1761;
5
U24,92n
12
551fS 4" m
S
ti l.�.s
24 fifi%
3:9.9 G31
13
9fia7AN,*
4
5576.617
329,14L%
S
3470.617
14
5558093,55
5<"37,'_0?
3u1A2?.;
a,137,2k1
tc
5i'Fl vg09
5
f..1 29 i
395.19%
5
§01E 91
15
5i73 :0.44
8
7,32":5.42
4?0,74%
S
`..E:2,SS_'
i7
'R' 8.42k5i
s
7,4?3,96$
5770:
£
U50,r-.
1a
V&I9StT 33
p
8,&.A M4
M{a,I FA4
14
§IU2i7
i:.r,.I"s5:
i.„2e.
7;xWA.
2m
el
S
V,sb;; 1e7
mf e1"c
5$?
41, 1ir1
Appendix B -Historical Demand Load Data
The historical demand load data for existing buildings are presented in the attached
tables as follows:
AVCP RHA kWh Demand Histery -Building A
11119t07
12t17t07
1f21lOB
2119708
3f19148
4t21108
5/19108
6719t08
7f2V08
8119t08
9i18106
10M0108
Remarks
Atari i?S
a5S
1,157
1,752
t.GZ1
855
F40
557
dfi]
524
698
654
a54
Apan iF2
389
390
B55
493
352
379
287
376
370
270
270
142
APan#3
1 2171
2071
49871
1751
2011
2451
1901
2461
2461
330
2:+1
305
.4Part#4
1 2281
2431
ii62
3771
2D51
2B8
1 126
371
591
35l
21
18
Otal Mhlmonth
,
'
'
'
,
1*165
See Note 3
we, kWhimonth
450
499
.819
514
403
40
290
282
325
331
306
291
Tota.€ kWhtyear
19890
Notes: 1. Minimum demand usage highlighted in blue.
2. Maximum demand usage highlighted in yellow.
3. Building'A' demand usage ezperlenced far each month.
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
AVCP RHA kWh Demand History - Building B
1111191071121171071
tt21/OS
2119108
3t19J08
4121108
5/191081
V191081
71211081
81191081
9118f08
1 10/20/08
Remarks
Apart #17
371
436
543
4251
3621
3971
326
298
289
'r°3
3011
349
Apart 918
1 24D
1
1 2201
3161
2961
3111
3271
2241
2851
2311
2381
2721
292
Apart#19
1 2%1
3131
3961
3231
Y0,91
3331
2621
3311
3241
2731
268
334
Apart#40
1 Mol
1921
3421
3241
1901
1841
U91
1631
1531
1431
151
2t3
ota
mont1101
,
6
.
. t
,
See Mote 3
we. kWhfmonth
277
290
399
342
2931i
310
2401
269 Ii
2491
2621
Z481
297
Total kWhlyear
I 13,908
iv'¢tes: 1. P,Sinimum demand usage highlighted in blue.
2. Maximum demand usage highlighted in yellow-
3. Building Us total demand usage experienced each month.
AVCP RHA kWh Demand History -Building C
11119/Q7
12117/07
11121/081
2/1910
91081
61191081
U211081
81201081
9118/08
10120108
Remarks
;part#5
381
329
4571
3B41
2091
3441
250
294
274
275
302
420
Apart#6
210
223
2301
1541
2191
1871
992
146
185
174
146
156
Apart#7
2ih3
228
231
1931
1181
1661
223
260
237
211
64
708
.Daft #8
20
30
60
5o
30
40
40
260
310
no
330
480
Apart#9
416
400
431
331
362
401
336
340
360
297
141
64
Apart#10
540
474
587
?25
472
475
397
401
446
435
435
513
otal
kWhImonth.
6
,5201
1 t6l 31
113101
Ij/01
1 14813
11714
1 e4l 81
Ij41
ISee Note 3
Ave.kWhimonth
2951
2921
3331
3061
2531
2691
2181
2841
3021
2861
2361
290
Total kWhlyear
1 20,184
N¢tas: 1. Minimum demand usage high€Sghted in blue.
2. Maximum demand usage highlighted in yellow.
3. Building Cs total demand usage experienced each month..
AVCP RHA kWh Demand History -Building D
11t19107
12f97107
1121108
2719108
3119/08
412i108
5N9108
6119/08
712i108
81i9108
9118106
iQt20108
Remarks
part#11
3281
3821
6561
5171
3321
1291
2531
2731
2721
2281
2241
322
Apart #12
363
382
4701
3711
3301
a571
2101
274
2171
2011
2361
273
Apart413
62
150
123
99
89
89
71
59
56
77
6
30
Rpart#14
40o
d30
530
440
390
430
330
350
320
350
340
370
+part#15
414
416
35DI
3281
2931
3Z21
2361
1701
12tj
1301
1511
129
Apart#is
448
486
6421
4311
3611
3721
2931
2341
3631
2421
3571
350
mont
.10
See i,tc3e 3
Ave.kWhlmontlt
336
374
462
359
295
325
232
227
225
195
219
246
TEE
otal kWhlyear
20,990
Notes: 1_ k4snimunl demand usage highlighted in blue.
2_ Maximum demand usage hyhit ghted in yel€wr.
7. $ui ding f3's total demand usage exile enced each m¢nih.
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
AVCP RHA kWh Demand History - Building E
111119107112JI71071
11211081
21191081311910814121/081
5119fo8l
61191081
W211081
W191081
9118108
10120/08
lRemarks
Apart#21
150
130
143
179
171
236
153
1021
44
80
119
348
part#22
47
43
48
37
39
108
130
130
103
63
99
195
Apat#23
155
184
252
50
148
168
191
210
222
209
225
278
Hpart V24
288
271
318
319
227
279
230
346
151
155
214
276
Apart #25
230
205
25
169
`:64
173
163
167
153
113
154
228
7Wart#26
1€d
179
221
180
163
191
169
159
195
139
139
150
Apart#27
334
361
3£6
299
296
378
278
297
343
300
321
3£4
!apart#26
147
114
187
155
15o
187
157
163
165
144
144
143
Apart#29
1 180
1541
2011
167
1921
1781
134
139
17PI
116
166
195
Apart#30
180
2451
3461
315
2801
2891
236
1 2461
2561
22.111
2391
265
Part#31
63
59
78
56
51
97
184
183
187
162
177
A
A43an#32
333
307
3371
248
2491
235
2211
2931
266
313
tarr;dry Rm
11196
1.090
1.274
1,033
9751
11126
938
9781
0.451
W7
1,W2
1 248
b€ech Rm
2,741
2.5cA
3A071
2,626
2,551
2,892
Z,3081
Z2371
21045
1 M31
11907
2a'32
mat
lmon
'
,
.
.
6,126
See Note 3
Ave. kWhlmonth
444
422
528
426
404
470
393
398
381
343
374
480
Total kWhlyear
70,891
Hates: 1- iv3krmum demand usage highlighted in blue.
2. Mavmum demand usage highlighted m yek rre_
3_ Building Es total demand usaged toe each month..
AVCP RHA kWh Demand History -Lulu Heran Building
11120107
112t18107
V23108
2I20108
3130108
4121108
5t19J08
6fi9t081
8120108
1 9/19I08
10121/00
Remarks
Apad#1
374
360
250
170
220
260
240
120
150
100
80
60
Apart#2
206
176
234
185
184
205
172
192
196
166
168
174
Apart#3
128
117
321
342
179
311
235
228
139
100
82
76
?,patt#4
330
303
363
285
278
313
256
284
335
303
282
298
Apart#5
370
279
168
130
138
129
110
90
84
77
59
65
.a #6
122
235
226
220
237
185
202
277
282
272
255
2:9
; W #7
448
410
569
397
400
472
386
439
430
351
370
353
Apatt#8
289
275
2,07
270
278
326
283
310
320
283
335
342
.apart#9
320
4801
470
360
3701
320
4701
4101
480
4101
450
510
Apart#10
Ile
151
182
66
65
176
202
2G81
169
223
225
260
Part#11
286
251
347
248
116
1F4
144
248
249
153
167
288
Apart#12
342
336
352
295
286
307
296
375
364
247
269
365
Apart 913
123
123
148
112
127
165
231
411
560
428
529
321
Apart#14
125
tit
147
#to
251
239
194
254
262
225
225
262
Apart#15
128
214
304
247
275
228
173
187
194
177
190
201
part#16
83
72
97
76
80
89
79
138
292
272
279
29Il
Sc4erRoom
5,880
5,923
6,080
51840
5,640
5,880
57720
6.400
6,290
6,003
,640
5,C401
5,600
Total kWhimonth
1 95666
91814
%5651
91354
%1251
91768
91393
10,570
10,746
9*7871
10,6051
10,772
See hate3
/Lve.kWhtmonth
569
5771
6211
5501
5371
5751
5531
6221
6321
5761
6241
634
Total kWhlyear
I 120,165
Ncies: 1_ ht=nimurl aSzmand usage h10k7isted in htue-
2, hiaximunl .kmand u>a� hghlighied in yellox�.
3. Lulu Hero*E Euitding dem,ane usage e>perferxed or each rxm61.
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
Appendix C — Recommended Practices
Ill, AWEVS RECOMMENDATIONS
Model Zoning Ordinance: Permitted Use Regulation for Small Wind Turbines
Recommended Practices
The American Wind Energy Association offers a Model Zoning Ordinance to help local officials update ordinances
govemingsmall wind turbine instaliations?' The following template serves as a starting point that can save planning
and permitting staff valuable time. However, states often have unique subsidies or other programs designed to
encourage on -site electricity generation, and local ordinances need to be fine-tuned to accommodate both existing
state laws and local regulations. A list of practices recommended by the authors of this book are on page 29.
SECTION t PURPOSE:
It is the purpose of this regulation to promote the renewable energy systems including rebates, net
safe, effective, and efficient use of small wind energy metering, property tax exemptions, tax credits, and
systems installed to reduce the on�site consumption solar easements [as appropriate]. However, many
of utility supplied electricity. existing zoning ordinances contain restrictions which,
while not intended to discourage the installation of
SECTlON,2 FINDINGS: small wined turbines, can substantially increase the
time and costs required to obtain necessary
The [city or county] finds that wind energy is an
constriction permits.
abundant, renewable, and nonpolluting energy
resource and that its conversion to electricity will
Therefore, we find that it is necessary to standardize
reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy
and streamline the proper issuance of building
resources and decrease the air and water pollution
permits for small wind energy systems so that this
that results from the use of conventional energy
clean, renewable energy resource can be utilized in
sources. Distributed small wind energy systems will
a cost=effective and timely manner. j
also enhance the reliability and power duality of the
power grief, reduce peak power demands, and help SECTION 3 DEFINITIONS:
diversify the State's energy supply portfolio. Small
Small liilEnd Energy System: A wind energy Con -
wind systems also make the electricity supply market
more competitive by promoting customer choice. version system consisting of a wind turbine, a tower,
and associated control or conversion electronics,
The State of has enacted a number of laws which has a rated capacity of not more than
[
and programs to encourage the use of small-scale 100 kW/1 MWI and which is intended primarily to
reduce on -site consumption of utility pourer.
27. Available online at:
www.awea.org/smallWind/documents/modelzo.htmi
rr,,,z"".a.,�'"'...�.�z '<� ,z".,sa„
RSA Engineering, Inc. Page 20
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
Tower Height; The height above grade of the fixed 4.5 Compliance with Uniform Building Code,
portion of the tower, excluding the wind turbine itself. Building permit applications for small wind energy
systems shall be accompanied by standard drawings
SECTION'4 PERMITTED USE: of the wind turbine structure, including the tower;
Small wind energy systems shall be a permitted use base, and footings. An engineering analysis of the
in all zoning classifications where structures of any tower showing compliance with the Uniform Building
sort are allowed, subject to certain requirements as Code and certified by licensed professional engineer
set forth below: shall also be submitted. This analysis is frequently
supplied by the manufacturer. Wet stamps shall not
4.1 Tower Height For property sizes between V2 be required.
acre and one acre the tower height shall be
limited to,[80 ft/150 ft]. For property sizes of one 4.6 Compliance with FAA Regulations: Small wind
acre or more, there is no limitation on tower height, energy systems must comply with applicable FAA
except as imposed by FAA regulations. regulations, including any necessary approvals for
installations close to airports.
4.2 set -back: No part of the wind system structure,
4_7 Compliance with National Electric Code:
including guy wire anchors, may extend closer than
ten (10) feet to the property boundaries of the Building permit applications for small wind energy
installation site. systems shall be accompanied by a line drawing of
the electrical Components in sufficient detail to allow
4.3 Noise. For wind speeds in the range of 0-25 for a determination that the manner of installation
mph, small wind turbines shall not cause a sound conforms to the National Electrical Code. This infor-
pressure level in excess of 60 dB(A), or in excess of oration is frequently supplied by the manufacturer.
5 dB(A) above the background noise, whichever is
greater, as measured at the closest neighboring 4.8 utility Notification: No small wind energy system
inhabited dwelling. This level, however, may be shall be installed until evidence has been given that
exceeded during short-term events such as utility the utility company has been informed of the
outages and severe wind storms. customer's intent to install an interconnected
customer -awned generator. Offgrid systems shall be
4.4 Approved Wind Turbines: Small wind turbines exempt from this requirement.
must have been approved under the Emerging
Renewables Program of the California Energy
Commission or any other small wind certification Examples of State Zoning and Easement Laws.
program recognized by the American Wind Energy
See AWEA's online toolbox for finks to California,
Association.
Minnesota, Montana and Nebraska policies:
www.awea,org/smallwind/toolbox/default.asp
RSA Engineering, Inc. Page 21
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
Glossaries
Ampere -hour — A unit for the quantity of electricity obtained by integrating current flow
in amperes over the time in hours for its flow; used as a measure of battery capacity.
Anemometer — A device to measure the wind speed.
Average wind speed —The mean wind speed over a specified period of time.
Blades — The aerodynamic surface that catches the wind.
Cut -in wind speed — The wind speed at which a wind turbine begins to generate
electricity.
Cut-out wind speed —The wind speed at which a wind turbine ceases to generate
electricity.
Grid —The utility distribution system. The network that connects electricity generators to
electricity users.
Interconnection — A process of linking a generator, like some types of small wind
system, to the electric grid. Interconnection requires permission from the local utility,
and rules for doing so often differ on a case -by -case basis.
Inverter — A device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
kW — Kilowatt, a measure of power for electrical current (1,000 watts).
kWh —Kilowatt-hour, a measure of energy equal to the use of one kilowatt in one hour.
O & M Cost —Operation and maintenance costs.
Power coefficient —The ratio of the power extracted by a wind turbine to the power
available in the wind stream.
PUC —Public Utility Commission, a state agency which regulates utilities. In some areas
know as Public Services Commission (PSC).
PURPA —Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (1978), 16 U.S.C. §2601.18 CFR§292
that refers to small generator utility connection rules.
Net Metering — A policy implemented by some state or local governments to ensure that
any extra electricity produced by a generator, such as a small wind system, can be sent
back into the grid for credit.
Rated Output capacity —The output power of a wind machine operating at the rated
wind speed.
Rated wind speed The lowest wind speed at which the rated output power of a wind
RSA Engineering, Inc. Page 22
AVCP RHA Campus - Wind Energy Study
Bethel, Alaska
Rotor — The rotating part of a wind turbine, including either the blades and blades
assembly or the rotating portion of a generator.
Rotor diameter —The diameter of the circle swept by the rotor.
Rotor speed — The revolutions per minute of the wind turbine rotor.
Start-up wind speed —The wind speed at which a wind turbine rotor will begin to spin.
See also Cut -in wind speed.