Comments on: Biggest Wind Farm in World — in Texas

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:30:00 +0000

Texas wind from 2004 through 2005 had an average 39% capacity factor.

Nuclear in the US 1971 to 2009 had an average 70% capacity factor.

In the US in 2009 these were the capacity factors for other types of electricity generation.

Coal 63.8%
Natural gas, CCGT 42.2%
Other NG 10.1%
Conventional hydro 39.8%

Other NG is largely gas peaker plants so it’s understandable why their capacity is low.

Looks like wind is about the same as CCGT and hydro.

(Just the numbers I found quickly, not cherry-picked.)

http://www.eia.gov/cneaf/electricity/epa/epat5p2.html

http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/energy/renewable/wind.php

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capacity_factor#Capacity_factor_and_renewable_energy

By: Allen Gerhardt

Allen Gerhardt — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 02:28:00 +0000

Capacity factor is a irrelevant measure invented by fossil fuel and nuclear supporters. They take the maximum allowable speed of operation in wind speed mph, then figure the average operating speed in service, then claim that the turbine is not providing sufficient output. This is nonsense. No one expects to have gale force winds every day, but the turbine must be able to survive high wind speeds without damage. The turbine is built to survive and operate in high wind conditions, but there is a safe limit, just as there is a “red line” safe limit on a car engine. Many turbines are set to stop at around 55 mph wind speed to prevent damage to turbine components. Most turbines require a minimum of 7 mph average wind speeds for electric production. Wind resource maps are available to see which areas have sufficient wind resources for the use of wind turbines. Individual manufacturers can provide the exact specs for particular models of turbines.

By: Don Lieske

Don Lieske — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:47:34 +0000

Why not have a 50%/50% trade policy that would balance foreign manufactured wind farms with US. 50% local content could develop the US work force, keep some technology at home and reduce carbon foot print by reducing long haul ocean transportation from the Far East.

Its a no brainer! Split the pie.

By: Don Lieske

Don Lieske — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Its a no brainer! Split the pie.

By: J Smith

J Smith — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:58:29 +0000

What is the capacity factor on these turbines?

By: J Smith

J Smith — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:58:00 +0000

What is the capacity factor on these turbines?

By: Yolanda Arellano

Yolanda Arellano — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:04:38 +0000

Maybe…. maybe there is hope after all.

By: Yolanda Arellano

Yolanda Arellano — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:04:00 +0000

Maybe…. maybe there is hope after all.

By: Joe

Joe — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 03:42:19 +0000

Yes, Texas has wind incentives and is spending 10 billion on building transmission lines.

By: Joe

Joe — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 03:42:00 +0000

Yes, Texas has wind incentives and is spending 10 billion on building transmission lines.

By: Jim

Jim — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:29:42 +0000

Did the state of Texas actually have anything to do with organizing, building, and funding this, or are they just taking credit for a private project?

By: Jim

Jim — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:29:00 +0000

Did the state of Texas actually have anything to do with organizing, building, and funding this, or are they just taking credit for a private project?

By: William White

William White — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:14:08 +0000

Congratulations Texas, good on ya. Now if you could just get rid of all those crooked lying sleazy Republican sons a bitches you’ll be all right.

By: William White

William White — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:14:00 +0000

Congratulations Texas, good on ya. Now if you could just get rid of all those crooked lying sleazy Republican sons a bitches you’ll be all right.