Wind Energy in The Appalachian Region Paper Just some information on the Midterm report as a whole: This is an overview of the information you or your fel
Wind Energy in The Appalachian Region Paper Just some information on the Midterm report as a whole:
This is an overview of the information you or your fellow group members have researched so far this semester. Not to say that you will not have to look in anymore into the subjects, but you should have most of the information you need for your report.
I have attached the excel file on the ranking system. You will not be ranking the technology yourselves. Your writing will just be the evidence for each of the sections of the rankings. I do not want any opinions in the writing (even if you really hate it). Please just give the the facts.
Expectations for the Report:
In text citations for the information you include in the report. Make sure to include all citations at the end.
I am expecting 2 pages from you.This can include images and tables when necessary. Feel free to do more if you need, but make sure the work is quality.
Evaluations (given in the rankings excel sheet I attached) that I will need you to provide information on and elaborate.
Tasks
Feed Stock Availability
Complexity of Simulation
Sustainability — environmental impact, societal impact (i.e. how mad would people be about this, would this mess up their lives or the environment of animals), raw material availability
Uploaded the excel sheet and the research that was done so far. please look into new information on the subject and do not only rely on the provided information and resources. Let me know if you need more info. Attached a 5-year study that might be helpful.
Please make sure that the information are in West Virginia, and if not found, could be from Southern Pennsylvania or Maryland only. Criteria
0
1
Technology is not profitable
due to either low revenue
and/or high
capital/operating cost
Economic Feasibility
Completely unfeasible
Technological
Feasibility
Completely unfeasible
Undeveloped, still
theoretical.
Feed Stock
Availability
Feedstock effectively
nonexistant
Feedstock is rare
Reliance on Nonrenewables
Exclusively relies on nonrenewables
Relies on non-renewables
Complexity of
Simulation
Unable to Simulate
Simulation Derived From
Laboratory Data
Sustainability
Not Sustainable
–
2
Poorly developed, lab
experiments not fully
successful
3
Technology is break even
either due to low revenue
and/or high capital/
operating cost
4
Profitable, high revenue
and/or high capital/
operating cost
In development,
Well developed,
implemented on a lab scale implemented in pilot plant
Feedstock supply is limited
Feedstock is available
Feedstock abundantly
available
–
Indirect reliance on nonrenewables
–
–
Combination of Excel/MATLAB
and Aspen/CHEMCAD
Aspen
Moderate sustainability issues
–
Mild sustainablity concerns
5
Extremely profitable, high
revenue and/or low
capital/operating cost
Fully developed,
implemented on full scale,
inustrially
Feedstock available in
relatively unlimited
quantities
No reliance on nonrenewables directly or
indirectly
CHEMCAD/Excel/MATLAB
No sustainability issues
Week 1 Research
1. How can the energy be stored?
Wind power can be stored in several different ways. It is usually stored as reseeve energy to be
used when the wind is lower than usual so that electricity keeps working 24/7.
– Battery Storage
The best type of batteries to store wind power for a later use is lead-acid battery. They are known
to be trickle charging and can produce a high electrical output efficiency.
– Compressed Air Storage
Above ground tanks and underground caverns are used to compress air by wind turbines.
– Hydrogen Fuel Cells
This technology of storing is used to electrolyze water by turbines power. Hydrogen is
transformed back to electricity using a fuel cell power when it is necessary.
– Pumped Storage
Pumped water technology has been used for a very long time and its efficiency reached 70% ,
which was proven to utilize hydroelectric power plants if they are placed in a suitable place for
wind turbines.
https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=488
Week #2 Research
Article: Spatial analysis of renewable energy potential in the greater southern Appalachian
mountains
The worldwide demand for clean energy increases the nations interest in renewable fuel
sources. The Appalachian region, for instance, has the potential to generate national power. Its
industry base already contributes to distinct fuel energy sectors such as wind energy. Currently,
the estimated capacity of wind energy that can be installed in the state is over 1.8 TWp.
Moreover, the Appalachian region can generate a rated capacity of over 6.4 TWp annually. The
capacity of the fuel energy is as a result of the wind turbine available in the country. The
Appalachian is dependent on nuclear power and fossil fuels (Taylor, 2019). Also, the state
continues to install more wind energy.
The region has one recognized facility for generating wind energy. Nearly 167,588MWh
of wind energy is produced in Appalachia, with 0.08 being the percentage of the total electricity
generated. As such, the state has an opportunity for expansion by increasing the facilities for
wind energy. For instance, the country can work together with stakeholders to invest in more
wind turbines that will assist in the generation of more wind energy ((Arnette and Zobel, 2011).
Locals demand clean energy which encourages the region to find alternative sources of
wind energy. Appalachian can enhance its supply of clean energy. The area can offer its citizens
affordable and locally produced wind energy. Furthermore, the state can maximize its energy
efficiency and innovative approaches to meet its goals to satisfy all the locals with clean and safe
energy. Appalachia has potential sites for generating wind energy.
The wind energy has specific constraints that limit the country from investing in this
approach. Some of the limitations of this energy are noise and visibility. However, with the help
of a GIS model about 28,360 locations were found to be potential sites that can support a facility
for generating wind energy. Each of the areas identified is about 120 acres. One wind turbine
will require 40 acres of the land to produce energy for the locals (Arnette and Zobel, 2011). As
such, the available sites in the region can help in installing the full capacity required for wind
power. Majority of the wind sites identified by the GIS model are situated in the upper west side
of Virginia. Also, other farms are located in bordering sides of West Virginia. Therefore,
Appalachia has alternative sources and available sites for installing wind power and ensuring that
locals receive clean, safe, and affordable wind energy.
In the state, people use a mix of energy sources such as coal, wind, and Biomass, among
others. The U.S energy consumption amounts to 101.3 quadrillions Btu. As such, this is also the
current demand for electric power from commercial and residential buildings. 20% of the total
energy use in the region powers commercial buildings. Furthermore, a residential customer in the
U.S consumes nearly 10,399kWh of electricity annually. Thus, electricity is on high demand in
the region.
In terms of the energy sources, renewable energy consists of wind, Biomass, hydropower,
and landfill gas. The energy sources generate about 3.15% of the total energy. Coal generates a
total of 83.50%, which is 165,721,345MWh. Nuclear produces 8.88% of the total power
generated. Gas, water, and co-fire contribute to 3.25%, 2.51%, and 1.10%, respectively (Arnette
and Zobel, 2011). Moreover, Biomass, oil, wind, and landfill provide 0.52%, 0.12%, 0.08%, and
0.04% of the energy power utilized by the people.
Wind energy can be utilized as an alternative source to power specific equipment.
Nevertheless, it faces various constraints, including the lack of favorable sites to support
facilities for wind power. However, the Appalachian region has some sites identified with the
help of a GIS model that can support wind turbines. The region can power its equipment with
wind energy in addition to the other available energy source in the state such as coal, Biomass,
solar, and natural gas, among others.
References
Arnette, A., & Zobel, C. (2011). Spatial analysis of renewable energy potential in the greater
southern Appalachian mountains. Renewable Energy, 36(11), 2785-2798. doi:
10.1016/j.renene.2011.04.024
Taylor, K. (2019). Governing the Wind Energy Commons: Renewable Energy and Community
Development. West Virginia University Press.
Week 3 Research
In the Appalachian region, the wind is among the most productive source of clean energy.
In Appalachia wind energy is produced in the Southwest Pennsylvania and northeast West
Virginia. The areas are known to produce significant wind energy. The average wind speeds are
higher, and hence they continuously supply clean power. The variability in wind firms installed
in Southern Pennsylvania and West Virginia is discussed in the paper. In addition, the article
examines the times of the day and year when the Appalachian region produces higher outputs for
turbines. Lastly, the paper compares the power generation in West Virginia to the neighboring
states.
The department of energy in the U.S. claims that West Virginia has opportunities in wind
power development. The state has nearly 376 wind turbines in operation. The wind turbines are
believed to produce approximately 686 MW. Further, the turbines are responsible for 1.9% of the
electricity produced in the country. Variations in wind power in Pennsylvania and West Virginia
depends on the speed of the wind. When the wind speed is rated low, then the total output power
from the wind turbines is also low (Raichle & Carson, 2009). Thus, wind firms experience low
wind speed will have wind turbines generating minimal amounts of power. On the other hand,
when the wind speed is high, the turbines in the wind farms also produce high rated output
power.
The variations in wind power generated in the wind farms also depend on the time of the
day and year. For instance, monthly average wind speeds vary, thus causing changes in the
output power. Different times of the day contributed to distinct wind speeds. As such, at one time
the wind speed is likely to be faster, thus resulting in higher outputs of the wind power.it is
argued that nighttime enhances the speed of the wind. Therefore, wind farms can generate more
wind power at night as a result of the increase in the speed of the wind. In contrast in the day
when the wind speed is not high outputs for turbines are also low or minimal.
Additionally, winter periods in the year contribute to high outputs in wind power. A 20%
winter is believed to generate significant wind power (Raichle & Carson, 2009). Prevailing
winds are known to blow from the westerly direction. In the winter season, the wind speed is
higher and thus contributes to higher outputs for the turbines. Moreover, in the Appalachian
region, a wind farm with 1.5A MW GE turbines tends to produce about 50 to 75 kWh of the
power. One can argue that the wind blows hard and at higher speeds in winters and during the
night, thus contributing to higher outputs of wind power (Radmacher, 2017).
West Virginia is recognized for its capacity to supply wind energy to other states. It is a
net supplier of energy to other regions. Nevertheless, West Virginia is also a consumer of the
majority of the power harnessed in the state. The state provides approximately 4.5% of the total
energy of the country (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2018). In 2016, West Virginia
was ranked fifth in the production of total power. As such, it remains among the top producers
and suppliers of energy as compared to other neighboring states.
Wind power generation is dependent on the wind speed in various areas of the
Appalachian region. In areas with high rates, the total output of wind power produced is higher.
Furthermore, the speed of the wind is believed to be at its highest at nighttime and in winter
seasons. Thus, the state creates a higher capacity of the wind people during this time of the day
and year. On the other hand, the state of West Virginia ranks among the top producers of the
nations power as compared to other neighboring countries.
References
Radmacher, D. (2017, December 6). Mountain wind. Retrieved from
Raichle, B. W., & Carson, W. R. (2009). Wind resource assessment of the southern Appalachian
ridges in the southeastern United States. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,
13(5), 1104-1110.
U.S. Energy Information Administration (2018, August 16). West Virginia State Energy Profile.
Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=WV
Week 4 research
Impacts of Wind Turbines Southern Pennsylvania On Environment
Wind power is regarded as a clean source of energy, as it does not emit gases that pollute
the environment. However, there are a few negative environmental impacts associated with wind
turbines in South Pennsylvania. One impact of the wind turbines in South Pennsylvania is the loss
of biodiversity. The research conducted by the Joint State Government Commission (2016)
revealed that several species of bats and birds get killed as a result of collisions with the rotating
wind turbines. For example, the birds flying around the rotating turbines come into collision with
the turbines, thereby sustaining injuries that lead to their death. Eagles have been singled out as
the most affected species of birds whose population could significantly reduce in the future (Joint
State Government Commission, 2016). The population of hoary species of bats that like to roost
on objects was also found to be on the decline as a result of being killed by the turbines.
The wind turbines also impact the environment through noise pollution. According to the
Joint State Government Commission (2016), the moving turbines produce noise that irritates both
animals and human beings. For example, this noise affects the natural habitat of animals thus
leading to their migration (Joint State Government Commission (2016).
The wind turbines have been found to significantly change air pressure hindering birds
from flying effectively in their habitats around the turbines. This causes injury and migration of
valuable bird and bat species. There is one future study about wind power production in south
Pennsylvania. The study by Ladislaw & Hyland (2018) found that there are other new
opportunities for energy production in Pennsylvania that would affect the future of wind power
production. It is interesting to explore whether these new opportunities will reduce or magnify the
impacts of wind power on the environment.
Future Plans in West Virginia
One study that indicates the future of wind production in West Virginia was conducted by
the United States Energy Information administration. It indicates that the use of wind to produce
energy in West Virginia is growing. It was at an all-time high in 2017 and it keeps growing (United
States Energy Information administration, 2019). This is in part due to the fact that the state is
trying to reduce its carbon footprint, being the second largest coal burner in the United States in
the production of electricity. Wind energy has kept growing and surpassed hydropower in capacity,
indicating the states commitment to the cause (United States Energy Information administration,
2019). Another study found that the lawmakers of West Virginia are making efforts through policy
change to encourage use of wind energy. For example, the law makers have made it mandatory for
certain utilities to derive 25% of their sales from renewable sources of energy by 2025. This shows
that the state plans to expand its wind energy prospects (NREL, 2018).
References
Joint State Government Commission. (2016). Comprehensive Study on the Use of Wind
Turbines in Pennsylvania. A staff study. General Assembly of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania
Ladislaw, S., & Hyland, L. (2018). Pennsylvanias Energy Future: Energy in America.
NREL. (2018). 2017 State of Wind Development in the United States by Region. Retrieved from
Nrel.gov: https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy18osti/70738.pdf
United States Energy Information administration. (2019, September 19). West Virginia State
Energy Profile. Retrieved from Eia.gov: https://www.eia.gov/state/print.php?sid=WV#34
DRAFT REPORT
6/26/17
Center for Business & Economic Research
Renewable Energy in West Virginia:
Research for 5-Year Energy Plan
DRAFT REPORT
6/26/17
Contact:
Christine Risch
christine.risch@marshall.edu
(304-696-5754)
Center for Business & Economic Research
Marshall University
1
DRAFT REPORT
6/26/17
Center for Business & Economic Research
Contents
I.
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
II.
Previous 5-Year Plan Goals and Actions Taken in Accordance With Recommendations ………………… 6
A.
Recommendations from 2012 ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
1.
Solar ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
2.
Wind ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
3.
Hydro…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
4.
Geothermal ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
5.
Biomass ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
6.
Landfill Gas …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
7.
Poultry Litter ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
B.
Actions Taken on Recommendations ………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
Review of Research on Integration of Variable Generating Resources ………………………………………… 7
1.
Review of Net Metering Policy………………………………………………………………………………………… 8
2.
Solar ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8
3.
Wind ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9
4.
Hydro…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9
5.
Geothermal ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9
6.
Biomass ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9
7.
Landfill Gas …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
8.
Poultry Litter ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
III.
Regional Renewable Energy Policy and Development …………………………………………………………. 11
A.
Net-Metering Policy ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13
B.
Specific Renewable Resources ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14
IV.
1.
Solar ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14
2.
Wind ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 17
3.
Hydropower ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 19
4.
Geothermal ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20
5.
Biomass ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20
6.
Electric Vehicles ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 26
Summary and Recommendations ……………………………………………………………………………………… 28
A.
General Recommendations ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 28
B.
Recommendations for Specific Renewable Resources …………………………………………………………. 29
2
DRAFT REPORT
6/26/17
Center for Business & Economic Research
1.
Solar ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 29
2.
Wind ………………
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