Wind Energy for Hydropower Applications

While fluctuating power levels and transmission constraints have hampered ready adoption of wind energy to the utility grids, fluctuating water levels, growing pressures on water supplies, the need for flood controls, and environmental issues are just a few of the constraints that may limit the future growth of hydroelectric production. DOE has started a research project to examine whether wind and hydropower technologies can work together to provide a stable supply of electricity to an interconnected grid. While researchers theorize that hydropower facilities may be able to act as a "battery" for wind power by storing water during high-wind periods, a detailed analysis examining regulation, load following, reserve, and generator and grid operations has not been performed.
To gain a better understanding of the synergy that may exist between wind and hydropower technologies, DOE researchers are working with federal agencies such as the Bonneville Power Administration, the Western Area Power Administration, and the Tennessee Valley Authority to analyze potential and existing generation projects and watershed basin and electric control areas. One of the key questions they will try to answer is: Can hydro operations be modified to accommodate wind without adversely affecting the other flow requirements? They will also attempt to quantify the benefits of integrating wind and hydropower systems.