Regional Wind Energy Assessment Progress Report, June 1986-May 1987.

Abstract

This report provides an annual summary of the wind statistics at 14 sites in the BPA wind data network collected over the 12 month period from June 1985--May 1986. These data were gathered as part of the BPA's Regional Wind Energy Assessment Program (Wind REAP) that has been ongoing since 1981. Wind data were collected at 5 sites in Oregon, 4 sites in Washington, 1 site in Idaho, 2 sites in Montana, and 2 sites in Nevada. Wind data from the remaining BPA sites will continue to be collected in order to build a long-term data base. Eight of the sites have a database over four years and size sites have over 6 years of data. A long-term data base is essential to understanding the interannual variations of wind. Also, sites with shorter periods of record could be compared to the sites with longer periods of record. The following analysis of the 1985--1986 data consists of two chapters (2.0 and 3.0). Chapter 2.0 is a climatological analysis of the mean monthly wind speeds at selected sites in the Northwest. Deviations of the mean wind speeds from the climatological averages are discussed on a seasonal basis. Chapter 3.0 includes site descriptionsmore » and wind characteristics for each of the 14 sites in the BPA service area. 4 refs., 18 figs., 16 tabs.« less