Lufft USA has introduced a new environmental weather sensor that offers exceptional accuracy. The WS3000 is so precise that a regular calibration laboratory isn’t able to measure with the same level of accuracy or certainty. Lufft’s WS3000 measures air temperature, relative humidity, air pressure, and could serve as the reference for all other environmental sensors. With high-quality aluminum housing…
Assessing cumulative visual impacts for wind projects
By John W. Guariglia RLA Associate Principal | Saratoga Associates The potential effect utility-scale wind energy projects have on the aesthetic quality of regional landscapes is a common concern for regulators and stakeholders. Failure to address this concern early in the public review process can lead to misinterpretation, diminished public confidence, and delays in project…
States’ to complete electric transmission line-siting compact
A team of state legislators, federal agency representatives, and key stakeholders has nearly completed work on an electric transmission line siting compact. The compact serves as a policy option for state policymakers and is intended to improve interstate transmission line siting. The Council of State Governments, through its National Center for Interstate Compacts, convened the…
Researchers claim more accuracy for complex wind-farm flows
It’s no surprise that changing wind flows significantly affect wind-turbine performance and lead to substantial uncertainties when assessing wind resources. That makes it important to understand the flow field over space and time. Techniques pioneered by a research group in a recently published paper can offer project engineers and developers with an understanding that allows…
Politicians pay attention to wind
There have been many developments in Wyoming’s wind legislation. Though not all bills have passed, they have created a conversation between wind-industry representatives and state officials, who know the economic potential of their state’s wind resource and so are paying attention. Their discussions center mostly around these topics: Taxes The Wyoming House of Representatives recently…
Free web help for siting wind farms on complex terrain
International renewable-energy consultancy Natural Power says it has placed a no-cost-to-use, on the Web to estimate wind-flow complexity on potential wind farm sites. As potential development sites with, flat terrain become fewer, more projects are built in or near forests and on complex terrain. These complex-flow sites are often associated with harsh wind conditions likely…