Description
This is the data set behind the Wind Generation Interactive Query Tool created by the CEC. The visualization tool interactively displays wind
generation over different time intervals in three-dimensional space. The viewer
can look across the state to understand generation patterns of regions with
concentrations of wind power plants. The tool aids in understanding high and
low periods of generation. Operation of the electric grid requires that generation
and demand are balanced in each period.
The height and color of
columns at wind generation areas are scaled and shaded to represent capacity
factors (CFs) of the areas in a specific time interval. Capacity factor is the
ratio of the energy produced to the amount of energy that could ideally have
been produced in the same period using the rated nameplate capacity. Due to
natural variations in wind speeds, higher factors tend to be seen over short
time periods, with lower factors over longer periods. The capacity used is the
reported nameplate capacity from the Quarterly Fuel and Energy Report, CEC-1304A.
CFs are based on wind plants in service in the wind generation areas.
Renewable energy
resources like wind facilities vary in size and geographic distribution within
each state. Resource planning, land use constraints, climate zones, and weather
patterns limit availability of these resources and where they can be
developed. National, state, and local policies also set limits on energy
generation and use. An example of resource planning in California is the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan.
By exploring the visualization, a viewer can gain a three-dimensional understanding of temporal variation in generation CFs, along with how the wind generation areas compare to one another. The viewer can observe that areas peak in generation in different periods. The large range in CFs is also visible.
Resources
| Name | Format | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSV | CSV | Open resource | |
| Excel | XLS | Open resource | |
| Feature Collection | Text | Open resource | |
| File Geodatabase | ZIP | Open resource | |
| GeoJSON | GeoJSON | Open resource | |
| GeoPackage | Unknown | Open resource | |
| KML | KML | Open resource | |
| Shapefile | ZIP | Open resource | |
| SQLite Geodatabase | Unknown | Open resource | |
| ArcGIS Hub Dataset | HTML | Open resource | |
| ArcGIS Hub Dataset | HTML | Open resource | |
| ArcGIS GeoService | ArcGIS GeoServices REST API | Open resource |