Wind power: a question of scale

Research funds that had been going to large-scale wind turbine research are beginnning to focus on smaller system in efforts to learn more about the effects of wind dynamics. Diseconomies of scale due to size and complexities suggest that smaller wind turbines may have fewer uncertainties and lower operating costs. Wind farms, which are clusters of small systems, are operating profitably in several sites, although tax credits contribute significantly to their economic viabilty. An overview of both large and small wind research programs concludes that the momentum for research and development of all sizes for utility applications must continue for wind power to become commercialized. 5 references, 5 figures.