Wind data in Texas. Final report

Two major objectives of the project reported were (1) to update Texas wind energy resource information and (2) prepare a Texas wind resource publication for use by the general public. Both of these objectives were viewed as having major benefit for the growth of wind energy utilization in Texas. Meteorological data on magnetic tapes for all the major National Weather Service stations (18) were obtained from Texas Natural Resources Information Systems (generally for the years 1961 to 1966). Windspeed, pressure, and temperature data were then used to tabulate windspeed histograms and to calculate the wind energy for each station. Average month and year windspeed histograms were also calculated. From this data, the State was divided into five regions depending on the availability of wind energy. The windspeed histograms for each region were combined with the power curve for fifteen commercially available wind turbines to calculate the average energy output per year. To help individuals assess the economic feasibility of acquiring wind turbines, cost and benefit factors for the wind turbines were calculated for the various regions of the State. Basically, the years to payback for the installed wind tubines were calculated for different electricity rates (3, 5, and 7 cents/kWh)more » and different carrying charges (11, 15, and 19%). The above information was incorporated into A Consumer's Guide for Wind Energy in Texas, which describes wind energy and power, wind turbines and their applications, economics, and tips on siting.« less