DOE explores wind power to stabilize electric grid.

March 31, 2016 | Comments Off on DOE explores wind power to stabilize electric grid.

In 2015, researchers at National Wind Technology Center near NREL in Golden, CO, connected 1.5 MW wind turbine to the controllable grid interface test facility, which simulates real-time conditions of utility-scale power grid. DOE researchers are evaluating potential of wind farms to provide frequency-responsive back-up or "ancillary services" currently supplied to grid by conventional power plants. For the energy industry, this helps save time and resources while minimizing integration issues.