Wind Generation Time Interval Exploration Data

<span style='font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt;'>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.</span><span style='font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt;'> </span><div><span style='font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt;'><br /></span></div><div><span style='font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt;'><br /></span></div><div><span style='font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);'>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.</span></div><div><font face='Helvetica, sans-serif'><span style='font-size:16px;'><br /></span></font><p style='margin-bottom:20.25pt; background-image:initial; background-position:initial; background-size:initial; background-repeat:initial; background-attachment:initial; background-origin:initial; background-clip:initial;'><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:&quot;Helvetica&quot;,sans-serif;'>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 </span><span style='color:black;'><a href='https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/desert-renewable-energy-conservation-plan' rel='nofollow ugc'><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:&quot;Helvetica&quot;,sans-serif; color:#004678;'>Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan</span></a></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:&quot;Helvetica&quot;,sans-serif;'>. </span></p>

<p style='background-image:initial; background-position:initial; background-size:initial; background-repeat:initial; background-attachment:initial; background-origin:initial; background-clip:initial;'><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:&quot;Helvetica&quot;,sans-serif;'>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.</span></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>

Tags: 2015, CAOpenData, California Energy Commission, California Natural Resources Agency, capacity factor, generation, wind energy, wind resource areas
Organization: California Energy Commission