Atmospheric Science for Renewable Energy Development
Wind turbines in Colorado.
Improving Rapid Refresh (RAP) and High Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) models for wind and solar applications.
Objectives
To provide more accurate wind and cloud forecasts over a range of timescales to support the nation’s increased demands for better products and services.
Customer/beneficiary
All users of the RAP and HRRR forecasts, e.g., utility sector and power grid operators, aviation, ground transportation, plume dispersion, and severe weather forecasts.
Milestones and deliverables
The program performed additional analysis of Wind Forecast Improvement Project (WFIP) data found the most frequently occuring meteorological events.
Key performance measures
Cumulative improvement in accuracy of forecasted wind speed and direction and accuracy of forecasted timing, amplitude, and duration of wind-ramp events.
R&D maturity level
The program spans a range of R&D maturity levels. For instance, some improvements are already in the operational versions of RAP and HRRR, whereas efforts are now focused on developing a better model. Development (TRL3-5) Demonstration (TRL6-8) Deployment (9) Operational (10)
More information: http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gsd/renewable/
