Steven Vincent Johnson wrote:
Correct me if I'm wrong on this point but I'm under the impression that the
eventual construction of what has been called the "smart grid" is supposed
to help ameliorate these kinds of issues to a significant extend, am I
correct? ?
Right. This is essential with wind power, which fluctuates more than
other sources. Hydroelectricity and natural gas can be turned up and
down quickly with few losses, but other sources are less flexible.
Opponents of wind power often cite the fact that it fluctuates as a
huge problem. They have a point, but they exaggerate. With modern
weather forecasting this is less of a problem than you might think,
since you can plan ahead for it.
It is important to remember that demand also fluctuates, sometimes rapidly.
That, and, of course, developing more advanced facilities that can
temporarily store vast amounts of excess electricity.
That's another approach, but I have not seen much interest in it, or
research. Mainly they seem to be looking to improve the network, to
shuttle around energy rather than store it.
It seems to me at this stage in the development of renewable energy,
they should be investing more in solar thermal in the southwest and
other places where airconditioning dominates daytime consumption.
Solar thermal is a perfect fit. Yes, it fluctuates, but:
1. The fluctuations match demand (airconditioning).
2. It does not fluctuate as much as wind, or change as rapidly.
3. The energy can be stored, in the form of hot fluid (water or
synthetic oil or whatever they use).
4. It is much cheaper than PV.
Overall R&D budgets in energy are low, compared to other major
segments of the economy, such as automobiles or computers. There have
been several articles pointing this out recently, and some testimony
in Congress.
- Jed
