Utility operational experience on the NASA/DOE MOD-0A 200-kW wind turbine

The Mod-0A 200 kW Wind Turbine was designed and fabricated by the Lewis Research Center of the NASA under the direction of the Department of Energy. The project is a part of the Federal Wind Energy Program and is designed to obtain early wind turbine operation and performance data while gaining initial experience in the operation of large, horizontal axis wind turbines in typical utility environments. On March 6, 1978 the Mod-0A wind turbine was turned over to the Town of Clayton Light and Water Plant, Clayton, NM, for utility operation and on December 31, 1978, the machine had completed ten months of utility operation. The machine is described. The recent operational experience at Clayton, NM is summarized.