Implementation of a siting methodology for utility size WECS in western Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut

This paper describes a long term research project by Northeast Utilities and the University of Massachusetts to identify candidate sites for utility size wind energy systems in Western Massachusetts and Northwestern Connecticut. A generalized methodology is described for identifying the candidate sites. This methodology includes the use of biological wind prospecting, data collection with TALA kites, computerized wind mapping with MATHEW, and the installation of long run data collection stations. This paper also describes the use of a mass consistent flow model known as MATHEW in developing computerized wind maps for selected regions of the area under study.