smart meter, definition of

Capacity factor is a ratio (usually expressed as a percentage) of power actually generated by an installed wind turbine compared to its theoretical maximum power output.

This is important as the available wind varies considerably by location and you want to pick a location that ensures maximum utilization. Although typically the maximum capacity factor achieved in practice is around 30%. This can be compared to the typical capacity factors of 15% for solar and nuclear which ranges in 60 to 100%. Base load thermal power plants (i.e. fire fired) often achieve 70 to 90%.

When capacity factor is combined with cost of production you get the effective cost of power production for a given energy producing technology; i.e. cost divided by capacity factor. This figure you can use as a basis for a ROI (Return on Investment) comparison.

• ‘Confusion and resistance’ slows down UK smart meter rollout
  Public Release: 18-Sep-2017 From Eurekalert University of Sussex IMAGE: Smart meter campaign poster in London Underground. view more Credit: Image by Benjamin Sovacool Lack of consumer engagement, insufficient information, and inadequate attention to...
• Austin to get 55% of its power from renewables by 2025
  Texas is not widely known for its eco-friendly nature, and often for good reason. But Austin has long stood apart from the rest of the oil-rich, frack-friendly state as a bastion of Texas sustainability. Keeping with that trend, the city recently passed...
• Reduce Your Water Consumption With the Amphiro B1 Water Meter
  There are smart meters for your heating and air conditioning, but until now, there isn’t been one for your water heater. Heating your water is actually the second biggest use of power in the home - more than lighting, cooking and entertainment electronics
• The Power Flower is a Living Energy Meter that Transforms with Household Power Usage
  The Power Flower is an interactive, visual ‘living’ energy meter prototype created by two university students in Falmouth, UK. Designed as a smart energy meter to help people become more conscientious of their household power usage, the Power...
• Summer Heat Waves Make Our Need for a Smart Grid Even More Apparent
  This past weekend’s 100 degree heat wave in NY may have broken for now, but chances are that another “Heatpocalypse” is coming. As the weather heats up, our utility grids go into overdrive, trying to accommodate the spike in air conditioner usage,...
• The SmartMeter backfiring privacy issue
  The promise was to help you control your electricity bill by becoming more aware of your energy use. The downside is that with the data gathered, other people and businesses can also become more aware of your habits, like when … Continue reading...
• Smart Meters Hit Bumps in the Road
  Smart meters — utility meters that provide detailed, real-time information on energy use — promise an easy way to bring down residential power consumption...
• OPOWER Encourages Efficiency With Energy Report Cards
  Most Americans would have a fit if their credit card or cell phone company sent a dollar amount at the end of the month with no itemized description to match...
• Obama Sets Aside $3.4 billion Stimulus to Jump Start “Power Grid 2.0″ in US
  You may already know this, but our power grid system has been largely left alone for half a century. We’re using inefficient grid technology to try to thread power across our country and in the process are losing precious energy and a lot of cash....
• The Smart Meter: Vanguard of the Smart Grid
  This is a guest post by Steve Piper. Steve has a M. S. in Public Management and has been a consultant in the utilities business (primarily electricity) for the last 20 years.

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