Sunset and putting solar to bed

[Snagglefoot]

We had a very pleasant evening last night. While sitting out on the deck after supper I decided to watch the numbers from the solar component of neighbouring Alberta’s electricity production which was a fun nerd thing to do. Since we are close to the summer solstice, I thought this might be a good time to do it. I picked Vulcan, Alberta, home to Spock and the Travers solar array to represent the sunset time. It was 9:47 MT. The Vulcan Travers plant has a nameplate of 465 MW. It’s situated at 50 degrees N latitude.

So at 6:20 in the evening, the solar output for Alberta, including the Travers plant was 1366 MW or about 14% of Alberta’s electrical demand at that point. I noticed that the simple cycle plants were already putting out 570 MW. During mid day they usually idle at 80 MW. I missed the ramp up but will check that later. Basically they were ramped up to prepare for some of the loss of the solar electrical production.

At 6:20 the solar output was already into its decline. By 7:00 PM it was
1000 MW, a drop of 366 MW in a half hour. By 8:00 it was 400 MW, by 9:00 it was 52 MW, dropping to 0 at sunset at 9:47.

During the whole time interval from 6:20 to sunset, the simple cycle plants only increased production from 570 to 657 MW, even though they were capable of 1000 MW. The other thing that was happening is the wind happened to be ramping up from about 360 MW to 525 MW. The large Gas Cogen plants remained flat at 3900 MW and there were some small adjustments in the combined cycle and and gas fired steam plants. Once the night time power requirements reduced demand, the simple cycle plants were allowed to back off to 90 MW by 4:00 in the morning.

Sunrise at Vulcan was 5:41 this morning and by 6:00 AM, solar output was 60 MW and ramping up for a new day.

 

[Snagglefoot]

It’s 10:00 AM and the Travers Solar plant is running at nameplate, 465 MW.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Wind is really kicking it tonight. Fully 1/3 of Alberta’s power requirements are being fulfilled by windmills. The simple cycle plants are idling.

 

[OVERKILL]

And it has crapped the bed this AM, generating 0.7% of Alberta's electricity:

From the ReliableAB account on twitter:

 

[Snagglefoot]

I’d rather you just stick to your nuclear cheer leading. There’s a historical rain storm approaching Alberta right now. Heavy clouds are blanking the skies. Yes, wind is variable and nuclear can be a disaster in short order. Enough.

 

[Astro14]

I’d rather you just stick to your nuclear cheer leading. There’s a historical rain storm approaching Alberta right now. Heavy clouds are blanking the skies. Yes, wind is variable and nuclear can be a disaster in short order. Enough.

Yeah, um - you offered one solar data point on a sunny day, on the longest day of the year.

That’s some serious cherry-picking of data right there.

And then you accuse @OVERKILL of bias because he offered a second data point, on the same facilities 12 hours later?

Please. Track it over a year, then you’ll have some meaningful numbers.

 

[Vil_Riker]

nice

 

[Snagglefoot]

Yes, I offered a single data point. I was having a relaxing moment on my deck and I pointed out it was close to the summer solstice. I thought I would share the moment with my fellow Bitoggers. I was not trying to make a comprehensive report about Solar Energy in Alberta. I did include some data on how the grid deals solar winding down but that's about it. Sorry it was not sufficient for some.

 

[OVERKILL]

I’d rather you just stick to your nuclear cheer leading. There’s a historical rain storm approaching Alberta right now. Heavy clouds are blanking the skies. Yes, wind is variable and nuclear can be a disaster in short order. Enough.

Yes, minimalizing what I do as "cheer leading" with a vague allusion to Chornobyl is a brilliant de-escalation strategy.

I comment on energy topics, you know this. I'm deeply involved in an organization that actively influences energy policy in this country, and while our focus may be primarily nuclear, it is certainly not restricted to it. We have several people from your neck of the woods that I can put you in touch with if you ever want to put a face to our work and expand your knowledge.

The real issue here appears to be the fact that you believe you are entitled to insulation from counter-points or data that provides additional context. Nobody is obligated to avoid topics you create or comments you make simply because it bothers you. This is a discussion forum, we discuss things, that often involves being wrong or having our beliefs checked. How we deal with that is up to us.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Yes, minimalizing what I do as "cheer leading" with a vague allusion to Chornobyl is a brilliant de-escalation strategy.

I comment on energy topics, you know this. I'm deeply involved in an organization that actively influences energy policy in this country, and while our focus may be primarily nuclear, it is certainly not restricted to it. We have several people from your neck of the woods that I can put you in touch with if you ever want to put a face to our work and expand your knowledge.

The real issue here appears to be the fact that you believe you are entitled to insulation from counter-points or data that provides additional context. Nobody is obligated to avoid topics you create or comments you make simply because it bothers you. This is a discussion forum, we discuss things, that often involves being wrong or having our beliefs checked. How we deal with that is up to us.

Look at my original posting. It’s just some observations on night fall and the closing down of solar for the evening plus a comment on an installation hitting nameplate and a comment on a great windy day. Then once again your input puts it all down. What’s with you? New solar and wind installations totally blow away new nuclear installations in North America. If you want to cheer on refurbishing 50 year old nuclear plants carry on but please refrain from rehashing your constant negative viewpoints on threads I initiate. Also your last set of postings that got locked contained personal insults. Not good.

 

[Astro14]

I’d rather you just stick to your nuclear cheer leading. There’s a historical rain storm approaching Alberta right now. Heavy clouds are blanking the skies. Yes, wind is variable and nuclear can be a disaster in short order. Enough.

Actually - this post is the one that contains personal insult and is the foundation of bickering.

Anyone who opens a thread with “just an observation” strongly pro/con on a controversial topic should expect participation and alternative points of view. Why throw the observation out there if you’re not prepared for that ensuing discussion?

Blaming the personality of someone who offers that alternative viewpoint is contrary to our rules.

This thread is done.