SAGIPE: A real-time data acquisition system for the massive integration of wind generation in Hydro-Québec´s power system

Quebec has begun a decisive move toward wind energy with a series of wind farm projects totalling 4,000 MW in capacity. Hydro-Quebec Distribution, the distribution division of Hydro-Quebec, is putting in place a very large wind generation and weather data acquisition infrastructure. This infrastructure and its SAGIPE computer system feed both a massive historical data bank and multiple wind power generation short term forecasting engines to further the integration of this large amount of wind generation in the province´s power system. The data bank permits running fruitful studies on the characterization of the wind generation and its impact on Hydro-Quebec´s system. Wind generation forecasts are periodically transmitted to all participating parties, including independent wind power producers, Hydro-Quebec Production (Quebec´s major hydro power producer), Hydro-Quebec Distribution´s power procurement system and the province´s transmission system operator.