Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forecasting an energy output of a wind farm. A method for forecasting an energy output of a wind farm includes maintaining a data base of wind patterns, each wind pattern being associated with an energy output that the wind farm produces. The method includes receiving a current wind pattern. The method includes searching the data base for a wind pattern that matches the current wind pattern. The method includes calculating a forecast energy output that the wind farm will produce in response to the current wind pattern, the calculation being based, when there is a matching wind pattern in the knowledge base, on the energy output associated with the matching wind pattern.

Abstract: A Supervisory Command and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for managing wind turbines for electric power generation. One implementation includes a SCADA element at each wind turbine, configured to collect data and provide an interface to control the turbine and communicate with other parts of the system; a SCADA element at a substation, configured to collect data from the substation, to communicate with other parts of the system, and to store substation data locally; a SCADA element at each meteorological site, configured to collect meteorological data from sensors on and at a meteorology tower, to communicate with other parts of the system, and to store meteorology data locally; a data communication network; a server coupled over the network with the wind turbines, the substation, and the meteorological sites through their respective the SCADA elements; and a user interface through which authorized users can exercise command and control functions.