Grid Connected Wind Energy Conversion System A wind energy conversion system converts the wind energy into some form of electrical energy. Such a system is shown in Figure A. The wind turbine converts the wind energy into mechanical energy. This energy is supplied to electrical generator through fixed stepped up gears and coupling according to … Read more

Present Status of Wind Energy In India Carbon di-oxide (CO2) being the main culprit for global climate changes, the world is focussing on development and installation of wind energy farms. It is estimated that global wind power capacity is 74 GW and India has 20000 MW out of the gross capacity of 45000 MW. A … Read more

Methods of Overcoming Fluctuations of Power Wind turbines are designed to yield maximum output at a wind speed of 15 m/s. If the wind speed is more, the excess energy is wasted. But the rotor is to be protected from damage. This is done by power control mechanism. The important methods used in power control … Read more

Site Selection of Wind Power Plant Winds are caused by heating of atmosphere due to solar heating. There are two types of wind viz. planetary winds and local winds. It has been also observed that the total wind power from free wind stream increases as the cube of the wind Therefore suitable studies are carried … Read more

Dependence of Solidity, γ on Tip Speed Ratio λ The variation of solidity, γ versus the tip speed ratio, λ  is shown in Figure B. Following points can be observed : Rotor with high tip speed ratio have low value of solidity. Rotors turn at high speed. Rotor with low tip speed ratio have high value of solidity and they turn … Read more

Dependence of Power Coefficient, Cp on Tip Speed Ratio, λ The dependence of power coefficient on tip speed ratio is typically shown in Figure for various types of turbine rotors. Following points can be observed from the graph.  Each type of wind mill has some optimum tip speed to wind speed ratio, λ at which it gives maximum Cp. … Read more

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) The schematic diagram of a vertical axis wind turbine with Darrieus type two bladed rotor is shown in Figure. The advantages of vertical axis turbines over horizontal axis turbines are : It does not need any yaw control mechanism since vanes of the wind mill can accept the wind from … Read more

Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) Generator Horizontal axis wind turbine generators are being used all over the world successfully. The main component of a propeller type wind generator is shown by a schematic diagram in Figure A. Figure A Usually it has two or three blades made of wood (for low power generation) or high … Read more

Classification of Wind Mills The wind mills can be classified as follows : Based on orientation of the axis of rotor  (a) Horizontal axis (b) Vertical axis Based on type of rotor Propeller type (Horizontal axis) Multiple blade type (Horizontal axis) Savonius type (Vertical axis) Darrieus type (Vertical axis) 1. Horizontal Axis Wind Mills : … Read more

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Energy Wind power can be used to run water pumps, charging of batteries and for electric generation of power. Wind energy can be used where wind speeds are reasonably high in the range of 8 to 40 kmph. Such wind speeds are available along the sea cost at high altitudes … Read more