Module 3

syllabus
• WIND ENERGY- Introduction- Basic principles
of Wind Energy Conversion Systems(WECS)
• wind speed measurement-Classification of
WECS- types of rotors. wind power equation
• -Betz limit. Electrical Power Output and
Capacity Factor of WECS- Advantages
• and Disadvantages of WECS -site selection
criteria.
 wind formation
• The primary driver of wind formation is the
uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the
sun.
• The sun's rays hit the Earth unevenly due to
the spherical shape of the planet.
• The equator receives more direct sunlight
than the poles, creating temperature
differences.
Wind mill/aero conversion system
WIND ENERGY POWER OP
Basic principles of Wind Energy
Conversion Systems
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uo u2
• Relationship between Power Output and Wind Speed:
• Start-Up Wind Speed: Below a certain wind speed, called
the cut-in speed, the wind turbine does not produce power.
This is the start-up wind speed.
• Rated Wind Speed: The wind turbine reaches its maximum
power output (rated power) at a specific wind speed,
known as the rated wind speed. Beyond this speed, the
turbine operates at its maximum capacity.
• Cut-Out Wind Speed: To prevent damage, the wind turbine
shuts down at a certain wind speed, known as the cut-out
wind speed.
• The power curve of a wind turbine illustrates the
relationship between wind speed and power output. It
typically shows how the turbine's power output increases
with wind speed until it reaches a rated wind speed,
beyond which it levels off.
 Classification of WECS-
• Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) can be
classified based on various factors such as the axis of
rotation, the number of blades, and their applications.
Here are some common classifications:
• Based on Axis of Rotation:
– Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT): The most
common type where the main rotor shaft and generator
are oriented horizontally. The blades face into the wind.
– Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT): The rotor shaft is
oriented vertically, and the blades rotate around it. VAWTs
can capture wind from any direction.
•
• Based on the Number of Blades:
– Single-Bladed Turbines: Uncommon but historically used. They rotate on a
single blade attached to a central hub.
– Two-Bladed Turbines: Simple and used in certain applications. They are less
common today due to stability concerns.
– Three-Bladed Turbines: Most common in modern wind farms. Three blades
provide a good balance of efficiency and stability.
• Based on Size:
– Small Wind Turbines: Typically used for residential or small-scale applications,
with capacities ranging from a few hundred watts to a few kilowatts.
– Medium Wind Turbines: Larger than small turbines but smaller than utility-
scale turbines. They are used for distributed power generation.
– Utility-Scale Wind Turbines: Large turbines designed for grid-connected
power generation, often found in wind farms. Their capacities can range from
several hundred kilowatts to multiple megawatts.
• Based on Location:
– Onshore Wind Turbines: Located on land, these are
the most common and economical type of wind
turbines.
– Offshore Wind Turbines: Located in bodies of water
(seas or lakes), often larger in size. Offshore wind has
the potential for higher and more consistent wind
speeds.
• Based on Applications:
– Grid-Connected Systems: Wind turbines directly
connected to the electrical grid to provide power to
the utility.
– Standalone Systems: Wind turbines used in off-grid or
remote applications, often in combination with energy
storage solutions.
• Based on Control Mechanism:
– Fixed-Speed Turbines: The rotor operates at a fixed
speed regardless of wind conditions.
– Variable-Speed Turbines: The rotor speed can vary,
allowing for better efficiency across a range of wind
speeds.
• Based on Design:
– Darrieus Turbines: A type of VAWT with curved blades
forming an eggbeater shape.
– Savonius Turbines: Another type of VAWT with S-
shaped blades, suitable for low wind speeds.
– Upwind Turbines: The rotor faces into the wind,
typical in HAWTs.
– Downwind Turbines: The rotor faces away from the
wind, less common due to stability concerns.
Up wind
site selection criteria.
wind speed measurement
• A wind rose is a graphic tool used by meteorologists to
give a succinct view of how wind speed and direction
are typically distributed at a particular location.
Historically, wind roses were predecessors of
the compass rose (found on charts), as there was no
differentiation between a cardinal direction and the
wind which blew from such a direction. Using a polar
coordinate system of gridding, the frequency of winds
over a time period is plotted by wind direction, with
colour bands showing wind speed ranges. The direction
of the longest spoke shows the wind direction with the
greatest frequency.
• Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV):
– Description: LDV uses laser light to measure the
Doppler shift caused by the motion of particles in
the air. It can provide precise wind speed
measurements.
• Pitot Tube:
– Description: Originally designed for fluid flow
measurements, a Pitot tube can also be used for
wind speed measurements. It measures the
dynamic pressure of the wind.
• Wind Sock:
– Description: A simple, visual indicator of wind
direction and approximate speed. The angle and
movement of the wind sock provide a qualitative
assessment of wind speed.
• Weather Vanes:
– Description: Weather vanes, also known as wind
vanes, indicate wind direction. While they don't
directly measure speed, they are often paired with
other instruments to provide comprehensive wind
information.
• Catenary Mast System:
– Description: Involves a mast with a suspended cable (catenary) where
wind-induced cable vibrations are analyzed to estimate wind speed.
This method is commonly used in tall structures like bridges.
• Wind Profiler Radar:
– Description: A radar system that can measure wind speed at various
altitudes. It sends pulses of radio waves into the atmosphere and
analyzes the Doppler shifts in the reflected waves.
• SODAR (Sonic Detection and Ranging):
– Description: Similar to radar but uses sound waves instead of radio
waves. SODAR systems send sound pulses into the atmosphere and
measure the Doppler shifts in the reflected sound.
Schemes for power generation
 Advantages
and Disadvantages of WECS
• Advantages of Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS):
• Renewable and Sustainable:
– Advantage: Wind energy is a renewable resource, meaning it is practically
limitless and can be harnessed sustainably without depleting natural reserves.
• Clean and Environmentally Friendly:
– Advantage: Wind power generation produces minimal greenhouse gas
emissions and air pollutants, contributing to cleaner air and mitigating climate
change.
• Reduced Dependency on Fossil Fuels:
– Advantage: Wind energy helps reduce reliance on finite fossil fuel resources,
promoting energy security and mitigating the environmental impact of fossil
fuel extraction and consumption.
• Low Operating Costs:
– Advantage: Once installed, wind turbines have relatively low operating and
maintenance costs. Wind energy can be cost-effective compared to
conventional forms of power generation.
• Job Creation:
– Advantage: The wind energy industry creates jobs in manufacturing,
installation, maintenance, and support services, contributing to
economic development.
• Energy Independence:
– Advantage: Wind energy contributes to energy diversification and
reduces dependence on energy imports, enhancing national energy
security.
• Scalability:
– Advantage: Wind projects can vary in size, from small-scale
applications for rural electrification to large-scale wind farms serving
urban areas.
• Technological Advancements:
– Advantage: Ongoing advancements in wind turbine technology
improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the overall performance
of wind energy systems.
• Land Multipurpose Use:
– Advantage: Wind farms can be installed on agricultural land without
disrupting existing land uses, allowing for dual-purpose land use.
• Reduced Water Usage:
– Advantage: Unlike some conventional power plants that require
significant water for cooling, wind turbines do not have such water
consumption needs, making them environmentally friendly in arid
regions.
• Disadvantages of Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS):
• Intermittency and Variability:
– Disadvantage: Wind is intermittent and variable, and power
generation depends on wind availability. This requires additional
measures like energy storage or backup power sources.
• Visual and Noise Impact:
– Disadvantage: Wind turbines can be visually intrusive, and there can
be concerns about noise pollution, particularly in residential areas
close to wind farms.
• Land Use and Aesthetics:
– Disadvantage: Large wind farms require significant land areas, raising
concerns about land use and aesthetic impact on landscapes and
ecosystems.
• High Initial Costs:
– Disadvantage: While the operational costs are relatively low, the initial
setup costs for installing wind turbines can be high. This is a barrier to
entry for some regions and investors.
• Environmental Impact:
– Disadvantage: The construction and operation of wind farms can have
environmental impacts, including habitat disruption, bird and bat
collisions, and effects on local ecosystems.
•
• Limited Wind Resources in Some Regions:
– Disadvantage: Wind energy is not universally applicable. Some regions
have insufficient wind resources to make wind projects economically
viable.
• Technological Challenges:
– Disadvantage: Advanced wind turbine technologies may face technical
challenges, including the development of efficient energy storage
solutions and the management of complex power grids with varying
energy inputs.
• Initial Energy Payback Period:
– Disadvantage: The energy payback period—the time it takes for a
wind turbine to generate as much energy as was used in its
production—can be relatively long, especially for older turbines.
• Bird and Bat Mortality:
– Disadvantage: Wind turbines can pose risks to birds and bats through
collisions with rotor blades. Mitigation strategies, such as proper siting
and monitoring, are essential to address these concerns.
• Community Opposition:
– Disadvantage: Some communities may resist the installation of wind
farms due to concerns about property values, noise, or perceived
impacts on local landscapes.
 Wind Energy Conversion System
(WECS) Site Selection Criteria:
• Wind Resource Assessment:
– Criterion: Wind speed and consistency are crucial. A comprehensive
wind resource assessment, considering historical wind data and on-
site measurements, helps identify locations with optimal wind
conditions.
• Wind Turbine Technology:
– Criterion: The choice of wind turbine technology is influenced by the
wind conditions at the site. Some turbines are designed for low wind
speeds, while others are optimized for high wind conditions.
• Topography:
– Criterion: The local topography can impact wind patterns. Sites with
unobstructed, elevated terrain generally experience better wind
conditions. Wind flow can be influenced by hills, valleys, and the
proximity of large structures.
• Proximity to Transmission Infrastructure:
– Criterion: Access to existing electrical transmission infrastructure is
crucial for efficiently connecting the wind farm to the power grid.
Proximity to substations or transmission lines reduces the cost of grid
connection.
•
• Land Use and Zoning:
– Criterion: Land use considerations are essential. Sites should be
compatible with existing land uses, avoiding conflicts with agriculture,
residential areas, and ecologically sensitive zones. Zoning regulations
should permit wind energy development.
• Environmental Impact Assessment:
– Criterion: Conducting an environmental impact assessment is
necessary to identify potential impacts on ecosystems, wildlife, and
local communities. Mitigation measures can be implemented based on
these assessments.
• Permitting and Regulatory Approval:
– Criterion: The regulatory environment and permitting processes vary.
A site should have clear pathways for obtaining necessary permits and
approvals from local, regional, and national authorities.
• Community Engagement:
– Criterion: Engaging with local communities is critical for addressing
concerns, obtaining social acceptance, and ensuring the project aligns
with community values. Public consultations and transparent
communication are essential.
• Grid Connection Capacity:
– Criterion: Assessing the capacity of the local power grid to
accommodate the additional electricity generated by the wind farm is
crucial. Upgrading or expanding grid infrastructure may be necessary.
• Access to Construction Materials:
– Criterion: Availability of construction materials, such as concrete and
steel, can impact project costs. Proximity to suppliers and
transportation routes is important.
• Meteorological Conditions:
– Criterion: Factors like temperature, humidity, and air density can
affect wind turbine performance. Understanding the local
meteorological conditions helps in optimizing turbine design and
efficiency.
• Ice and Snow Conditions:
– Criterion: In regions with cold climates, the potential for ice
accumulation on turbine blades and towers should be considered.
Turbines designed for cold climates or equipped with anti-icing
systems may be required.
• Financial Viability:
– Criterion: Assessing the financial viability of a wind energy project
involves considering factors like construction costs, potential energy
production, government incentives, and the expected return on
investment.
• Operational and Maintenance Accessibility:
– Criterion: Accessibility for maintenance and repair activities is crucial.
Sites that are easily reachable by roads and have minimal logistical
challenges enhance the efficiency of operation and maintenance.
• Security and Safety Considerations:
– Criterion: Security and safety considerations, including protection
against vandalism and natural disasters, should be evaluated. Ensuring
the safety of workers and the surrounding community is paramount.
• Selecting an appropriate site for a Wind Energy Conversion System
involves a comprehensive analysis of these criteria, balancing
technical, environmental, social, and economic considerations for a
successful and sustainable wind energy project.
 Electrical Power Output of a Wind
Energy Conversion System (WECS):
• The electrical power output (P) of a wind turbine is determined by
the formula:

• Where:
• �P is the electrical power output.
• �ρ is the air density.
• �A is the rotor-swept area.
• �v is the wind speed.
• ��Cp is the power coefficient.
• The power coefficient (��Cp) represents the efficiency of the
wind turbine in capturing the kinetic energy of the wind. It is
influenced by the design and aerodynamics of the turbine.
•
 Capacity Factor:

• The capacity factor (��CF) of a wind turbine or a

wind farm is a measure of its actual output compared
to its maximum potential output. It is expressed as a
percentage and is calculated using the formula:

• CF=(Maximum Possible Output/Actual Output)×100

• The maximum possible output is the theoretical
maximum that could be produced if the turbine
operated at its rated capacity continuously.
• The actual output is the real energy production over a
specific period.
• Factors Influencing Power Output:
• Wind Speed: The most critical factor. The power
output is proportional to the cube of the wind speed,
meaning even a small increase in wind speed results in
a significant increase in power.
• Rotor-Swept Area: Larger rotor-swept areas capture
more wind, resulting in higher power output.
• Power Coefficient: The efficiency of the turbine in
converting the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical
power.
• Altitude: Wind speeds tend to be higher at higher
altitudes, positively affecting power output.
• Air Density: Higher air density (which can vary with
altitude, temperature, and humidity) contributes to
higher power output.
 Importance of Capacity Factor:

• The capacity factor provides insights into how

efficiently a wind turbine or wind farm is operating. A
high capacity factor indicates effective utilization of the
available wind resources, while a low capacity factor
may suggest suboptimal performance or inconsistent
wind conditions.
• In summary, the electrical power output of a wind
turbine is influenced by various factors, with wind
speed being a dominant factor. The capacity factor
complements this by assessing how effectively the
turbine converts available wind energy into electrical
power over time.
 Betz limit
• The Betz limit, also known as Betz's law or Betz's
coefficient, represents the maximum possible efficiency of
a wind turbine in converting the kinetic energy of the wind
into mechanical energy. It was derived by the German
physicist Albert Betz in 1919 and is a fundamental concept
in wind energy.
• Betz Limit Formula:
• The Betz limit is expressed mathematically as:
• Power Coefficient (Cp)=16/27
• The power coefficient (Cp) is a dimensionless quantity that
represents the fraction of kinetic energy of the wind that
can be converted into mechanical energy. The Betz limit
sets the upper bound for this coefficient.
• 100% extraction of the winds kinetic energy is not
possible as the flow of air would be reduced to a
complete stop and no wind speed would remain
available to sustain the flow of air through the
turbines blades. German physicist Albert
Betz calculated that any wind turbine could not
convert more than 59.3% of the kinetic energy
available in the wind into mechanical energy
simply by turning a rotor blade. This theoretical
maximum coefficient of power is known as the
Betz Limit.
END