Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY FROM WIND POWER

1. Introduction :-

Wind results from air in motion. Air in motion arises from a pressure

gradient. Wind can be proadly classified as “planetary” & “local”. Planetary

winds are caused by greater solar heating of the earth`s surface near the equator

than near the northern or southern poles. This cause warm tropical air to rise and

flow through the upper atmosphere towards the poles & cold air from the poles to

flow back to the equator nearer to earth’s surface. The direction of motion of

planetary winds with respect to the earth is affected by the rotation of the earth.

The wam air moving toward the poles in the upper atmosphere assumes an easterly

direction that results in prevailing westerlies. The westerlies controls events

between the 300 & 600 latitudes. Because the earth`s axis is inclined to its orbital

plane around the sun.

Local winds are caused by two mechanisms. The first is

differential heating of land & water. So far insulation during the day is readily

converted to sensible energy of the land surface but is partly absorbed in layers

below the water surface and partly consumed in evaporating some of that water.

This is the mechanism of shore breezes. At night, the direction of the breezes is

reversed because the land mass cods to the sky more rapidly than the water

assuming the clear sky. The second mechanism of local wind is caused by bills &

mountain sides. The air above the slop side heats up during the days & cools

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

down at night, move rapidly than the air above the low lands. This causes heated

air during the day to rise along the slopes & relatively cool heavy air to flow down

at night.

In India the interest in the wind mills was shown in the last

fifties & sixties. An wind, in India are relatively low and very appreciably with

the seasons. Data quoted by some scientists that for India wind speed value lies

between 5 km/hr to 15-20 km/hr.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

2. History of wind power

Human beings have always dreamt of converting wind power

to mechanical &, more recently, electric power. Wind, more than any other

renewable energy source, has intrigued serious and amateur inventors over the

ages, it is said that more patents for wind system have been applied for than

almost any other device to date.

In ancient times the kinetic energy of the wind was used to

propel ships by sails. Windmills, however, are most recent, having been used for

a little over a thousand years. The earliest reference to windmills appeared in

Arab writings from the ninth century A.D. that described mills that operated on

the borders of Persia & Afghanistan some two centuries earlier.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

3. The power in the Wind

The power in the wind can be computed by using the concepts of

kinetics. The wind mill works on the principle of converting kinetic energy of the

wind to mechanical energy. The kinetic energy of any particle is equal to one half

its mass times the square of its velocity, or ½ mv 2. The amount of air passing in

unit time through an area A, with velocity V, is A. V, & its mass M is equal to its

Volume multiplied by its density ρ of air, or

M = ρ AV …………………..(1)

( m is the mass of air transversing the area A swept by the rotating blades of a

wind mill type generator )

Substituting this value of the mass in expression of K.E.

=½ρ AV.V 2 watts

= ½ ρ AV3 watts ………………….. (2)

Second equation tell us that the power available is proportional to air density

( 1.225 kg/m3 ) & is proportional to the intercept area. Since the area is normally

circular of diameter D in horizontal axis aero turbines, then,

A= π D2 ( Sq. m )
4
put this quantity in equation second

then

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

Available wind power Pa = ½ ρ π D2 V3

4
= 1/8 ρ π D2 V3 watt

“ wind machines intended for generating substantial amounts of power should

have large rotors and be located in areas of high wind Speed”.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

4. Site Selection considerations

The power available in the wind increases rapidly with the

speed, hence wind energy conversion machines should be located preferable in

areas where the winds are strong & persistant. The following point should be

considered while selecting site for WECS.

i) High annual average wind speed :-

The wind velocity is the critical parameter. The power in the

wind Pw, through a given X – section area for a uniform wind Velocity is

Pw = KV3 ( K is const. )

it is evident, because of the cubic dependence on wind velocity that small

increases in V markedly affect the power in the wind e.g. doubling V, increases

Pw by a factor of 8.

ii) Availability of wind V(t) curve at the proposed site :-

This important curve determines the maximum energy in the

wind and hence is the principle initially controlling factor in predicting the

electrical o/p and hence revenue return of the WECS machines, it is desirable to

have average wind speed V such that V≥ 12-16 km/hr (3.5 – 4.5 m/sec).

iii) wind structures at the proposed site :-

Wind specially near the ground is turbulent and gusty, & changes

rapidly indirection and in velocity. This departure from homogeneous flow is

collectively referred to as “ the structure of the wind”.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

iv) Altitude of the proposed site :-

If affects the air density and thus the power in the wind & hence the

useful WECS electric power o/p. The wids tends to have higher velocities at

higher altitudes.

v) Local Ecology :-

If the surface is bare rock it may mean lower hub heights hence

lower structure cost, if trees or grass or ventation are present. All of which tends

to destructure the wind.

vi) Distance to Roads or Railways :-

This is another factor the system engineer must consider for heavy,

machinery, structures, materials, blades & other apparatus will have to move into

any chosen WECS site.

vii) Nearness of site to local center/users :-

This obvious criterion minimizes transmission line length & hence

losses & costs.

viii) Nature of ground :-

Ground condition should be such that the foundations for a WECs

are secured, ground surface should be stable.

ix) Favorable land cost :-

Land cost should be favorable as this along with other sitting costs,

enters into the total WECS system cost.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

5. BASIC COMPONENTS OF A WECS

( wind energy conversion system)

Basic components of WECS

Aero turbine :- Aero turbine converts energy in moving air to rotary mechanical

energy in general, they required pitch control & yow control for proper operation.

A mechanical interface consisting of step up gear & a suitable coupling transmits

the rotary mechanical energy to an electrical generator.

Yaw control :- for localities with the prevailing wind in one direction, the design

of turbine can be greatly simplified. The rotor can be in a fixed orientation with

the swept area perpendicular to the predominant wind direction. The purpose of

the Controller is to sense wind speed, wind direction, shafts speeds & torque at

one or more points, o/p power & generator temperature as necessary.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

Rotors :- Rotors are mainly of two types.

i) Horizontal axis rotor.

ii) Vertical axis rotor.

One advantages of vertical axis machines is that they operate in all

wind direction & thus need no yaw adjustment. The rotor is only one of the

important components for an effective utilization, all the components needs to be

designed & matched with the rest of the component.

The windmill head :- they supports the rotor, housing the rotor bearing. It also

houses any control mechanism incorporated like changing the pitch of the blades

for safety devices & tail Vane to orient the rotor to face the wind.

Generator :- Among the constant speed generator candidates for use are

synchronous induction & permanent magnet type. The generators of choice is the

synchronous unit for large aero generator system because it is very versatile & has

an extensive data base.

Controls :- Controls system performs the following function.

1. the orientation of the rotor into the wind ( azimuth of yaw );

2. start up and cut-in of the equipment;

3. power control of the rotor by varying the pitch of the bladws;

4. shutdown and cut out owing to malfunction or every high winds;

5. protection for the generators, the utility accepting the power & PM

6. Maintenance mode.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

Towers :- there are four type of towers.

1. The reinforced concrete tower 2. The pole tower

3. The built up shell – tube tower. 4. The truss tower.

The type of the supporting structure and its height is related to

cost and the transmission system incorporated it is designed to withstand the wind

load during gusts.

Transmission :- transmission options are mechanical systems involving fixed

ratio gears, belts, & chains, singly or in combinations or hydraulic system

involving fluid pumps & motors.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

6. Types of Wind mills

There are generally two type of wind mills used in a practice

are given below.

i)Vertical – Axis windmills :- These early machines, sometimes referred to as

the person windmills, were vertical-axis machines. They involved from ships,

sails of canvas and then of wood, were attached to a large horizontal wheel. The

wind pressure against the sails caused to the wheel to ran. A vertical axle attached

to the wheel usually turned a grindstone to grind grain into flour, hence the name

windmill. Similar mills were know to have been used in the thirteenth century

A.D. in China to evaporate sea-water for the production of salt, & later in the

Crimea, Europe, and united states, through few of them remain today.

One of the most successful early form of the vertical axis mill

is the one named after savonious of Finland. The sevonius windmills hand single

or multiple s – shaped sails and vertical axis. One advantages of its is that, they

operate in all wind directions and thus need no yaw adjustments.

ii) Horizontal – axis windmills :- The vertical – axis was changed after the

idea of a windmills reached Europe, into a vertical wheel horizontal – axis

configuration. The first designed had sails built on a post that could be made to

face into any wind direction, the vertical wheel drove a vertical axle through gear,

such machine first appeared in France & England in the late twelfth century &

were called post mills. Various modification of these mills involved in Europe

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

and America throughout the middle ages & were uses for grinding grain, drainage,

pumping, saw milling, & other purpose. Now a days, only few romantic mills

remain & pumping relies mostly on electric drives.

Advantages :-

1. Simple blade controls

2. Lower blade weight & cost & lower gear box cost.

3. Counter weight costs less than a second blade.

4. pitch bearing do not carry centrifugal force.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

HORIZONTAL AXIS WINDMILLS

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

VERTICAL AXIS WINDMILLS

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

7. Schemes for electric generation

Several schemes for electric generation have been developed.

These schemes can be broadly classified under three categories :

1. constant – Speed constant frequency systems ( CSCF )

2. Variable – Speed constant frequency system (VSCF)

3. Variable – Speed variable frequency systems (VSVF)

i) Constant – speed constant frequency Systems (CSCF)

Constant speed drive has been used for large generators

connected directly to the grid where constant frequency operation is essential.

A) Synchronous Generator :- for such machines the requirement of constant

speed is very rigid and only minor fluctuations about 1 % for short duration

( fraction of sec.) could be allowed. Synchronization of wind driven

generator with power grid also will pose problems with gusty winds.

B) Induction Generator :- if the stator of an induction machine is connected

to the power grid and if the rotor is driven above synchronous speed Ns

(Ns = 120f/ρ ), the machine become a generator and delivers constant line

frequency power to the grid. The per unit slip is 0 and 0.05. The o/p power

of wind driven induction generator is uniquely determined by the operating

speed. Induction gen. Are basically simpler then synchronous gen. They

are easily to operate, control & maintain.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

ii) Variable speed constant frequency system (VSCF)

Variable – speed drive is typical for most small wind

generators used in autonomous applications, generally producing variable

frequency and variable voltage output. To popular schemes to obtain constant

frequency o/p are as follow.

A) AC – DC – AC link :- With the advent of high powered thyristors and nine

voltage d.c. transmission system a.c. output of the 3 - φ alternate is

rectified using a bridge rectifier and then converted back to A.C. using line

commutated inverters. They utilize an a.c. Source which periodically

reverse polarity and cause the commutation to occure naturally, since

frequency is automatically fixed by the power lines, they are also known as

synchronous inverters.

B) Double output Induction Generator :- in this system a slip ring induction

motor is used. Rotor power output at slip frequency is converted to line

frequency power by rectification & inversion output power is obtained both

from stator and rotor & hence this device is called “double o/p induction

generator”. Rotor o/p power has the electrical equivalence of an additional

impedance in the rotor ckt. Therefore increasing rotor outputs lead to

increasing slips & higher speeds. Such an operation increases the operating

speed range from Ns to 2Ns i.e. slip varying from 0 to 1.0.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

C) A.C. commutation generator :- this system is also known as “Scherbias”

system employs two polyphase windings in the stator and a commutator

windings on the rotor. Basic problem in employing this device for wind

energy conversion are the cost and the additional maintenance and the care

required by the commutator and the brush gear.

iii). Variable speed variable frequency (VSVF) Scheme

Since resistive heating loads are essentially frequency in

sensitive, the a.c. generator can be effected at a variable frequency corresponding

to the changing drive speed. For this purpose capacitor excited (self – excited)

squirrel caze induction machines can be conveniently used. This systems are

gaining importance for stand alone wind power application. The magnitude and

frequency of the emf depends on the value of the load impedance, prime-mover

speed and excitation capacitance. Methods of analyzing these variable – voltage

variable frequency generator have been developed to predit the no load and load

performance characteristics.

The variable o/p voltage can be converted to constant d.c.

using choppers or controlled rectifiers on constant a.c. using force – commutated

inverters. Ac converters and transducers can be introduced to monitor and control

the desired performance quantities.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

DESIGN OF WINDMILL TOWER ( all dimensions in cm)

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

BLOCK DIAGRAM OF WIND POWER GENERATION

WIND WIND
WIND TURBINE

GEARING AND COUPLING

ELECTRICAL GENERATOR

CONTROLLER

ENERGY STORAGE

ENERGY STEP-UPING
DEVICE

LOAD UTILIZATION

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

8. Designing of WINDMILLS

MECHANICAL COMPONENT :-

A wind mill is machine for wind energy conversion. A wind turbine

converts the kinetic energy of the wind’s motion to mechanical energy transmitted

by the shaft. A generator further converts it to electrical energy. So it is

necessary to keep in mind, while designing the windmill’s structural part.

1. Design of tower :-

Generally there are four types of tower i.e. 1) The rainforced

concrete tower. 2) the pole tower . 3) The built up shell – tube tower 4) the truss

tower.

In the project there is a pole tower. Which is made up of mild steel

can be with stand, in large force of wind. The tower & its height is related to cost

and transmission system incorporated. So the hight of our power is 45.5 cm. &

width at bottom is 24 cm & at top is 13.5 cm.

2. Design of blade :-

Wind turbine blades have on airfoil – type cross section and a

variable pitch. While designing the size of blade it is must to know the weight and

cost of blades in the project four blade with vertical axle are used, it has a height

in width is 12 cm & 20 cm long it is very light in weight so wind required for

producing torque should be less. The angle between two blades is 90 0. So if one

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

Blade moves some what other blacks comes in the position of first blade, so the

speed is increases some what.

3. Axle designing :-

While designing the axle of blades if should be properly fitted to the

blade. The axle having should be as possible as less in thickness & light in weight

for the four blade, the axle used is very thin in size are all properly fitted. So no

problem of slipping & fraction is created, it is made up of Aluminium which

having very light weight.

4) Designing of Gearing ( Pulley)

The gearing mechanism of windmills is one of the considerable thing

because if there will be proper gearing system provided, the driving force required

for the driving the shaft of generator requires very less no. of rotation. While

deciding the size of gear ( pulley), it should have more dimension as compared

with pulley of generator. The ratio of gearing mechanism should be as more as

possible because speed of blade is very less; so if the pulley completed one

revolution at the same time, the pulley of generator should complete more

revolution. For example if the ration of gearing mechanism is 1:10 then if means,

in one revolution of pulley A, the pulley of generator complete 10 revolution so

the speed can increase considerably. Also the pulley should have height in weight,

so no consumption of power will take place in revolving. For the project the

dimension of pulley A is 9 cm. and for pulley required for generator is 1 cm. So in

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

one revolution of pulley A, the second pulley completes 9 revolution. It is made

up of wooden piece. So it has very small weight. It should be properly attached to

the axle of blades. So no friction will take place. The thickness of pulley is 0.7

cm. for the driving purpose, belt is used, which tide in these two pulleys but with

the belt drive system, slipping problem will take place.

5) Design of Bearing :-

For the smooth operation of Axle, bearing mechanism is used. If

have very less friction loss the two ends of axles are pivoted in the two same

dimension pulley. The Bearing has diameter of 3 and 2.5 cm. bearing are generally

provided for supporting to the axle and smooth operation of shaft. Greece is used

for bearing maintenance

 ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS

Generator :- For the conversion of kinetic energy into electric energy, of

generator are used in windmills. The shaft of generator connected by means of belt

to the pulley. As the rotation of pulley increase. The emf. will induces in the

generator. The generator can be used induction type or permanent magnet type.

The generator of choice is the synchronous unit for large aerogenerator system.

The generator should have to operate in both the direction. So as to limit short ckt

due to change in rotation direction. The motor as generator used for project is 12

volt generator. The generator used is variable speed constant frequency type. The

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

o/p of generator is given to the energy storage system. The maximum o/p voltage

of generator is upto 12 V.

Energy storage / battery :-

The o/p of generators is given to the battery for electric energy

storage purpose. The capacity of the battery is upto 12 V. Generally this battery is

lead acid type battery and also restorable . The supply of generator is given to the

battery through a diode; for the purpose or if the battery will pulley charged, the

generator will acts as a motor and takes current from battery, so as to avoid if

diode is used in series with supply. A siren is used for the battery for purpose.

When battery will pulley charge it gives alarm or horn. The o/p of battery is given

to the step-up transformer.

Step-up transformer

A step-up transformer receives energy from storage battery. The

working principle of step-up transformer is same as that general transformer but

in step-up transformer, primary winding having more no. of turn and secondary

winding have less turn as complete to primary winding. The design of transformer

is in such a way that it gives positive cycle in both positive and negative direction

by using half wave rectification. This transformer step-up the voltage up to some

extend. The T/F having in project are 6-0-6 voltage rating.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

Controller :-

When the battery will fully charged it will give supply to the

generator at the stopping condition. So energy can be consume in this process. So

by using diode in series with supply it can be avoided.

Hartley oscillators

The purpose to use Hartley oscillator in the project is that when, the

step-up transformer step-up the electric energy or voltage, the oscillator will

increase the frequency of voltage o/p giving from the transformer and by using

oscilloscope we can observe the increased frequency.

where L = L1 + L 2

L= 1 & F = 1
( 2π f )2C 2π √ LC

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

Siren :-

Siren is used for alarming purpose when battery will fully charged if

the battery will fully charged then, the energy will wasted. Alarm ckt is necessary

to avoid it and it helpful to connect another set of battery for charging purpose.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

9. APPLICATIONS OF WIND ENERGY

Wind-turbine generators have been built a wide range of power

outputs from kilowatt or so to a few thousand kilowatts, machine of low power

can generate sufficient electricity for space heating & cooling of names & for

operating domestic appliances. Low power WEC generators have been used for

many years for the corrosion protection of buried metal pipe lines.

Application of somewhat more powerful turbines upto about 50kw,

are for operating irrigation pumps. Navigational signal. Aero generators in the

intermediate power range, roughly 100 to 25 kw. Can supply electricity to isolated

populations.

Pumping Application :- A typical wind powered pumping application is onethat

might use a horizontal –axis wind used to pump irrigation water. Large number

water pumping wind mills have been used in Indian forms other applications that

are being developed include the pumping of water for aqueducts or for pumped-

hydro storage of energy.

Direct Heat Application :- Mechanical motion derived from wind power can be

used to drive heat pumps or to produce heat from the friction of solid materials, or

by the charining of water or other fluids or in other cases, by the use of centrifugal

or other types of pumps in combination with restrictive orifices that produces heat

from friction and turbulence when material having a high heat capacity such as

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

water, stones, electric etc. or the heat may be used directly for such application as

heating and cooling of water.

Electric Generation Applications :- Wind power can be used in centralized

applications to drive synchronous a.c. electrical generator. In such applications,

the energy is fed directly into power networks through voltage step-up

transformers.

In dispersed applications , wind power can be used to generate D.C

electric power that, in turn, can be used for d.c. applications or space heaters, such

as resistance heaters or can be stored in batteries and then inverted for use by a.c.

load.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

10. Safety System

Safety systems of wind turbines comprise

The following features.

1) The Computer :- The wind turbine is controlled by a computer with

monitors the most important gauging instruments and compare the result if

error are found the wind turbine is stopped.

2) Emergency stop: - If a situation arise which calls for the wind turbine to be

stopped immediately, the emergency stop is used. The wind turbine will

stop in few seconds by featuring the blades directly into the wind. It can not

be started again before what course the emergency stops has been rectified.

3) Revolution counters :- To prevent the rotor from racing, two revolation

counters have been mounted on the shaft. These operates quiet

independently ans activate the emergency stop if the revolution of the

turbine exceed 24 rpm. which is max.

4) Wind Velocity :- This is measured and controlled by the computer in two

ways. First gusts of wind are registered and if they are too storage the

turbine is stopped. Then average wind speed are measured over periods of

10 min, and the wind turbine is also stopped if these are too high.

5) The Parachutes :- Each blade tip has a parachutes, which is activated if the

rpm. exceeds 28. An iron plumb bob, otherwise held in place by a magnet,

is released from the blade trip, the centrifugal force of the magnet pulling

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out the parachute. This decreases the speed of the wind turbine considerable

enough to stop it from racing. The parachute is an extra safety device

should other fail. Till now they never been used.

6) Lightning rods :- The three blades and the mill or wind turbine cap are

protected from lightning by these rods going from the tip of each blade to

the ground.

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 Generation of Electricity from Wind Power

11. Advantages and Disadvantages of WECS

Advantages :-

1) It is a renewable source of energy.

2) Like all forms of solar energy, wind power system are non-polluting so it

has no adverse influence on the environment.

3) Wind energy system avoid fuel provision and transport.

4) On a small scale upto a few kilowatt system is less costly.

On a large scale costs can be competitive conventional electricity

and lower costs could be achieved by mass production.

Disadvantages :-

1) Wind energy available in dilute and fluctuating in nature.

2) Unlike water energy wind energy needs storage capacity because of its

irregularity.

3) Wind energy system are noisy in operation; a large unit can be heard many

kilometers away.

4) Wind power systems have a relatively high overall weight, because they

involves the construction of a high tower and include also a earbox a hub

and pitch changer, a generator coupling shaft etc. for large system a weight

of 110 kg/kw ( rated) has been estimated.

5) Large areas are needed, typically, propellers, 1 to 3 m in diameter deliver

power in the 30 to 300 w range.

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6) Present systems are neither maintenance free non-practically reliable.

However, the fact that highly reliable propellers engines are built for

aircraft suggest that the present trouble could be overcome by industrial

development work.

Environmental Aspects :-

Wind turbines are not without environmental impact and their

operation is not entirely risk free. Following are the main effects due to a wind

turbine.

1) Electro-magnetic interference :- eg. T.V. Radio etc.

2) Noise

3) Visual Effects

4) Bird life

5) Risk

REFERENCE

1) G.D. Rai  Non conventional energy source.0

2) M.M. EI Wakil

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