Wind Energy

What is wind? How it is being Sun rays are much stronger near the
generated? equator than the polar region. So air in
the equatorial region becomes stronger
Wind is actually a form of solar and its density decreases. The lighter air
energy. How??? Wind itself is a result of rises up and the pressure decreases.
uneven heating of the earth’s Cooler air from the polar region moves
atmosphere by the sun. towards the equator to replace the
warmer air. This motion of air causes
wind.
Wind can be classified as breeze (low speed 5km/hr) and storm (high
speed 800km/hr) according to their speed.
The wind is a clean, free, and readily available renewable energy
source. Wind power generation plays an increasingly important role in
the way we power our world – in a clean, sustainable manner.
The motion of large masses of air cause wind. Kinetic energy of a
moving air can be trapped to produce mechanical energy, which in turn
produces electrical energy.
How is wind energy is converted?
• Each day, around the world, wind turbines are capturing the wind’s power and converting it to electricity.
A turbine converts the kinetic energy of the wind to useful mechanical energy. This energy could be used in
mechanical form or turn generator turbines and provide electricity and used in sailing boats. Just like in the
hydropower systems, wind energy is harnessed through conversion of the wind kinetic energy to mechanical
energy.
• The wind turbines are largely classified into two types- Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines and Vertical Axis Wind
Turbines.
• Horizontal Axis:
 More common
 Rotating axis of the turbine is parallel to the ground
 Used for commercial purpose of using electricity in large scale
 They are very high in height.
 They are installed at the place where the wind condition is consistent.
• Vertical Axis:
 Rotating axis of the turbine is vertical to the ground
 They are primary used in small wind project and residential applications
 Can be used in the places where the wind conditions are not very consistent.
 They can rotate even in lower wind condition.
 They are not high, they are closer to the ground.
• Large areas installed with wind turbines, that is, wind farms are increasingly emerging today
Wind Characteristics

• Mean wind speed − This estimates the annual wind yield though it does not give the distributions.
• Wind speed distribution − There are three aspects namely annual, diurnal and seasonal
characteristics. Understanding the wind speed variations and the spread is necessary when
choosing a site.
• Diurnal − Caused by the difference between temperatures during each day and at night.
• Seasonal − Occur with four-day intervals along the coastal region.
• Annual − Distribution is latitude dependent
• Turbulence − This is the chaotic movement of wind in unpredictable patterns. Turbulence results
from continuously changing properties of wind motion that impact on energy production and
fatigue on blades.
• Long term fluctuation − Irregular wind causes unpredictable energy supply. Before a wind turbine
is set, the area should be studied for a constant wind flux.
• Distribution of wind direction − This is more significant in positioning of the blades especially for
horizontal axis types.
• Wind shear − Shear is change in wind direction, speed or the height at which the maximum
velocity occurs.