Name: Laguiab, Jamil Mansor M.

Yr/Crs/Sec: 4BSABE-A Date: May 17, 2022

ABE 422
Renewable Energy for AB Materials

LABORATORY REPORT No. 3

Calculation of Theoretical Wind Power

Introduction

Rationale

To appreciate wind energy and its significance to our society, we have to

understand where it comes from, the wind. The natural movement of air across land or
sea is known as wind. Wind is created by the uneven heating and cooling of the earth's
surface, as well as the rotation of the earth. The sun's heat is absorbed and released in
different ways by land and water. Cooler air rushes in to replace the warm air, resulting
in local winds. The flow of air changes direction due to the earth's rotation. This makes
wind a renewable energy source.

In general, wind energy has fewer environmental consequences than many other
energy sources. With rare exceptions, wind turbines do not emit pollutants into the air or
water, and they do not require water for cooling. Wind turbines may also lower total air
pollution and carbon dioxide emissions by reducing the amount of electricity generated
from fossil fuels.

The physical footprint of a single wind turbine is relatively small. Wind farms are
groups of wind turbines that are located on open land, on mountain ridges, or offshore
in lakes or the ocean.

Knowing the wind power of an area will play major factor in the design and
configuration of the whole system. We have to remember that depending to the wind
power produce in an area, wind turbine may have to be designed to have a larger rotor
blades or no wind turbine development at all. Also to optimize and limit the power
extracted from the wind, good structural stability, better performance, and safe
operation, some components such as pitch, yaw and rotational speed control has to be
designed carefully.

Wind energy farming is already a well-known technology and is already

implemented to many countries such as US and many European countries. With 1,218
MW, Hornsea 1 in the United Kingdom is the world's largest offshore wind farm in
January 2020 and its sibling project, Hornsea 2, located approximately 89 km off the
Yorkshire coast in the North Sea, adjacent to Hornsea 1, is currently the largest offshore
wind farm and is capable of generating 1.32 GW of clean electricity when fully
operational in 2022. Meanwhile, the countries that uses wind power technology the
most are China, which has the capacity totaling just over 288 GW at the end of 2020,
and US, which has around 122 GW of installed wind capacity. They are followed by

1
Name: Laguiab, Jamil Mansor M.
Yr/Crs/Sec: 4BSABE-A Date: May 17, 2022

Germany, which have 62.85 GW capacity, India of 38.63 GW capacity, and Spain that
have 27.24 GW capacity. And at least 83 countries use wind energy commercially. This
shows that many parts of the world has already adapted wind power technology.
Philippines have also slowly improved the state of its wind power technology, albeit
moderately impacted in the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Since 2013, the Philippines'
wind energy capacity has increased fourfold. Wind energy capacity in the country
increased from 33 megawatts to 443 megawatts in 2021. This figure had remained
constant for the previous three years. We hope that wind power technology and other
renewable energy technologies will continuously improve so that we can have a more
affordable electricity and a cleaner planet.

Theory of calculation of wind power

The equation for wind power (P) is given by:

P = 0.5 x ρ x A x Cp x V 3 x Ng x Nb

Where: ρ = air density in kg /m3, A = rotor swept area in m2, Cp = coefficient of

performance, V = wind velocity in m/s, Ng = generator efficiency, Nb = gear box bearing
efficiency.

Components of Wind Turbine and its functions

Nacelle

The nacelle houses the wind turbine's main components, such as the gearbox
and the electrical generator. Service personnel can enter the nacelle through the
turbine's tower. The wind turbine rotor, which includes the rotor blades and hub, is
located to the left of the nacelle.

Rotor Blades

The primary function of rotor blades in the wind turbine is they must convert the
kinetic energy of the wind into rotational mechanical energy. They must generate
optimal aerodynamic forces to drive the rotor in order to accomplish this. The
mechanical loads must also be transferred to the blade root, hub, and tower. As a
result, the rotor blades must be both light and aerodynamically efficient. Additionally,
they must provide sufficient strength and stiffness to meet current design guidelines.

Rotor Hub

The rotor hub is the part of the wind turbine that holds the blades and connects
them to the main shaft. It's important not only because it keeps the blades in place for
maximum aerodynamic efficiency, but also because it rotates to power the generator.

2
Name: Laguiab, Jamil Mansor M.
Yr/Crs/Sec: 4BSABE-A Date: May 17, 2022

Gearbox

Normally, the rotor rotates at a slower speed. The gearbox, which is located
between the rotor and the generator, converts the blades' slow rotation into a faster
rotation suitable for driving an electrical generator. On average, while the rotor turns at a
20 rpm speed, the generator requires 1000 rpm to generate electricity.

Yaw System

The yaw system, which rotates the nacelle around the tower axis, can help by
doing the following: increasing energy capture by steadily pointing the rotor swept area
towards the incoming wind direction and thus maximizing the wind turbine's overall
power input.

Pitch System

The pitch system controls the rotor speed by adjusting the angle of the blades in
relation to the wind. The pitch system controls how much energy a turbine's blades can
extract by adjusting the angle of the blades.

Low Speed Shaft

The low-speed shaft, which is the turbine's main shaft, performs critical functions.
The Gear Box, which is one of the main wind turbine parts, supports the rotor (hub and
blades) and drives the high-speed shaft connected to it. The low-speed shaft drives the
generator by transmitting the rotor's rotary motion and torque momentum to the high-
speed shaft via the Gear Box.

Main Shaft Bearing

The main bearing, which is part of the turbine's drivetrain, supports the rotating
low-speed shaft and reduces friction between moving parts, preventing the shaft from
being damaged by rotor forces.

High-Speed Shaft

The high-speed shaft connects to the gearbox and drives the generator as part of
the turbine's drivetrain.

Generator

The wind turbine generator converts the rotor blades' rotational mechanical
power into electrical energy. The wind blows directly against the turbine blades,
converting the wind's linear motion into the rotary motion required to spin the generator
rotor and generate electricity using an electromagnetic field.

3
Name: Laguiab, Jamil Mansor M.
Yr/Crs/Sec: 4BSABE-A Date: May 17, 2022

Controller

A controller, which is one of the most important wind turbine components, is used
to optimize the functionality of a wind turbine. The controller boosts power output while
limiting loads on structural components. The control system is made up of several
computers that constantly monitor the condition of the wind turbine and collect data from
the sensors. The controller continuously optimizes energy production based on
continuous wind direction and speed measurements. It starts up the machine at 8 to 16
miles per hour (mph) and shuts it down at 55 mph. Turbines cannot operate at wind
speeds greater than 55 mph because the turbines may be damaged.

Breaking System

To avoid mechanical or electrical damage, this system automatically stops the

rotor when its rotational speed exceeds the cut-out point. The aerodynamic braking
system is the primary braking system for most modern wind turbines, and it stops the
turbine in just a few rotations. Furthermore, the aerodynamic braking system provides a
gentle way of breaking the turbine without causing significant stress, tear, or wear to the
tower or machinery.

Wind Vane

The wind vane detects wind direction and communicates with the yaw drive in
order to properly orient the turbine in relation to the wind.

Anemometer

The anemometer detects wind speed and sends the information to the controller.

Power Cable

Transmits the electrical energy produced by generator into transformer.

Wind Turbine Transformer

This acts as a link between wind turbine and distribution grid. It steps up the low
output voltage from the generator to higher distribution voltage level.

Wind Turbine Tower

To capture wind energy, wind turbines are mounted on a tower. The turbine's
main body is located on top of the tower, behind the blades. The Nacelle and Rotor are
supported by the tower of a wind turbine (the hub with three attached blades). Because
wind speed increases farther away from the ground and wind blows more steadily at a

4
Name: Laguiab, Jamil Mansor M.
Yr/Crs/Sec: 4BSABE-A Date: May 17, 2022

higher atmosphere, taller towers allow wind turbines to capture more energy and
generate more electricity.
Sample design of wind turbine with calculations

Calculating the wind speed of an area

In flat terrain and with a neutrally stratisfied atmosphere, the logarithic wond profile is a
good estimation for the vertical wind shear:

The reference wind speed v1 is measured at height h1, v2 is the wind speed at height
h2, z0 is the roughness length (see table above).

5
Name: Laguiab, Jamil Mansor M.
Yr/Crs/Sec: 4BSABE-A Date: May 17, 2022

Determining the blade design of wind turbine

Table above shows rotor designs with their parameters

Tip Speed Ratio

All other optimum rotor dimensions are calculated around the tip speed ratio, which is
defined as the relationship between rotor blade velocity and relative wind velocity:

The following equation can be used to calculate the blade tip speed from the turbine's
rotational speed and the length of the blades used in the turbine:

6
Name: Laguiab, Jamil Mansor M.
Yr/Crs/Sec: 4BSABE-A Date: May 17, 2022

Tip Speed Ratio Low High

Value Tip speeds of one to two Tips speed higher than 10
are considered low are considered high
Utilization Traditional wind mills and Mainly single or two bladed
water pumps prototypes
Torque Increases Decreases
Efficiency Decreases significantly Insignificant increases
below five due to rotational after eight
wake created by high
torque
Centrifugal stress Decreases increases as a square of
rotational velocity
Aerodynamic stress Decreases Increases proportionally
with rotational velocity
Area of solidity Increases, multiple 20+ Decreases significantly
blades required
Blade profile Large Significantly narrow
Aerodynamics Simple Critical
Noise Increases to the 6th power approximately
Table above shows tip speed ratio design considerations

Blade Plan Shape and Quantity

Formula for optimum chord length of the rotor blades:

7
Name: Laguiab, Jamil Mansor M.
Yr/Crs/Sec: 4BSABE-A Date: May 17, 2022

Figure above shows typical blade plan and region classification

Figure above shows optimal blade shape for alternate design tip speed ratios and
number of blades

Hypothetical parameters for a sample wind turbine

Type Variable speed direct-drive wind turbine
Wind speed 12 m/s
Rotor blade length 30 m
Generator type Doubly fed induction generator
Generator efficiency 95 %
Orientation HAWT
Cp 50% (peak efficiency of 3 blades)
Air density 1.23 kg/m^3

8
Name: Laguiab, Jamil Mansor M.
Yr/Crs/Sec: 4BSABE-A Date: May 17, 2022

Calculate the swept area of the wind turbine

A = πr^2
A=π(30^2)
A=2827.433388
Calculate the power converted from the wind into rotational energy in the turbine using
the equation below:
P = 0.5 x ρ x A x Cp x V 3 x Ng x Nb

As the Variable speed direct-drive wind turbine doesn’t use gearbox, we can remove Nb
from the equation.
P = 0.5 x ρ x A x Cp x V 3 x Ng
P = 0.5 x (1.23) x (2827.433388) (0.50) x (12^3) (0.95)
P = 1427265.755 W or 1.43 MW

9
Name: Laguiab, Jamil Mansor M.
Yr/Crs/Sec: 4BSABE-A Date: May 17, 2022

Summary

Wind power is one of the alternative sources of energy we already utilizes for
power generation. This renewable energy is considered sustainable as it doesn’t
produce emissions that can pollute the environment (with rare exceptions), free, and is
virtually unlimited. To harness this energy, we utilized turbine. Turbine comes with
different kinds of design. This can be either vertical or horizontal. Wind turbines have
many components that fulfills different roles to contribute in harnessing wind power to
produce electricity. The most prominent and well-known components are rotor blades,
which converts kinetic energy of the wind to rotational energy, the turbine generator,
which then convert that rotational energy to electrical energy, and the nacelle that
houses other components including the generator and can be also entered by workers
when the wind speed is not on the danger level such as 53 mph. Designing wind
turbines also requires various considerations and careful calculations so that it can be
safe and produce a satisfactory amount of energy when built.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Planning to build a wind turbine requires deep understanding of the site and the
designing of various components of wind turbine. Different site conditions have their
own equivalent values when computing wind speed. This wind speed calculation have a
large effect on deciding the hub height. This can also affect the design of the rotor
blades and whether gearbox is necessary for the construction. Gearbox is used to
increase rotational speed from low speed rotor to a higher speed electrical generator.
That is why when the wind speed is satisfactory, it is not necessary to install gearbox.

It is recommended to install gearbox to wind turbine in an area that has a

relatively slow wind speed. But when the area has a higher wind speed, gearbox is not
necessary as it can be costly in maintenance and replacement. That makes the best
place for wind farms are coastal areas, top of rounded hills, open plains, and gaps in
mountains, as these places have strong and reliable wind.

10
Name: Laguiab, Jamil Mansor M.
Yr/Crs/Sec: 4BSABE-A Date: May 17, 2022

References

Clark, R. N. (2013, September 20). Wind turbine components and descriptions:

Essential components to have a productive, reliable, and safe wind machine.
Small Wind. Retrieved May 17, 2022, from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123859990000035

Farmer, J. U. and M., GlobalData, Unwin, J., Matt Farmer Matt is a staff writer covering
global energy generation, Farmer, M., Matt is a staff writer covering global energy
generation, More from this author See All Jack Unwin Using cocoa husks to create
power in Ghana , More from this author See All, Jack Unwin Using cocoa husks to
create power in Ghana Jack Unwin Glennmont Clean Energy Fund I, Jack Unwin
Using cocoa husks to create power in Ghana, Using cocoa husks to create power
in Ghana, Jack Unwin Glennmont Clean Energy Fund III raises €850m for green
energy, Glennmont Clean Energy Fund III raises €850m for green energy, Jack
Unwin Solar power in South Africa: A look at the country's solar plants, Solar
power in South Africa: A look at the country's solar plants, GlobalData Report
Greece Power Market Size and Trends by Installed Capacity, Report, G. D.,
Greece Power Market Size and Trends by Installed Capacity, GlobalData Report
France Power Market Size and Trends by Installed Capacity, … Norway Power
Market Size and Trends by Installed Capacity. (2022, April 1). The top 10
countries with the largest wind energy capacity in 2021. Power Technology.
Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://www.power-technology.com/analysis/wind-
energy-by-country/

How a wind turbine works - text version. Energy.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved May 17, 2022,
from https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/how-wind-turbine-works-text-version

LuvSide. (2020, March 20). What is horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT)? LuvSide.
Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://www.luvside.de/en/what-are-horizontal-axis-
wind-turbines-hawt/

METEOTEST, christoph.schilter@meteotest.ch. (n.d.). Die website Für Windenergie-

Daten der Schweiz. Windenergie-Daten der Schweiz. Retrieved May 17, 2022,
from https://wind-data.ch/tools/profile.php?
h=60&v=12&z0=0.0002&abfrage=Refresh

Philippine Wind Energy Market Growth, trends: 2022 - 27. Philippine Wind Energy
Market Growth, Trends | 2022 - 27. (n.d.). Retrieved May 17, 2022, from
https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/philippines-wind-energy-
market

The world's Biggest Offshore Wind Farm, Hornsea 2, generates first power. Renewable
Energy Solutions to Fight Climate Change. (n.d.). Retrieved May 17, 2022, from
https://orsted.com/en/media/newsroom/news/2021/12/20211220460511

11
Name: Laguiab, Jamil Mansor M.
Yr/Crs/Sec: 4BSABE-A Date: May 17, 2022

Top Five countries with the most wind energy capacity in 2020. NS Energy. (2021,
March 30). Retrieved May 17, 2022, from
https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/features/top-countries-wind-energy-capacity/#

Sarkar, A., & Behera, D. K. (2012, February). Wind Turbine Blade Efficiency and Power
Calculation with Electrical Analogy. Retrieved May 17, 2022, from
http://www.ijsrp.org/research_paper_feb2012/ijsrp-feb-2012-06.pdf

Schubel, P. J., & Crossley, R. J. (2012, September 6). Wind Turbine Blade Design.
MDPI. Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/5/9/3425

Statista Research Department, & 21, A. (2022, April 21). Philippines: Wind Energy
Capacity 2021. Statista. Retrieved May 17, 2022, from
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1006130/philippines-total-wind-energy-
capacity/#:~:text=The%20Philippines'%20wind%20energy%20capacity,over
%20the%20past%20three%20years.

Wind Turbine Components. (n.d.). Retrieved May 17, 2022, from http://xn--drmstrre-
64ad.dk/wp-content/wind/miller/windpower%20web/en/tour/wtrb/comp/index.htm

Wind turbine parts and functions - how does a wind turbine work? Tech. (2022, April
19). Retrieved May 17, 2022, from https://www.the-tech-addict.com/how-does-a-
wind-turbine-work/

12