Wind Energy

1. Explain the difference between wind turbine and wind mill.

2. What is wind energy? What cause wind to blow?

Wind is air in motion. Wind energy or wind power is the use of wind to provide the mechanical power
through wind turbines to operate electric generators. Wind energy is a form of solar energy. It is also
a sustainable and renewable energy.
Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the sun, variations in the earth’s surface
and rotation of the earth. Mountains, bodies of water and vegetation influence wind flow patterns.
Wind speed vary based on geography, topography and season. Winds generally blow from high-
pressure areas to low-pressure areas.

3. List the various types of vertical wind turbine.

Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are a type of wind turbine where the main rotor shaft is set
vertically. VAWTs have blades that rotate around a vertical axis, resembling more of a giant egg beater
or helix.
Types of VAWTs:
1. Darrieus Wind Turbine:
Design: The Darrieus turbine features a vertical axis with multiple airfoil-shaped blades arranged in a
helical or eggbeater configuration around the central shaft. The blades are typically slender and
curved, resembling the shape of an airplane wing. This design allows the turbine to capture wind
energy from any direction, making it suitable for sites with variable wind patterns.
Operation: Darrieus turbines rely on aerodynamic lift to generate rotation as the wind flows over the
curved blades. The difference in air pressure between the concave and convex sides of the blades
creates lift, causing the rotor to spin. This lift force is typically greater on the advancing blade than on
the retreating blade, resulting in torque that drives the turbine.
Advantages:
• Suitable for a wide range of wind speeds and directions.
• Can be more efficient than Savonius turbines in certain conditions.
• Potential for higher tip speeds, which can increase power generation.
Disadvantages:
• Requires external mechanisms for starting and stopping.
• Susceptible to dynamic stall and vibration issues.
• Generally less self-starting than Savonius turbines.
2. Savonius Wind Turbine:
Design: The Savonius turbine is characterized by its simple, cylindrical design with two or more curved
blades. Unlike the Darrieus turbine, the Savonius rotor does not require a precise airfoil shape. The
blades are often shaped like cups or scoops, resembling the appearance of a vertical-axis waterwheel.
Operation: Savonius turbines utilize drag-based principles to harness wind energy. As the wind flows
past the curved blades, it creates a pressure difference between the wind-facing and leeward sides,
causing the turbine to rotate. This rotation is driven by the difference in wind drag experienced by the
concave and convex surfaces of the blades.
Advantages:

• Self-starting capabilities, even at low wind speeds.

• Simple construction with fewer moving parts, leading to lower maintenance requirements.
• Can operate efficiently in turbulent or gusty winds.
Disadvantages:
• Generally lower efficiency compared to Darrieus turbines, especially at higher wind speeds.
• Limited to a smaller range of wind speeds.
• Less suitable for sites with highly variable wind directions.

4. List the various types of horizontal wind turbine.

A Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) is a type of wind turbine where the main rotor shaft and
electrical generator are oriented horizontally, parallel to the ground. Horizontal axis wind turbines
(HAWTs) typically come in two main designs: the upwind and downwind configurations. However,
within these designs, there can be variations and subtypes based on factors like blade shape, number
of blades, and the orientation of the turbine axis. Some common subtypes of HAWTs include:
I. Upwind HAWTs:
• Two-Bladed HAWTs: These turbines have two blades and are often simpler and lighter
compared to their three-bladed counterparts. They may have a lower start-up speed but
can be cost-effective.
• Three-Bladed HAWTs: This is the most common design for modern wind turbines. Three
blades are mounted upwind of the tower, facing into the wind.
II. Downwind HAWTs:
• Two-Bladed Downwind HAWTs: Similar to upwind two-bladed turbines, these have two
blades but are designed to rotate downwind of the tower. They often feature teetering
hubs to accommodate wind gusts.
 • Three-Bladed Downwind HAWTs: Less common than their upwind counterparts, these
turbines have three blades and rotate downwind of the tower. They may feature passive
yaw systems to align with the wind.
III. Variable-Speed vs. Fixed-Speed HAWTs:
• Variable-Speed HAWTs: These turbines adjust their rotor speed to optimize energy capture
across a range of wind speeds. They typically use power electronics such as inverters to
convert variable-frequency AC power into grid-compatible AC power.
• Fixed-Speed HAWTs: These turbines operate at a constant rotor speed regardless of wind
conditions. They often use induction generators, which produce a fixed-frequency AC
output.

5. Differentiate between horizontal axis and vertical axis of wind turbine

in terms of their working principle, advantages and disadvantages and
their area of application.

1. Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT):

Working Principle: HAWTs have blades that rotate around a horizontal axis. The wind hits the
blades, causing them to spin, which then drives a generator to produce electricity.
Advantages:

• Efficiency: HAWTs are generally more efficient at converting wind energy into
electricity compared to VAWTs.
• Scalability: They can be scaled up to very large sizes, making them suitable for utility-
scale applications.
• Established Technology: HAWTs have been in use for decades and their design and
operation are well understood.
• Higher hub heights: They can be mounted on taller towers, accessing stronger and
more consistent wind resources at higher altitudes.
Disadvantages:
• Wind Direction: HAWTs require a mechanism to turn to face the wind, either by a tail
or a yaw mechanism, which adds complexity and maintenance.
• Noise: Large HAWTs can produce noise, which may be a concern in residential areas.
• Visual Impact: Some people find large HAWTs visually intrusive, especially in scenic
areas.
• Bird and Bat Mortality: There have been concerns about the impact of HAWTs on bird
and bat populations, particularly with larger installations.
Area of Application:
HAWTs are commonly used in utility-scale wind farms, where large amounts of electricity need
to be generated. They are also suitable for offshore installations due to their ability to
withstand harsh marine conditions.
2. Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT):
Working Principle: VAWTs have blades that rotate around a vertical axis. The wind pushes
against the blades, causing them to rotate and generate electricity.
 Advantages:
• Omnidirectional: VAWTs can capture wind from any direction without needing to
adjust their orientation, making them suitable for areas with variable wind patterns.
• Lower Wind Speed Requirement: VAWTs can start generating electricity at lower wind
speeds compared to HAWTs.
• Lower Maintenance: They typically have fewer moving parts compared to HAWTs,
leading to potentially lower maintenance requirements.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Some argue that VAWTs have a more aesthetically pleasing
appearance compared to HAWTs.
Disadvantages:
• Lower Efficiency: VAWTs generally have lower efficiency compared to HAWTs,
especially at higher wind speeds.
• Structural Challenges: VAWTs may face structural challenges due to their asymmetric
design, which can lead to increased stress on the support structure.
• Limited Scalability: Scaling up VAWTs to utility-scale applications can be challenging
due to structural and engineering constraints.
• Noise and Vibration: VAWTs can produce noise and vibration during operation, which
may be a concern in residential or sensitive environments.
Area of Application:
VAWTs are often used in small-scale applications such as residential, commercial, or remote
power generation where space is limited, and where aesthetic considerations may be
important. They can also be used in urban environments where wind direction is variable and
complex. However, they are less commonly used in large-scale utility applications compared
to HAWTs.

6. Explain the cause issues related to WEC (Wind Energy Conservation).

1. Environmental Impact: Wind energy can still have negative effects on the environment,
including habitat destruction, disturbance to wildlife, noise pollution, and visual impacts on
landscapes.
2. Intermittency and Grid Integration: Wind energy's variability makes it challenging for grid
operators to maintain a stable electricity supply, requiring backup power or energy storage
solutions.
3. Land Use Conflicts: Wind farms require significant land area, leading to conflicts with other
land uses like agriculture and urban development, particularly in densely populated or
environmentally sensitive areas.
4. Technological Limitations: Despite advancements, challenges such as variability in wind
speeds, maintenance requirements, and infrastructure upgrades persist.
5. Economic Considerations: While wind energy offers economic benefits like job creation and
energy cost savings, challenges include high upfront costs, infrastructure investments, and
potential impacts on local economies.
6. Regulatory and Permitting Challenges: Wind energy projects face complex regulatory
processes and permitting requirements, leading to uncertainty and delays that increase
project costs.
7. Social Acceptance: Public acceptance of wind energy projects varies due to concerns like visual
impacts, noise, and property values. Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
are crucial for gaining support.
7. Explain the various parts of wind power generation.

1. Wind Turbines: Wind turbines are the most recognizable part of a wind power generation
system. They consist of large blades mounted on a rotor, which is connected to a generator.
When the wind blows, it causes the blades to rotate, turning the rotor and generating
electricity.
2. Blades: The blades of a wind turbine are designed to capture the kinetic energy of the wind.
They are usually made of lightweight yet durable materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber. The
shape and angle of the blades are carefully designed to maximize efficiency by capturing as
much wind energy as possible.
3. Rotor: The rotor is the part of the wind turbine that spins when the wind blows. It is connected
to the blades and rotates as they turn. The rotational motion of the rotor is what drives the
generator to produce electricity.
4. Generator: The generator is responsible for converting the mechanical energy from the
spinning rotor into electrical energy. Most wind turbines use electromagnetic generators,
which produce electricity through the interaction of magnets and coils of wire. As the rotor
turns, it creates a magnetic field that induces an electric current in the wire coils, generating
electricity.
5. Tower: Wind turbines are mounted on tall towers to elevate them above ground level where
wind speeds are typically higher and more consistent. The tower also provides support for the
rotor and blades. Wind turbine towers can vary in height depending on the location and the
size of the turbine, with taller towers being used in areas with lower wind speeds to capture
more energy.
6. Nacelle: The nacelle is the housing at the top of the tower that contains the rotor, generator,
gearbox, and other components of the wind turbine. It is designed to protect these critical
parts from the elements while allowing them to operate efficiently. The nacelle also often
contains sensors and control systems that monitor wind conditions and adjust the turbine's
operation for optimal performance.
7. Yaw System: The yaw system allows the wind turbine to turn and face into the wind to
maximize energy capture. It consists of sensors and motors that can rotate the entire turbine
to align it with the direction of the wind. This ensures that the blades are always facing into
the wind for maximum efficiency.
8. Power Electronics and Controls: Modern wind turbines are equipped with sophisticated
power electronics and control systems that regulate the generation and transmission of
electricity. These systems monitor various parameters such as wind speed, rotor speed, and
electrical output, and adjust the turbine's operation accordingly to optimize performance and
ensure safe operation.

8. Discuss the present scenario of wind energy harnessing worldwide.

Global Growth: Wind energy is experiencing significant expansion worldwide, driven by

advancements in technology and supportive policies from governments around the globe.
Offshore Wind: The development of offshore wind projects is gaining traction due to factors
such as higher wind speeds and reduced visual impact compared to onshore wind farms.
Cost Reduction: The cost of wind energy has been steadily decreasing, making it increasingly
competitive with traditional fossil fuel sources. This decline is attributed to improvements in
technology, economies of scale, and streamlined installation processes.
Challenges: Despite its growth, wind energy faces challenges such as intermittency (variations
in wind speed), which can affect energy production reliability, and grid integration issues, as
wind power needs to be seamlessly integrated into existing electricity grids.
 Technological Innovations: Ongoing research and development efforts are focused on
improving turbine efficiency, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing grid integration
capabilities. Innovations include larger rotor diameters, taller towers, and smart grid
technologies.
Opportunities: Despite challenges, wind energy presents opportunities for sustainable energy
generation, job creation, and economic growth. Additionally, innovations in energy storage,
grid flexibility, and predictive analytics offer solutions to overcome existing challenges.
Environmental Impact: Wind energy is generally considered environmentally friendly,
producing no greenhouse gas emissions during operation. However, concerns regarding
potential impacts on wildlife and visual aesthetics exist and must be addressed through careful
siting and mitigation measures.
Economic Benefits: Wind energy deployment creates jobs in manufacturing, construction, and
maintenance sectors, stimulating local economies. Moreover, landowners hosting wind
turbines receive stable revenue streams through lease agreements, contributing to rural
development.
Global Distribution: While some regions have more favorable wind resources, technological
advancements are expanding the geographic scope of viable wind energy projects, allowing
for deployment in areas with lower wind speeds or complex terrain.
Energy Transition: Wind energy plays a crucial role in the transition towards a low-carbon
energy system, helping to mitigate climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

9. Explain Betz limit.

The Betz limit is the theoretical maximum efficiency for a wind turbine, conjectured by German
physicist Albert Betz in 19919. Betz concluded that this value is 59.3%, meaning that atmost 59.3% of
the kinetic energy from wind can be used to spin the turbine and generate electricity. In reality,
turbines cannot reach the Betz limit and common efficiencies are in the 35-45% range. Id a wind
turbine was 100% efficient, then all of the wind would have to stop completely upon contact with the
turbine which is practically not possible.

10.VAWTs & HAWTs Design