Running head: WIND POWER PLANT 1

Wind Power Plant

Name

Institutional Affiliation
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Stage 1: Problem definition and requirements

The world is leaning towards cleaner energy and as a result, more countries are adopting

renewable energy sources that have fewer carbon prints. Wind energy is one of the better

alternatives because it consumes no fuel and no air pollution results from its generation. The

energy that is used to put up the wind farm is almost equivalent to the amount of energy that will

be generated once it is up and running. Therefore, the use of wind energy is not only

environmentally-friendly, it is cost-effective in the long run.

Research and requirements

One of the greatest requirements of a wind farm is land. A large acreage is necessary to

put a farm that also minimizes human activity interference. Secondly, infrastructure such as a

good road and power grid are essential to running a successful farm. Most wind farms require

areas in which the wind speed is about 16km/h or greater. Therefore, an ideal location is that

which has an uninterrupted supply of non-turbulent wind throughout the year. Secondly, the

likelihood of sudden bursts of powerful wind should be considered because it would affect the

output of the farm. Lastly, it is important to consider the local demand for energy in the area in

which one wants to set up a farm. In addition to this, the transmission capacity of the farm will

determine its output. The sole aim of the farm is to maximize energy generation while

minimizing on operational costs. It is also important to set up a farm that is environmentally-

friendly.

The location that is picked has to be screened based on a wind atlas. This is usually

accompanied by wind measurements provided by meteorological departments. Collection of

specific data for the power project such as wind speed and direction, is important in determining
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the potential site. Local winds are monitored for a period of one year or more which then leads to

the construction of maps. Lastly, based on the data collection, wind generators are installed.

Factors that affect the success of a wind farm include: visual influence, noise loads and

optimization of energy production.

Stage 2: Design

The design process begins once a location has been identified. Secondly, the design and

size of the turbines must be put into consideration when establishing the farm. The first design

phase begins with the model of the turbine. The model of the turbine is dependent on the needs

of the local people as well as the capital available for the business. The suppliers of the turbines

are identified and the one that offers the best design at a good price is selected. A generic turbine

design is selected, one that has a wide rotor diameter and a range of hub heights. The wind farm

is then designed virtually using wind farm design tools. A model is set up to design the layout of

the wind farm. The layout includes; the location of the farm, number of turbines, direction of

turbines, access to generators and roads to the farm. The model is also used to predict the

estimated energy production as well as address any environmental issues that may arise. The

advantage of using this tool (WFDT) is that it gives the designer a number of permutations to

work with that include: size of the farm, height hub as well as financial models. Financial models

are important in directly calculating the total cost of setting up and operating the farm.

The other aspect of the design includes civil works such as the construction of drainage, mast

foundations, houses that will hold the electrical switch gears and roads. Electrical work includes

the establishment of points of connection. This entails the formation of radial feeder circuits that

are connected to strings of wind turbines. The switchgears are important for the protection of
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feeder circuits so that they can disconnect during power surges. Transformers are also set up for

individual turbine to fuel their rotation.

Constraints

Economic

The production of energy is a costly affair and requires intensive capital investment. Civil

works eat up a lot of money as well as the purchase of turbines. Other costs arise due to poor

understanding of the conditions of the land and forecasted overrun costs. Weather conditions will

increase costs as mitigation efforts have to be put in place to access the farm.

Social and political

Also, the process of setting up farms is often bureaucratic as many standards and

regulations must be met. Sometimes, powerful political figures have vested interests in energy

boards and pieces of land that makes their acquisition arduous. On the social front, many people

are affected by the noise that is produced by the turbines. It has been reported that people

complain of sleep disturbance and buzzing noises which are associated with memory problems.

Environmental

Ecological concerns arise especially the potential land is an ecosystem for protected

species. Therefore, the establishment of a farm may present significant concerns. Other issues

include aviation navigation challenges that are presented by tall and moving structures on low

flight paths. They may also present interference on radar screens due to the rotation of blades

that emit energy. Noise caused by the turning of the blades and the generator cause a disturbance

to those who live around.

Ethical

Ethical issues arise when trees are cut down to create room for wind farms and roads.

This contradicts the purpose of setting up an environmentally-conscious source of energy as it

involves the destruction of the environment to produce renewable energy.

References
Gasch, R., & Twele, J. (2012). Wind power plants : fundamentals, design, construction and

operation. Berlin: Springer.

Le Gouriérès, D. (1982). Wind power plants : theory and design. New York: Pergamon Press.

Tong, W. (2010). Wind power generation and wind turbine design. Southhampton: WIT Press.