What is Biomass

Biomass is the biological material that is derived from living organisms. It can be defined as the total mass of
organisms in a given area or volume. This term is applicable to both plant and animal-derived material. Biomass
is considered as a source of fuel derived from organic materials. It is a renewable and sustainable source of
energy. Biomass can be used to produce electricity or other forms of energy.
Some sources of biomass are wood and waste derived from wood, forest debris, animal manure, agricultural
crops, and waste, etc. The largest component of biomass comes from wood. Biomass includes plant and animal
matter that can be converted into important chemicals, including biofuels. Biomass may include all biological
materials of living organisms. For example, sugarcane is the biomass used for the production of bioethanol. Biomass can
be converted into other types of energy. This conversion can be done by burning. For example, burning wood gives
energy in the form of heat and light. Biomass can also be decomposed in order to form biogas. This decomposition can
occur as a natural process or an industrial process using digesters. Moreover, biomass can be converted into biodiesel,
bioethanol, etc. through fermentation. For this process to occur, vegetable fat and animal fat is used as a raw material.

What is Biogas
Biogas is a mixture of gases that is produced from organic matter. This can happen in two ways: natural
processes and industrial processes. It is a type of biofuel. Naturally, it is produced by the decomposition of
organic matter. In industries, it is produced using digesters. The sources of organic matter that is useful for the
production of biogas include animal manure, sludge, waste, food scraps, etc.
The breakdown of this organic matter in anaerobic conditions will produce biogas. An anaerobic environment is
a surrounding which has no molecular oxygen present. This anaerobic digestion releases a mixture of gases.
Biogas is produced from anaerobic digestion done by anaerobic microorganisms. It is the natural process of
producing biogas.
Biogas is a flammable gas. Therefore, it is combustible. It forms a blue flame when combusted. This is a good
source of energy. The major components of biogas include methane and carbon dioxide. Biogas can be named
according to the place where it is produced.
Biogas is used as a fuel and is a biofuel. Biogas can be produced from different types of organic matter.
Therefore, it can be used to treat municipal wastewater, industrial wastewater, etc. Biogas can be used in several
ways including the production of gas, electricity, heat, and transportation fuels.
Similarities Between Biomass and Biogas
 Biomass and biogas are biofuels.
 They are sources of energy.
 Both of them are renewable fuels
Biomass Biogas
Biomass is a raw material Biogas is the end product
It is burnt in the presence of oxygen It is produced in the absence of oxygen
Biomass is the biological matter that It is a mixture of gases produced from organic matter
is derived from living organisms
It is in the solid state It is in the gaseous state
Sources of biomass are living Sources of biogas are organic matter
organisms that died recently
Biomass production can be
Biogas production can be continuous.
seasonal.
It is composed of biological matter It is mainly composed of methane and carbon dioxide
Biomass production requires cutting
of trees or cultivating dedicated Biogas production does not need any cultivation.
energy crops.
The calorific value is low The calorific value is high
 what is a community biogas plant explain the problems encountered in it
A community biogas plant is a facility that generates biogas from organic waste, typically in a
collaborative or communal setting. Biogas is a renewable energy source produced through the
anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as agricultural residues, food waste, and manure. The
process involves the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen,
leading to the production of methane-rich biogas.

In a community biogas plant, multiple individuals or entities contribute their organic waste to a
centralized facility. This collaborative approach helps optimize the utilization of resources and
enhances the efficiency of biogas production. The organic materials are mixed in a controlled
environment, and through the anaerobic digestion process, biogas is generated. The biogas
produced can be used for various purposes, including electricity generation, heating, and cooking.

Community biogas plants offer several advantages, such as:

1. Waste Management: Effectively manages organic waste and reduces its environmental impact by
converting it into valuable energy.
2. Energy Generation: Produces renewable energy in the form of biogas, which can be used to
generate electricity or provide heat for local communities.
3. Community Involvement: Encourages community participation and cooperation by involving
multiple stakeholders in waste disposal and energy generation.
4. Environmental Benefits: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by capturing and utilizing methane, a
potent greenhouse gas that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere during the
decomposition of organic waste.
5. Local Resource Utilization: Maximizes the use of locally available organic materials for energy
production, contributing to sustainability and reducing reliance on external energy sources.
6. Fertilizer Production: The byproduct of the anaerobic digestion process is nutrient-rich slurry or
digestate, which can be used as a fertilizer, improving soil fertility.

Community biogas plants can be especially beneficial in areas with high agricultural activity, where
there is a significant amount of organic waste available. They promote sustainable practices, energy
independence, and environmental stewardship at the community level.
While community biogas plants offer numerous benefits, there can be challenges and problems
encountered in their implementation and operation. Some common issues include:

1. Feedstock Availability and Quality:

 Inconsistent or insufficient feedstock (organic waste) can affect the biogas production rate.
 Contamination of feedstock with non-biodegradable materials or substances that inhibit the
anaerobic digestion process can lead to reduced efficiency.
2. Technical Challenges:
 Maintenance and operational issues in the biogas plant equipment can result in downtime and
decreased performance.
 The need for skilled technicians to operate and maintain the biogas plant can be a challenge in
some communities.
3. Financial Constraints:
 High initial investment costs may be a barrier, particularly for smaller communities or
developing regions.
  Ongoing operational costs, maintenance, and repairs can strain the financial resources of the
community.
4. Community Engagement:
 Lack of community awareness and engagement may lead to inadequate waste segregation and
collection, affecting the quality of feedstock.
 Resistance or skepticism from community members towards adopting new technologies or
changing waste management practices can impede project success.
5. Policy and Regulatory Challenges:
 Inconsistent or unclear policies and regulations related to biogas production and waste
management can hinder project development.
 Challenges in obtaining necessary permits and navigating bureaucratic processes may delay or
complicate implementation.
6. Scale and Efficiency:
 Achieving the optimal scale for a community biogas plant is crucial. Too small a scale may not
be economically viable, while too large a scale may face difficulties in feedstock collection and
logistics.
 Efficiency issues in the anaerobic digestion process, such as incomplete digestion or low biogas
yield, can affect the overall performance.
7. Infrastructure and Logistics:
 Challenges related to transportation and logistics for collecting and transporting organic waste
to the biogas plant may arise.
 Limited availability of suitable land for the biogas plant and associated infrastructure can be a
constraint.
8. Social and Cultural Factors:
 Social acceptance and cultural factors can play a role in the success of a community biogas
project. Cultural norms and preferences may affect the willingness of community members to
participate.

Addressing these challenges often requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving
community members, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders. Proper planning, community
engagement, and ongoing support are essential for the successful implementation and sustainability
of community biogas projects.

DISCUSS THE PROSPECTS AND STATUS OF WIND

ENERGY IN PAKISTAN
Pakistan has considerable potential for using wind energy in the coastal belt of Sindh and
Baluchistan (in southern Pakistan). The GoP has developed a wind power energy corridor
along the southern coastal regions of Sindh and Baluchistan. Wind data, provided by
Pakistan’s Meteorological Department, measures Pakistan’s coastal belt at 60km (Gharo-
Keti Bandar) and 180km long, with an exploitable potential of 50,000MW of electricity
generation through wind turbines. Currently, 36 private wind projects are operating,
producing approximately 1845MW. The Government of Pakistan renewable energy (RE)
 policy envisages generating 60 percent of the country’s energy from renewable resources
by 2030. The ambitious target provides several opportunities for the wind energy market in
Pakistan.

Status of Wind Energy in Pakistan:

1. Installed Capacity: Pakistan has been making strides in the deployment of wind energy projects. By
2022, the country had installed several wind farms, contributing significantly to its renewable energy
capacity. The Jhimpir Wind Corridor, located in the Sindh province, is one of the major areas for wind
power generation.
2. Projects and Investors: Various wind energy projects have been initiated with both local and
international investors. Companies from China, Turkey, and Europe have shown interest and invested
in wind energy projects in Pakistan. Some notable projects include the Jhimpir Power Wind Project
and the Sachal Wind Power Project.
3. Government Initiatives: The Pakistani government has been supportive of renewable energy
development, including wind power. Policies and incentives have been introduced to attract
investment in the sector. The Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) plays a key role in
promoting renewable energy sources, including wind, and facilitating project implementation.

Prospects of Wind Energy in Pakistan:

1. Abundant Wind Resources: Pakistan has vast untapped wind resources, particularly in the southern
and coastal regions. The country's geographic location makes it suitable for harnessing wind energy.
2. Energy Security: Investing in wind energy helps Pakistan diversify its energy mix, reduce dependence
on traditional fossil fuels, and enhance energy security. It can contribute to a more stable and
sustainable power supply.
3. Climate Change Mitigation: Wind energy is a clean and renewable source, contributing to Pakistan's
efforts to address climate change concerns. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental
impacts is crucial for sustainable development.
4. Job Creation: The development of wind energy projects can create employment opportunities in the
construction, maintenance, and operation of wind farms, contributing to local economic development.
5. Increasing Energy Demand: As the demand for energy continues to rise in Pakistan, incorporating
wind power into the energy mix can help meet this growing demand in an environmentally friendly
manner.

However, challenges such as grid integration, intermittency issues, and upfront investment costs need
to be addressed for sustained growth in the wind energy sector.

TYPES OF WIND TURBINES

There are two different types of wind turbines. These turbines are often used for microgeneration,
meaning that they can be installed for a home to generate electricity. Both of these types of wind
turbines have advantages and disadvantages.
 Horizontal axis wind turbines
Horizontal axis wind turbines are the most commonly used turbines due to their strength
and efficiency. The base of the towers have to be extremely strong, allowing the rotor shaft to be
installed at the top of the tower which allows the turbine to be exposed to stronger winds. With the
blades of the turbine being perpendicular to the wind, the rotation of the blades can generate
more power compared to the vertical axis wind turbine. However, the construction of this type of
turbine requires a heavy support for the tower to support the weight of the blades, gearbox
and generator as well as utilizing a sizable crane to lift the components to the top of the tower.
In a situation where the wind is blowing downwards, the turbine structure may suffer from metal
fatigue which could lead to a structural failure. This is resolved by designing the turbines with an
upwind design. Additional yaw control is needed for the horizontal axis wind turbines in order to track
the direction of the wind, to prevent damaging the turbine.
 Common Configuration: The most common configuration for large-scale wind farms.
 Advantages: Higher efficiency due to the ability to capture more wind energy, especially at
higher altitudes where wind speeds are generally faster.
 Disadvantages: The need for a yaw mechanis
Vertical axis wind turbines
Vertical axis wind turbines are less affected by frequent wind direction changes as compared to the
horizontal axis wind turbines due to the blades being rotated on the rotor shaft perpendicular to the
ground. With the blades and shaft installed in this way, the turbine does not need to rotate to
track wind direction. The shaft is mounted near ground level due to the difficulties of mounting the
shaft and its components on the tower. An advantage of being mounted at ground level is that
maintenance of the turbine is easier and can be installed at locations such as rooftops.
Disadvantages to this turbine installation is that the efficiency is lower due to air drag and the lower
wind speeds compared to the higher wind speeds encountered at higher elevations.
1.
 Common Configuration: Smaller VAWTs are often used for residential or small-scale
applications.
 Advantages: Simplicity in design, can accept wind from any direction without the need for a
yaw mechanism, and can be installed closer to the ground.
 Disadvantages: Generally lower efficiency compared to HAWTs, especially at larger scales.
They may also produce more vibrations and noise.

Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends
on factors such as the specific application, available space, wind conditions, and economic
considerations. The technology continues to evolve, with ongoing research and development aimed
at improving efficiency and reducing costs for both types of wind turbines.

WHY HORIZONTAL AXIS TURBINES ARE PREFERRED OVER VERTICAL AXIS TURBINES
Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) and vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are two main types of
wind turbines, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, horizontal-axis turbines
are generally more commonly used and preferred for several reasons:

1. Efficiency and Performance:

 HAWTs typically have higher efficiency and better overall performance compared to VAWTs.
They can capture more wind energy and convert it into electrical power.
  The design of HAWTs allows them to take advantage of the higher wind speeds available at
higher altitudes, which contributes to increased energy production.
2. Scalability:
 HAWTs are more easily scalable to larger sizes, making them suitable for both small and large
wind farms. This scalability is important for maximizing energy production in various settings.
3. Maintenance and Reliability:
 HAWTs often have fewer moving parts exposed to the elements, reducing the maintenance
requirements and increasing overall reliability. The simplicity of their design contributes to a
longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs.
4. Start-Up Characteristics:
 HAWTs typically have better start-up characteristics and can begin generating power at lower
wind speeds. This is crucial for ensuring consistent power generation across a broader range of
wind conditions.
5. Cost-Effectiveness:
 The manufacturing and installation costs for HAWTs are often lower than those for VAWTs. The
mature and well-established technology of HAWTs makes them more cost-effective, and
economies of scale further contribute to their affordability.
6. Aesthetic Considerations:
 HAWTs are often considered more visually appealing, which can be important in areas where
the aesthetic impact is a significant concern.

While HAWTs are generally preferred, it's worth noting that VAWTs have some advantages, such as
the ability to capture wind from any direction and potentially simpler manufacturing processes.
However, overcoming the efficiency and scalability challenges has made HAWTs the more prevalent
choice for large-scale wind energy projects. The choice between HAWTs and VAWTs depends on
specific project requirements, geographic considerations, and the goals of the wind energy
installation.

DIFFERENT WIND TURBINE ROTORS

As of 2012, the most common type of wind turbine is the three-bladed upwind horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT),
where the turbine rotor is at the front of the nacelle and facing the wind upstream of its supporting turbine tower. A
second major unit type is the vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT), with blades extending upwards, supported by a
rotating framework.
Due to the large growth of the wind power industry, many wind turbine designs exist, are in development, or have
been proposed. The variety of designs reflects ongoing commercial, technological, and inventive interests in
harvesting wind resources more efficiently and in greater volume.
Some unconventional designs have entered commercial use, while others have only been demonstrated or are only
theoretical concepts. Unconventional designs cover a wide gamut of innovations, including different rotor types,
basic functionalities, supporting structures and form-factor

Horizontal axis[edit]
Twin-bladed rotor[edit]
Nearly all modern wind turbines use rotors with three blades, but some use only two blades. This was the type used
at Kaiser-Wilhelm-Koog, Germany, where a large experimental two-bladed unit—the GROWIAN, or Große
Windkraftanlage (big wind turbine)—operated from 1983 to 1987. Other prototypes and wind turbine types were
manufactured by NedWind. The Eemmeerdijk Wind Park in Zeewolde, Netherlands uses only two-bladed turbines.
Wind turbines with two blades are manufactured by Windflow Technology, Mingyang Wind Power, GC China
Turbine Corp and Nordic Windpower.[1] The NASA wind turbines (1975–1996) each had 2-blade rotors, producing
the same energy at lower cost than three-blade rotor designs.
Downwind rotor[edit]
Nearly all wind turbines place the rotor in front of the nacelle when the wind is blowing (upwind design). Some
turbines place the rotor behind the nacelle (downwind design). This design has the advantage that the turbine can
be made to passively align itself with the wind, reducing cost. The main drawback is that the load on the blades
changes as they pass behind the tower, increasing fatigue loading, and potentially exciting resonances in other
turbine structures.
Ducted rotor[edit]
A research project,[2] the ducted rotor consists of a turbine inside a duct that flares at the back. They are also
referred as Diffuser-Augmented Wind Turbines (i.e. DAWT). Its main advantage is that it can operate in a wide
range of winds and generate a higher power per unit of rotor area. Another advantage is that the generator operates
at a high rotation rate, so it doesn't require a bulky gearbox, allowing the mechanical portion to be smaller and
lighter. A disadvantage is that (apart from the gearbox) it is more complicated than the unducted rotor and the duct's
weight increases tower weight. The Éolienne Bollée is an example of a DAWT.
Co-axial, multi-rotor[edit]
Two or more rotors may be mounted to a single driveshaft, with their combined co-rotation together turning the
same generator: fresh wind is brought to each rotor by sufficient spacing between rotors combined with an offset
angle (alpha) from the wind direction. Wake vorticity is recovered as the top of a wake hits the bottom of the next
rotor. Power was multiplied several times using co-axial, multiple rotors in testing conducted by inventor and
researcher Douglas Selsam in 2004. The first commercially available co-axial multi-rotor turbine is the patented
dual-rotor American Twin Superturbine from Selsam Innovations in California, with 2 propellers separated by 12
feet. It is the most powerful 7-foot-diameter (2.1 m) turbine available, due to this extra rotor. In 2015, Iowa State
University aerospace engineers Hui Hu and Anupam Sharma were optimizing designs of multi-rotor systems,
including a horizontal-axis co-axial dual-rotor model. In addition to a conventional three-blade rotor, it has a smaller
secondary three-blade rotor, covering the near-axis region usually inefficiently harvested. Preliminary results
indicated 10–20% gains, less efficient than is claimed by existing counter-rotating designs.

Vertical
Gorlov[edit]
The Gorlov helical turbine (GHT) is a modification of the Darrieus turbine design that uses helical blades/foils.[25][26]
Enclosed blades[edit]
One design uses many nylon blades to run a generator. Its permanent magnets are on the tips of the blades, while
the stator is a ring outside the blades.[27]
H-rotor[edit]
Main article: Giromill

The giromill is a vertical axis turbine that rotates one blade in one direction while another moves in the opposite
direction. Consequently, only one blade is working at a time. Its efficiency is low.[28]
Revolving Wing VAWT Wind Turbine[edit]
Revolving Wing Wind Turbines or Rotating Wing Wind Turbines are a new category of lift-type Vertical Axis Wind
Turbines (VAWT) which use 1 vertically standing, non-helical airfoil to generate 360 degree rotation around a
vertical shaft which runs through the center of the airfoil.
O-Wind turbine[edit]
A omnidirectional turbine which uses the Bernoulli principle to generate energy using wind from any direction. The
design is spherical with a number of ducts across the surface, a pressure difference causes the rotation. The design
won the James Dyson Award 2018.[29][30]

Revolving blade[edit]
Airloom is developing a turbine that uses vertical blades that move around an oval track. The system is 25 meters
tall. The system is modular: blades can be added and the track length adjusted accordingly. The vendor claimed
that the levelized cost of electricity is one-third of conventional turbines. The design is a terrestrial equivalent of an
airborne turbine whose trajectory is fixed. A system can be installed and operating within one day.[31]

WHAT IS BIOMASS USED FOR GIVE 5 EXAMPLES

The dead parts of plants and trees, and the waste material of animals are called biomass It is the
organic matter which is used as a fuel to produce energy.E.g.,wood, agricultural wastes& cow dung.
Biomass is renewable organic material that comes from plants and animals. Biomass contains stored
chemical energy from the sun that is produced by plants through photosynthesis. Biomass can be
burned directly for heat or converted to liquid and gaseous fuels through various processes

Biomass was the largest source of total annual U.S. energy consumption until the mid-1800s. In
2022, biomass accounted for nearly 5% of U.S. total primary energy consumption. Biomass is used
for heating and electricity generation and as a transportation fuel. Biomass is an important fuel in
many countries, especially for cooking and heating in developing countries.

Biomass sources for energy include:

 Wood and wood processing waste—firewood, wood pellets, and wood chips, lumber and furniture
mill sawdust and waste, and black liquor from pulp and paper mills
 Agricultural crops and waste materials—corn, soybeans, sugar cane, switchgrass, woody plants,
algae, and crop and food processing residues, mostly to produce biofuels
 Biogenic materials in municipal solid waste—paper products; cotton and wool products; and food,
yard, and wood wastes
 Animal manure and human sewage for producing biogas (renewable natural gas)

Biomass can be converted to energy in different ways

Biomass is converted to energy through various processes, including:

 Direct combustion (burning) to produce heat

 Thermochemical conversion to produce solid, gaseous, and liquid fuels
 Chemical conversion to produce liquid fuels
 Biological conversion to produce liquid and gaseous fuels
5 EXAMPLES
1. WOOD First up in our list of the different types of biomass is wood. This is the main
source of biomass that power companies use to generate electricity. It can be burnt in
order to produce steam which can then drive a turbine in order to generate power.

The use of wood to generate power is considered carbon neutral due to the fact that
growing trees absorb carbon dioxide and then release it back into the atmosphere when
burnt. Therefore, it is far more environmentally friendly than using fossil fuel sources such
as coal, oil, and gas.

2.food crops Second in our list of biomass energy examples are food crops. Many of
these are suitable for use in biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel. They are less likely
to be used for power generation. When we use food crops as biomass, they are sometimes
referred to as ‘energy crops’.
3. Animal Waste Animal waste is another source of biomass. Solid animal waste, liquid
slurry, and used bedding can all be collected and processed into biogas. Biogas is created
inside an anaerobic digester. This is a sealed chamber which removes oxygen and heats
the biomass in order to help speed up decomposition. During decomposition, methane is
released and then captured as biogas later use.
Many people across the globe use biogas as a fuel source in heating, cooking, and even
transportation. Biogas is less common in transportation than bioethanol and biodiesel due
to the fact that traditional combustion engines cannot be converted to run on it.
4. human waste Like animal waste, we can also use human waste as a type of biomass.
Whilst this is less common, some waste treatment plants are starting to make use of
human waste to produce biogas.
The process for this is very similar to animal waste and uses an anaerobic digester
(biodigester) to capture biogas.
5.Garden waste Yes, we can even use the waste from our own gardens as a source of
biomass energy. Everything from grass clippings to compost, weeds and plant stems can
be considered a type of biomass. Some farmers also grow hay fields for the purpose of
biomass.
Garden waste can be used in an anaerobic digester, just like animal waste and human
waste. This then produces biogas and can be used for cooking, heating, transportation, or
power generation.
LIST OUT VARIOUS COMPONENTS PRESENT IN WIND TURBINE
Wind Turbine Components
he principal parts of a modern wind turbine are the rotor, hub, drive train, generator, nacelle,
yaw system, tower, and power electronics.
Both the Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) and the Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT)
have similar sub-systems, except that the VAWTS do not have a yaw system, as they are not
sensitive to wind direction.
Major Subsystems
 Rotor: Blades and Hub
 Drive Train: Low-Speed Shaft (LSS), Bearings, Couplings, Gear Box, High-Speed Shaft
(HSS), Brakes
 Electrical: Generator, Power Electronics
 Control: Pitch motor and gears, Yaw motor, gears and brakes, sensors (wind and
direction)
 Support Structures: Tower, Nacelle
Rotor
 The blades and the hub together are called the rotor.
Blades
 Blades can be pitched and can have control surfaces (flaps).
 Blades can be twisted, tapered, and coned.
 Blade materials are Wood and cloth, Glass (reinforced) fiber polyester (GFP), Glass fiber
epoxy (GFE), Carbon fiber epoxy, Wood epoxy, Aluminum, Steel (heavy)
Hub
Blades attached to the Hub. Hub options (from left to right)

 Rigid Teetering
 Hinged hub Rigid/pitching
Drive Train
Drive Train consists of the Low-Speed Shaft (LSS), Bearings, Couplings, Gear Box, High-Speed
Shaft (HSS), and Brakes.
Low-Speed Shaft
 The low-speed shaft is also called the main shaft.
 Rotor RPM is low (30-60 RPM) and the torque is high.
 As the rotor size increases, the torque and moments correspondingly increase.
 The torque transmission path is identified as the “load-path”.
 The main/low-speed shaft is usually made of steel and must be able to carry very large
torque loading.
 It transfers the torque from the rotor to the rest of the drive train, while also supporting
the weight of the rotor.
 The main shaft is supported by bearings which transfer the reactionary loads to the
main frame of the turbine.
GearBox
The gearbox connects the low-speed shaft to the high-speed shaft. It increases the rotational
speeds from about 30 to 60 rotations per minute (RPM) to about 1500 to 1800 RPM, the
rotational speed required by most generators to produce electricity.
The gearbox is a costly (and heavy) part of the wind turbine. Engineers are exploring “direct-
drive” generators that operate at lower rotational speeds and do not need gearboxes.
Choices:

 Planetary or parallel Shaft bearing and location

 Number of stages Speed-up ratio
Gear System
Parallel and Planetary Gears

Coupling
 Couplings connect the shafts together and transmit torque between the two shafts.
 Couplings can be effectively used to dampen torque fluctuations in the main shaft
before power is converted to electricity.
  They are typically found between the main shaft and the gearbox, and between the
gearbox output and the generator.
Brakes
 Turbines do not operate above certain wind speeds because they might be damaged by
the high winds and associated loads.
 Brakes – A disc brake can be applied mechanically, electrically, or hydraulically to stop
the rotor in emergencies, for maintenance, and when the threshold speed is exceeded.
Yaw System
Free yaw (typical in downwind/smaller turbines).
 The turbine automatically orients due to the aerodynamic loads on the blades.

Generator
 Converts the (rotational) mechanical energy extracted into electrical energy using
magnetic fields.
 Usually alternating current operated at a constant speed to produce utility-grade 60Hz
AC power.
 Since induction-type generators draw large amounts of reactive power from the utility
grid, compensatory capacitors are necessary
Nacelle
 The nacelle houses all the major components of a modern wind energy conversion
system, except the rotor. The nacelle sits atop the tower.
 It is more of a protective cover for the components and is made of lightweight material.
 The nacelle does not carry any load and thus is not a structural member.
Control Unit
 The main purpose is to limit the power extracted at high wind speeds (above-rated
speed) and to start the turbine below that speed.
Anemometer
Anemometer – Measures the wind speed and transmits wind speed data to the controller.
Controller –
Controller
The controller starts up the machine at V, (wind speeds of about 8 to 16 miles per hour (mph))
and shuts off the machine at Vo (about 55mph). Turbines do not operate at wind speeds
above because they might be damaged by the high winds
EXPLAIN BIODIESEL
Biodiesel is a type of combustible fuel made from organic oils, such as vegetable oil. It is
viewed by many as a more environmentally-friendly alternative to petroleum.
Since the passage of the Energy Policy Act in 2005, the use and production of biofuels
has been increasing in the United States. Common applications include its use as a
vehicle fuel, aircraft fuel, and heating oil.
Biofuel is produced by combining a type of alcohol—such as methanol—with a type of
vegetable oil, such as those found in soybeans or palm oil. Other substances, such as
animal fats or recycled cooking grease, can also be used. Once the resulting biomass is
converted into liquid fuel, it can be used to supply a variety of energy needs, competing
with traditional energy sources such as gasoline and crude oil.
Although biodiesel today is still far less widely used than conventional fuels, the price gap
between traditional diesel and biodiesel is expected to narrow in the coming decades due
to the increased scarcity and regulations affecting petroleum-based products. Additional
factors, such as the presence of agricultural and environmental subsidies, may also help
increase the competitiveness of biodiesel and other alternative fuel sources.
Example of Biodiesel
Today, biodiesel is used throughout the world as an alternative fuel source for
automobiles and other vehicles. Its supporters cite its positive impact on air quality as
compared to traditional fossil fuels. Some also view biodiesel as a safer form of fuel due
to the fact that it is less combustible than petroleum diesel.
On the other hand, critics of biodiesel argue that the adoption of alternative fuels based
on agricultural products could contribute to food shortages by encouraging farmers to
switch from more nutritional crops to those intended to be used only as a source of fuel.

EXPLAIN SYNTHETIC GAS

Syngas, mixture of primarily hydrogen and carbon monoxide that often also contains some amount
of carbon dioxide and methane and that is highly combustible. Syngas is used primarily in the
production of hydrocarbon fuels, such as diesel fuel and methanol, and in the production of industrial
chemicals, particularly ammonia. Syngas produced from waste materials and other biomass is
considered a form of renewable energy.

The utility of syngas as a fuel was realized in Germany during World War II, when gasoline shortages
affected transportation for both the military and civilians. At the time, it was known that coal could be
converted to liquid hydrocarbons through either the Bergius process, developed by German
chemist Friedrich Bergius, or the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) reaction, developed by German chemists
Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch. In the Bergius process, liquid hydrocarbons are produced
through hydrogenation of coal dust at high temperature and pressure. In the FT reaction, a mixture of
carbon monoxide and hydrogen is converted into liquid hydrocarbon at elevated temperature and
normal or elevated pressure in the presence of a catalyst of magnetic iron oxide. Syngas produced by
FT synthesis served a critical role in fulfilling fuel needs in South Africa in the 1950s.

Today most syngas is generated via thermal conversion of biomass by gasification, particularly
by steam reforming of methane or by partial oxidation. At high temperatures and in the presence of
steam or oxygen, gasification converts carbon-containing materials into hydrogen, carbon monoxide,
and carbon dioxide, without a need for combustion. The conversion rate of hydrogen- and carbon
monoxide-rich biomass into syngas can exceed 99 percent. Following production, however, syngas
must be cleansed of harmful materials, such as hydrogen chloride and coal tar. Clean syngas can be
burned like natural gas, with a portion going to power the gasification plant and the remainder being
sold to utility companies, which also use it primarily for producing electricity.

Syngas is an appealing form of energy for several reasons. In particular, it is renewable, is associated
with reduced carbon emissions relative to other energy-generation technologies, and can
effectively convert problematic wastes into fuel. However, hydrogen levels and the presence of
moisture and tars in the starting components for gasification can be problematic. Hydrogen gas is
highly combustible—more so than other fuels used to power internal combustion engines. Thus, to
run on syngas, such engines must be modified to minimize the risk of phenomena such as preignition
and backfiring, and, even with such modifications, engine output may be reduced significantly.