WIND ENERGY:

Wind energy is a renewable energy source that is harnessed from the wind to generate electricity. It is a
form of clean energy that does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants, making it an
environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

The process of harnessing wind energy involves the use of wind turbines, which are large structures that
consist of blades that rotate when wind passes through them. The rotation of the blades is then
converted into electricity through a generator, which is housed within the turbine.

There are different types of wind turbines, but the most common ones are horizontal-axis turbines and
vertical-axis turbines. Horizontal-axis turbines have blades that rotate around a horizontal axis, while
vertical-axis turbines have blades that rotate around a vertical axis.

Wind energy is becoming increasingly popular as a source of electricity around the world, as it is a clean
and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. It is also a relatively low-cost source of energy, as the fuel
(wind) is free and abundant in many areas.

However, there are also some challenges associated with wind energy. One of the main challenges is that
wind is an intermittent source of energy, meaning that it is not always available when it is needed. In
addition, wind turbines can be noisy and have been known to cause some environmental impacts, such
as bird and bat fatalities.

Despite these challenges, wind energy is an important part of the global effort to transition to a more
sustainable and low-carbon energy system.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF WIND ENERGY CONVERSION:

The basic principles of wind energy conversion involve the use of wind turbines to capture the kinetic
energy of the wind and convert it into electrical energy. This is done through a series of steps:

1. Wind is the driving force: Wind is the primary source of energy for wind turbines. The energy of
the wind comes from the sun, which heats up the Earth's atmosphere unevenly, creating
differences in air pressure that cause air to move.

2. Blades capture the wind: The blades of the wind turbine are designed to capture the kinetic
energy of the wind. As the wind blows over the blades, they start to rotate.

3. Rotation powers a generator: The rotation of the blades is transferred to a shaft, which is
connected to a generator. The generator converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy, which
can be used to power homes, businesses, and other applications.
 4. Control systems optimize performance: Control systems are used to optimize the performance of
the wind turbine. These systems monitor the wind speed and direction and adjust the position
of the blades to maximize the amount of energy that can be captured.

5. Energy storage and distribution: The electrical energy generated by the wind turbine can be
stored in batteries or fed directly into the electrical grid. From there, it can be distributed to
homes, businesses, and other users.

Overall, wind energy conversion is a simple and efficient process that harnesses the power of the wind to
generate clean, renewable energy.

NATURE OF WIND:

The nature of wind plays a critical role in wind energy conversion, as it is the source of energy that drives
wind turbines. Here are some key aspects of the nature of wind that are relevant to wind energy
conversion:

1. Wind speed: Wind speed is a key factor in determining the amount of energy that can be
extracted from the wind. The power output of a wind turbine is proportional to the cube of the
wind speed, which means that even small increases in wind speed can result in significant
increases in energy output.

2. Wind direction: Wind direction is also important, as wind turbines are designed to face into the
wind to capture the maximum amount of energy. Wind direction can be influenced by local
geography and other factors.

3. Wind variability: Wind is an intermittent source of energy, and its speed and direction can vary
over time. This variability can affect the efficiency of wind turbines and the stability of the
electrical grid.

4. Wind shear: Wind shear is the change in wind speed or direction with height, and it can affect
the performance of wind turbines. Turbulence caused by wind shear can cause stress on the
blades of the turbine and reduce energy output.

5. Wind turbulence: Turbulence caused by local geography and other factors can also affect the
performance of wind turbines. Turbulence can cause fluctuations in wind speed and direction,
which can reduce energy output and increase wear and tear on the turbine.

Understanding the nature of wind is important for the design and operation of wind turbines, as it helps
to optimize their performance and increase energy output. Advances in technology and better
understanding of the nature of wind have helped to make wind energy a viable and growing source of
renewable energy.
POWER IN WIND:

The power in the wind is the amount of energy that can be extracted from the wind and converted into
electricity by a wind turbine. The power in the wind is proportional to the cube of the wind speed, which
means that even small increases in wind speed can result in significant increases in energy output.

The formula for calculating the power in the wind is:

Power = 0.5 x density x area x wind speed^3

where:

• Density is the density of the air, which is around 1.225 kg/m^3 at sea level

• Area is the swept area of the wind turbine blades

• Wind speed is the speed of the wind

For example, if a wind turbine has blades with a swept area of 100 square meters and the wind speed is
10 meters per second, the power in the wind would be:

Power = 0.5 x 1.225 x 100 x 10^3 = 6,125 watts

This means that the wind turbine could generate 6,125 watts of electrical power at that wind speed.

The power in the wind varies with wind speed, and most wind turbines have a minimum and maximum
wind speed at which they can operate efficiently. To maximize energy output, wind turbines are typically
located in areas with high and consistent wind speeds, such as coastal areas or on top of hills and
mountains.

Overall, the power in the wind is a key factor in wind energy conversion, as it determines the amount of
energy that can be generated by a wind turbine. Advances in technology and better understanding of the
nature of wind have helped to make wind energy a viable and growing source of renewable energy.

WIND ENERGY CONVERSION:

Wind energy can be converted into electrical energy using wind turbines. The basic principle of a wind
turbine is to capture the kinetic energy of the wind and convert it into mechanical energy, which is then
used to generate electricity. Here is a step-by-step guide to how wind energy is converted into electrical
energy:

1. Wind turbine blades: The wind turbine consists of three blades, which are designed to capture
the energy of the wind. The blades are typically made of fiberglass, wood, or metal, and are
mounted on a rotor.
 2. Rotor and nacelle: The rotor and blades are mounted on a shaft, which is connected to a gearbox
inside the nacelle. The nacelle is a housing that sits atop the tower and contains the gearbox,
generator, and other components.

3. Gearbox: The gearbox is used to increase the rotational speed of the rotor, which allows the
generator to produce electricity more efficiently.

4. Generator: The generator is a key component in converting the mechanical energy of the rotor
into electrical energy. The generator uses electromagnetic induction to generate electricity, and
produces alternating current (AC) that is sent down the tower to the electrical grid.

5. Electrical grid: The electricity generated by the wind turbine is sent down the tower and into the
electrical grid, where it is distributed to homes and businesses.

6. Control system: A control system is used to monitor and control the operation of the wind
turbine. The control system can adjust the pitch of the blades to optimize energy output, and
can also shut down the turbine in high winds or other adverse conditions.

Overall, wind energy is a renewable and clean source of energy that can be harnessed using wind
turbines. Advances in technology and better understanding of the nature of wind have helped to make
wind energy a viable and growing source of renewable energy, which can help to reduce our
dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate the effects of climate change.

SITE SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS FOR WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS:

Site selection is a critical factor in the success of a wind energy conversion system (WECS), as the location
of the turbine can significantly impact its performance and efficiency. Here are some important site
selection considerations for WECS:

1. Wind resource: The wind resource is the most important factor in determining the viability of a
wind energy project. The site should have a consistent and strong wind resource, with average
wind speeds of at least 6 meters per second at hub height.

2. Terrain: The terrain can impact the performance of the wind turbine, as obstacles such as trees,
buildings, and hills can create turbulence and reduce wind speed. Ideally, the site should be
open and flat, with no obstacles within 300 meters of the turbine.

3. Accessibility: The site should be easily accessible for transportation of equipment and
maintenance. Good road access, nearby ports, and rail connections are important
considerations.

4. Grid connection: The site should be located near existing electrical infrastructure, such as
transmission lines or substations, to ensure efficient and cost-effective connection to the
electrical grid.
 5. Environmental and social impact: The site should be carefully evaluated for any potential
environmental and social impacts, such as impacts on wildlife, habitats, or cultural heritage sites.
The project should comply with all relevant environmental and social regulations and guidelines.

6. Zoning and land use: The site should comply with local zoning and land use regulations, and
should be compatible with nearby land uses such as agriculture, forestry, or recreation.

7. Climate and weather patterns: The site should be evaluated for any extreme weather events,
such as hurricanes or tornadoes, and should have a stable climate with low risk of extreme
temperature or precipitation events.

Overall, site selection is a critical factor in the success of a wind energy conversion system. A well-
designed and carefully selected site can maximize energy output and minimize potential environmental
and social impacts. It is important to carefully evaluate all factors and consult with experts to ensure a
successful project.

BASIC COMPONENTS OF WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM:

A wind energy conversion system (WECS) typically consists of the following basic components:

1. Wind turbine: The wind turbine is the main component of the WECS and converts the kinetic
energy of the wind into mechanical energy. It consists of rotor blades, a rotor hub, a shaft, a
gearbox, and a generator.

2. Tower: The tower is a tall, vertical structure that supports the wind turbine at a height where it
can capture the maximum wind energy. The tower can vary in height depending on the size and
design of the wind turbine.

3. Foundation: The foundation is the base of the tower and provides a stable support for the wind
turbine. It is typically made of concrete or steel and is designed to withstand the weight and
forces of the turbine and tower.

4. Control system: The control system monitors and controls the operation of the wind turbine,
including blade pitch, rotor speed, and power output. The control system also includes safety
features to protect the turbine in adverse weather conditions or other emergencies.

5. Electrical equipment: The electrical equipment includes a transformer, switchgear, and control
equipment, which are used to connect the wind turbine to the electrical grid and convert the
electrical energy generated by the wind turbine to the appropriate voltage and frequency for
transmission.

6. Meteorological equipment: Meteorological equipment, such as anemometers and wind vanes, is

used to measure wind speed and direction, which is essential for determining the potential
energy output of the wind turbine.
 7. Maintenance equipment: Maintenance equipment, such as cranes and service vehicles, is used
to maintain and repair the wind turbine and tower.

Overall, the components of a wind energy conversion system work together to capture the kinetic
energy of the wind and convert it into electrical energy, which can be used to power homes, businesses,
and communities.

CLASSIFICATION OF WECS:

Based on design:

• Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWT)

• Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWT)

Based on power:

• Small-scale wind turbines

• Utility-scale wind turbines

Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWT):

At present, the most commonly used wind turbine is HAWT or Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine. These
turbines use airfoils (aerodynamic blades) which are connected to a rotor by positioning in upwind or
downwind. These are available either in two-bladed or three-bladed and operate at high speed.

Current horizontal axis wind turbines utilize the aerodynamic lift force to rotate every rotor blade similar
to an airplane flies. Generally, the aerodynamic lift force works once they exposed to winds around both
the higher and lower segments of a blade. The pressure difference which is formed between the top &
bottom faces of the blade generates a force in the top direction of the blade.

HAWTs can be used in any direction of wind through the furling system. This system rotates the face
of the rotor to come perpendicular to the wind’s direction. Therefore, the face of the rotor can be moved
to that direction where it can face wind at the highest speed.

Construction:

The construction of a horizontal axis wind turbine can be done with different components. So
the horizontal axis wind turbine components mainly include foundation, nacelle, generator, tower, and
rotor blades.

Horizontal axis wind turbines include the rotor shaft & electric generator which are arranged at the top
of the tower. Small wind turbines use a simple wind vane, whereas larger wind turbines use wind sensors
that are connected through an auxiliary motor. Most wind turbines contain a gearbox, which is used to
change the blade rotation from slow to fast, so used to operate an electric generator.

Construction of HAWT

Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Working

Once the wind blows, a wind turbine changes the kinetic energy from the motion of the wind into
mechanical through the revolution of the rotor. After that, this converted energy can be transmitted
through the shaft & the gear train toward the generator. Further, this generator converts the energy
from mechanical to electrical to generate electricity.

The wind flows on both faces of the airfoil-shaped blade although flows faster on the upper face of the
airfoil to create a low-pressure region on the airfoil. The pressure difference between both the top &
bottom surfaces results within the aerodynamic lift.

As the blades of a wind turbine are constrained to move in a plane with the hub as the center, the lift
force causes rotation about the hub. In addition to the lift force, a drag force perpendicular to the lift
force prevents rotor rotation.

The horizontal axis wind turbine design mainly includes a high lift to drag ratio, especially for the blades.
So this ratio can change through the blade’s length to optimize the output energy for the wind turbine at
different speeds of wind. The generator & rotor shaft are arranged within the box at the top of the array.
Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Types

The horizontal axis wind turbines are available in two types like the following.

• Upwind Turbine

• Downwind Turbine

Types of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines

Upwind Turbine

In an upwind wind turbine, the rotor is arranged at the upside of the tower. The main function of this
turbine is to avoid the shadow of wind on the backside of the tower. At present, this design is used in
most HAWTs because it is nonflexible & arranged at some distance from the tower.

Downwind Turbine

In a downwind turbine, the rotor is arranged at the downside of the tower. In this turbine, firstly the
wind is faced toward the tower, then to the blades of the rotor. This wind turbine faces some differences
within wind power because of the passage of the rotor through the wind shade of the tower. Here, the
rotor is behind the nacelle of the tower which causes fluctuations within wind power.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The advantages of a horizontal axis wind turbine include the following.

• It includes high output power as compared to the vertical wind turbine.

• A tall tower gets stronger winds once the wind shear alters.

• High efficiency.

• It is not expensive as compared to vertical type turbine.

• It has high reliability.

• It has a high rate of capacity.

 • Its rotational speed is high.

• It is more consistent.

• These turbines are self-starting.

• In this turbine, the vanes are located one face of the turbine center of gravity, which improves
stability.

• It can bend the blades so that the turbine blades have the best attack angle.

• The blade can also tilt the rotor during a storm to reduce damage

The disadvantages of horizontal axis wind turbine include the following.

• These are available in large size.

• Weight is high.

• We cannot move easily.

• Installation is difficult.

• High noise.

• To design this wind turbine, large machinery is needed.

• Its maintenance is difficult as compared to other wind turbines.

Applications:

The applications of horizontal axis wind turbines include the following.

• These are the most frequently used wind turbines for commercial and industrial purposes due to
their large power output and high efficiency.

• These are mostly used in wind farms

• Horizontal axis wind turbines achieve better power output & higher energy efficiency, so used in
large-scale wind power plants & also for electricity generation.

• In industrial plants, large-scale wind farms, or national projects, these wind turbines are most
frequently seen. So they are the perfect solution for the production of mass electricity.

Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWT):

The Vertical Axis Wind Turbine is a type of wind turbine and it is most frequently used for residential
purposes to provide a renewable energy source to the home. This turbine includes the rotor shaft and
two or three blades where the rotor shaft moves vertically. So, this turbine movement is related to the
spinning of coins on the edge. In this turbine, the generator is placed at the bottom of the tower
whereas the blades are covered around the shaft.

The vertical axis wind turbine working principle is that, the rotors in the turbine revolve around a vertical
shaft by using vertically oriented blades. So they generate electricity by using wind power. The wind
operates the rotor which is connected to the generator, so the generator converts the energy from
mechanical to electrical. Vertical axis wind turbine components are blade, shaft, bearing, frame & blade
support.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Block Diagram:

The block diagram of a vertical axis wind turbine is shown below. The output energy generated from this
can be used by any type of load. Here, the automatic lighting system is used as a load. This block diagram
includes a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT), gearbox, generator, battery, LDR circuit and LED.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Block Diagram

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

The type of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine used in this system is savories VAWT.

Gear Box

A gearbox in a wind turbine is mainly used to enhance the rotating speed from a low sped shaft to a
high-speed shaft connecting through an electrical generator. Gears within the gearbox of a wind turbine
are subjected to severe cyclic loading because of uneven wind loads that are stochastic within the
environment.

Generator
The generator in the wind turbine converts the energy from mechanical to electrical. These generators
are a bit strange as compared to generators used in electrical grids.

Rechargeable Battery

The output electric energy generated by the generator will be stored in the rechargeable battery of the
wind turbine.

LDR Circuit

The LDR circuit is used to turn ON/OFF the light.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Working:

This turbine works once the wind turns the turbine. Here, the savory VAWT is used in this lighting
system. Once this turbine rotates, then the generator will get it as mechanical input & generate the
output as electrical energy.

This turbine is arranged on the dividers of the highway roads. The shape of turbine wings is curved to get
the wind for revolution from the 2-way road where the vehicle speed will make this turbine turn. Here,
wind speed is used in different ways based on our requirements.

A vertical axis wind turbine is connected to the Gearbox which includes gears. This gearbox is directly
connected to the electric generator shaft. This turbine will revolve once the wind blows & the gearbox in
this system will enhance the turbine rotations internally & send these rotations to the generator like a
mechanical input. So the generator will generate the output as the electrical energy by using this input
so that this output will be stored within the rechargeable battery.

In this way, electricity is generated and stored in the battery using the vehicle’s speed with the help of a
turbine. The stored energy is used for the automatic lighting system. The LDR circuit uses a resistor, LDR
(Light Dependent Resistor), transistor, battery, and LED (Light Emitting Diode).

The transistor collector terminal is connected to the LED’s negative terminal whereas the emitter is
connected to the GND. Here, the resistor terminals are connected directly to the voltage source whereas
the negative is connected to the LDR.

When the LDR circuit is connected directly to the battery, then the LDR will start detecting the light. So
when the intensity of light is decreased then LED will be activated automatically. So this LDR circuit is
applicable in automatic ON or OFF light systems. When the light intensity of the Sun is decreased in the
dusk then LDR will detect the light & supply the LED.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Types:

The vertical axis wind turbines are available in two types like Savonius Wind Turbine & Darrieus Wind
Turbine.
 Types of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Savonius Wind Turbine

Savonius wind turbine includes the blades which are arranged around the vertical shaft within a helix
form. One of the most significant features of this turbine is the solid wind-receiving area. These turbines
mainly rely on the mechanism of flow resistance to make the rotors active which means, the dynamic
force of the wind against the turbine blades thrust the rotor into revolution.

Simultaneously, the reverse side of the blades meets an aerodynamic resistance force. This is like when
running or cycling, we experience the airflow coming opposite to us. Because of this, these turbines can
simply turn fast like the wind speed. Please refer to this link to know more about Savonius Wind Turbine.

Darrieus Wind Turbine

Darrieus wind turbine name is taken from the French inventor namely; Georges Darrieus. It is also called
an egg-beater. These turbines include curved & long wings where each end of these wings is connected
to the top & base of the rotor shaft.

These types of wind turbines use the aerodynamic force of the lift to revolve. By flowing around the
construction, the wind will create suction on the front face of the wind turbine to drive the wings to
revolve. Like Savonius turbines, these turbines do not experience as much drag due to the shape of
wings. Once the revolution begins, these turbines will go faster to rotate faster than the speed of the
wind. Please refer to this link to know more about Darrieus Wind Turbine.

Advantages:

The advantages of a vertical axis wind turbine include the following.

• Safety for manpower.

• Scalability.

• They can generate electricity in any direction of the wind.

 • It doesn’t require a strong supporting tower because the gearbox, generator & other
components are arranged on the ground.

• As compared to horizontal axis turbines, these are cheaper to design.

• Installation is easy as compared to other types.

• These are portable so we can simply move from one location to another.

• These are designed with fewer speed blades to reduce the risk to birds & people.

• They work in all weather conditions like variable winds & mountain conditions.

• These are allowable where taller structures are not allowed.

• Its operation is simple so they don’t bother people in residential areas.

• These turbines can be arranged close to the earth so that maintenance, the cost for construction
can be reduced.

• To operate these turbines, we don’t require any mechanisms.

• You can use the wind turbine where tall structures are not allowed.

• These are economical, quiet, efficient & ideal for residential energy sources, particularly in urban
areas.

Disadvantages:

The disadvantages of a vertical axis wind turbine include the following.

• As compared to HAWT, the efficiency level will be decreased because of the drag that happens in
the blades when they rotate.

• These are very hard to arrange on towers because they are connected on bases like buildings or
ground.

• The efficiency of rotation is low.

• Lower accessible wind speed.

• Component Wear-down.

• Low efficiency.

• Self-Starting mechanism.

• Some animals or birds may interrupt its rotation because it is arranged in an open area.
 • They have high vibration due to the flow of air close to the ground makes the turbulent flow

• They produce noise pollution

Applications:

The applications of a vertical axis wind turbine include the following.

• Used in small wind projects

• Used in residential applications

• These turbines are used to generate power even in not stable weather conditions like gusty wind
& turbulence.