MODULE 4

WIND ENERGY

Introduction

Wind results from air in motion. Air in motion arises from a pressure
gradient. On a global basis one primary forcing function causing surface winds
from the poles toward the equator is convective circulation . Solar radiation heats
the air near the equator, and this low density heated air is buoyed up. At the
surface it is displaced by cooler more dense higher pressure air flowing from the
poles. In the upper atmosphere near the equator the air thus tend to flow back
toward the poles and away from the equator. The net results is a global convective
circulation with surface winds from north to south in the northern hemisphere.
There is the further complication of boundary layer frictional effects between
the moving air and the earth's rough surface. Mountains, trees, buildings, and
similar obstructions impair stream line air flow. Turbulence results, and the wind
velocity in a horizontal direction markedly increases with altitude near the surface.
countries like Netherland and Denmark where high velocity wind is available in
abundant quantity. Nearly, 30,000 house mills capable of producing 100 MW and
3000 industrial windmills generating another 100 MW were operating in Denmark
at the turn of this century.

Basic principal of Wind energy conversion

The Nature of the Wind

The circulation of air in the atmosphere is caused by the non-uniform heating

over water. In coastal regions this manifests itself in a strong onshore wind. At
night the process is reversed because the air cools down more rapidly over the land
and the breeze therefore blows off shore.

The main planetary winds are caused in much the same way: Cool surface air
sweeps down from the poles forcing the warm air over the tropics to rise. But the
direction of these massive air movements is affected by the rotation of the earth
and the net effect is a large countries-clockwise circulation of air around low
pressure areas in the northern hemisphere, and clockwise circulation in the
southern hemisphere. The strength and direction of these planetary winds change
with the seasons as the solar input varies.

Despite the wind's intermittent nature, wind patterns at any particular site
remain remarkably constant year by year. Average wind speeds are greater in
hilly and coastal areas than they are well inland. The winds also tend to blow

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more consistently and with greater strength over the surface of the water where
there is a less surface drag.

Wind speeds increase with height. They have traditionally been measured at a
standard height often meters where they are found to be 20-25% greater than
close to the surface. At a height of60 m they may be 30-60% higher because of the
reduction in the drag effect of the earth's surface.

WIND RESOURCES

Unfortunately, the general availability and reliability of wind speed data is extremely
poor in many regions of the world. Large areas of the world appear to have average
annual wind speeds below 3 m/s and are unsuitable for wind power systems; further,
almost equally large areas have wind speeds in the intermediate range (3-4.5 m/s),
where wind power may or may not be an attractive option. In addition, significant
land areas have mean annual wind speeds exceeding 4.5 m/s, where wind power
would most certainly be economically competitive

Worldwide Wind Energy Scenario in 2010

As per the World Wind Energy Report 2010, wind energy scenario in 2010 is
summarized as follows:
1. Worldwide capacity reached 196,630 MW, out of which 37,642 MW were added
in 2010, slightly less than the capacity in 2009.
2. Wind power showed a growth rate of 23.6%, the lowest growth since 2004 and the
second lowest growth of the past decade. All wind turbines installed by the end of
2010 worldwide can generate 430 TWh per annum; this wind power is more than the
total electricity demand of the United Kingdom, the sixth largest economy of the
world, and equaling 2,5% of the global electricity consumption.
3. China became number one in total installed capacity and the centre of the
international wind industry, and it added 18,928 MW within one year, accounting for
more than 50% of the world’s market for new wind turbines.
4. Major decrease in new installations can be observed in North America and USA
lost its number one position in total capacity to China.
5. Many Western European countries are showing stagnation, whereas there is strong
growth in the number of Eastern European countries.
6. Germany keeps its number one position in Europe with 27,215 MW, followed by
Spain with 20,676 MW.
7. The highest shares of wind power can be found in three European countries:
Denmark (21%), Portugal (18%), and Spain (16%).
8. Asia accounted for the largest share of new installations (54,6%), followed by
Europe (27,0%) and North America (16,7%).

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9. Latin America (1,2%) and Africa (0,4%) still played only a marginal role in new
installations.
10. Africa: North Africa represents still lion share of installed capacity, while wind
energy plays hardly a role yet in Sub-Saharan Africa.
11. Nuclear disaster in Japan and oil spill in Gulf of Mexico will have long-term
impact on the prospects of wind energy. Governments need to urgently reinforce
their wind energy policies.
12. WWEA sees a global capacity of 600,000 MW as possible by 2015 and more
than 1,500,000 MW by 2020.

Wind Energy in India

The Indian wind energy sector has an installed capacity of 14,158.00 MW (as on
March 31, 2011). In terms of wind power installed capacity, India is ranked fifth in
the world. Today, India is a major player in the global wind energy market.
The potential is far from exhausted. Indian Wind Energy Association has
estimated that with the current level of technology, the ‘on-shore’ potential for
utilization of wind energy for electricity generation is of the order of 65,000 MW.
The unexploited resource availability has the potential to sustain the growth of wind
energy sector in India in the years to come.
Wind in India are influenced by the strong south-west summer monsoon,
which starts in May-June, when cool, humid air moves towards the land; further, the
weak north-east winter monsoon, which starts in October, when cool, dry air moves
towards the ocean. During MarchAugust, the winds are uniformly strong over the
whole Indian Peninsula, except the eastern peninsular coast. Wind speeds during
November-March are relatively weak, although high winds are available during a
part of the period on the Tamil Nadu coastline. A notable feature of the Indian
programme has been the interest among private investors or developers in setting up
of commercial wind power projects. The gross potential is 48,561 MW (source C-
wet) and a total of about 14,158.00 MW of commercial projects have been
established until March 31, 2011. The break-up of projects implemented in
prominent wind potential states (as on March 31, 2011) is as given in Table 6.2.
Wind power potential has been assessed assuming 1% of land availability for
wind farms requiring at 12 hectare/MW in sites having wind power density in excess
of 200 W/m2 at 50 m hub-height

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Describe main consideration in site selection for wind generation

Considerations and Guidelines for Site Selection

When looking for a place for a wind turbine, engineers consider factors such
as wind hazards, characteristics of the land that affect wind speed, and the effects of
one turbine on nearby turbines in wind farms. The following important factors need
careful considerations:
1. Hill effect: When it approaches a hill, wind encounters high pressure
because of the wind that has already built up against the hill. This compressed air
rises and gains speed as it approaches the crest, or top of the hill. The installation of
wind turbines on hilltops takes advantage of this increase in speed.
2. Roughness or the amount of friction that earth’s surface exerts on
wind: Oceans have very little roughness. A city or a forest has a great deal of
roughness, which slows the wind.
3. Tunnel effect: The increase in air pressure undergoes when it encounters a
solid obstacle. The increased air pressure causes the wind to gain speed as it passes
between, for example, rows of buildings in a city or between two mountains. Placing
a wind turbine in a mountain pass can be a good way to take advantage of wind
speeds that are higher than those of the surrounding air.
4. Turbulence: Rapid changes in the speed and direction of the wind, often
caused by the wind blowing over natural or artificial barriers are called turbulence.
Turbulence causes not only fluctuations in the speed of the wind but also wear and
tear on the turbine. Turbines are mounted on tall towers to avoid turbulence caused
by ground obstacles.

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 5. Variations in wind speed: During the day, winds usually blow faster than
they do at the night because the sun heats the air, setting air currents in motion. In
addition, wind speed can differ depending on the season of the year. This difference
is a function of the sun, which heats different air masses around earth at different
rates, depending on the tilt of the earth towards or away from the sun.
6. Wake: Energy can neither be created nor destroyed. As wind passes over
the blades of a turbine, the turbine seizes much of the energy and converts it into
mechanical energy. The air coming out of the blade sweep has less energy because it
has been slowed.
7. Wind obstacles: Trees, buildings, and rock formations are the main
obstacles in the installation of wind turbines. Any of these obstacles can reduce wind
speed considerably an increase turbulence. Wind obstacles like tall buildings cause
wind shade, which can considerably reduce the speed of the wind, and therefore, the
power output of a turbine.
8. Wind shear: It is the differences in wind speeds at different heights. When
a turbine blade is pointed straight upward, the speed of the wind hitting its tip can be,
for example, 9 miles (14 km) per hour, but when the blade is pointing straight
downward, the speed of the wind hitting its tip can be 7 miles (11 km) per hour. This
difference places stress on the blades. Further, too much wind shear can cause the
turbine to fail.

With a help of neat diagram, explain the working of wind energy

conversion system for generation of electricity

Basic Components of WECS(Wind Energy Conversion

System)
The main components of a WECS are shown in Fig. (6.12), in block
diagram form. Summary of the system operation is as follows:

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 Aeroturbines convert energy in moving air to rotary mechanical
energy. In general, they require pitch control and yaw control (only in the case
of horizontalor wind axis machines) for proper operation. A mechanical interface
consisting of a step up gear and a suitable coupling transmits the rotary
mechanical energy to an electrical generator. The output of this generator is
connected to the load or powergrid as the application warrants.

Yaw control. For localities with the prevailing wind in one direction,
the design of a turbine can be greatly simplified. The rotor can be in a fixed
- - - - - - -

orientation with the swept area perpendicular to the predominant wind

direction.

The purpose of the controller is to sense wind speed, wind direction,

shafts speeds and torques at one or more points, output power and generator
temperature as necessary and appropriate control signals for matching the
electrical output to the wind energy input and protect the system from
extreme conditions brought upon by strong winds electrical faults, and the
like.
The physical embodiment for such an area-generator is shown 1n a
generalized form in Fig. (6.13).

The sub components of the windmill are:

• wind turbine or rotor

• wind mill head
• Transmission & control
• Supporting structure

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Rotor
Rotor are mainly of 2 types

(i) Horizontal axis rotor and (ii) Vertical axis rotor.

One advantage of vertical axis machines is that they operate in all
winddirections and thus need no yaw adjustment.
The rotor is only one of the important components. For an effective
utilization,all the components need to be properly designed and matched with the
rest of the components.

The windmill head supports the rotor, housing the rotor bearings. It
also houses any control mechanism incorporated like changing the pitch of the
blades for safety devices and tail vane to orient the rotor to face the wind. The
latter is facilitated by mounting it on the top of the supporting structure on
suitable bearings.

Transmissions: The rate of rotation of large wind turbine generators

operating at rated capacity or below, is conveniently controlled by varying the
pitch of the rotor blades, but it is low, about 40 to 50 revolutions per minute
(rpm). Because optimum generator output requires much greater rates of
rotation, such as 1800 r.p.m, it is necessary to increase greatly the low rotor
rate of turning. Among the transmission options are mechanical systems
involving fixed ratio gears, belts, and chains, singly or in combination or
hydraulic systems involving fluid pumps and motors. Fixed ratio gears are
recommended for top mounted equipment because of their high efficiency,
known cost, and minimum system risk. For bottom mounted equipment which
requires a right angle drive, transmission costs might be reduced substantially
by using large diameter bearings with ring gears mountedon the hub to serve as
a transmission to increase rotor speed to generator speed. Such a combination
offers a high degree of design flexibility as well as large potentialsavings.

Generator: Either constant or variable speed generators are a

possibility, but variable speed units are expensive and/or unproved. Among the
constant speed generator candidates for use are synchronous induction and
permanent magnet types. The generator of choice is the synchronous unit for
large aero generator systems because it is very versatile and has an extensive
data base. Other electrical components and systems are, however, under
development.

Controls. The modern large wind turbine generator requires a versatile

and reliable control system to perform the following functions:
(1) the orientation of the rotor into the wind (azimuth of yaw);
(2) start up and cut-in of the equipment;

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 (3) power control of the rotor by varying the pitch of the blades;
(4) generator output monitoring-status, data computation, and storage;
(5) shutdown and cut out owing to malfunction or very high winds;
(6) protection for the generator, the utility accepting the power and the
prime mover;
Towers

Four types of supporting towers deserve considerations, they are

(1) the reinforced concrete tower,

(2) the pole tower,
(3) the built up shell-tube tower, and
(4) the truss tower.
Among these, the truss tower is favored because it is proved and
widely adaptable, cost is low, parts are readily available, it is readily
transported, and it is potentially stiff. Shell-tube towers also have attractive
features and may prove to be competitive with truss towers.

Derive an expression for Available power in the wind

The Power in the Wind

Wind possesses energy by virtue of its motion. Any device capable of slowing down
the mass of moving air, like a sail or propeller, can extract part of the energy and
convert is into useful work.
Three factors determine the output from a wind energy converter:
 the wind speed;
 the cross-section of wind swept by rotor; and
 the overall conversion efficiency of the rotor, transmission system and
generator or pump.
The power in the wind can be computed by using the concept of kinetics.
The wind mill works on the principle of converting kinetic energy of the wind
to mechanical energy.
We know that power is equal to energy per unit time. The energy available
is the kinetic energy of the wind. The kinetic energy of any particleis,
2
= ½ mV
The amount of air passing in unit time, through an area A, with velocity V, is
A.V, and its mass m is equal to its volume multiplied by its density p of air,
m =ρAV

Substituting this value of the mass in the expression of Kinetic energy,

we obtain kinetic energy = ½ ρAV. V2

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 = ½ ρAV3 watts
The above Equation tells us that the maximum wind available.
The power available is proportional to air density (1.225 kg/m3 at sea level). It
may vary 10-15 % during the year because of pressure and temperature change.

Then A = D2

Substitute this in above equation,

Available wind power P a = ½ρ 3

D2 V watts

3
= D2 V watts

The combined effects of wind speed and rotor diameter variations are shown in.
Fig. 6.1.Wind machines intended for generating substantial amounts of power
should have large rotors and be located in areas of high wind speeds. Where low
or moderate powers are adequate, these requirements can be relaxed.

The physical conditions in a wind turbine are such that only a fraction, of the
available wind power can be converted into useful power. As the free wind
stream encounters and passes through a rotor, the wind transfer some of its
energyto the rotor and its speed decreases to a minimum in the rotor wake.

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NATURE OF WINDS

To be able to understand and predict the performance of wind turbines it is

essential to have some knowledge of the behavior and structure of wind. This is
also required for proper design of supporting structure to carry the imposed load
safely and at an economically viable cost. The behavior and structure of the wind
varies from site to site depending on the general climate of the region, the
physical geometry of the locality, the surface condition of the terrain around the
site and various other factors.
Rapid fluctuations in the wind velocity over a wide range of frequencies
and amplitudes, due to turbulence caused by mechanical mixing of lower layers
of atmosphere by surface roughness are commonly known as gusts.

Wind Data & Energy estimation

All countries have national meteorological services that record and publish
weather related data including wind speed and direction. Wind speed is measured
by anemometer and wind direction is measured by wind vane attached to a
direction indicator. Anemometers work on one of the following principles.
(i) The oldest and simplest anemometer is a swinging plate hung vertically and
hinged along its top edge. Wind speed is indicated by the angle of deflection of
the plate with respect to vertical.
(ii) Cup anemometer consists of three or four cups mounted symmetrically about
a vertical axis. The speed of rotation indicates wind speed.
(iii) Wind speed can also be recorded by measuring the wind pressure on a flat
plate.
(iv) Hot wire anemometer measures the wind speed by recording cooling effect
of the wind on hot wire. The heat is produced by passing an electric current
through the wire

Figure 7.2 shows the typical anemograph of wind speed recorded at three heights,
10 m, 50 m and 150 m during strong winds.

These records demonstrate the main characteristics of the flow in the region near
ground. Main conclusions may be drawn as:
(i) Wind speed increases with height.
(ii) Wind speed is fluctuating with time, i.e. turbulences are present at the site.
(iii) The turbulence is spread over a broad range of frequencies.

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Prove that in the case of HAWT, maximum power can be obtained
when exit velocity = 1/3 wind velocity and P = 8/27 PAV3

Maximum Power

Consider a horizontal-axis, propeller-type windmill, henceforth to be called a

wind turbine, which is the most common type used today.
Assume that the wheel of such a turbine has thickness a b, as shown in Fig. 6.3
Let pi and Vi are the wind pressure and velocity at the upstream of the turbine,
Let pe and Ve are pressure & velocity at downstream of the turbine.
Ve is less than Vi because kinetic energy is extracted by the turbine.

The general energy equation for steady state flow for unit mass is,

Or

where v and p are the specific volume and its reciprocal, the density, respectively, both
considered to be constant.

Similarly for the exit region be,

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The wind velocity across the turbine decreases from a to b since kinetic energy
is converted to mechanical work there.
The incoming velocity Vi does not decrease abruptly but gradually as it
approaches the turbine to Va and as it leaves it to V e
The V i > Va and Vb> V,e
therefore, from equations (6.7) and (6.8), Pa> Pi and Pb> Pii
that is, the wind pressure rises as it approaches, then as it leaves the wheel.
Combining these equations,

It can be assumed that wind pressure ate can be assumed to ambient, i.e.,

As the blade width a. b is very thin as compared to total distance considered, it

can be assumed that velocity within the turbine does not change much.

Combining equation (6.9) to (6.11) yields,

The axial force Fx , in the direction of wind stream, on a turbine wheel with
projected area, perpendicular to the stream A, is given by

The general energy equation how reduces to the steady flow work W and
kinetic energy terms,

The power P is defined as the rate of work, from mass flow rate equation

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Combining this with equation (6.15),

results in maximum power Pmax' which can be obtained by differenting P, and

equating the derivative to zero, i.e.,

This is solved for a positive Ve to give Ve opt.

Pmax = ρAVi3

With a help of neat diagram, explain the terms lift force & drag force

Lift and drag: The basis for wind energy conversion.

The extraction of power, and hence energy, from the wind depends on
creating certain forces and applying them to rotate (or to translate) a
mechanism. There are two primary mechanisms for producing forces from the
wind, lift and drag.

Air flow over a stationary airfoil produces two forces, a lift force perpendicular to
the air flow and a drag force in the direction of air flow, as shown in Figure 6.14.

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The basic features that characterize lift and drag are as follows:

1. Drag is in the direction of air flow.

2. Lift is perpendicular to the direction of air flow.

3. Generation of lift always causes a certain amount of drag to be developed.

4. With a good aerofoil, the lift produced can be 30 times greater than the drag

5. Lift devices are generally more efficient than drag devices.

Lift Force

The lift force (FL) arises in a direction that is perpendicular to the airstream caused by
Bernoulli’s effect that lowers the pressure on the top of the airfoil when compared with the
pressure on its bottom. The curvature on the top leads to a higher stream velocity than at the
bottom and hence a lower pressure. Let (FL) is the lift force in Newton, (SL) is the cross-
sectional area of airfoil in m2, r is the air density in kg/m2, and V is the wind speed in m/s2.
Then, lift coefficient (CL) is defined as follows:

Drag Force

Similarly, drag force (FD) is described as

where CD = drag coefficient and SD = effective area of airfoil in the direction of drag force.
The lift and drag force vary with the angle that rotor blade makes with the direction of wind
stream. This angle is called as angle of attack. The resultant of drag and lift forces constitute
the thrust force that effectively rotate the blade.

Wind energy systems

what are the factors influence the cost of wind energy economics
Economics of Wind Energy

Over the last 20 years, the cost of electricity from grid-connected wind systems has
dropped by more than 80%. Now, state of the art wind power plants can generate
electricity at prices that are in a competitive range with many conventional energy
technologies.
The main parameters governing wind-power economics can be categorized as
follows:

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  investment costs, including auxiliary costs for foundation and grid
connection;
 operation and maintenance (O&M) costs;
 financing costs;
 electricity production/average wind speed;
 availability;
 turbine lifetime

Of these, the most important parameters are the turbines’ electricity production and
their capital costs. As electricity production efficiency is highly reliant on wind
conditions, choosing the right turbine site is critical to achieve economic viability.

Comment on Environmental impact of wind energy

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

In general, the use of energy in any form, affects the environment in one-way or the
other at different levels. Wind energy is no exception. Although, these effects are of
far less consequence as compared to that related to other sources of energy.
In terms of causing stress on water resources, wind energy is one of the most
benign sources of energy. A major advantage of wind generation relative to any
thermal based generation (nuclear, geothermal, fossil fuel and solar thermal) is that it
does not need cooling water.
Main environmental concerns are discussed below:

1. Indirect Energy Use and Emissions

Energy is required to produce materials used to construct the wind turbine
and in its installation. This energy is paid back in a period of few months to about a
year, what is known as energy payback period. Some pollution (emission of CO2,
etc.) is caused due to use of energy during construction. But in total the so-called
indirect CO2 emission over the total operating life of the wind generator is very low
(about 1 per cent of the system using coal).
2. Bird Life
Large wind turbines pose a threat to bird life as a result of collision with
tower or blades. Their resting and breeding patterns are also affected.
3. Noise
The disturbance caused by the noise produced by wind turbine is one of the
important factors that prevent its sitting close to inhabited areas. The acoustic noise
is composed of
(a) mechanical noise due to movement of mechanical parts in the nacelle
(mainly gear and also other equipment), which can be reduced by good design and
acoustic insulation and

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 (b) aerodynamic noise (swishing sound from the rotating blades), which is a
function of wind speed and which cannot be avoided. Some of this noise is of infra
sound, at frequencies below the audible range. This infrasound may cause houses
and other structures to vibrate.
4. Visual Impact
Wind turbines are massive structures quite visible over a wide area in most
locations. Visual impact of wind turbine is qualitative in nature. In a study, it was
found that public appreciation of a landscape decreases as more and more wind
turbines are installed. A special case of visual impact is the effect of shadow of the
turbine, particularly of the rotor blades. Offshore wind farms being away from
inhabited areas do not in general create same severity of visual intrusion.
5. Telecommunication Interference
Wind turbines present an obstacle for incident electromagnetic waves (i.e.
TV or microwave signals). These waves can be reflected, scattered and dithered.
Thus they interfere with telecommunication links and badly affect the quality of
radio and TV reception. The effect can be mitigated by use of cable system or by
installing powerful antennas.

6. Safety
Accidents with wind turbines are rare but they do happen, as in other industrial
activities. For example, a detached blade or its fragment may be thrown a
considerable distance and can harm people and property. However, most wind
turbines are located in isolated areas, which make it less likely to cause any
damage. The International Electrical Committee (IEC) has taken the initiative to
produce an international standard on safety.

7. Effects on Ecosystem
Large-scale use of wind generation can reduce wind speed and cause stress to
ecosystem. Lakes that are downhill from the wind turbines might become warmer
because of reduced evaporation from their surface. Soil moisture might also
increase. Nevertheless there impacts may not be of great consequence except in
certain sensitive areas.

Explain the Applications of Wind Energy OR Describe main applications of Wind

energy, giving a neat sketch.

Applications of Wind Energy

Energy extracted from the wind is initially energy in the form of rotary,
translational, or oscillatory mechanical motion. This mechanical motion can be
used to pump fluids or can be converted to electricity, heat, or fuel. Some of the

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most effective application are those that use energy derived directly from the wind,
without further energy processing, conversion, or storage.

Pumping Application:

A typical wind powered pumping application is one that might use a horizontal-
axis wind machine. Large number of water-pumping wind mills have been used
on Indian farms. Other applications that are being developed include the pumping
of water for aqueducts or for pumped- hydro storage of energy.

The two main end uses of wind pumps (irrigation and water supply) have very
different technical operational and economic requirements. Irrigation designs are
generally unsuitable for water supply duties, which may require heads 10-100 m
high. Despite these limitations, however, water supply pumps are sometimes
used for irrigation. Since many water supply wind pumps must run unattended for
most of the time, their design should incorporate protection devices to prevent over
speeding in storms and sturdy parts that required little attention. Consequently
they are usually built of components manufactured from industrial steel and drive
piston pumps via. reciprocating pump rods.

In pumped hydro applications, the wind units can be used to supply

power to pump from an auxiliary reservoir below hydro electric dam back into
the main reservoir above the dam. This enables the water stored in the main
reservoir to be replenished when the wind is blowing, thereby adding to the
capacity of the hydro- electric system to generate base load electric power.

Fig. wind assisted gas turbine generating unit

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 Wind power can also be used compressed air for use in various applications
including the operation of gas turbines for generating electricity during the
peak demand periods of a public utility system.
In one mode of operation, the motor generator operating as a motor and
powered by a wind machine drives the air compressor. The compressed air is
fed into a storage tank or into a large cavern, aquifer, or depleted natural gas
well. Under this mode, the power turbine is inoperative, and no fuel is
consumed.

In a second mode of operation, when the demand for power exceeds

the supply of the base-load utility system, the compressor is disengaged, and
the power turbine ia connected to the generator. The burner that drives the
power turbine is fed fuel and compressed air from storage to generate
power for the utility system.

Electric Generation Applications:

Wind power can be used in centralized utility applications to drive

synchronous a.c. electrical generators. In such applications, the energy is
fed directly into power networks through voltage step- up transformers.

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 WECS units can be integrated with existing hydro electrical
networks and used in a "water-saver" mode of operation. When the wind is
blowing, electrical generation at the hydroelectric plants in the network can
be reduced by an amountequal to that being produced by the "WECS units.
Thus part of the network load that is ordinarily produced by the
hydroelectric generators is supplied by the wind turbines. Under these
conditions some of the water that would have been used by the
hydroelectric plant to supply the load is saved in the reservoir & made
available for later use when the wind is not blowing.

In dispersed applications, wind power can be used to generate de

electrical power that, in turn, can be used for de applications or space
heaters, such as resistance heaters, or can be stored in batteries and then
inverted for used by a.c. loads.

Direct Heat Applications:

Mechanical motion derived from wind power can be used to drive

heat pumps or to produce heat from the friction of solid materials, or by the
churning of water or other fluids, or in other cases, by the use of centrifugal
or other types of pumps in combination with restrictive orifices that
produce heat from friction and turbulence when the working fluid flows
through them. This heat may then be stored in materials having a high heat
capacity, such as water, stones, eutectic salts, etc., or the heat may be used
directly for such applications as heating and cooling of water, and air-
space for residential, commercial, industrial & agricultural process heat
applications.
A home heating system that uses a wind-powered pump and a
restrictive orifice to derive direct heat for a building, without first
generating electricity also has been developed.

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 Examples of typical industrial processes that might be able to use
low temperature heat (i.e., upto approximately 175°C) produced by wind
energy include the following.
(1) Production of inorganic chemicals, including borax, bromine,
chlorine, caustic soda, potassium chloride, and sodium metal.
(2) Production of plastic materials and synthetics such as polyethylene,
poly- vinyl chloride and polystyrene, for which approximately 45% of the
process steam used is in the range of 100-175°C.
(3) Production of organic chemicals such as various types of
alcohols and solvents, synthetic perfumes, flooring materials, rubber
processing chemicals, etc.

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