Wind Energy Generation Systems

docx

School

Humber College *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

MISC

Subject

Electrical Engineering

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by yahyeahmed11

Wind Energy Generation Systems Introduction The technique of using the wind to produce mechanical or electrical energy is known as wind power or wind energy. The kinetic energy of the wind is transformed into mechanical strength by wind turbines. Wind turbines are primarily used in wind power or wind energy to produce electricity. Compared to burning fossil fuels, wind energy is a well-liked, environmentally friendly, renewable energy source. The wind is utilized for the power to be generated. Current is driven to the rotor blades of modern-day wind turbines, which transform kinetic energy into rotational energy. A shaft that connects the generator to the rotational energy produces electrical energy (GE Renewable Energy, n.d.). A clean, cost-free, and easily accessible renewable energy source is the wind. Wind turbines capture the energy of the current and convert it into electricity daily. Wind power generation is becoming more important in providing clean, sustainable energy to our planet. However, how is wind energy produced? We can harness the wind's energy through the use of wind turbines. The wind turbine's blades rotate in a clockwise direction to collect energy. This causes the wind turbine's main shaft and a gearbox inside the nacelle to start spinning. One of the greenest, most sustainable methods to produce power is using the wind. No harmful pollutants or heat-trapping emissions, which are two factors in global warming, are produced by wind power(IRE, n.d.). This makes wind power a feasible substitute for the dangerous fossil fuels that are bad for our health and the environment and arguably the most abundant and cost-competitive energy source. Wind farm electricity can be utilized locally or sent into the electric grid to power establishments farther away. Wind energy may also be transformed into hydrogen, used as fuel for vehicles, or stored for later power generation. Because wind energy uses no fuel and doesn't emit any pollution or

greenhouse gases, it has a lower environmental effect than other forms of energy generation(Nrel.gov, n.d.). Explaining Wind Power Generation The process of turning wind energy into rotating blade energy and then turning that rotating energy into electrical energy is known as wind power generation. WTGs should be placed in areas with higher wind speeds because wind energy grows as a cube of wind speed. Utilizing our sales network, we are collaborating with producers of wind turbines to sell wind turbines and build power plants. Along with operating our own wind power production company, we continue to develop electronic devices, including control systems, using our expertise in designing and producing thermal and hydraulic power plants (Ucsusa, n.d.). By eliminating slip rings for external excitation, the generator may operate without maintenance and with a lower

failure rate for permanent magnet excitation. Power generation efficiency rises since there is no requirement for an external excitation mechanism. The generator does not require outside air for cooling because it uses an internal fan and water cooling systems, making it appropriate for usage in coastal or offshore locations or environments with many fine particles. More wind energy can be transformed into electricity by using longer blades. Applying blades for 2 MW WTG type U93 that are 45 m long and 93 m in diameter—16% longer than those made by other manufacturers—increases the area receiving wind and boosts yearly energy output even in conditions of low wind speed(Science Direct, n.d.). How is Wind Energy renewable? How is it sustainable? Because the wind does not diminish when used, it is a renewable energy source. We can continue using the wind's electricity without worrying about running out since nature always replaces it. Wind energy has been used for industrial power processes, processing agricultural goods, and pumping water for ages. Today, power is most frequently produced by wind turbines and sent to the electrical grid. The wind is a desirable fuel source since it is abundant, renewable, emits no greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants, is free to use, and is growing more and more economical as the installed capacity of wind turbines worldwide rises.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

It is anticipated that the Levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for new utility-scale wind turbines in the U.S. will be comparable to that of carbon-intensive sources like natural gas(IRE, n.d.). Still, the intermittent nature of wind currently restricts the amount of wind energy a conventional grid can accommodate. However, as technology advances and capacity rises, this risk can be reduced because of the averaging effects of several installations, advancements in prediction algorithms, and perhaps even utility-scale storage in the future. Wind power is expected to be the primary pillar of the world's supply of renewable energy. Wind energy production, in addition to being carbon-neutral, has the potential to be used to produce hydrogen and synthetic fuels such as kerosene and diesel in a sustainable manner. The wind is so plentiful compared to the sun that it can provide the world's energy needs several times over. For the shift to power, this will be crucial(Canada N.R, 2020). The benefit of Wind Energy Wind energy is one of the world's fastest-growing energy sources since it has several benefits. Researchers are attempting to resolve technical and socio-economic issues in favor of a future with decarbonized power to further enhance the potential of wind energy and the advantages it provides to communities. Wind energy produces well-paying jobs. In all 50 states, the U.S. wind sector employs more than 120,000 people, which is rising. The second fastest-increasing occupation is wind turbine service technician. By 2050, there might be hundreds of thousands more employment in the wind sector, which offers professions ranging from asset manager to blade fabricator. Renewable energy is wind power(GE Renewable Energy, n.d.). Wind turbines turn a generator and produce electricity using clean resources of wind. In addition to being a plentiful and limitless resource, the current generates power without consuming fuel or damaging the environment. The primary renewable energy source in the United States is still wind, which aids in lowering our dependency on fossil fuels. Annually, wind energy helps save 329 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the same amount of emissions produced by 71 million automobiles, and contributes to acid rain, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions(STEP, n.d.). The Problem with Wind Power Wind and solar power projects are currently more economically competitive than gas, geothermal, coal, or nuclear power plants when evaluating the energy cost connected with new power plants. However, wind projects could only be cost-competitive in sufficiently windy places. Prices may be reduced even more with the use of cutting-edge technology, improved manufacturing practices a deeper comprehension of the physics of wind farms. It is necessary to deliver power from wind farms to metropolitan areas to satisfy demand, but installation difficulties must be solved. The cost of increasing land-based wind energy might be significantly reduced by upgrading the nation's transmission network to connect regions with plentiful wind resources to important population centers(ECO, n.d.). Additionally, grid hookup and transmission capacities for offshore wind energy are developing. Although the environmental effects of wind farms are distinct from those of traditional power plants, there are still worries about the noise generated by the turbine blades and the aesthetic

effects on the surroundings. Although wind energy projects have less impact on wildlife than other energy initiatives, a study is still required to reduce wind-animal interactions. The adverse effects of wind turbines on animals are being lessened because of technological advancements, strategic placement of wind farms, and continuous environmental study(National Grid, n.d.).

What is Wind Turbine? How does it Work? A wind turbine is a complex machine that produces electricity propelled by the wind's kinetic energy. Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) and vertical axis wind turbines are the two main types of wind turbines (VAWTs). The more popular version of HAWT consists of rotors that resemble propellers fastened around a central hub and point toward the wind like a windmill. In a VAWT, the turbine's driving shaft is encircled by blades. The structure resembles a large push mower that has been turned on its side and is reaching toward the sky. Wind turbines can convert wind energy into the electricity that runs our homes and workplaces(Good Energy, 2020). They can operate independently, serving only one or a few houses or businesses, or they can be grouped to form a wind farm. Wind turbines can transform wind energy into electricity that powers our homes and places of business. They may run independently, providing power to only one or a small number of residences or businesses, or they may be gathered in a wind farm. When the wind hits wind turbine blades, they turn. The wind doesn't need to be influential; most turbine blades will begin to revolve at a mild breeze's wind speed of 3 to 5 metres per second. This rotating action turns the box at the top of a wind turbine's nacelle. The rotating shaft's kinetic energy is subsequently transformed into electrical power by a generator integrated inside the nacelle. The voltage is then increased by a transformer so that it can be carried by the National Grid or utilized at a nearby site. A typical onshore wind turbine may generate between 2 and 3 megawatts (MW), or more than 6 million kilowatt hours (kwh),

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

annually. That will satisfy the electrical needs of around 1,500 typical families. Up to a certain, more power is produced the quicker the wind blows. When the wind speed doubles, up to eight times more energy may be created. However, if the wind speed is too high, the turbines will automatically turn off to avoid damage(National Grid, n.d.).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Energy Wind power is created after the conversion of kinetic energy. It is converted into mechanical energy. This energy then is transformed into electricity via a generator for the benefit of humankind. The many methods of generating power have recently been a hot issue of discussion among professionals. Wind power is unquestionably one of the leading candidates for technical innovations that might result in more effective energy generation. The future of wind energy appears bright at first look. This may be the case, but there are a few drawbacks to take into account(Enel Green Power, n.d.). The benefits of wind energy are more obvious than the drawbacks. The wind itself, which is an endless, free, and renewable resource, as well as economic value, maintenance costs, and facility placement, are the key benefits. The wind is, first and foremost, a limitless, cost-free, and sustainable resource. Harvesting the kinetic energy of the wind has no impact on currents or wind cycles since wind is a natural phenomenon. The next method of producing pure and pollution-free electricity is through harnessing wind power. It doesn't release any greenhouse gases or air pollution like other power plants. The wind that blows by the wind turbines produces power safely. Compared to the use of fossil fuels to generate power, wind energy is far more environmentally benign(Energy gov, n.d.). Since it arrives at the beginning of your project and might be significant, the initial cost is perhaps wind power's biggest drawback. Obviously, the price will differ based on the size and design of the wind turbine you choose. Although you may purchase tiny turbines, they will only generate very little output (see my writings on the effectiveness of wind power). one of the main drawbacks of wind power, that I have provided here with a disclaimer. If your research was thorough, you should already be aware of the yearly average wind speed in your area and whether anything may be nearby that could have an impact on it. Your location will greatly

influence your property's suitability for wind power generation. A household wind turbine won't be practical if you live in an urban setting because of the impact of nearby structures and other obstructions on wind quality. Obtaining planning approval will also be extremely unlikely(Nrcan, n.d.). How does Wind Energy Impact the Environment? The air moving over the surface of the Earth is called wind. Differences in air pressure are the reason behind it. The Earth's rotation and temperature variations, particularly the differential in heating at the equator and the poles, affect the pattern of the worldwide atmospheric circulation. By moving heat and water, winds affect regional climate and everyday weather. Wind energy is a renewable source of energy. Overall, wind energy has less environmental consequences than many other energy sources. Wind turbines, with few exceptions, do not emit pollutants into the air or water, and they do not require water for cooling. Wind turbines may also reduce the quantity of power generated from fossil fuels, resulting in lower total air pollution and CO2 emissions. Individual wind turbines have a limited physical footprint. Wind farms are clusters of wind turbines positioned on open ground, on mountain slopes, or offshore in lakes or the ocean(STEP, n.d.). Modern wind turbines may be quite massive equipment that have an aesthetic impact on the environment. A few wind turbines have caught fire, and several have spilled lubricating fluids, although these events are uncommon. Some people dislike the sound made by wind turbine blades as they revolve in the wind. Wind turbines and wind projects of many sorts kill birds and bats. These fatalities may contribute to population losses in animals that are also afflicted by other human-related problems. The wind energy sector and the United States government are working together to find solutions to lessen the impact of wind turbines on birds and bats. Wind power's most thoroughly researched negative impact is the threat to local species populations, particularly birds and bats. When wind turbine blades revolve at high speeds, the air pressure surrounding the blades fluctuates, increasing the risk of birds and bats colliding with the blades. However, the exact impact on local bird and bat species can vary widely from one wind farm to the next, and correctly sited wind farms can frequently minimize most of these problems(UCSUSA, n.d.).

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Furthermore, the construction of wind farms can disrupt the natural habitat of numerous different animal species: wind farm construction necessitates human access to possibly otherwise distant locations, which might occasionally necessitate the construction of new roads or the clearance of additional land(Accoina, n.d.). Onshore and Offshore Projects Wind power has been used by humans for thousands of years. Renewable wind energy production technologies and uses have progressed dramatically in recent years, from pumping water and breaking grain to generating electricity. Wind power now accounts for a growing proportion of total electricity generation. Wind power accounts for nearly 80% of ACCIONA Energa’s renewable energy production(Acciona, n.d.). Let's look at both onshore and offshore wind energy. Onshore wind energy employs turbines that are erected on sparsely inhabited terrain that is mostly used for farming, without interfering with farming methods. When compared to other non-renewable energy sources that emit hazardous pollutants and have no

energy payback, the installation of onshore wind farms, including construction, operations, and maintenance, has an energy payback of less than 12 months. Normal agricultural methods can also be carried out for onshore wind farm projects. An onshore wind farm's infrastructure is quite affordable. Onshore wind farms have low installation costs and do not require as complicated logistics as other energy sources. Wind turbine installation is often relatively rapid, requiring only a few months from excavation to commissioning(ECO, n.d.). Offshore wind projects require oceans with strong winds. Offshore wind turbines are becoming increasingly popular since there are no physical limits to the wind at sea, allowing for greater wind speeds. Wind turbines may generate more power as wind speeds increase. Offshore wind technology is critical for the clean energy transition and is likely to increase rapidly in the future years. Onshore wind is the wind that blows from the sea to the land, whereas offshore wind is the wind that blows from the sea to the land. Offshore wind harvesting emerged over 100 years after onshore wind energy was invented(Kiwi Energy, n.d.). The primary distinction between onshore and offshore energy is that none has market penetration. Onshore winds bring moisture with them and blow throughout the day, but offshore winds are dry and blow at night. Offshore winds are also created by temperature and pressure differences between the land and the sea or water body. These sorts of winds have advantages and disadvantages. Offshore and onshore winds are stronger and more stable, with less turbulence and vertical shear, and are more spatially consistent. However, these benefits are not without drawbacks. Offshore and onshore winds interact with waves, and offshore winds are difficult to measure(National Grid, n.d.).

This is for Onshore Projects This is for Offshore Projects What is the Future for Wind Energy? Wind energy accounts for a tiny but rapidly rising portion of total power generation. It accounts for 5% of worldwide electricity output and 8% of US electricity supply. Global wind energy capacity exceeds 743 gigatonnes, which is more than grid-connected solar energy and around half of what hydropower can supply. Wind farms in five nations account for over three-quarters of the 651 gigatonnes: China, the United States, Germany, India, and Spain. Over the last decade, wind energy capacity in the Americas has quadrupled(NREL.gov, n.d.). Wind energy has become increasingly affordable during the last decade. It is cost-competitive with natural gas and solar electricity in the United States. Because wind is generally highest after the sun has heated the earth for a period of time, wind energy and solar energy complement each other. Warm air rises from the most heated parts, creating a gap into which other air can rush, resulting in horizontal wind currents. During the day, we may use solar energy, and in the evening and at night, we can use wind energy. Wind energy is useful in

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

locations where it is too overcast or dark for substantial solar energy generation, particularly at higher latitudes(Enel Green Power, n.d.). Engineers are in the early phases of developing airborne wind turbines in which the components are either floating by a gas such as utilizing aerodynamics to stay high in the air, where the wind is greater. These devices are being examined for offshore usage, where traditional wind turbines on tall towers are both expensive and difficult to build. Trees, which can resist hurricane-force winds while moving in response to breezes from every direction, are also generating new wind energy technology ideas. Engineers are considering creating artificial wind-harvesting trees. This would necessitate the development of new materials and systems capable of converting energy from a tree's complicated motions into the consistent rotation required by standard generators(National Grid, n.d.). Wind Turbine Power Curve A wind turbine power curve is a graph that shows how much electricity a turbine can generate at various wind speeds. This is handy for locating potential locations for wind farms or household wind power installations. If you know the average range of wind speeds at your location and have a wind power curve for the turbine you're thinking about, you should be able to derive a decent estimate of its yearly production and determine whether it'll be enough for your needs(Alternative Energy, n.d.). It is extremely improbable that the wind speed would be constant in any place, hence the output will fluctuate in accordance with the speed at any given moment. A wind turbine power curve can assist in estimating present and near-future production(Science Direct, n.d.).

At very low wind speeds, the wind exerts insufficient torque on the turbine blades to cause them to revolve (see how fast does a wind turbine spin). As the wind speed rises, the wind turbine will begin to revolve and create electricity.The cut-in speed is the speed at which the turbine first begins to rotate and create electricity, and it is normally between 3 and 4 metres per second(Alternative Energy, n.d.). As the wind speed exceeds the cut-in speed, the amount of electrical output power rapidly increases, as indicated. However, the power output often hits the limit of the electrical generator midway between 12 and 17 metres per second. This generator output limit is known as the rated power output, and the wind speed at which it is attained is known as the rated output wind speed. At greater wind speeds, the turbine's design limits the power to this maximum level, and there is no further increase in output power. The method used varies depending on the design, although with big turbines, it is often accomplished by altering the blade angles in order to maintain at a constant level. As the speed climbs above the rate of output wind speed, the stresses on the turbine structure increase and, at some point, the rotor may be damaged. As a result, a braking mechanism is used to bring the rotor to a complete stop. This is known as the cut-out speed, and it is typically approximately 25 meters per second(Science Direct, n.d.). Wind turbine efficiency, or power coefficient, is not constant and varies with wind speed. A power curve depicts how a wind turbine's power fluctuates with wind speed. Figure 4.7 depicts a typical power curve. Wind turbines cannot produce energy at extremely low (insufficient torque to overcome friction) or extremely high speeds (they will be damaged). As a result, power curves specify cut-in (about 3.5 m/s) and cut-out (approximately 25 m/s) speeds. When the wind speed surpasses the cut-in speed, the power output rapidly increases. However, at certain speeds, referred to as the rated wind speed (12-14 m/s), the power output approaches a limit known as the rated power output(Alternative Energy, n.d.). Power Coefficient of Wind Turbine The power coefficient describes how well a turbine transforms wind energy to electricity. To calculate a wind turbine's technical efficiency, just divide its electrical power output by its wind energy input. Wind turbines capture energy by slowing the wind. To be 100% efficient, a wind turbine must stop 100% of the wind - but then the rotor must be a solid disc that does not move and converts no kinetic energy. On the other hand, if you had a wind turbine with only one rotor blade, most of the wind flowing through the region swept by the turbine blade would entirely miss the blade, allowing the wind to keep the kinetic energy(Science Direct, n.d.). Betz Limit The wind is an ecologically benign yet inconsistent renewable energy source among the numerous renewable energy sources. Wind turbine generators (WTGs) of various sizes and designs have successfully converted wind kinetic energy into mechanical and electrical energy. We may believe that the larger and more efficient these wind turbine generators are, the more

energy they will generate. However, there is a maximum limit to the efficiency of any wind turbine generator in turning wind energy into useful energy, known as the Betz Limit(Alternative Energy, n.d.). The Betz Limit, or Betz Law, established over a century ago by German scientist Albert Betz, claims that no wind turbine generator can convert more than around 60% of the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical (or electrical) energy merely by spinning the rotor blades. Wind direction and wind velocity are prone to quick and frequent changes because wind flows erratically from place to place carrying kinetic energy(Good Energy n.d.). As a result, any wind turbine that revolves on a central axis must be built to adapt to both circumstances. In general, the power (P) generated by a wind turbine generator (WTG) is proportional to the volumetric flow of wind across it. This causes a pressure differential between the wind entering and exiting the swept region of the rotor blades as energy is extracted. The Coefficient of Power (CP) calculates the entire amount of power produced by a wind turbine from the total energy available in the wind at a given wind speed(Alternative Energy n.d.). Conclusion Wind energy is a technologically developed energy source with huge potential. It takes up less area since it expands vertically, requires minimum upkeep, and interacts nicely with the circular economy concept, making it increasingly competitive. Humans have known for millennia how essential wind power can be in our everyday lives, from sailboats to windmills. We've also been able to convert the movement of vast air masses into electrical energy for use immediately where it is created or in another location or time for over a century. In short, wind power now possesses all of the ingredients for playing a major role in the global energy transition and the shift toward green energy sources. Not only is wind prevalent practically everywhere on Earth, but we also know where it blows the most regularly and forcefully. It's a matter of availability: because we know where the wind blows the hardest, we can construct wind turbines based on our extensive knowledge of the local circumstances. The windier a region is, the more energy it may create, balancing the initial investment expenditures(NREL.gov, n.d.). References:  Wind Energy Solutions (no date) Wind Energy Power Systems & Solutions | GE Renewable Energy. Available at: https://www.ge.com/renewableenergy/wind-energy (Accessed: December 1, 2022).

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

 Wind energy (no date) IRENA . Available at : https://www.irena.org/Energy- Transition/Technology/Wind-energy (Accessed: December 1, 2022).  How wind energy works (no date) Union of Concerned Scientists . Available at: https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/how-wind-energy-works (Accessed: December 1, 2022).  Canada, N.R. (2020) Government of Canada , Natural Resources Canada . / Gouvernement du Canada. Available at: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/energy- sources-distribution/renewables/wind-energy/7299 (Accessed: December 1, 2022).  Canada, N.R. (2020) Government of Canada , Natural Resources Canada . / Gouvernement du Canada. Available at : https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/energy- sources-distribution/renewables/wind-energy/7299 (Accessed: December 1, 2022).  Wind (no date) Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) . Available at: https://sustainabletechnologies.ca/home/renewable-energy/wind / (Accessed: December 1, 2022).  Advantages and challenges of wind energy (no date) Energy.gov . Available at: https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/advantages-and-challenges-wind-energy (Accessed: December 1, 2022).  How does a wind turbine work? (no date) National Grid Group . Available at: https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/how-does-wind-turbine-work (Accessed: December 1, 2022).

 How do wind turbines work? (2022) Good Energy . Available at: https://www.goodenergy.co.uk/how-do-wind-turbines-work / (Accessed: December 1, 2022).  Disadvantages of wind power and wind turbines (no date) Eco . Available at: https://www.eco-home-essentials.co.uk/disadvantages-of-wind-power.html (Accessed: December 1, 2022).  Nikki (2019) Differences between onshore & offshore wind energy , Kiwi Energy . Available at: https://kiwienergy.us/differences-between-onshore-offshore-wind-energy/ (Accessed: December 1, 2022).  Onshore vs offshore wind energy: What's the difference? (no date) National Grid Group . Available at: https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/onshore-vs- offshore-wind-energy (Accessed: December 1, 2022).  Tutorials, A.E. (no date) Betz limit and a wind turbines coefficient of power , Alternative Energy Tutorials . Alternative Energy Tutorials. Available at : https://www.alternative- energy-tutorials.com/wind-energy/betz-limit.html (Accessed: December 1, 2022).  All the benefits of wind power (no date) Benefits of wind energy | Enel Green Power . Available at: https://www.enelgreenpower.com/learning-hub/renewable-energies/wind- energy/advantages-wind-energy (Accessed: December 1, 2022).  Wind energy basics (no date) NREL.gov . Available at: https://www.nrel.gov/research/re- wind.html (Accessed: December 1, 2022).

 “Wind Power Generation - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.” Wind Power Generation - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics , www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/wind- power-generation . Accessed 2 Dec. 2022.  “Onshore and Offshore Wind Energy | ACCIONA Australia.” Onshore and Offshore Wind Energy | ACCIONA Australia , www.acciona.com.au/updates/stories/onshore-and- offshore-wind-energy-what-do-they-mean/?_adin=02021864894 . Accessed 2 Dec. 2022.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version