(a) Explain, how wind is formed? Mention the difference between wind energy conversion devices. Discuss the working principle of a wind turbine.
Fast moving air is called wind. The main reason behind the formation of wind is non uniform heating of land and water bodies. Land being rough can absorb heat very fast, but water on the other hand cannot get heated so fast. Air above land during the day time will be heated and hot air being light will move upwards. A vacuum will be created causing a low pressure zone. Soon moist air from the sea will rush towards the land. So a pressure difference created by unequal heating is the main cause of wind. The higher the pressure difference higher is the velocity of the wind.
The two main types of wind energy conversion devices are
1) Horizontal Axis wind turbine
2) Vertical Axis wind turbine
Horizontal Axis Wind turbine (HAWT)- here the rotating axis of the blades are in parallel orientation with the wind stream
Vertical Axis Wind turbine (VAWT)- here the rotating axis of the blades are oriented perpendicularly with the wind stream
The basic difference between the HAWT and VAWT is their orientation or alignment of the rotating axis of the blades with the wind stream.
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