Difference between revisions of "Wind Energy Background"

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==Brief History of Wind Energy==
 
Although the use of wind power started around 5000 BC, but electric power generation through wind energy started in 18th century and increasing drastically in 19th and 20th centuries. A brief view on developments on wind power sector are listed below.
 
[[Image:totalcapacityworld2009.JPEG|thumb|right|400px|Fig 1 [http://www.wwindea.org/home/index.php Development of wind power worldwide]]]
 
* [http://www.brighthub.com/environment/renewable-energy/articles/71440.aspx 1887]        :  Prof. James Blyth of Scotland used windmills for generating electricity.
 
* [http://www.brighthub.com/environment/renewable-energy/articles/71440.aspx 1888]      :  Charles Brush developed the first wind-powered turbine that generated electricity in the United States based on emulated James Blyth work.
 
* [http://www.brighthub.com/environment/renewable-energy/articles/71440.aspx 1927]      :  Joe Jacobs and Marcellus Jacobs improved the wind turbine generator for use in farms.
 
* [http://www.brighthub.com/environment/renewable-energy/articles/71440.aspx 1931] : development of Darrieus wind turbine. It is a vertical axis turbine that rotates with wind from any direction.
 
* 1941: Largest mega watt range wind turbine was connected to the local electrical distribution system on the mountain known as Grandpa's Knob in Castleton, Vermont, USA.
 
* 1971: Denmark installed the first offshore wind farms
 
* 1990s: More than 2200 MW capacity of wind turbines are installed in california.
 
* 2003: the largest offshore wind farm North Hoyle  was built in  the United Kingdom.
 
* 2003-2010: Research is going is on wind turbines in blades structures, generators, operation and protection, efficiency of wind turbines.
 
Source:[[Media:windenergy.pdf| Wind Energy]]<br>
 
The total installed wind power capacity from 2001 to 2010 is shown in fig. 1.  All wind turbines installed by the end of year 2009 worldwide are generating 340 TWh per annum.
 
The country wise share of wind energy by the end of year 2009 is shown in fig. 2.
 
 
[[Image:countryshare.JPEG|thumb|right|350px|Fig 2 [http://www.wwindea.org/home/index.php  Country share of total capacity]]]
 
 
Source:[http://www.wwindea.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=266&Itemid=43 World Wind Energy Report 2009]
 
 
 
==Working Principle of Wind Turbine ==
 
==Working Principle of Wind Turbine ==
 
Wind is air in motion. It is a form of solar energy. Solar radiation heats every part of the Earth’s surface unevenly due to irregularities and rotation of earth. The flow of wind patterns are modified by the earth's terrain, bodies of water, and vegetative cover. When air moves, causing wind, it has kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of wind can be captured by a wind turbine and converted to other forms of energy such as electricity or mechanical power.
 
Wind is air in motion. It is a form of solar energy. Solar radiation heats every part of the Earth’s surface unevenly due to irregularities and rotation of earth. The flow of wind patterns are modified by the earth's terrain, bodies of water, and vegetative cover. When air moves, causing wind, it has kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of wind can be captured by a wind turbine and converted to other forms of energy such as electricity or mechanical power.
  
[[Image:windprinciple.png|center|550px|thumb|Fig 3 [http://www.atlantissolar.com/wind_story.html Wind turbine principle]]]
+
[[Image:windenergy windprinciple1.png|center|550px|thumb|Fig 3 '''[http://www.atlantissolar.com/wind_story.html Wind turbine principle]''']]
  
 
Sources:[http://windeis.anl.gov/guide/basics/index.cfm Wind Energy Basics],[http://www1.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/wind_how.html#inside How Wind Turbines Work]
 
Sources:[http://windeis.anl.gov/guide/basics/index.cfm Wind Energy Basics],[http://www1.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/wind_how.html#inside How Wind Turbines Work]
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{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%"
 
{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%"
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#83caff"|'''Horizontal axis wind turbines'''
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#4F81BD"|<font color="#FFFFFF">'''Horizontal axis wind turbines'''</font>
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#83caff"|'''Vertical axis wind turbines'''
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#4F81BD"|<font color="#FFFFFF">'''Vertical axis wind turbines'''</font>
 
|-
 
|-
|
+
|bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|
* It is mounted on top of a tower ,requires huge towers leads to complex in operation, maintanace and high intial costs.
+
* It is mounted on top of a tower ,requires huge towers leads to complex in operation, maintenance and high initial costs.
 
* It operates only with upstream or down stream wind directions.
 
* It operates only with upstream or down stream wind directions.
* It can be constructed in offshores.
+
* It can be constructed in off-shores.
 
* It produces large amount of electricity with high efficiency.
 
* It produces large amount of electricity with high efficiency.
[[Image:Horizontal.jpg|center|thumb|Fig 4(a) [http://www.windturbinesnow.com/horizontalaxis-windturbines.htm Horizontal axis wind turbine]]]
+
|bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|
|
+
 
* These are easy to build and maintain, safer, easier to transport and they can be mounted close to the ground.
 
* These are easy to build and maintain, safer, easier to transport and they can be mounted close to the ground.
* These can handle much turblence in wind than horizontal wind turbines.
+
* These can handle much turbulence in wind than horizontal wind turbines.
 
* Mostly it can be constructed with two blades
 
* Mostly it can be constructed with two blades
 
* It operates with any direction of wind
 
* It operates with any direction of wind
 
* Production of electricity is less due to low wind speeds near to ground
 
* Production of electricity is less due to low wind speeds near to ground
[[Image:vertical.jpg|center|thumb|Fig 4(b)[http://www.solarpowerwindenergy.org/2009/12/25/types-of-wind-turbines/ Vertical axis wind turbine]]]
+
|-
 +
|[[Image:Horizontal.jpg|center|thumb|Fig 4(a)'''[http://www.windturbinesnow.com/horizontalaxis-windturbines.htm Horizontal axis wind turbine]''']]
 +
|[[Image:vertical.jpg|center|thumb|Fig 4(b)'''[http://www.solarpowerwindenergy.org/2009/12/25/types-of-wind-turbines/ Vertical axis wind turbine]''']]
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
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{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%"
 
{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%"
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#83caff"|   
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#4F81BD"|   
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#83caff"|'''Fixed speed generating systems'''
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#4F81BD"|<font color="#FFFFFF">'''Fixed speed generating systems'''</font>
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#83caff"|'''Variable speed generating systems'''
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#4F81BD"|<font color="#FFFFFF">'''Variable speed generating systems'''</font>
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#83caff"|'''Doubly fed induction generator'''
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#4F81BD"|<font color="#FFFFFF">'''Doubly fed induction generator'''</font>
  
 
|-
 
|-
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|-
 
|-
| Machines
+
|bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"| Machines
| SQIG
+
|bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|SQIG
| PMSG/WRSG/WRIG
+
|bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"| PMSG/WRSG/WRIG
| DFIG
+
|bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"| DFIG
  
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Advantages
 
| Advantages
 
|  <nowiki>* Simple and low cost </nowiki>
 
|  <nowiki>* Simple and low cost </nowiki>
<nowiki>* Low maintanace </nowiki>
+
<nowiki>* Low maintenance </nowiki>
 
| <nowiki>* Complete control of real and reactive powers</nowiki>
 
| <nowiki>* Complete control of real and reactive powers</nowiki>
  
Line 101: Line 83:
  
 
|-
 
|-
| Drawbacks
+
|bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"| Drawbacks
|  <nowiki>* </nowiki>No control on real and reactive power
+
|bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|  <nowiki>* </nowiki>No control on real and reactive power
  
 
<nowiki>* Less optimum power extraction capability</nowiki>
 
<nowiki>* Less optimum power extraction capability</nowiki>
Line 109: Line 91:
  
 
<nowiki>* High mechanical stress on turbine mechanical components</nowiki>
 
<nowiki>* High mechanical stress on turbine mechanical components</nowiki>
|  <nowiki>* Additional cost of power electronics</nowiki>
+
|bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|  <nowiki>* Additional cost of power electronics</nowiki>
  
 
<nowiki>* Limited fault ride through capability</nowiki>
 
<nowiki>* Limited fault ride through capability</nowiki>
| <nowiki>* Regular maintenance of slip ring and gearbox</nowiki>
+
|bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"| <nowiki>* Regular maintenance of slip ring and gearbox</nowiki>
  
 
<nowiki>* Limited fault ride-through capability</nowiki>
 
<nowiki>* Limited fault ride-through capability</nowiki>
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{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%"
 
{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%"
|align = "center" bgcolor = "#83caff"|'''Control System'''
+
|align = "center" bgcolor = "#4F81BD"|<font color="#FFFFFF">'''Control System'''</font>
|align = "center" bgcolor = "#83caff"|'''Pitch contol'''
+
|align = "center" bgcolor = "#4F81BD"|<font color="#FFFFFF">'''Pitch contol'''</font>
|align = "center" bgcolor = "#83caff"|'''Yaw control'''
+
|align = "center" bgcolor = "#4F81BD"|<font color="#FFFFFF">'''Yaw control'''</font>
|align = "center" bgcolor = "#83caff"|'''Stall control'''
+
|align = "center" bgcolor = "#4F81BD"|<font color="#FFFFFF">'''Stall control'''</font>
|align = "center" bgcolor = "#83caff"|'''Generator torque control'''
+
|align = "center" bgcolor = "#4F81BD"|<font color="#FFFFFF">'''Generator torque control'''</font>
 
|-
 
|-
|align = "center" bgcolor = "#83caff"|'''Description'''
+
|rowspan="2" align = "center" bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|'''Description'''
| A method of controlling the speed of a wind turbine by varying the orientation, or pitch, of the blades, and thereby altering its aerodynamics and efficiency.
+
|-valign="top' bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|A method of controlling the speed of a wind turbine by varying the orientation, or pitch, of the blades, and thereby altering its aerodynamics and efficiency.
[[Image:pitch.jpg|thumb|center|175px|Fig 16(a) [http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/8189 Pitch control]]]
+
 
Source:[http://www.moog.com/markets/energy/wind-turbines/blade-pitch-control/ Blade Pitch Control]
 
Source:[http://www.moog.com/markets/energy/wind-turbines/blade-pitch-control/ Blade Pitch Control]
| The rotation of horizontal axis wind turbine around its tower to orient the turbine in upwind or down wind direction.
+
|bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|The rotation of horizontal axis wind turbine around its tower to orient the turbine in upwind or down wind direction.
[[Image:Yaw.jpg|thumb|center|175px||Fig 16(b) [http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/8189 Yaw control]]]
+
 
Source:[http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/8189 Wind Turbine Control Methods]
 
Source:[http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/8189 Wind Turbine Control Methods]
|Stall control works by increasing the angle at which the relative wind strikes the blades (angle of attack). As the wind speed increases drag force on the blade increase and lift force gets reduces, thus finally reduces the speed of turbine.A fully stalled turbine blade, when stopped, has the flat side of the blade facing directly into the wind. Compare with furling.  
+
|bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|Stall control works by increasing the angle at which the relative wind strikes the blades (angle of attack). As the wind speed increases drag force on the blade increase and lift force gets reduces, thus finally reduces the speed of turbine.A fully stalled turbine blade, when stopped, has the flat side of the blade facing directly into the wind. Compare with furling.  
 
Source:[http://www.windmeup.org/2008/03/stall-control-basics.html Stall-control basics]
 
Source:[http://www.windmeup.org/2008/03/stall-control-basics.html Stall-control basics]
|As the aerodynamic torque control changes, rotor speed changes. it changes the output power frequency. A frequency converter is connected in between generator and the network to maintain generator power constant.
+
|bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|As the aerodynamic torque control changes, rotor speed changes. it changes the output power frequency. A frequency converter is connected in between generator and the network to maintain generator power constant.
 
Source[[Media:windenergycontrol.pdf|Wind Energy Control]]
 
Source[[Media:windenergycontrol.pdf|Wind Energy Control]]
 +
|-
 +
|[[Image:pitch.jpg|thumb|center|175px|Fig 16(a) '''[http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/8189 Pitch control]''']]
 +
|[[Image:Yaw.jpg|thumb|center|175px|Fig 16(b) '''[http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/8189 Yaw control]''']]
 +
|align="center"| NA
 +
|align="center"| NA
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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A majority of patents describing wind turbines or wind energy are classified in the following IPC classifications.  
 
A majority of patents describing wind turbines or wind energy are classified in the following IPC classifications.  
 
{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%"
 
{|border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%"
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#99ccff"|'''S.NO'''
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#4F81BD"|<font color="#FFFFFF">'''S.NO'''</font>
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#99ccff"|'''IPC Classification'''
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#4F81BD"|<font color="#FFFFFF">'''IPC Classification'''</font>
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#99ccff"|'''Description'''
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#4F81BD"|<font color="#FFFFFF">'''Description'''</font>
 
|-
 
|-
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#99ccff"|1
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|1
| align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=F03D F03D]
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=F03D F03D]
| WIND MOTORS
+
| bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"| Machines or engines for liquids; wind, spring, or weight motors; producing mechanical power or a reactive propulsive thrust / '''Wind motors'''
 
|-
 
|-
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#99ccff"|2
+
| align = "center"|2
 
| align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=F16C F16C]
 
| align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=F16C F16C]
| SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OF CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
+
| Engineering elements or units; general measures for producing and maintaining effective functioning of machines or installations; thermal insulation in general/ '''Shafts; flexible shafts; elements of crankshaft mechanisms; rotary bodies other than gearing elements; bearings'''
 
|-
 
|-
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#99ccff"|3
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|3
| align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=F16H F16H]
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=F16H F16H]
| GEARING
+
| bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"| Engineering elements or units; general measures for producing and maintaining effective functioning of machines or installations; thermal insulation in general / '''Gearing'''
 
|-
 
|-
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#99ccff"|4
+
| align = "center"|4
 
| align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=F03B F03B]
 
| align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=F03B F03B]
| MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
+
| Machines or engines for liquids; wind, spring, or weight motors; producing mechanical power or a reactive propulsive thrust / '''Machines or engines for liquids'''
 
|-
 
|-
|align = "center" bgcolor = "#99ccff"|5
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|5
|align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=symbol&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=H02K H02K]
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=symbol&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=H02K H02K]
|DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
+
| bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|Generation, conversion, or distribution of electric power / '''Dynamo-electric machines'''
 
|-
 
|-
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#99ccff"|6
+
| align = "center" |6
 
| align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#&refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=H02P H02P]
 
| align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#&refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=H02P H02P]
| CONTROL OR REGULATION OF ELECTRIC MOTORS, GENERATORS, OR DYNAMO-ELECTRIC CONVERTERS; CONTROLLING TRANSFORMERS, REACTORS OR CHOKE COILS
+
|Generation, conversion, or distribution of electric power / '''Control or regulation of electric motors, generators, or dynamo-electric converters; controlling transformers, reactors or choke coils'''
 
|-
 
|-
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#99ccff"|7
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|7
| align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=H02M H02M]
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=H02M H02M]
| APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION
+
| bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|Generation, conversion, or distribution of electric power / '''Apparatus for conversion between ac and ac, between ac and dc, or between dc and dc, and for use with mains or similar power supply systems; conversion of dc or ac input power into surge output power; control or regulation'''
 
|-
 
|-
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#99ccff"|8
+
| align = "center"|8
 
| align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=H02J H02J]
 
| align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=H02J H02J]
| CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
+
| Generation, conversion, or distribution of electric power / '''Circuit arrangements or systems for supplying or distributing electric power; systems for storing electric energy'''
 
|-
 
|-
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#99ccff"|9
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|9
| align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=G06F G06F]
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=G06F G06F]
| ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
+
| bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"| Computing; calculating; counting /'''Electric digital data processing'''
 
|-
 
|-
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#99ccff"|10
+
| align = "center" |10
 
| align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=G05F G05F]
 
| align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=G05F G05F]
| SYSTEMS FOR REGULATING ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC VARIABLES
+
| Controlling; regulating / '''Systems for regulating electric or magnetic variables'''
 
|-
 
|-
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#99ccff"|11
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|11
| align = "center"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=H02H H02H]
+
| align = "center" bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"|[http://www.wipo.int/ipcpub/#refresh=page&notion=scheme&version=20110101&symbol=H02H H02H]
| EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
+
| bgcolor = "#DCE6F1"| Generation, conversion, or distribution of electric power / '''Emergency protective circuit arrangements'''
 
|}
 
|}
  
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| style="background-color:#999990;padding:0.079cm;"| <center>[http://dolcera.com/wiki/index.php?title=Wind_Energy <<Back to main page]</center>
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|}

Latest revision as of 22:01, 10 May 2011

Working Principle of Wind Turbine

Wind is air in motion. It is a form of solar energy. Solar radiation heats every part of the Earth’s surface unevenly due to irregularities and rotation of earth. The flow of wind patterns are modified by the earth's terrain, bodies of water, and vegetative cover. When air moves, causing wind, it has kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of wind can be captured by a wind turbine and converted to other forms of energy such as electricity or mechanical power.

Sources:Wind Energy Basics,How Wind Turbines Work

Horizontal Axis and Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

Wind turbines are mainly classified into two types based on the axis in which turbine rotates. They are Horizontal axis wind turbine(HAWT) and vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). The table below presented, describes the advantages and disadvantages of HAWT's and VAWT's.

Horizontal axis wind turbines Vertical axis wind turbines
  • It is mounted on top of a tower ,requires huge towers leads to complex in operation, maintenance and high initial costs.
  • It operates only with upstream or down stream wind directions.
  • It can be constructed in off-shores.
  • It produces large amount of electricity with high efficiency.
  • These are easy to build and maintain, safer, easier to transport and they can be mounted close to the ground.
  • These can handle much turbulence in wind than horizontal wind turbines.
  • Mostly it can be constructed with two blades
  • It operates with any direction of wind
  • Production of electricity is less due to low wind speeds near to ground

Source:Different types of wind turbines

Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines

HWAT1.PNG


All grid-connected commercial wind turbines today are built with a horizontal axis type rotor which is installed on top of a tower. Most horizontal axis turbines built today are two- or three-bladed, although some have fewer or more blades. The purpose of the rotor is to convert the linear motion of the wind into rotational energy that can be used to drive a generator. Most of the systems have a gearbox, which turns the slow rotation of the blades into a quicker rotation that is more suitable to drive an electrical generator.

Click on the link below to see detailed description about horizontal axis wind turbines.
Different Types and Parts of a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines

Electrical Generating Systems

The various types of electrical generating systems used in wind energy systems are shown in figure.

Generator.png

Source:Wind Turbine Generators

The most commonly used generator systems applied in wind turbines are are explained below.

Fixed speed generating systems Variable speed generating systems Doubly fed induction generator
Structure
Fixed.png
Variable.png
Dfigg.png
Machines SQIG PMSG/WRSG/WRIG DFIG
Advantages * Simple and low cost

* Low maintenance

* Complete control of real and reactive powers

* High energy efficiency

* Reduced capacity converter

* Decoupled control of active and reactive power flow

* Smooth grid connection

Drawbacks * No control on real and reactive power

* Less optimum power extraction capability

* Poor power factor

* High mechanical stress on turbine mechanical components

* Additional cost of power electronics

* Limited fault ride through capability

* Regular maintenance of slip ring and gearbox

* Limited fault ride-through capability

Source:Inside wind turbines

In this report, a comprehensive analysis of patent and non-patent literature is done with a focus on Doubly-fed induction generator systems.

Wind Turbine Control Systems

As the wind turbines increases in size and power, control systems plays a major role to operate wind turbines in safe region and also to improve efficiency and quality of power conversion. The main objectives of wind turbine control systems is

  • Energy capture : Operating the wind turbine to extract maximum amount of energy considering safe restrictions like rated power, rated speed, cut-out wind speed etc.,
  • Mechanical loads: protecting the systems from transient loads.
  • Power quality: Conditioning the generated power with grid interconnection standards.

The various control techniques used in wind turbines are shown in table below

Source:Blade Pitch Control
Control System Pitch contol Yaw control Stall control Generator torque control
Description
The rotation of horizontal axis wind turbine around its tower to orient the turbine in upwind or down wind direction.

Source:Wind Turbine Control Methods

Stall control works by increasing the angle at which the relative wind strikes the blades (angle of attack). As the wind speed increases drag force on the blade increase and lift force gets reduces, thus finally reduces the speed of turbine.A fully stalled turbine blade, when stopped, has the flat side of the blade facing directly into the wind. Compare with furling.

Source:Stall-control basics

As the aerodynamic torque control changes, rotor speed changes. it changes the output power frequency. A frequency converter is connected in between generator and the network to maintain generator power constant.

SourceWind Energy Control

Fig 16(a) Pitch control
Fig 16(b) Yaw control
NA NA

Taxonomy for Wind Turbines

A detailed taxonomy is presented which covers Parts, Types, Control Systems, Generating systems and Applications of wind turbines.

WindTurbines12.jpeg


IPC Classifications

A majority of patents describing wind turbines or wind energy are classified in the following IPC classifications.

S.NO IPC Classification Description
1 F03D Machines or engines for liquids; wind, spring, or weight motors; producing mechanical power or a reactive propulsive thrust / Wind motors
2 F16C Engineering elements or units; general measures for producing and maintaining effective functioning of machines or installations; thermal insulation in general/ Shafts; flexible shafts; elements of crankshaft mechanisms; rotary bodies other than gearing elements; bearings
3 F16H Engineering elements or units; general measures for producing and maintaining effective functioning of machines or installations; thermal insulation in general / Gearing
4 F03B Machines or engines for liquids; wind, spring, or weight motors; producing mechanical power or a reactive propulsive thrust / Machines or engines for liquids
5 H02K Generation, conversion, or distribution of electric power / Dynamo-electric machines
6 H02P Generation, conversion, or distribution of electric power / Control or regulation of electric motors, generators, or dynamo-electric converters; controlling transformers, reactors or choke coils
7 H02M Generation, conversion, or distribution of electric power / Apparatus for conversion between ac and ac, between ac and dc, or between dc and dc, and for use with mains or similar power supply systems; conversion of dc or ac input power into surge output power; control or regulation
8 H02J Generation, conversion, or distribution of electric power / Circuit arrangements or systems for supplying or distributing electric power; systems for storing electric energy
9 G06F Computing; calculating; counting /Electric digital data processing
10 G05F Controlling; regulating / Systems for regulating electric or magnetic variables
11 H02H Generation, conversion, or distribution of electric power / Emergency protective circuit arrangements

Major Players

Major players in the Wind Energy sector include: General Electric, Vestas Wind Systems, Siemens AG, Mitsubishi Ltd, REPower Systems AG, Gamesa Innovation & Technology, Enercon, Nordex, Suzlon and Sinovel Wind Group Co. Ltd.

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