Wind Machines: Turbines

History of Wind Energy:

The use of wind machines, actually, dates back to 5000 years ago in Egypt. The people used wind energy for their mechanical power needs. They had found the ways to convert the energy of wind into mechanical energy of usable format.

Wind Turbine today is definitely a evolved version of its older forms.

Wind Turbine:

Wind turbine the mechanical device which converts the Wind Energy in to mechanical work which in further stages drives the generator which generates electricity.

Types of Wind Turbines:

1. Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine
2. Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Construction of Wind Turbine:

Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines:

1. Anemometer:- Monitors the Speed.
2. Blades:- 2 or 3 blades of aerofoil cross section.
3. Brakes:- To avoid overspeeding.
4. Gear Box:- Convert low speed of rotor shaft into high speed of generator shaft.
5. Generator:- Gnerates electricity, 60 Hz A.C in general.
6. Tower:- Supports the structure and provide height.
7. Yaw Drive:- Arrangement for Turning rotor axis perpendicular to wind direction.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines:

1. Rotor Blades:- Eggbeater shaped 3 blades.
2. Hub:- Holds upper and lower ends.
3. Gear Box:- Convert low speed of rotor shaft into high speed of generator shaft.
4. Generator:- Self induction generator.
5. Guy Wires:- Tied from the top and supports the total structure by tension.

Factors Affecting  Performance of Wind Turbines:

1. Siting Factor:

• Onshore site.
• Nearshore Site.
• Offshore Site.
• Airbourne Site.

2. Capacity Factor:-

3. Low Wind Speed:-

Maintenance: Wind Machines:

1. Planned Maintenance
2. Electrical Safety Maintenance
3. Breakdown Maintenance

Advantages: Wind Energy:

1. Totally renewable and long lasting (till human race ends).
2. Can be coupled with agriculture and adds income.
3. low working cost.
4. Not water and land intensive.
5. Low impact on the animal and plant life.

Disadvantages: Wind Energy:

1. Needs backup as wind is intermittant.
2. Aesthetically looks bad.
3. Blades kills birds.
4. Problems to T.V. signals and creates noise so must be away from urban areas.
5. Can not be stored.
6. Very  high initial cost of machinery.