Renewable Energy Sources (BETCK205E)

RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

BETCK205E

2nd Sem
Module-3
Wind Energy

Prof. Pranesh K G
Assistant Professor

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Acharya Institute of Technology
Bengaluru-107

Prof. Pranesh K G., Dept. of Mechanical Engg. Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru-107 1
Renewable Energy Sources (BETCK205E)

Module-3

Wind energy

 Wind energy is basically harnessing of wind power to produce electricity.

 Wind possesses kinetic energy, the kinetic energy of wind can be converted into
mechanical energy that can be utilized to perform useful work or to generate electricity.
 When solar radiation enters the earth's atmosphere, different regions of the atmosphere are
heated to different degrees because of earth curvature. This heating is higher at the equator
and lowest at the poles. Since air tends to flow from warmer to cooler regions, this causes
what we call winds, and it is these airflows that are harnessed in windmills and wind
turbines to produce power.
 Wind power is not a new development as this power, in the form of traditional windmills -
for grinding corn, pumping water- have been used for centuries. Now wind power is
harnessed to generate electricity in a larger scale with better technology.
 Wind energy conversion devices are commonly known as wind turbines.

Properties of wind

Wind has two important characteristics

 Wind Direction: The direction of wind can be gauged using an instrument called the
wind vane. It is also called a weather vane.
 Wind Speed: The speed of the wind measured with an instrument Anemometer. Wind
speed varies over time. Wind speed varies by the minute, hour, day, season, and even by
year. It is influenced by weather system, the local land terrain and its height above the
ground surface. The average speed is composed of winds above and below the average.
 Turbulence: Wind turbulence generally refers to rapid fluctuations in wind velocity. One
of two factors or a combination of both causes these fluctuations. The first comes as a result
of the frictional force occurring between the moving air and the Earth’s surface. This is
more generally thought of as the changes in wind speed and direction resulting from
impediment from hills, mountains, forests, and buildings. The second major contributor is
that of drastic thermal gradients, which cause air to move rapidly upward and downwards.
 Wind Shear: Wind shear is a change in wind speed and/or direction over a short distance.

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Availability of wind energy in India

 Development of wind power in India began in December 1952.

 Wind power generation capacity in India has significantly increased in recent years. As of
31 December 2022, the total installed wind power capacity was 41.93 gigawatts (GW), the
fourth largest installed wind power capacity in the world.
 Wind power capacity is mainly spread across the southern, western, and northwestern
states. Wind power costs in India are decreasing rapidly
 The Indian government has installed over 800 wind-monitoring stations all over the
country through the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) and issued wind potential
maps at 50m, 80m, 100m, and 120m above ground level.
 The recent assessment indicates a gross wind power potential of 302 GW in the country at
100 meters and 695.50 GW at 120 meters above ground level
 Installed wind capacity by state as of 31 March 2021

Prof. Pranesh K G., Dept. of Mechanical Engg. Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru-107 3
Renewable Energy Sources (BETCK205E)

Wind velocity and power from wind

Wind Velocity

 Wind speed or Eind velocity is an air moving from high to low pressure, usually due to
changes in temperature that is the horizontal movement of air specified by its speed and
direction measured over the land surface at a height of 10 m above ground level.
 Wind velocity is measured in the units of knots or kilometres per hour (KmPh).
 The wind velocity is known to be maximum during the months of April to June (30–50
km/h), and minimum during the winter months of December to February (1–4 km/h).

Wind Power

 Wind posses energy by virtue of its motion

 The power in the wind can be computed using the concept of kinetics
 The wind mill works on the principle of converting kinetic energy of wind into mechanical
energy
 The power is equal to the energy per unit time
 Consider a cylinder of air passes through the wind turbine, Whose base area is ‘A’, length
of cylinder of air is ‘l’ and time taken by cylinder of air passes through the wind turbine be
‘t’
 The energy available in the KE of the wind is given by
1
KE = m V2 m=mass of air, V= velocity of air
2

 To find the mass of air in a given volume, the density of air is given by
𝑚
ρ= ρ = density of air, m=mass of air, v= volume of air
𝑣

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 Volume of air cylinder = length x area of base

v= l * A l= length of cylinder of air, A = area of base of the cylinder of air
m= ρ v
m = ρ *l * A

𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑖𝑟

Velocity of air cylinder = 𝑉 = =
𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛 𝑏𝑦 𝑐𝑦𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑒
𝑙
𝑉= 𝑡

l= Vt
Therefore m = ρ *l * A
m= ρ *V*t* A
1
Therefore, KE = m V2
2
1
KE = 2 ρ *V*t* A* V2

The power is equal to the energy per unit time

𝐾𝐸
Power = P = 𝑡

1
ρ ∗V∗t∗ A∗ V2
P=2 𝑡

𝟏
Power = P = 𝟐 ρ A V3

The power in the wind is directly proportional to the cube of the wind velocity

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Site Selection Consideration for Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS)

Some of the main site selection consideration are given below:

1. High annual average wind speed

2. Availability of anemometry data

3. Availability of wind V(t) Curve at the proposed site

4. Wind structure at the proposed site

5. Altitude of the proposed site

6. Local Ecology

7. Distance to road or railways

8. Nearness of site to local centre/users

9. Nature of ground

10. Favourable land cost

11. Dust Particles

1. High annual average wind speed:

The speed generated by the wind mill depends on cubic values of velocity of wind, the small
increases in velocity markedly affect the power in the wind. It is obviously desirable to select a
site for WECS with high wind velocity. Thus a high average wind velocity is the principle
fundamental parameter of concern in initially appraising WESCS site.

The wind velocity is the critical parameter. The power in the wind Pw, through a given cross-
sectional area for a uniform wind velocity v, is

Pw = Kv3

Where K is a constant. It is evident, because of the cubic dependence on wind velocity.

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2. Availability of anemometry data:

It is another improvement sitting factor. The aenometry data should be available over some time
period at the precise spot where any proposed WECS is to be built and that this should be
accomplished before a sitting decision is made.

3. Availability of wind V(t) Curve at the proposed site:

This important curve determines the maximum energy in the wind and hence is the principal
initially controlling factor in predicting the electrical output and hence revenue return on the
WECS machines.

It is desirable to have average wind speed ‘V’ such that V>=12-16 km/hr (3.5 – 4.5 m/sec) which
is about the lower limit at which present large scale WECS generators ‘cut in’ i.e., start turning.
The V(t) Curve also determines the reliability of the delivered WECS generator power, for if the
V(t) curve goes to zero there be no generated power during that time.

4. Wind structure at the proposed site:

The ideal case for the WECS would be a site such that the V(t) Curve was flat, i.e., a smooth steady
wind that blows all the time; but a typical site is always less than ideal. Wind specially near the
ground is turbulent and gusty, and changes rapidly in direction and in velocity. This depature from
homogeneous flow is collectively referred to as “the structure of the wind”.

5. Altitude of the proposed site:

It affects the air density and thus the power in the wind and hence the useful WECS electric power
output. Also, as is well known, the wind tend to have higher velocities at higher altitudes.

6. Local Ecology

If the surface is base rock it may mean lower hub height hence lower structure cost. If trees or
grass or vegetation are present, all of which tend to destructure the wind, the higher hub heights
will be needed resulting in larges system costs that the bare ground case.

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7. Distance to road or railways:

This is another factor the system engineer must consider for heavy machinery, structure, materials,
blades and other apparatus will have to be moved into any choosen WECS site.

8. Nearness of site to local centre/users:

This obvious criterion minimizes transmission line length and hence losses and cost. The proposed
WECS sites to one or two they would be relatively near to the user of the generated electric energy.

9. Nature of ground:

Ground condition should be such that the foundation for a WECS are secured. Ground surface
should be stable. Erosion problem should not be there, as it could possibly later wash out the
foundation of a WECS, destroying the whole system.

10. Favourable land cost:

Land cost should be favourable as this along with other siting costs, enters into the total WECS
system cost.

11. Dust Particles

It may affect the blades and machines

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Major problems associated with wind power

 Hill effect
 Tunnel effect
 Wake
 Windshear
 Turbulence
 Wind obstacles
 Variation in wind speed
 Ideal Wind site
 Wind power must compete with other low-cost energy sources
 Turbines produce noise and alter visual aesthetics.
 Wind plants can impact local wildlife

Hill Effect

 On hills, wind speeds are higher than in the surrounding area.

 This is due to the fact that the wind becomes compressed on the windy side of the hill, and
once the air reaches the ridge it can expand again as its soars down into the low-pressure
area on the lee side of the hill
 The wind starts bending some times before it reaches the hill, because the high pressure
area actually extends quite some distance out in front of the hill. Also, the wind becomes
very irregular, once it passes through the wind turbine rotor. If the hill is steep or has an
uneven surface, one may get significant amounts of turbulence

Tunnel effect

 The air becomes compressed on the windy side of the buildings or mountains, and its speed
increases considerably between the obstacles to the wind. This is known as a "tunnel
effect".
 So, even if the general wind speed in open terrain may be, say, 6 metres per second, it can
easily reach 9 metres per second in a natural "tunnel".

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 Placing a wind turbine in such a tunnel is one clever way of obtaining higher wind speeds
than in the surrounding areas.
 To obtain a good tunnel effect the tunnel should be "softly" embedded in the landscape. In
case the hills are very rough and uneven, there may be lots of turbulence in the area, i.e.
the wind will be whirling in a lot of different (and rapidly changing) directions.

Wake

 In the primary process, wind turbine extracts the energy from the wind and reduce wind
speed behind the rotor and swirl the air flow, which is known as wake
 Due to the installation of wind turbines in wind farm arrangements, the turbine wakes
become inflow conditions of downstream rotors, causing wake effects. Those include a
reduced wind velocity and an increased turbulence level.
 The two main effects of a wake are:
 A reduction in the wind speed, which in turn reduces the energy production of the
wind farm.
 An increase in the turbulence of the wind, potentially increasing the dynamic
mechanical loading on downwind turbines.

Windshear

 Wind shear is a rapid change in wind velocity or direction.

 It may take place at any direction, at any altitude and in any direction.
 It may be due to Mountain waves, Jet streams, Convective clouds, Thunderstorms and
Microburst.

Turbulence

 Turbulence occurs when something disrupts smooth flow and the air starts to move up and
down as well as horizontally, when this happens, conditions can change from moment to
moment and place to place
 Rapid changes in the speed and direction of the wind often caused by the wind blowing
over natural or artificial barriers are called turbulence
 Wind turbulence generally refers to rapid fluctuations in wind velocity.

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 One of two factors or a combination of both causes these fluctuations.

 The first comes as a result of the frictional force occurring between the moving air and the
Earth’s surface. This is more generally thought of as the changes in wind speed and
direction resulting from impediment from hills, mountains, forests, and buildings.
 The second major contributor is that of drastic thermal gradients, which cause air to move
rapidly upward and downwards

Wind obstacles

 Trees and buildings are the wind obstacles.

 These obstacles can reduce wind speed considerably and increase turbulence

Variation in wind speed

 Wind speed is always fluctuating, and thus the energy content of the wind is always
changing.
 The variation is depending both on the weather and on local surface conditions and
obstacles.

Ideal wind site

The following points are to be considered for ideal site selection for wind turbine plant

 High annual average wind speed

 Local ecology
 Distance to Road/ Railway
 Nature of ground
 Land cost
 Altitude of proposed site
 Installation challenges
 Nearness of site to local center / users
 Wind structure at the proposed site

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Basic components of wind energy conversion system (WECS)

Figure: Block diagram of Basic components of wind energy conversion system

The main components of WECS shown in the block diagram form. Aeroturbines converts energy
in the moving air to rotary mechanical energy, In general, they require pitch control and yaw
control (only for horizontal axis wind mill) 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 power grid as the application.

Yaw control: The yaw system of wind turbines is the component responsible for the orientation
of the wind turbine rotor towards the wind

Pitch Control: The pitch control system is constantly adjusting the angle of attack of the rotor
blades in order to achieve the greatest possible energy yield.

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.

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Physical Embodiment of wind energy conversion system

Figure: Physical Embodiment of wind energy conversion system

The physical embodiment for an aerogenerator is shown in the figure. The sub components of wind
mill are

 Wind turbine or rotor

 Wind mill head
 Transmission and control
 Supporting structure

Rotors

The rotor is important component in wind mill, for an effective utilization of all the components,
the rotor must be properly designed and matched with rest of the components.

Rotors are mainly two types

 Horizontal axis rotor

 Vertical axis rotor

One advantage of vertical axis machines is that they operate in all wind directions and thus no need
of yaw adjustment.

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Windmill head

It supports the rotor, housing the rotor bearings. It also houses control mechanism

Transmission (Gearbox)

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
revolution per minute (rpm). Because optimum generator output requires much greater rates of
rotation, such as 1000 -1800 rpm, it is necessary to increase greatly the low rotor rate of turning.
This is done by transmission.

The gearbox is connected in between the generator and main shaft for enhancing rotational speeds
from 40 – 60 rpm to 1000 – 1800 rpm.

Generator

The wind turbine generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. The rotating
mechanical energy of the gearbox (Transmission) is given to the generator through the shaft. It
works on ‘Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction principle. So it changes the energy from
mechanical to electrical.

Controller

Controller is a computer (PLC) that controls the entire turbine. It starts and stops the turbine and
runs self-diagnostic in case of any error in the turbine. The main functions of controller in wind
turbine are as follows

 The orientation of the rotor into the wind

 Startup and cut off the wind turbine
 Power control of the rotor by varying the pitch of the blades
 Generator output monitoring
 Shutdown of the wind turbine at very high wind speed
 Maintenance mode

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Tower

Tower is supporting structure, which may be the following types

 The reinforced concrete tower

 The pole tower
 The built-up shell – tube tower
 The truss tower

Classification of Wind Energy Conversion systems

There are two broad classifications

 Horizontal axis wind turbine: The axis of rotation is horizontal and aeroturbine plane is
vertical facing the wind
 Vertical axis wind turbine: The axis of rotation is vertical.

Based on size

 Small scale wind turbine (upto 2 kW)

 Medium size wind turbine (2 – 100kW)
 Large size wind turbine (100 kW and above)

Based on type of power output

 DC output
 AC output

Based on rotational speed of aeroturbine

 Constant speed
 Variable speed

Based on how the utilization of power

 Battery storage
 Direct connection to an electromagnetic energy converter
 Other forms of storage
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Wind Energy Technology

The basic wind energy conversion device is the wind turbine. Although various designs and

configurations exist, these turbines are generally grouped into two types:

1. Vertical-axis wind turbines, in which the axis of rotation is vertical with respect to the

ground (and roughly perpendicular to the wind stream),

2. Horizontal-axis turbines, in which the axis of rotation is horizontal with respect to the

ground (and roughly parallel to the wind stream.)

The Figure shows the two types of turbines and typical subsystems for an electricity generation
application. The subsystems include a blade or rotor, which converts the energy in the wind to
rotational shaft energy; a drive train, usually including a gearbox and a generator, a tower that
supports the rotor and drive train, and other equipment, including controls, electrical cables,
ground support equipment, and interconnection equipment. In order for a wind energy system to
be feasible there must be an adequate wind supply. A wind energy system usually requires an
average annual wind speed of at least 15 km/h.

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Horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT)

The axis of rotation is horizontal and aeroturbine plane is vertical facing the wind. At present, the
most commonly used wind turbine is HAWT or Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine. These turbines
use airfoils (aerodynamic blades) which are connected to a rotor by positioning in upwind or
downwind

The number of blades is believed to determine turbine speed characteristics, as well as

aerodynamic performance, design and manufacturing costs

Based on Number of blades wind turbines are classified as

 Single blade wind turbine

 Twin blade wind turbine
 Multi blade wind turbine

Single blade Wind turbine

Fig: Single-Blade Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine with one Counterbalance (Outer arm weight)

Construction

In this arrangement, a long blade is mounted on a rigid hub. If long blade (above 60 m) mounted
on rigid hub, large blade root bending moments may occur due to tower shadow, gravity and

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sudden shifts in wind directions. To reduce rotor cost, use of low-cost counter weight is
recommended which balance long blade centrifugally. To rotate smoothly, single-blade turbines
must have one or two counterbalances

Working

As the wind blows, a wind turbine converts the kinetic energy of the wind’s motion into
mechanical energy by the rotation of the rotor and this mechanical energy is transmitted by the
shaft to the generator through the gear train. The generator further converts this mechanical energy
into electrical energy, thereby generating electricity.

Advantages

 Simple blade controls

 Lower blade weight and cost
 Counter weight costs less than a second blade

Disadvantages
 Because the single-blade turbine must run at higher speeds, more wear and fatigue are
generated on the blade and bearings in the mounting mechanism, which in turn means
higher maintenance costs over the life of the turbine.
 Vibration produced due to aerodynamic torque
 Unconventional appearance

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Twin blade Wind turbine

(a) Two blade profile

Fig: Twin-Blade Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine

Construction

In this arrangement, two blade are mounted on a rigid hub. The profile of wind blade and schematic
representation of horizontal axis twin blade wind turbine shown in figure.

Working

As the wind blows, a wind turbine converts the kinetic energy of the wind’s motion into
mechanical energy by the rotation of the rotor and this mechanical energy is transmitted by the
shaft to the generator through the gear train. The generator further converts this mechanical energy
into electrical energy, thereby generating electricity.

Advantages

 Simple blade design

 With two blades significantly less material, construction and maintenance costs as compare
to multi blade wind turbine
 Two-bladed turbines cost less compare to multi blade wind turbine

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Disadvantage
 Two-blade wind turbines face an unbalanced torsional force acting at the center and
supporting pole of the blade. This unwanted twist can reflect to the blades, causing them
to vibrate. If the rotating speed is equal to the natural vibration frequency of the blades,
catastrophic mechanical damage can result

Three blade Wind turbine

Fig: Three-Blade Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine

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Construction

 In this arrangement, three blades are mounted on a rigid hub. The profile of wind blade and
schematic representation of horizontal axis three blade wind turbine shown in figure.
 With three blades, the angular momentum stays constant because when one blade is up, the
other two are pointing at an angle. So the turbine can rotate into the wind smoothly.

Working

As the wind blows, a wind turbine converts the kinetic energy of the wind’s motion into
mechanical energy by the rotation of the rotor and this mechanical energy is transmitted by the
shaft to the generator through the gear train. The generator further converts this mechanical energy
into electrical energy, thereby generating electricity.

Advantages

 Three blades represent an ideal compromise between high energy output, high stability,
light weight, and turbine durability
 The correct number of blades is important to optimize overall performance and efficiency.
Therefore, the three-blade design is often the best compromise with the lowest cost
between a simple and reliable design, high power and low weight

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Multi blade Wind turbine

Fig: Multi-Blade Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine

Construction

 In this arrangement, multi blades are mounted on a rigid hub. The profile of wind blade
and schematic representation of horizontal axis wind turbine shown in figure.
 Multiblades are made from sheet metal or aluminium.
 The rotor has high strength to weight ratio.

Working

As the wind blows, a wind turbine converts the kinetic energy of the wind’s motion into
mechanical energy by the rotation of the rotor and this mechanical energy is transmitted by the
shaft to the generator through the gear train. The generator further converts this mechanical energy
into electrical energy, thereby generating electricity.

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Advantage

 They have good power coefficient, high starting torque

Disadvantage
 A number of blades greater than three produces greater wind resistance, lower power
generation and, therefore, is less efficient than three-blade turbines
 Multiblades are more expensive than three blades

Vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT)

 Vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is also known as cross-wind axis machines.
 In these machines, the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the direction of the wind.
 A vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) is a type of wind turbine where the main rotor shaft
is set transverse to the wind while the main components are located at the base of the
turbine. This arrangement allows the generator and gearbox to be located close to the
ground, facilitating service and repair

Types of vertical-axis wind turbine

 Savonius wind turbine

 Darrieus wind turbine

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Savonius wind turbine

Figure: The Savonius rotor and its stream flow

 The Savonius wind turbine is a type of vertical-axis wind turbine invented by the S J
Savonius in the 1920.
 It is one of the simplest wind turbine designs.
 This machine has become popular since it requires low velocity winds for operation
 It consists of two half cylinders facing opposite directions in such a way that an S shaped
cross section.
 These two semi circular drums are mounted on a vertical axis perpendicular to the wind
direction with a gap at the axis between the two drums.
 Due to the curvature of the scoops, the turbine encounters less drag when moving against
the wind than with it, and this causes the spin in any wind regardless of facing.

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 Irrespective of the wind direction the rotor rotates such as to make the convex sides of the
buckets head into the wind and convert wind energy into torque to drive a turbine, water
pumping, battery charging, grain winnowing.
 The shaft torque is being transmitted to a generator at the base of the central shaft for
power generation.
 The main characteristics of this turbine are self-starting, low speed and low efficiency

Advantages of Savonius wind turbine

 Having a vertical axis, the Savonius turbine continues to work effectively even if the wind
changes direction.
 Because the Savonius design works well even at low wind speeds, there’s no need for a
tower or other expensive structure to hold it in place, greatly reducing the initial setup cost.
 The device is quiet, easy to build, and relatively small.
 It has simple structure, hence easy to manufacture
 Because the turbine is close to the ground, maintenance is easy.

Disadvantages of Savonius wind turbine

 The scoop system used to capture the wind’s energy is half as efficient as a conventional
turbine, resulting in less power generation.
 It is not useful for a very tall installation because a long drive shaft problem
 Power output is lesser than horizontal axis wind turbine

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Darrieus wind turbine

Figure: Darrieus wind turbine

 This machine was invented by G J M Darrieus in 1925

 It is vertical axis wind turbine
 It has two or three thin curved blades with airfoil cross section and constant chord length,
Both ends of blades are attached to a vertical shaft. Thus, the force in the blade due to
rotation is pure tension.
 When rotating the blades provide a torque about the central shaft in response to wind stream
 This shaft torque is being transmitted to a generator at the base of the central shaft for
power generation.
 The main characteristics of this turbine are high speed, high efficiency, potentially low
capital cost

Prof. Pranesh K G., Dept. of Mechanical Engg. Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru-107 26
Renewable Energy Sources (BETCK205E)

Advantages of Darrieus wind turbine

 The major advantage of this design is that the rotor blades can accept the wind from any
direction
 It can operate close to the ground level
 Yaw and pitch control is not required
 The speed ratio and power coefficient are considerably better than Savonius wind turbine

Disadvantages of Darrieus wind turbine

 It requires external mechanical aid for start up
 Power output is lesser than horizontal axis wind turbine
 Less energy output
 Greater vibratory stresses are encountered which will affect the rotor system life

The main advantages of a VAWT compared to HAWT are

 The vertical axis wind turbine receives wind from any direction, and hence the yawing
system is not required.
 The generator, gearbox, etc. can be installed at the bottom of the tower, hence their tower
design and installation is simple.
 Inspection and maintenance is easier.
 They are lighter in weight and cheaper in cost.

The main disadvantages of a VAWT compared to HAWT are

 VAWTs are generally not self-starting and have a low power coefficient, these are the
major disadvantages.
 They require a mechanism to start from the stationary position. Additionally, there is a
possibility of running the blades at a very high speed and causing damage to the system

Prof. Pranesh K G., Dept. of Mechanical Engg. Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru-107 27
Renewable Energy Sources (BETCK205E)

Comparison between Horizontal and vertical axis wind turbine

Horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) Vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT)
in which the axis of rotation is horizontal with in which the axis of rotation is vertical with
respect to the ground (and roughly parallel to respect to the ground (and roughly
the wind stream.) perpendicular to the wind stream)
In the horizontal axis wind turbine, the Gear In the vertical axis wind turbine, the Gear box
box and electric generator is installed at the and generator is installed on the ground.
top of the tower
Horizontal axis wind turbine is self-starting. Vertical axis wind turbine is not self-starting,
hence a starting mechanism is required to start
it from stationary position.
The design and installation of a horizontal axis The design and installation of a vertical axis
wind turbine is complex wind turbine is comparatively simple.
Horizontal axis wind turbine requires large Vertical axis wind turbine requires small space
space for blade’s operation. for blade’s operation.
The operation of horizontal axis wind turbine The operation of vertical axis wind turbine is
is dependent on wind direction. independent of the wind direction because it
receives wind from all directions.
The height of the horizontal axis wind turbine The vertical axis wind turbine is installed at
from ground is large. comparatively smaller distance from the
ground.
In case of horizontal axis wind turbines, a There is no need of nacelle in case of vertical
heavy nacelle is installed at the top of the axis wind turbines.
tower.
Horizontal axis wind turbine has a high power Vertical axis wind turbine has a low power
coefficient. coefficient.
The operation of horizontal axis wind turbine Vertical axis wind turbines produce
is noisy. comparatively less noise.
Horizontal axis wind turbines are more Vertical axis wind turbines are less expensive
expensive due their complex design and because their design and installation is quite
installation. simple.

Prof. Pranesh K G., Dept. of Mechanical Engg. Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru-107 28
Renewable Energy Sources (BETCK205E)

Advantages of Wind energy

 It is environment friendly
 Its freely and abundantly available
 Wind is a reliable and infinite renewable energy resource
 Wind energy is cost effective, and prices are dropping still
 Wind energy reduces carbon emissions when used instead of fossil fuels
 Simple equipments and easy operation

Disadvantages of Wind energy

 High investment requirement

 Wind speed is not uniform all the time which affects power generated
 Wind energy can be unpredictable as the amount of electricity generated is dependent on
the speed and direction of the wind
 Wind farms can affect the visual appearance of the landscape
 Wind turbines can damage the habitats of birds and marine life.
 Wind farms can be expensive to construct

Applications of Wind energy

 Electrical energy production: Through the use of wind turbines, the wind's kinetic energy
can be transformed into mechanical energy and this, in turn, into electrical energy.
 Pumping water: Wind energy can be used to extract water from the ground using wind
pumps, which are turbines capable of pumping up to six hundred liters per hour, which is
enough to meet the needs of a small farm.

Prof. Pranesh K G., Dept. of Mechanical Engg. Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru-107 29