MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
Syllabus Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal
Energy,Wind Energy
Geothermal Energy: Forms of geothermal energy, Dry steam, wet steam, hot dry rock
and magmatic chamber systems.
Tidal Energy: Tidal power, Site selection, Single basin and double basin systems,
Advantages and disadvantages of tidal energy.
Wind Energy: Wind energy-Advantages and limitations, wind velocity and wind power,
Basic components of wind energy conversion systems, horizontal and vertical axis wind
mills, coefficient of performance of a wind mill rotor, Applications of wind energy.

QUESTION FROM PREVIOUS YEAR VTU QUESTION PAPERS

Note
• The number of marks for a particular question is being indicated in the bracket
• Number of Brackets will tell us about the number of time it has been repeated.

Geothermal Energy:
“Geo” means earth and “therm” means heat energy i.e. geothermal energy is heat
energy from the earth. Geothermal energy is recoverable in some form such as steam or
hot water. The earth crust now averages about 20 to 40 km in thickness. Below that
crust, the molten mass called magma , is still in the process of cooling. Earth tremors
caused the magma to come close to the earth’s surface in certain places and crust
fissures to open up . The hot magma near the surface thus causes active volcanoes ,hot
springs and geysers where water exists. It also causes the steam to vent through the
fissures ( fumaroles) . A typical geothermal field is shown in the figure.
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
The hot magma near the surface (A) solidifies into igneous rock (B). The heat of the
magma is conducted upward to this igneous rock. The ground water that finds its way
down to this rock through fissures in it will be heated by the heat of the rock or by mixing
with hot gases and steam emanating from the magma . The heated water will then rise
convectively upward and into a porous and permeable reservoir C above the igneous
rock. This reservoir is capped by a layer of impermeable solid rock D that traps the hot
water in the reservoir . The solid rock however has fissures E that acts as vent of the
giant underground boiler . The vents show up at the surface as geysers, fumaroles F .
or hot springs G. A well H traps steam from the fissures for use in a geothermal power
plant. It can be seen that geothermal steam is of two kinds: that originating from the
magma itself , called magma tic steam , and that from the ground water heated by the
magma called meteoritic steam. The latter is the largest source of geothermal steam

Application of geothermal energy:

There are three main applications of the steam and hot water from the wet geothermal
reservoirs.
1) Generation of electric power
2) Industrial process heat and
3) Space heating for various kinds of buildings.
The major benefit of geothermal energy is its varied application and versatility.

Advantages:
1) Geothermal energy is renewable source of energy.
2) Geothermal energy is least polluting compared to other conventional energy
sources.
3) Geothermal plants have higher annual load factors.
4) It is cheaper compared to the energies obtained from other sources.
5) The greatest advantage of geothermal power is that it can be used in multiple
uses.

Disadvantages:
1) Overall efficiency for power production is low.
2) The withdrawal of large amounts of steam or water from a hydrothermal reservoir
may result in surface subsidence.
3) The gases present in the steam must be removed by chemical action before
discharging into atmosphere.
4) Drilling operation is noisy.
5) Large areas are needed for exploitation of geo thermal energy as much of it is
diffused.

Forms of geothermal energy

MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
There are three basic kinds of geothermal sources
a) Hydrothermal
b) Geopressured and
c) Petrothermal

a) Hydrothermal sources:

Hydrothermal sources are those in which water is heated by contact with the hot rock.
Hydrothermal systems are in turn subdivided into 1) Vapor dominated and 2) Liquid
dominated.

1) Vapor dominated:

In these systems the water is vaporized into steam that reaches the surface
in a relatively dry condition at about 2050C and rarely above 8 bar. This
system is the most suitable for use in turboelectric power plants, with least
cost. It does, however, suffer problems similar to those encountered by all
geothermal systems, namely , the presence of corrosive gases and erosive
material and environmental problems . Vapor dominated systems, however
, are a rarity . These systems account for about 5 percent of all geothermal
sources.

2) Liquid dominated systems:

In these systems the hot water circulating and trapped underground is at a

temperature range 174 to 3150C. When tapped by wells drilled in the right
places and to the right depths, the water flows either naturally to the surface
or is pumped up to it . The drop in pressure usually to 8 bar or less, causes
it to partially flash to a two phase mixture of low quality , liquid dominated. It
contains relatively large concentrations of dissolved solids ranging between
3000 to 25000 ppm and sometimes higher. The power production is
adversely affected by these solids due to formation of scaling, reducing flow
and heat transfer. The liquid dominated systems however are much more
plentiful than vapor dominated systems.

b) Geo pressured systems

Geopressured systems are sources of water, or brine, that has been heated in a manner
similar to hydrothermal water, except that geopressured water is trapped in much deeper
underground acquifers, at depth between 2400 m to 9100 m . This water is relatively at
low temperature(1600C) and under very high pressure of 1000 bar. It has relatively high
salinity. In addition , it is saturated with natural gas , mostly methane CH4 . Such water is
thought to have thermal and mechanical potential to generate electricity. Temperature,
however is not high enough and the depth so great that there is little economic justification
of drilling for this water for its thermal potential alone. However it is possible to generate
electricity by recovering dissolved methane
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
c)Petro thermal systems:

Magma lying closes the earth’s surface heats overlying rock. When no ground water
exists, there is simply hot, dry rock (HDR) . The known temperatures of HDR vary
between 150 to 2900C . This energy is called petro thermal energy, represents by far the
largest source of geothermal energy of any type. Much of the HDR occurs at relatively
moderate depths, but it is largely impermeable. In order to extract thermal energy out of
it , water will have to be pumped into it and back out to the surface. It is necessary for the
heat transport mechanism that a way be found to render the impermeable rock into a
permeable structure with a large heat transfer surface. Rendering the rock permeable is
to be done by fracturing it. Fracturing methods that have been considered involve drilling
wells into the rock and then fracturing by (1) high pressure water (2) Nuclear explosives.

Dry steam System(Vapor dominated power plant)

Vapor dominated geothermal systems are the most developed of all geothermal
systems. They have the lowest cost and the least number of problems. The vapor
dominated power plant is as shown in the fig. Dry steam from the well (1) at 2000C is
used . It is nearly saturated and may have a shut off pressure up to 35 bar. Pressure
drops through the well causes it to slightly superheat at the well head 2. The pressure
there rarely exceeds 7 bar . It then goes through a centrifugal separator to remove
particulate matter and then enters the turbine after additional pressure drop 3. Processes
1-2 and 2-3 are essentially throttling process with constant enthalpy. The steam expands
through the turbine and enters the condenser at 4. The condenser used is of direct contact
type. Turbine exhaust steam at 4 mixes with cooling water (7) that comes from a cooling
tower. The mixture of 7 and 4 is saturated water (5) that is pumped to the cooling tower
(6) . The greater part of the cooled water at 7 is recircualted to the condenser. The
balance, which would normally be returned to the cycle in a conventional plant, is
rejected in to the ground either before or after the cooling tower. No makeup water is
necessary.
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy

Wet steam System ( Liquid dominated systems)

In these systems the hot water circulating and trapped underground is at a temperature
range 174 to 3150C. When tapped by wells drilled in the right places and to the right
depths, the water flows either naturally to the surface or is pumped up to it . The drop in
pressure usually to 8 bar or less, causes it to partially flash to a two phase mixture of low
quality , liquid dominated. It contains relatively large concentrations of dissolved solids
ranging between 3000 to 25000 ppm and sometimes higher. The power production is
adversely affected by these solids due to formation of scaling, reducing flow and heat
transfer. The liquid dominated systems however are much more plentiful than vapor
dominated systems.

Liquid dominated power plants:

The two different methods are used for generating power

i) The flashed system

ii) Binary cycle system

i) The flashed system:

The schematic diagram of this system is as shown in the figure. The water from the
underground reservoir at 1 reaches the well head at 2 at a lower pressure. Process 1-2
is essentially a constant enthalpy throttling process that results in two phase mixture of
low quality at 2. This is further throttled in flash separator resulting in a still low but slightly
higher quality at 3. This mixture is now separated in to dry saturated steam at 4 and
saturated brine at 5. The latter is rejected in to the ground. The dry steam usually at
pressure of less than 8 bar , is expanded in a turbine to 6 and mixed with cooling water
in direct contact condenser with mixture at 7 is going to a cooling tower. The greater part
of the cooled water at 7 is recircualted to the condenser. Remaining portion of the mixture
is rejected in the ground. In order to improve the efficiency in splashing two stages
flashing is used instead of single stage flashing (double flash).
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy

ii) Binary cycle system

The figure shows the schematic diagram of binary cycle system. Hot water or brine from
the underground reservoir circulates through a heat exchanger and is pumped back to
the ground. In the heat exchanger it transfers its heat to the organic fluid thus converting
it to superheated vapor that is used in a standard closed Rankine cycle . The vapor drives
the turbine and is condensed in a surface condenser ; the condensate is pumped back to
the heat exchanger . The condenser is cooled by the water from the natural source, if
available, or a cooling tower circulation system. The blow down from the tower may be
rejected to the ground with cooled brine. Makeup of the cooling tower water must be
provided. In binary cycle there is no problems of corrosion or scaling . Such problems
are confined to well casing and the heat exchanger . The heat exchanger is shell and
tube unit so that no contact between brine and working fluid takes place.
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
Hot dry rock geothermal energy
Hot dry rock (HDR) is an extremely abundant source of geothermal energy that is difficult
to access. A vast store of thermal energy is contained within hot – but essentially dry and
impervious crystalline basement rocks found almost everywhere deep beneath Earth's
surface
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
magmatic chamber systems.

A magma chamber is a large pool of liquid rock beneath the surface of the Earth. The
molten rock, or magma, in such a chamber is less dense than the surrounding country
rock, which produces buoyant forces on the magma that tend to drive it upwards.[1] If
the magma finds a path to the surface, then the result will be a volcanic eruption;
consequently, many volcanoes are situated over magma chambers.[2] These chambers
are hard to detect deep within the Earth, and therefore most of those known are close to
the surface, commonly between 1 km and 10 km down.
 MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy

Tidal Energy:
QUESTION FROM PREVIOUS YEAR VTU QUESTION PAPERS

Note
• The number of marks for a particular question is being indicated in the bracket
• Number of Brackets will tell us about the number of time it has been repeated.

● What are the advantages and disadvantgages of Tidal power plant [5m]
● State atleast four important limitations of tidal power generation[4m]
● What are the factors considered for selecting a suitable site for tidal
power plant ? [6m] [4m][6m]
● How the power can be obtained from tides ? how the tidal plants are
classified ? [5m]
● Explain with a neat sketch low and high tides and What are the
advantages and limitation of tidal power generation [8m][6m][6m]
● Explain the principle by which tides are formed [5m]
● Explain the working principle of double basin arrangement of a tidal
power plant with a neat sketch[8m][8m][6m][6m]
● Describe the tidal energy harnessing by “Two basin with liked basin”
method. [6m]
● Explain the following terms

· Tidal energy

· EBB tide

· Flood tide

· Ocean thermal energy

Tidal Energy:
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
Tidal energy is a form of power produced by the natural rise and fall of tides caused by
the gravitational interaction between Earth, the sun, and the moon. Tidal currents with
sufficient energy for harvesting occur when water passes through a constriction, causing
the water to move faster. Using specially engineered generators in suitable locations, tidal
energy can be converted into useful forms of power, including electricity. Other forms of
energy can also be generated from the ocean, including waves, persistent ocean
currents, and the differences in temperature and salinity in seawater.

Suitable locations for capturing tidal energy include those with large differences in tidal
range, which is the difference between high tide and low tides, and where tidal channels
and waterways become smaller and tidal currents become stronger.

SITE Selection
The site selection plays an important role in the entire life cycle of a tidal power plant
(TPP) project. However, some problems decrease the evaluation quality of TPP site
selection: (a) suitable and effective methods are scarce since the TPP site selection
involves multiple forms of data; (b) there is no comprehensive evaluation index system
due to the unilateralism of existing criteria. In this paper, we firstly propose a novel method
based on interval number with probability distribution weighted operation and stochastic
dominance degree. It takes all stakeholders’ preferences into consideration and can
simultaneously deal with different forms of data in the TPP site selection; then, a
comprehensive evaluation index system for TPP site selection is constructed on the basis
of academic literature, feasibility research reports and expert opinions in different fields.
It takes the factors of construction conditions, existing policies, social impacts as well as
ecological and environmental impacts which reflects the inherent characteristics of TPP
site selection fully into account.

Harnessing tidal energy:

The power generation from tides involves flow between an artificially developed basin
and the basic scheme can be elaborated by having two or more basins. Accordingly we
can have two different types of arrangements .

1) Single basin arrangement 2) Double basin arrangement.

1) Single basin or pool system

MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
The simple – pool tidal system has one pool or basin behind a dam that is filled from the
ocean at high tide and emptied to it at low to tides. Both filling and emptying processes
take place during short periods of time: the filling when ocean is at high tide while the
water in the pool is at low tide level, the emptying when the ocean is at low tide and the
pool at high tide level. The flow of water in both directions is used to drive a number of
reversible water turbines, each driving an electrical generator. Electric power would thus
be generated during two short periods during each tidal period, of 12 h, 25 min or once
every 6h, 12.5 min.

The generation of power in a single basin system can be carried out either as

a) Single ebb – cycle system or

b) Single tide cycle system or
c) Double cycle system.
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy

a) Single ebb – cycle system.

When high tide comes , the sluice gates are opened to permit the sea water to enter the
basin or reservoir, while the turbines sets are shut. The reservoir thus starts filling while
its level rises, till the maximum tide level is reached. At the beginning of the ebb tide the
sluice gates are closed. Then the generation of power takes place when the sea is ebbing
(Flowing back of tide) and the water from the basin flows through the turbine in to the
lower level sea. The generation of power can be continued till there is sufficient head
difference between the level of water in the reservoir and the sea. The turbines are closed
when the level of water becomes same on both the sides; sluice gates are opened to
repeat the cycle.

b) Single tide cycle system:

In a single tide cycle system , the generation of power is carried out when sea at flood
tide. The water of the sea is admitted in to the basin through the turbines. As the flood
tide period is over and the sea level starts falling again, the generation is stopped. The
basin is drained in to the sea through the sluice ways. This system needs large size plant,
operating for short period and hence less efficient as compared to ebb tide operation.

c) Double cycle system

In this system power generation is carried out during both high tide as well as ebb tides.
The flow of water in both the directions is used to drive a number of reversible water
turbines, each driving an electrical generator. Electric power would thus be generated
during two short period during each tidal period of 12 h, 25 min or once every 6h, 12.5
min

2) Double basin arrangement:

Two basin system is one that is much less dependent on tidal fluctuation but at the
expense of more complex and hence more costly dam construction. A inland basin is
enclosed by dam A and divides into a high pool and a low pool by dam B. By proper
gating in the dam A, the high pool gets periodically filled at high tide from the ocean and
the low pool gets periodically emptied at low tide. Water flows from the high to the low
pool through the turbines that are situated in the dam B. The power generation thus
continues simultaneously with the filling up the high pool. The capacities of these two
pools are large enough in relation to the water flow between them that the fluctuations in
the head are minimized, which results in continuous and much more uniform power
generation. At the end of the flood tide when high pool is full and the water level in it is
maximum, its sluice gates are closed. When ebb tide level gets lower than the water level
in low pool , its sluice gates are opened whereby the water level in low pool, which was
rising and reducing the operating head, starts falling with the ebb. This continues until the
head and water level in high pool is sufficient to run the turbines. With the next flood tide
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
cycle repeats. With this twin pool system, a longer and more continuous period of
generation per day is possible.

Advantages of tidal power:

1) Tidal power is inexhaustible in nature.
2) Tidal power generation is free from pollution.
3) The requirement of valuable land is less.
4) Peak power demand can be met if it effectively works in combination with
hydroelectric or thermal system.
5) It can provide better recreational facilities to visitors and holiday makers, in
addition to the possibility of fish farming in the tidal basins.

Limitations of tidal power:

1) Generating power is always dependent on the tidal range.
2) The generating efficiency of the turbines affected by the variations in the
operating head.
 MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
3) Power generation is intermittent in nature.
4) The selecting of suitable turbine operating under varying head condition is
difficult.
5) Load sharing of power with the grid is very difficult due variation in power cycle.
6) Maintenance cost of the machinery is high due to the corrosive nature of sea
water.
7) Construction in sea is found difficult
8) Cost of power generation is not favorable compared to other sources of energy.
9) It may affect fishing and navigation.

Wind Energy:
QUESTION FROM PREVIOUS YEAR VTU QUESTION PAPERS

Note
• The number of marks for a particular question is being indicated in the bracket
• Number of Brackets will tell us about the number of time it has been repeated.

Explain the methoods of harnessing wind energy Explain the horizontal axis wind mill
[6m][8m][6m][6m]

Name the basic components of a wind electric system [3m]

Explain the method of harnessing wind energy using vertical axis wind mill with a neat
sketch [8m][8m]

What are the major problems associated with wind power ? [3m]

Problems

-Wind at 1 standerd atmosphere pressure and 15 deg c has a velocity of 20 m/s. The
turbine diameter 100 m and its operating speed is 45 rpm at maximum efficiency.
Calculate

· The total power density in the wind stream

· The total power in MW available

· The maximum obtainable power density [6m]

-Wind at 1 standerd atmospheric pressure and 15 ˚c has a velocity of 15 m/s . the turbine
has a diameter of 120 m and its operating speed in 40 rpm at maximum efficiency
calculate
 MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
· The total power density in the wind stream

· Maximum obtainable power density assuming the η = 35 %

· Total power and torque

-A 10 m/sec wind is at 1 standard atm pressure at 15˚c calculate

· The total density of wind stream

· Maximum obtainable power density

· A reasonable obtainable power density in W/m2

· Total power produced (in kW) if turbine diameter is 120m assume η= 40%

-A horizontal shaft, proprller type wind turbine is located in area having following wind
charecterisitcs :

Speed of wind 10 m/s at 1 atm and 15 ˚c calculate the following

· Total power density in wind stream w/m2

· Maximum possible obtainable power density in w/m2

· Acxtual obtainable power density in w/m2 assuming 40 % efficiency

· Total power from the wind turbine of 120 m

[Similar problem asked in - june 2015[10m]/ june 2016[10m] ]

Wind energy is another potential source of energy. Winds are the motion of air caused by
un- even heating of the earth‘s surface by the sun and rotation of the earth. It generates
due to various global phenomena such as air-temperature difference associated with
different rates of solar heating. Since the earth‘s surface is made up of land, desert, water,
and forest areas, the surface absorbs the sun‘s radiation differently. Locally, the strong
winds are created by sharp temperature difference between the land and the sea. Wind
resources in India are tremendous. They are mainly located near the sea coasts. Its
potential in India is estimated to be of 25 × 10 3 MW. According to a news release from
American Wind Energy Association the installed wind capacity in India in the year 2000
was 1167 MW and the wind energy production was 2.33 × 10 6 MWh. This is 0.6% of the
total electricity production.

ADVANTAGES OF WIND ENERGY

 MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
Wind energy has a number of different benefits. We can use it for a variety of purposes,
primarily for the production of clean and renewable electricity. Let’s jump right in and take
a look at the different advantages wind energy has.

1. Wind Energy Is Renewable & Sustainable

Wind energy itself is both renewable and sustainable. The wind will never run out, unlike
reserves of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and gas.) This makes it a good choice of energy
for a sustainable power supply.

2. It’s Also Environmentally Friendly

Wind energy is one of the most environmentally friendly energy sources available today.
This is based on the simple reason that wind turbines don’t create pollution when
generating electricity.

Most non-renewable energy sources need to be burnt. This process releases gases such
as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) into the atmosphere. These gases are known
to contribute to climate change. In contrast, wind turbines produce no greenhouse gases
when generating electricity.

We should note that both noise and visual pollution are environmental disadvantages of
wind turbines. However, these factors don’t have a negative impact on the earth, water
table or the quality of the air we breathe.

3. It Can Reduce Fossil Fuel Consumption

Generating electricity from wind energy reduces the need to burn fossil fuel alternatives
such as coal, oil, and gas. This can help to conserve dwindling supplies of the earth’s
natural resources. As a result, they will last longer and help to support future generations.

4. Wind Energy is Free

Unlike most non-renewable energy sources, wind energy is completely free. Anyone can
make use of the wind and it will never run out. This makes wind energy a viable option
for generating cheap electricity.

5. It Has A Small Footprint

Wind turbines have a relatively small land footprint. Although they can tower high above
the ground, the impact on the land at the base is minimal. Wind turbines are often
 MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
constructed in fields, on hills or out at sea. At these locations, they pose hardly any
inconvenience to the surrounding land. Farmers can still farm their fields, livestock can
still graze the hills and fishermen can still fish the sea.

Land surrounding wind turbines can be used for other purposes such as agriculture.

6. Both Industrial & Domestic Wind Turbines Exist

Wind turbines aren’t just limited to industrial-scale installations (such as wind farms.)
They can also be installed on a domestic scale. As a result, many landowners opt to install
smaller, less powerful wind turbines. This can help to provide a portion of a domestic
electricity supply. Domestic wind turbines are often coupled with other renewable energy
technologies. You can often find them installed alongside solar panels and geothermal
heating systems.

7. Wind Energy Can Provide Power For Remote Locations

Wind turbines can play a key role in helping to bring power to remote locations. This can
help to benefit everything from small off-grid villages to remote research facilities. It might
be impractical or too expensive to hook such locations up to traditional electricity supplies.
In these cases, wind turbines could have the answer.

Wind turbines can be used to generate power in remote locations.

8. Wind Technology is Becoming Cheaper

The first-ever wind turbine started generating electricity in 1888. Since then, they have
become more efficient and have come down in price. As a result of this, wind power is
becoming much more accessible.

Government subsidies are also helping to reduce the cost of wind technologies. Many
countries across the world now provide incentives for the construction of wind turbines.
In addition, incentives are sometimes available for domestic users to supply electricity
back to the grid.

9. It Is Also Low Maintenance

 MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
Wind turbines are fairly low in maintenance. A new wind turbine can last a long time prior
to it requiring any maintenance. Although older turbines can come up against reliability
issues, technological advancements are helping to improve overall reliability.

10. It Has Low Running Costs

As wind energy is free, running costs are often low. The only ongoing cost of wind energy
is for the maintenance of wind turbines, but they are low maintenance in nature anyway.

11. Wind Energy Has Huge Potential

Wind energy has huge potential. It’s both renewable and sustainable and is present in a
wide variety of places. Although wind turbines aren’t cost-effective at every location, the
technology isn’t limited to just a handful of locations. This is an issue that can affect other
renewable energy technologies – such as geothermal power stations.

12. It Can Increase Energy Security

By using wind energy to generate electricity, we are helping to reduce our dependency on
fossil fuel alternatives. In many cases, a country will source some or all of its fossil fuels
from another country. War, politics and overall demand often dictate the price of these
natural resources. This can sometimes cause serious economic problems or supply
shortages.

By using local renewable energy sources, a country can reduce its dependency on external
supplies of natural resources. As a direct result of this, the country can increase its energy
security.

13. The Wind Energy Industry Creates Jobs

The wind energy industry has boomed since wind turbines became commercially available.
As a result of this, the industry has created jobs all over the world. Jobs now exist for the
manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of wind turbines. You can even find jobs in
wind energy consulting. This is a job where specialist consultants determine whether a
wind turbine installation is going to be profitable.

According to recent data released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA),
the renewable energy industry employed over 10 million people worldwide in 2017. Of
these jobs, 1.15 million were in the wind power industry. China leads the way in providing
 MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
over 500,000 of these jobs. Germany is in second place with around 150,000 jobs and the
United States are a close third with around 100,000 wind energy jobs.

DISADVANTAGES OF WIND ENERGY

We’ve had a look at the advantages, so now let’s take a look at the disadvantages of wind
energy. Wind energy has a number of drawbacks and cons, with the NIMBY (not in my
backyard) factor playing a large role.

1. The Wind Fluctuates

Wind energy has a similar drawback to solar energy in that it is not constant. Although
wind energy is sustainable and will never run out, the wind isn’t always blowing. This can
cause serious problems for wind farm developers. They will often spend a significant
amount of time and money investigating whether a particular site is suitable for wind
power.

For a wind turbine to be efficient, it needs to have an adequate supply of wind energy. For
this reason, we often find wind turbines on top of hills or out at sea. In these locations,
there are fewer land obstacles to reduce the force of the wind.

2. Installation is Expensive

Although costs are reducing over time, wind turbines are still expensive. First, an engineer
must carry out a site survey. This may involve having to erect a sample turbine to measure
wind speeds over a period of time. If deemed adequate, a wind turbine then needs to be
manufactured, transported and erected on top of a pre-built foundation. All of these
processes contribute to the overall cost of installing wind turbines.

When we take the above into account for offshore wind farms, the costs become much
greater. Installing structures out at sea is far more complex than on land. Some companies
have even commissioned bespoke ships capable of transporting and installing wind
turbines at sea.

Installing wind turbines is an expensive process.

3. Wind Turbines Pose A Threat to Wildlife

We often hear that wind turbines pose a threat to wildlife – primarily birds and bats.
However, researchers now believe that they pose less of a threat to wildlife than other
 MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
manmade structures. Installations such as cell phone masts and radio towers are far more
dangerous to birds than wind turbines. Nevertheless, wind turbines still contribute to
mortality rates among bird and bat populations.

4. Wind Turbines Create Noise Pollution

One of the most common disadvantages of wind turbines is the noise pollution they
generate. You can often hear a single wind turbine from hundreds of meters away.
Combine multiple wind turbines with the right wind direction and the audible effects can
be much greater. This issue is one of the biggest impacts of wind energy.

Noise pollution from wind turbines has ruined the lives of many homeowners. Although
steps are often taken to install them away from dwellings, they do sometimes get built
too close to where people live. This is why new wind farms often come up against strong
public objection.

5. They Also Create Visual Pollution

Another common drawback of wind turbines is the visual pollution they create. Although
many people actually like the look of wind turbines, others don’t. These people see them
as a blot on the landscape. This, however, tends to come down to personal opinion. As we
build more wind farms, public acceptance is becoming more common.

Some people see wind turbines as ‘visual pollution’.

WIND TURBINES ARE CLASSIFIED INTO TWO TYPES –

(a) Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT)

(b) Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT)

 MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
HORIZONTAL AXIS WIND TURBINE (HAWT)

HAWT have emerged as the most common successful type of turbines. The details of the
most common three-blade rotor, horizontal axis wind turbine is Shown above.

The main parts are as follows –

Turbine blades-

•They are made of high-density wood or glass fiber composites.

•The blades are slightly twisted from the outer tip to the root to reduce the tendency to
stall.

•The blades have to be designed to with stand wind turbulence, gust, gravitational forces
and directional changes in the wind.

•The diameter of a modern HWAT may be up to 100 m.

Hub –
 MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
•It is the central solid portion of the rotor wheel.

•All blades are attached to the hub.

•The mechanism for pitch angle control is provided inside the hub.

Nacelle –

•The nacelle houses the rotor brakes, gearbox, generator and electrical switch gear and
control.

•The rotor is attached to the nacelle and is mounted on the top of a tower.

•Brakes are used to stop the rotor when power generation is not desired.

•The gearbox sets up the rotor rpm to meet that of the generator.

Yaw-control Mechanism –

•The mechanism to adjust the nacelle around the vertical axis to keep it facing the wind
is provided at the base of the nacelle.

Tower –

•The tower supports the nacelle and rotor.

•Both steel and concrete towers are used.

•The construction can be either tubular or lattice type.

 MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE (VWAT)

The main attractions of VWAT are –

-It can accept wind from any direction thus eliminating the need of yaw control

-The gearbox, generator, etc., are located at the ground thus eliminating the heavy nacelle
at the top of the tower, simplifying the design.

-Its inspection and maintenance is easier

-It also reduces the overall cost.

 MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
The main components of VWAT (Darrieus- type rotor) are –

Tower (or Rotor shaft) –

-The tower is a hollow vertical rotor shaft, which rotates freely about the vertical axis
between the top and bottom bearings.

-It is installed above a support structure.

-The upper part of the tower is supported by guy ropes.

-The height of the tower of a large turbine is around 100 m.

Blades –

-It has two or three thin, curved blades shaped like an eggbeater in a profile, with blades
curved in a form that minimizes the bending stress caused by centrifugal forces – the so
called ‘Troposkien’ shaft.

-The blades have an airfoil cross section with constant chord length.

Support Structure –

-The support structure is provided at the ground to support the weight of the rotor.

-Gearboxes, generator, brakes, electrical switchgear and controls are housed within the
structure.
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy

Wind Velocity and Wind power

Wind power is generated by the force wind exerts on the blades of a turbine,
causing the turbine's shaft to rotate at a speed of 10 to 20 revolutions per
minute (rpm). The rotor shaft is connected to a generator that converts
mechanical energy into electrical energy.

The amount of energy generated by a wind turbine depends on:

● wind speed (main factor)

● the area swept by the blades
● air density

Wind turbines require:

a minimum wind speed (generally 12-14 km/h) to begin turning and generate
electricity

● strong winds (50-60 km/h) to generate at full capacity

● winds of less than 90 km/h; beyond that speed, the turbines must
be stopped to avoid damage

Wind power is the generation of electricity from wind. Wind power harvests
the primary energy flow of the atmosphere generated from the uneven
heating of the Earth’s surface by the Sun. Therefore, wind power is an
indirect way to harness solar energy. Wind power is converted to electrical
energy by wind turbines.

Wind Speed

Figure 2. Arbitrary power curve of a 1 MW wind turbine compared to wind

speed. Notice the cut out speed.[4]

Wind speed largely determines the amount of electricity generated by a

turbine. Higher wind speeds generate more power because stronger winds
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy
allow the blades to rotate faster.[3] Faster rotation translates to more
mechanical power and more electrical power from the generator. The
relationship between wind speed and power for a typical wind turbine is
shown in Figure 2.

Turbines are designed to operate within a specific range of wind speeds. The
limits of the range are known as the cut-in speed and cut-out speed.[5] The
cut-in speed is the point at which the wind turbine is able to generate power.
Between the cut-in speed and the rated speed, where the maximum output
is reached, the power output will increase cubically with wind speed. For
example, if wind speed doubles, the power output will increase 8 times. This
cubic relationship is what makes wind speed such an important factor for
wind power. This cubic dependence does cut out at the rated wind speed.
This leads to the relatively flat part of the curve in Figure 2, so the cubic
dependence is during the speeds below 15 m/s (54 kph).

The cut-out speed is the point at which the turbine must be shut down to
avoid damage to the equipment. The cut-in and cut-out speeds are related
to the turbine design and size and are decided on prior to construction.[6]
MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Module 3 : Geothermal Energy,Tidal Energy,Wind Energy

Application of Wind Energy:

1. The wind energy is used to propel the sailboats in river and seas to
transport men and materials from one place to another.

2. Wind energy is used to run pumps to draw water from the grounds
through wind mills.

3. Wind energy has also been used to run flourmills to grind the grains
like wheat and corn into flour.

4. Now-a-days wind energy is being used to generate electricity.