Complete Details about Wind Energy Farm

“Don’t let that wind pass unused!”  

Isn’t it true? Wind energy is the future choice; we are all here for it.  

As everyone continues to face the rising challenges of climate change and the depletion of natural resources, the quest for sustainable energy alternatives has become more crucial. Wind energy will be a major problem solver, offering clean energy that will help reduce the dependence on traditional energy options. Considering climate change as a significant global factor in making an energy shift towards renewable energy sources, wind energy is also an affordable form of power generation, leading to technological improvement and economies of scale.

Wind power, or wind energy, is a form of energy that harnesses the power of wind to generate electricity. 

So why shouldn’t we switch to wind power and contribute to shaping the future of global energy?  

What is a Wind Farm and how does it work?

A wind farm, also known as a wind park, covers several square kilometers and comprises a cluster of wind turbines strategically positioned to harness wind energy from land or sea. The captured energy is then converted into electricity and transferred into the power grid for consumption. 

Wind turbines operate, utilizing wind as the primary energy source. As the wind spins the turbine blades, kinetic energy is generated, which a generator converts into electrical energy. 

The energy output of a wind farm depends on many factors, such as the location, turbine size, height, and blade length. Advances in research and development have substantially increased turbine capacities over time.  

In 1985, the most common turbine model had a capacity of 0.05 megawatts (MW) and a rotor diameter of 15 meters. Today, most large-scale wind energy projects feature turbines with capacities exceeding 5 MW.  

Continuous innovations in wind turbine manufacturing, design, and infrastructure have significantly cut down the costs associated with wind energy. These advancements have defined wind energy’s role as a pillar of the global energy transition, promoting sustainable and renewable power generation. 

Wind farm Components 

A wind turbine comprises three primary components: the tower, the nacelle, and the rotor. Positioned at the tower’s upper section, the rotor contains multiple aerodynamic blades facing the wind to capture the maximum energy. These blades rotate around a horizontal axis, which runs an electricity generator housed within the nacelle. 

The electricity generated by each turbine at the wind plant is carried to ground level via electrical cables. These cables connect to the transformer at the wind power plant, where the electricity is converted and set for distribution. The transformer plays a vital role in integrating the renewable energy into the electrical grid, establishing a continuous supply to fulfil the energy demands of homes, businesses, and industries. This efficient system demonstrate the smooth flow of wind energy from generation to consumption, supporting sustainable energy solutions on a large scale.

How do Wind Farms Work?

Wind power plant operation is based on a simple yet effective procedure that converts wind energy into electricity. The rotor, powered by the wind’s force, transfers its rotational motion to a high-speed axle or shaft. This shaft connects to a gearbox that magnifies the relatively slow rotation of the blades of the wind turbine generator (typically between 18 and 25 revolutions per minute) into a much faster rotation (up to 1,800 revolutions per minute). The increased rotational speed is important to drive the electric generator, which turns the mechanical energy into electrical energy ready for distribution and consumption.  

Wind turbines are categorized based on the orientation of their axis of rotation: 

• Vertical-axis wind Turbines (VAWT): In these turbines, the blades rotate around a vertically aligned central shaft. This design allows turbines to capture wind from any direction, making them suitable for turbulent or changing wind conditions. 

• Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT): These turbines feature blades that rotate perpendicular to the direction of the wind flow. The design is more common in large-scale wind farms or wind plants due to its higher efficiency in consistent wind conditions. 

Operation of the Transformer (Wind Power Plant) 

Once a wind turbine’s generator converts kinetic energy into electrical energy, the electricity undergoes a series of transformations to ensure effective transmission. Initially, a transformer increases the voltage from 690 V to 11kv/33kv/66kv, depending upon the requirement and grid specification, allowing the current to travel through the wind farm via medium-voltage cables.  

The electricity is then routed to a central substation, which is later converted to high-voltage current, typically 132/220/400 kV, depending on grid specification. This step is crucial for reducing energy losses during long-distance transmission. The high-voltage electricity is transferred from the substation through a power transmission line to the distribution grid. The grid, in turn, distributes the electricity to commercial and residential consumers, ensuring it reaches companies and households efficiently.  

This multi-stage process of voltage transformation and transmission focuses on the practical infrastructure required to integrate wind energy into the broader power network. 

Types of Wind Energy Farms and Advantages 

There are three types of wind farms:  

1. Onshore wind farms—These are the most common wind energy farms. They are located on land no less than 3 kilometers from the coast and feed on terrestrial air currents. This location offers the benefits of easy accessibility and proximity to the electric grid. 
2. Nearshore wind farms—These are also located on land but less than 3 kilometers from the coast. The advantage of considering nearshore wind plants is that they can harness both terrestrial winds and sea winds to produce energy.  
3. Offshore wind farms—These structures are constructed in the open sea several miles from the coast. Compared to land installations, offshore wind farms have the advantage that the wind’s force is higher, at a lower altitude, and more regular than on land.

How to decide where to install a wind farm 

Wind farms are constructed in locations that offer optimal terrestrial or sea wind harness. These sites are selected based on wind characteristics and overall suitability while establishing minimal disruption to the environment and the natural habitats of local species. Selecting a site requires careful consideration of several key factors: 

• Environmental Impact: Evaluation of potential effects on local ecosystems and biodiversity. 

• Wind Intensity and Frequency: Ensuring consistent and adequate wind resources. 

• Terrain and Accessibility: Assessment of the topography and feasibility of transport to the site. 

• Legal and Territorial Feasibility: Complying with regional regulations and land-use policies. 

Organizations such as the Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE) have developed comprehensive methodologies to evaluate site feasibility. These frameworks assess the ecological footprint and projected energy output over the wind farm’s operational lifespan, ensuring that projects are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable. 

Advantages of Wind Energy 

Wind power plants, or wind power stations, are keystones of renewable energy generation. They offer numerous advantages in sustainability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness: 

• Sustainable Energy Source: Wind is an inexhaustible and free resource of renewable energy, making wind farms a sustainable option for the generation of electricity. Also, wind energy does not emit greenhouse gases or other pollutants, contributing to a cleaner environment like fossil fuels. 

• Cost-Effective Operation: After initial construction, wind power plants have minimal operating expenses  and can provide affordable  electricity, especially in  areas with ample amount of  wind resources. 

• Enhanced Reliability: Wind farms provide energy security and stability, with the ability to operate in remote or offshore locations where wind conditions are often more suitable.  

• Environmental and Health Benefits: By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, wind power plant stations contribute to improved air quality, benefitting nearby communities and mitigating the impacts of climate change. 

Wind energy at Amplus 

Amplus is on its way to making a mark on India’s energy map with its first co-located hybrid project of 180 MW capacity comprising Solar and Wind—Project Shiva. Project Shiva features 40 wind turbines generating 108 MW, with the rest coming from the co-located 72 MW solar plant.  

Spanned across 536 acres, Project Shiva includes a 100 km, 33 kV transmission line. The project comprises 296 acres of land dedicated to solar and 240 acres for wind, integrated via a standard TANGEDCO grid substation system located at Ottapidaram, Thoothukodi.  

Energy plays a fundamental role in the progress and improvement of society’s well-being. At Amplus, we aim to be an active part of the solution to climate change while supplying the energy that the C&I market needs in a safe, sustainable, and efficient way. In this regard, we are moving towards energy transition with our upcoming pioneering projects of electricity generation in Tamil Nadu from wind energy.  

Conclusion 

Wind power is not just an alternative to traditional sources of energy—it is the utmost solution to the challenges facing the world today. With its significant environmental benefits, economic potential, and capacity for creating job opportunities, wind energy is essential to resolving today’s energy and climate challenges.  

Investing in wind energy aims to protect our planet, drive economic growth, and ensure a cleaner future for future generations. In an era where energy security and environmental responsibility are interconnected, wind power stands out as a transformative solution.