Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
sites for wind plants are the tops of smooth, rounded hills; open plains or shorelines;
and mountain gaps that produce wind funneling. For using plain land, its value for
alternate use should be taken into consideration.
13.5.8.1 Characterization of the Resource
Vast areas with high wind power potential exist in many parts of the world. Wind
power resource is categorized according to wind power class. Wind class 1 denotes
very light winds; higher numbers indicate stronger winds.
13.5.9 Application of Wind Energy
13.5.9.1 Mode of Use of Wind Power
Wind turbines can be used as stand-alone applications, or they can be connected to
a utility power grid or even combined with a photovoltaic (solar cell) system. For
utility-scale sources of wind energy, a large number of wind turbines are usually
built close together to form a wind plant. Several electricity providers today use
wind plants to supply power to their customers.
Stand-alone wind turbines are typically used for water pumping. However, home-
owners, farmers, and ranchers in windy areas can also use wind turbines as a way to
cut their electric bills.
Small wind systems also have potential as distributed energy resources.
Distributed energy resources refer to a variety of small, modular power-generating
technologies that can be combined to improve the operation of the electricity
delivery system.
13.5.9.2 Water Pumping Windmill
A windmill could be installed on an open well, bore well, pond, etc., and at a site
which is free from any obstacles such as high-rise buildings and tall trees that could
restrict the availability of wind to the rotor of the windmill.
A typical windmill comprises of several bladed rotor of 2-3 m diameter, and is
installed on a tower of 10 m height. The rotor through the gear mechanism drives the
connecting rod and the pump, which pump water from the well. A 18-bladed rotor
of 3 m diameter can pump water from a maximum depth of 30 m, at an average wind
speed of 8-10 km/h. The approximate rate of pumping under ideal conditions ranges
from 1,000 to 1,200 l/h, which could cater to the irrigation needs of about half to
one hectare area depending upon the cropping pattern and its water requirement.
13.5.9.3 Wind in Production of Electricity
The technology used to convert wind power to electricity is fairly simple. The blades
of the turbine are similar to airplane blades. There are some other designs, but the
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