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Wind Power Generation: components involved The Wind Power is generated from wind using the wind power generators, that is a machine employed to gain rotary speed due to flow of wind and through gears the same force is transferred to run an electricity generator. Faster the wind, faster shall the generator rotate and more shall be the electricity generation.

There are many factors which affect the wind power generation e.g. site characteristics, technology employed, monitoring, maintenance and much more. The following are details of some of the important components to be borne in mind while developing a wind farm, and which need to be availed from wind power consulting companies in the form of :

SITE IDENTIFICATION: Finding the right site is must for the success of wind farm project. Site identification involves techniques to find a place with maximum favoring conditions and then to nurture the very opportunity to fruition. The important factors for a suitable location are: the course of wind speed, the land area, access to grid. The environmental sensitivities or constraints should be to a minimum. The process involves to start with regional overviews and precision GIS mapping, through which the specific opportunities are determined at a feasible site. This also involves mapping of project boundaries, turbine micro-siting and optimization.

WIND RESOURCE ASSESSMENT: Accurate Wind Resource Assessment of a widely variable resource is the most critical feature for success of a wind power project (here after referred to as WPP). Long term surface wind data is accessed from International sources for grid point nearest to the site. Meso-Scale and then Micro-Scale Wind Power Density/Wind Speed Map is produced for the site location through input of accurate contour/terrain data Ideal spot is selected to install Anemometry System which includes Cup-Counter, Anemometer, Wind Vane, Temperature Sensor and a Mini-computer for data recording all mounted on tall tower at 50m. and above. The recorded wind data is critically analyzed and formatted to represent wind characteristics and the out put is validated with reference to existing nearby Anemometry Mast.

MICRO-SITING, ENERGY ESTIMATION: This constitutes the foundation of a WPP. Wind Resource data is formatted in terms of Speed and direction. The characteristic power of selected Wind Electric Generator (hereafter referred to as WEG) is formatted.

Necessary correction factors related to site specific Air density are applied. Detailed Contour data at close interval is prepared indicating roughness and terrain features. Obstacles and exclusions are defined separately. Most advanced Computer Software is used to optimize the WEG layout, prepare Micro-siting Map and estimate the energy generation. Corrections factors related to grid and machine availability are applied to ensure accuracy.

VALIDATION: Energy estimation based on one-year wind data collected by the Anemometry Mast needs to be re-verified through other data available from nearby locations. High altitude wind data collected through Satellite is available for a number of years and can be used to predict long term validation of one year wind data. Probability analysis is carried out for P-50, P-75, P-90 level.

FEASIBILITY STUDY: To facilitate Management decision for investment in WPP a feasibility study is helpful. The study report evaluates few options for installations in different states and use of different types of WEG. The return on investment under various options of sale/utilization of energy is evaluated to ascertain comparative merits. In view of technology being comparatively new and experience being rather limited – the consultant is morally obliged to project the profitability and viability with higher degree of confidence.

DETAILED DESIGN and ENGINEERING and DETAILED PROJECT REPORT: Once the site is identified, make and rating of WEG and the selling option related issues are finalized. Detailed survey and field study is conducted. Comprehensive layout design is prepared with optimization of generation along with detailed design for approach road and grid evacuation. Detailed costing and financial analysis is carried out to establish overall viability.

PROCUREMENT and CONTRACTING: WPP provide attractive financial return only on long-term perspective. The initial benefit through tax concession is only a deferred tax liability. Procurement of WEGs and creation of infrastructure along with necessary Civil & Electrical works are crucial for long term viability of the project. Technology of WEG, supplier’s credibility as also efficient O&M arrangement needs to be ascertained to ensure long-term trouble-free operation of the project.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Implementation and Management of WPP calls for multidisciplinary activities related to Technical, Financial and Commercial aspects. Not only quality of works needs to be checked, it is equally important to ensure close co-ordination and monitoring for timely commissioning.

MONITORING: Energy generation with respect to wind resource, frequency and type of machine and system failures needs to be critically monitored and analyzed to optimize generation. Income from WPP can be optimized only if break down and failure of WEG and evacuation system is avoided particularly during the limited high wind months.

PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT: Critical analysis of monitoring reports along with on-site observations and in depth study immensely help in performance improvement through reduction in break-down time and interval losses. Due to seasonal availability of wind resource, generation increasing in cubic proportion of wind speed and overall low Plant Load Factor, parameter setting and operational/control logic needs to be site specific.

REPOWERING: When the Demonstration Projects and initial Private Sector Projects were installed in India in early 90s, the rating of individual turbines used to be in the range of 225-250 kW with hub-height of 30m. Over the years the technology has undergone major changes and ratings are now available in the range of 1500 kW and above with hub-height of 80m. and higher. Windy locations are limited and it is in national interest that those small turbines - which have virtually completed 20 years of operational life – should be replaced by higher rating of more efficient WEGs to substantially increase the energy generation per Hectare of land used.