The Design and Installation of a Wind Turbine System
A wind turbine system is made up of several key components. These include the foundation, shaft rotor, nacelle (electrical generator), and power grid connections.
The nacelle contains the gearbox, low- and high-speed shafts, and electrical generator that converts the mechanical energy of the rotor into electricity. It also houses a brake and other safety mechanisms.
Power output
The energy output of a wind turbine system is variable. It can range from zero to its rated capacity, depending on the weather conditions. Typically, it peaks at its rated capacity during times of high winds.
The power available from a wind turbine depends on the wind turbine system density of air, the swept area of its blades and the velocity of the wind. Wind speed is the most important of these inputs, as it is proportional to the cube of wind velocity (23 = 8 if the wind speed doubles).
A residential wind turbine might be rated at 5kW, while much larger wind farm turbines are rated in MWs. However, the wind turbine doesn’t produce this rated power all the time. Its actual power output is a fraction of its rated capacity, called its “capacity factor.”
The higher the capacity factor, the more efficient a wind turbine is. To improve the capacity factor, wind turbine manufacturers develop techniques such as “pitch control,” which increases the effective surface area of the rotor during high winds by changing its position on the tower or by tilting it. In addition, a new generation of inverters can reduce the fluctuation in power generated by a wind turbine by using power electronics that can quickly adjust to changes in wind speed. This type of inverter is known as a “full-converter.”
Design
The design of a wind turbine system is a crucial factor in its ability to produce renewable energy. The design of each component must be optimised to ensure that the overall system operates correctly, capturing as much energy as possible. This process involves selecting the best components and verifying that they work together as a team. It also involves ensuring that the nacelle and drive train operate at optimum efficiency.
The main components of a wind turbine are the blades and hub. They form the rotor, which rotates at speeds between 18 and 25 rotations per minute. A gear box converts this low-speed, high-torque rotation into faster rotations, which are then used to power a generator. The generator produces 50 or 60 Hz AC power that is transmitted to the grid using cables.
Wind turbines consume reactive power, which is compensated by capacitor banks or other power electronics equipment. The wind turbine’s power factor is the ratio of its active power to its reactive power. This ratio can be improved by adjusting the pitch angle of the rotor blades. A higher power factor reduces network losses, reduces penalty charges from utilities for excessive consumption of reactive power, and increases the system capacity, reducing maintenance and new installation costs. It is also more environmentally friendly. Moreover, a higher power factor improves voltage regulation of the power grid and helps reduce grid instability.
Installation
A wind turbine is a complex system, and installation involves many steps. The first step is to determine the size of the system needed. This is accomplished using an online tool such as RETScreen International or free software from Natural Resources Canada that can help estimate energy production, cost, greenhouse gas reduction potential and the payback period.
The next step is to install the tower and nacelle. The tower can be constructed on site or in prefabricated sections and assembled using heavy cranes. The nacelle houses the rotor and generator. The final step is connecting the generator to the electrical grid. This is done with electrical cables that can be either underground or overhead, depending on local conditions and regulations. The cables are connected to a transformer that adapts the voltage of the generated electricity to the voltage of the electrical network.
In addition, a disconnect switch is required to isolate the system in case of an emergency or to allow maintenance and repairs to be performed on the system without risking injury or damage. If the system is connected to the utility grid, a power conditioning unit (inverter) is also needed to make the output of the wind turbine compatible with the electrical grid.
Maintenance
Keeping a wind turbine in top condition requires regular inspections, cleaning, ev charging pile lubrication, and repair. This preventative maintenance reduces downtime, which minimizes loss of revenue and increases the lifespan of the turbine.
In addition to routine maintenance tasks, a wind turbine can also be serviced for a variety of purposes including parameter adjustment, error correction, mechanical loading variation, and weather adjustments. It may also be required to perform an operation and maintenance (O&M) assessment at the end of its design life. These assessments are used to determine if the equipment can be safely continued to operate and if any components need replacement.
Most O&M for a wind turbine is either scheduled or unscheduled, and both types need to be carefully managed. Unscheduled O&M costs can be high and include overtime, rush shipments of parts and materials, and the lost revenue from the power the turbine is not producing.
Scheduled O&M is often conducted by a contractor, but it can be done in-house as well if the on-site personnel have the proper training and knowledge. This could be a good option for projects that don’t have the budget to pay for a full-time maintenance contractor. Using a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) software to record and send reminders to staff is one way to streamline these processes and optimize O&M costs.
