Generation of electricity has emerged
as the most important application of wind energy world-wide.
The concept is simple: flowing wind rotates the blades
of a turbine, and causes electricity to be produced
in generator unit. The blades and generator (housed
in a unit called 'nacelle') are mounted at the top of
a tower.
Wind turbines generally have three rotor blades, which
rotate with wind flow and are coupled to a generator
either directly or through a gear box. The rotor blades
rotate around a horizontal hub connected to a generator,
which is located inside the nacelle. The nacelle also
houses other electrical components and the yaw mechanism,
which turns the turbine so that it faces the wind. Sensors
are used to monitor wind direction and the tower head
is turned to line up with the wind. The power produced
by the generator is controlled automatically as wind
speeds vary. The rotor diameters vary from 30 metres
(m) to about 90 m, whereas the towers on which the wind
electric generators (WEGs) are mounted, range in height
from 25 to 80 m.
Wind Power Potential in India
India's wind power potential has been assessed at 45
000 MW. The current technical potential is estimated
at about 13 000 MW, assuming 20% grid penetration, which
would increase with the augmentation of grid capacity
in potential states.
Incentives
Wind power projects have been set up through private
investment.
The promotional incentives available are listed below.
80% accelerated depreciation in the first year.
Concessional import duty of 5% on five specified
wind turbine components and their parts.
Favourable tariffs and policies in several states.
Manufacturers
Wind turbines are produced in the country by about
a dozen manufacturers, mainly through joint ventures
or under licensed production agreements. A few foreign
companies have also set up their subsidiaries in India.
A few Indian companies are manufacturing WEGs without
any foreign collaboration
Main Application:
Wind Energy
Contact:
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd.
India Habitat Centre Complex
Core-4A, East Court, 1st Floor
Lodi Road, New Delhi- 110003
Tel: 91 11 2468 2200/ 91 11 2468 2202
