Wind Power Generation

Introduction

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