Wind Energy and its Impact

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Questions and Answers

What is the main benefit of using wind energy for electricity generation, as described in the passage?

Wind energy is currently the most technically advanced and economically viable of the renewable energy sources.

What is the most important factor that has led to the rapid development of wind energy, according to the passage?

The passage highlights technological advancements in wind turbine design and increased reliability, particularly in the transition to larger turbines, as the driving force behind the rapid growth of wind energy.

What key concern regarding the widespread implementation of wind energy is mentioned in the passage?

The expanding use of wind energy raises concerns about the capacity of the electrical grid to handle the increased load, especially in regions with high wind power penetrations.

What is one strategy suggested in the passage to address the potential grid limitations due to increased wind energy use?

Utilizing turbines with good grid compatibility and implementing measures for grid reinforcement are strategies proposed in the passage to address the potential grid limitations from wind power expansion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of a forward-looking energy policy, based on the passage?

The passage emphasizes the need to prioritize long-term growth in wind energy use to meet environmental pollution reduction goals. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the primary factors that have contributed to the public and political interest in wind energy.

The rapid development of wind energy, its technological advancements, and its commitment to ecological sustainability have sparked strong public, political, and scientific interest in recent years. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of discussion surrounding wind power implementation, as mentioned in the passage?

The passage indicates that ongoing discussions surrounding wind power predominantly center around the impact of wind energy on nature, the environment, and the electrical grid. Signup and view all the answers

Besides water power, which other renewable energy source is mentioned as being technologically advanced and economically viable in the passage?

The passage highlights wind energy, besides water power, as the most technically advanced and economically viable renewable energy source. Signup and view all the answers

What factors contributed to the decline of wind energy technology in the 1960s?

The decline of wind energy in the 1960s can be attributed to the availability of cheaper fossil fuels. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the key characteristics of the Gedser wind turbine?

The Gedser wind turbine, built in 1957, had a nominal output of 200 kW and a rotor diameter of 24 meters. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the wind power plants produced by Allgaier in the early 1950s?

The primary purpose of the wind power plants produced by Allgaier in the early 1950s was to provide electricity to farmsteads located far from the public grid. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Hütter W34 turbine considered trail-blazing?

The Hütter W34 turbine is considered trail-blazing due to its innovative technical features, which included a 100 kW nominal output and a 34 m rotor diameter. Signup and view all the answers

What was a pivotal factor in the resurgence of wind energy in the 1970s?

The resurgence of wind energy in the 1970s was driven by rising fuel prices. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of wind energy development in the 1970s in the USA, Sweden, and Germany?

The primary focus of wind energy development in the 1970s in the USA, Sweden, and Germany was the development of turbines in the megawatt class. Signup and view all the answers

What was the distinction between most large-scale wind converters developed in the 1970s and the American MOD-2 and Swedish-American WTS-4?

Most large-scale wind converters in the 1970s were one-offs, unlike the American MOD-2 and Swedish-American WTS-4, which were produced in multiple units. Signup and view all the answers

What key lesson emerged from the pilot installation of large-scale wind turbines in the 1970s?

The pilot installations of large-scale wind turbines in the 1970s revealed that technical solutions could be developed to enable the reliable operation of large-scale wind turbines. Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of turbine power outputs shown in the figures included?

The figures show turbine power outputs ranging from 50/100 kW to 2500 kW. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do permanently magnetic materials offer in wind turbine construction?

Permanently magnetic materials allow for favorable construction sizes and high efficiencies, particularly in the partial load range. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the figures, how do the designs of early-stage wind turbines differ from later models?

Early turbines often featured a fixed-speed, fixed-pitch design, while later models incorporated variable-speed and variable-pitch mechanisms. Signup and view all the answers

What specific class of wind turbine is described as achieving excellent returns with fault-free operation?

The 600 kW class wind turbine plant is mentioned as having achieved excellent returns over several years of fault-free operation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Figure 1.23?

To depict the size progression of Bonus turbines, illustrating both fixed-speed, stall-controlled models and active stall turbines. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary types of wind farm locations shown in the figures?

The figures show wind farms located both on land and at sea. Signup and view all the answers

What trend is evident in the figures depicting the size progression of wind turbines?

The figures show a clear trend of increasing turbine size and power output over time. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided, how does the use of permanent magnets in wind turbines contribute to their overall effectiveness?

They enhance the overall efficiency of the wind turbine, particularly in the partial load range, allowing it to operate effectively in a wider range of wind conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main stages in which energy is converted in a wind energy extraction system?

The two main stages are the conversion of wind energy into mechanical energy by the turbine and the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy by the generator. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of control and supervisory processes in a wind energy extraction system.

Control and supervisory processes influence the operation of the system by adjusting parameters like turbine blade pitch, generator speed, and power output to optimize energy production and ensure safe operation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of a wind energy extraction system and why is its position significant?

The generator is the primary component because it converts the mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical energy, which is then delivered to the grid. Signup and view all the answers

List the rotor diameters of the first generation turbines (a and b) from Figure 1.26.

The rotor diameters of the first generation turbines are 21 m for the TW 80 and 26 m for the TW 250. Signup and view all the answers

How do the turbine designs of the second generation (c to f) differ from the first generation (a to d)?

The second generation turbines are characterized by their large scale, pitch control, and variable speed capabilities, while the first generation turbines were fixed-speed and had fixed-pitch blades. Signup and view all the answers

What is the power output of the DeWind 6 turbine?

The DeWind 6 turbine has a power output of 1000 kW or 1250 kW, depending on the configuration. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the design and power output of the GE 3.6 turbine to the fixed-speed 300 kW Darrieus unit.

The GE 3.6 turbine is a large-scale, variable-speed turbine with a power output of 3.6 MW and a rotor diameter of 100 m. Conversely, the Darrieus unit is a fixed-speed turbine with a power output of 300 kW. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the annular generator in Figure 1.31(a) and the annular generator in Figure 1.31(b)?

The annular generator in Figure 1.31(a) is located at ground level, while the annular generator in Figure 1.31(b) is located in the head of the turbine. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary methods of regulating wind turbine power output?

The two primary methods of regulating wind turbine power output are pitch regulation and stall regulation. Signup and view all the answers

How does pitch regulation work?

Pitch regulation adjusts the angle of the blades (β) to control the amount of wind that strikes them. By changing the pitch, the turbine can adjust the amount of torque (MA) it generates, which in turn controls the power output. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of stall regulation in wind turbine operation.

Stall regulation relies on the aerodynamic properties of the turbine blades to reduce power output. When wind speeds exceed a certain threshold, the blades are designed to stall, resulting in a decrease in torque (MA) and power output. The stall angle is designed to prevent the turbine from overspeeding. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the mechanical drive train in a wind turbine?

The mechanical drive train connects the turbine blades to the generator. It transmits the rotational force from the blades to the generator shaft, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the relationship between the generator (electrical) and the generator (mechanical) in a wind turbine.

The generator (electrical) is directly connected to the generator (mechanical). When the generator (mechanical) rotates, it induces an electromotive force (EMF) within the generator (electrical) windings, generating electrical current. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the electrical data in the wind turbine system?

Electrical data provides information about the turbine's performance, such as voltage, current, and power output. This information is used to monitor the turbine's health and ensure efficient operation. Signup and view all the answers

How does varying the rotational speed of the generator impact the drive torque of a stall-regulated turbine?

Varying the rotational speed of the generator can influence the drive torque (MA) of a stall-regulated turbine. By adjusting the generator's speed, the turbine can manage transitional loads and maintain a desired level of power output. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'supervision and control' aspect of a wind turbine system?

Supervision and control refers to the system that monitors and manages the turbine's operation. This system uses sensors to collect data about the wind speed, blade angle, torque, and other critical parameters. Based on this data, it automatically adjusts the turbine's control mechanisms to optimize performance, protect the system, and ensure safe operation. Signup and view all the answers

What does the notation 'a' represent in the context of the provided text?

The constant factor related to the pivot of the profile. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the notation 'A1' as described in the text?

The far-upstream cross-section of flow. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Long-term flicker factor' denoted by 'Alt' used for?

It represents the long-term impact of wind turbine operation on the electrical grid's stability. Signup and view all the answers

What does the notation 'b' represent in the context of the text?

The acceleration of the rotor blade center of gravity. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the meaning of the notation 'b′'.

It represents the acceleration of the rotor blade center of gravity in the rotating coordinate system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the notation 'bdefl' used for in this text?

It denotes the bending of the rotor blade in the direction of deflection. Signup and view all the answers

What does the notation 'ck' represent in the context of wind turbines?

The capacitor bank capacitance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Torque Coefficient' denoted by notation 'cm' used for in the context of wind turbines?

It represents the ratio of the torque produced by the turbine to the torque that can be produced by the wind. Signup and view all the answers

What does the notation 'dAB' represent in the text?

The blade element Area. Signup and view all the answers

What is the notation 'dFA' used for in the context of wind turbines?

It represents the lifting force on a single element of the blade. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the notation 'FPr' in the context of wind turbine design.

It represents the force that creates the propeller moment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the notation 'iG' in the context of wind turbines?

It represents the total current (rotating pointer) in the wind turbine system. Signup and view all the answers

What does the notation 'JB' represent in the context of wind turbine blades?

JB is the moment of inertia of the blade during rotation around the hub. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the notation 'Jtot' in the context of wind turbine blade pitch adjustment.

Jtot represents the total moment of inertia of the blade pitch adjustment system Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Wind Energy

A renewable energy source generated from wind turbines to produce electricity.

Wind Turbine Output

The amount of electricity produced by a wind turbine, measured in megawatts (MW).