WIND ENERGY

HARNESSING THE
POWER OF THE WIND
BALUNSO, CHARLES CEDRICK
MIRANDA, BRYANN KEVIN
ORTIZ, JOHN ANDREI
SALUDAR, FERMIN JUDE
INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS WIND?

Wind is the natural movement of air or other gases

relative to a planet's surface.
Wind is caused by differences in atmospheric pressure,
which are primarily due to temperature differences.
INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS WIND ENERGY?

Wind energy, in its essence, is the

conversion of kinetic energy from wind into
electrical energy.
It's a natural, renewable, and increasingly
cost-effective way to power our homes,
businesses, and industries.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this presentation is to provide
you with a comprehensive understanding of
wind energy. We will delve into its history,
explore the intricate technology that makes it
possible, examine its numerous benefits and
acknowledge its challenges, assess its current
state in the global energy landscape, its
applications, and look ahead to its immense
future potential.
HISTORY OF WIND ENERGY
HISTORY OF WIND ENERGY

Wind energy has been harnessed for centuries, evolving

from simple mechanical applications to complex
electricity generation systems. This presentation
explores the journey of wind energy from ancient times
to modern developments.
ANCIENT USES OF WIND ENERGY
Persian Windmills (7th Century AD)

The world’s oldest windmill, known as

“Asbads,” was invented by the Persian slave
Abu Lu’lu’a Firuz.
This ancient windmill built from mud, clay,
and wood, designed to harness strong winds
for grinding grain and pumping water.
Vertical-axle windmills with wooden slats
arranged around a central axis.
ANCIENT USES OF WIND ENERGY

Chinese Windmills (13th Century

AD)
Horizontal-axle windmills used for
irrigation and grain milling.
Early examples of practical wind-
powered technology in Asia.
EVOLUTION OF WIND TURBINES

19th Century Developments

Wind-powered machines adapted for
mechanical work, including water
pumping on American farms.
Daniel Halladay (1854) developed the
self-regulating windmill used for water
pumping.
EVOLUTION OF WIND TURBINES

Early 20th Century Advances

Poul la Cour (Denmark) pioneered
wind turbines for electricity generation
in the late 1800s.
Experimented with aerodynamics and
wind turbine efficiency.
EVOLUTION OF WIND TURBINES

Mid-20th Century Growth

1941: The Smith-Putnam wind
turbine (USA) was the first megawatt-
scale turbine.
Increased focus on large-scale
electricity production using wind
power.
EARLY APPLICATION OF ELECTRICITY GENERATION

Late 19th and Early 20th Century

1888: Charles F. Brush built the first
electricity-generating wind turbine in
Ohio.
1920s-1930s: Small wind turbines were
used in rural areas before grid expansion.
1950s: Large-scale wind farms were
conceptualized, but fossil fuels
dominated.
MODERN WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

Wind Energy Data

HOW WIND ENERGY
WORKS?
HOW WIND ENERGY WORKS?

Science Behind Wind Energy:

• Kinetic Energy of Wind

• Capturing Kinetic Energy
Conversion Process in Wind Turbines

1. Kinetic Energy to Mechanical Energy:

• Rotor Blades: As the wind blows, it pushes against the
rotor blades of the wind turbine, causing them to
spin.
• Rotor Shaft: The rotor blades are connected to a rotor
shaft.
Conversion Process in Wind Turbines

2. Mechanical Energy to Electrical Energy

• Gearbox: The rotor shaft is connected to a gearbox.
• Generator: The fast-spinning shaft is connected to a
generator.
Conversion Process in Wind Turbines

3. Transmission and Distribution

• Transformer: The generated electricity is then sent to a

transformer, which increases its voltage for efficient
transmission over long distances.
• Power Grid: The high-voltage electricity is transmitted
through power lines and distributed to homes, businesses,
and other end-users.
Components of a Wind Turbine

1. Rotor Blades 7. Controller

2. Hub 8. Anemometer and Wind
3. Nacelle VaneMain Shaft
4. Main Shaft 9. Yaw System
5. Gearbox 10. Tower
6. Generator 11. Transformer
12. Brake System
Components of a Wind Turbine

1. Rotor Blades 7. Controller

2. Hub 8. Anemometer and Wind
3. Nacelle VaneMain Shaft
4. Main Shaft 9. Yaw System
5. Gearbox 10. Tower
6. Generator 11. Transformer
12. Brake System
Types of Wind Turbine

1. Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs)

Upwind Turbines: The rotor faces the wind,
and the blades are upwind of the tower. This
is the most common type of wind turbine.
Downwind Turbines: The rotor is on the
downwind side of the tower, so the wind
passes the tower before reaching the
blades. These are less common but can be
useful in certain conditions.
Types of Wind Turbine

1. Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs)

Applications
Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs) are
commonly used for large-scale power generation
in wind farms, both onshore and offshore, as
well as in commercial and industrial settings to
reduce energy costs. They are also suitable for
community wind projects and residential use,
where smaller HAWTs can generate electricity for
individual homes.
Types of Wind Turbine

2. Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

(VAWTs)
Darrieus Wind Turbines: Named
after the French inventor, these
turbines have a curved, eggbeater-like
shape. They are efficient but require
an external power source to start.
Types of Wind Turbine

2. Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

(VAWTs)
Savonius Wind Turbines: These turbines
have an S-shaped design when viewed
from above. They are less efficient but can
operate in turbulent wind conditions and
are often used for applications like small-
scale power generation and ventilation.
Concepts of Wind Farms

A wind farm is a collection of wind turbines located in

the same area and used to generate electricity. These
turbines work together to capture the kinetic energy of
the wind and convert it into electrical energy. Wind
farms can be located onshore (on land) or offshore (in
bodies of water).
Concepts of Wind Farms

A wind farm is a collection of wind turbines located in

the same area and used to generate electricity. These
turbines work together to capture the kinetic energy of
the wind and convert it into electrical energy. Wind
farms can be located onshore (on land) or offshore (in
bodies of water).
How Multiple Turbines Are Connected to the Electricity Grid

1. Wind Turbines Generate Electricity

2. Collection System
3. Substation
4. Transmission Lines
5. Power Grid
6. Grid Connection
Advantages of Wind Energy
Advantages of Wind Energy

Clean and Sustainable

- Wind power is a clean source of energy.

- Does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air
pollutants during operation.
- Renewable resource, naturally replenished as long as
Earth's wind patterns persist.
Advantages of Wind Energy

Clean and Sustainable

- Wind power is a clean source of energy.

- Does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air
pollutants during operation.
- Renewable resource, naturally replenished as long as
Earth's wind patterns persist.
Advantages of Wind Energy

Energy Independence and Security

- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

- Increases energy independence by diversifying the
energy mix.
- Enhances energy security by reducing reliance on
imported fuels.
Advantages of Wind Energy

Cost-Competitive

- Cost of wind power has significantly decreased in recent

years.
- Technological advancements, economies of scale, and
streamlined manufacturing processes contribute to cost
reductions.
- Competitive with conventional forms of electricity generation.
Advantages of Wind Energy

Environmental Impacts

- Helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating

climate change.
- Improves air quality by displacing fossil fuel-based
power plants that emit harmful pollutants.
Advantages of Wind Energy

Rapid Deployment

- Wind farms can be constructed relatively quickly

compared to other large-scale energy infrastructure
projects.
- Faster implementation of renewable energy capacity
contributes to meeting climate and energy targets.
Advantages of Wind Energy

Land Multipurpose Use

- Wind farms can coexist with other land uses, such as

agriculture and livestock grazing.
- Turbines occupy a small footprint, allowing continued
land use for other purposes.
Disadvantages of Wind
Energy
Disadvantages of Wind Energy

Intermittency and Unpredictability

Wind energy production depends heavily on weather conditions,

which can be highly variable and unpredictable. This leads to
unreliable power generation, especially in regions with inconsistent
wind patterns.
Example Location: The Great Plains in the U.S. have strong but
unpredictable wind, resulting in fluctuations in energy production.
Disadvantages of Wind Energy

High Initial Costs and Economic Viability

The initial investment required for constructing wind farms and

installing turbines is high. This can be a significant barrier,
particularly for developing regions or countries with limited
financial resources.
Example Location: Developing countries or rural areas with limited
financial resources might struggle to afford the high upfront costs
of wind energy infrastructure.
Disadvantages of Wind Energy

Visual and Aesthetic Impact:

Wind turbines can be considered an eyesore, especially in
scenic or natural landscapes. This often leads to opposition
from local communities who value the visual appeal of their
environment.
Example Location: Coastal areas or picturesque countryside
regions, such as the English countryside, where the natural
landscape is highly valued by residents and tourists.
Disadvantages of Wind Energy

Noise Pollution

Wind turbines generate noise, which can be disruptive to nearby

communities and wildlife. The constant hum and mechanical
sounds can be a nuisance, particularly in quiet rural areas.
Example Location: Rural and suburban areas where peace and
quiet are highly valued, such as certain parts of the Netherlands.
Disadvantages of Wind Energy

Impact on Wildlife

Wind turbines pose a threat to birds and bats, leading to fatalities

and disruption of natural habitats. This can have significant
ecological consequences, especially in areas with sensitive or
endangered species.
Example Location: Regions with high bird populations or migratory
routes, such as the Altamont Pass in California, which has been
known for bird fatalities.
Disadvantages of Wind Energy

Land Use and Habitat Disruption

Large wind farms require significant land, which can disrupt

local ecosystems and agricultural activities. This can lead to
conflicts over land use and displacement of wildlife.
Example Location: Agricultural regions or areas with limited
available land, like parts of India, where land use is a critical
concern for both farming and biodiversity.
TYPES OF WIND ENERGY AND
ITS APPLICATIONS
TYPES OF WIND ENERGY

ONSHORE WIND ENERGY

Onshore wind energy refers to the generation of
electricity using wind turbines that are located on land.
Onshore wind energy has been a more established and
widespread form of wind power generation compared
to offshore wind
TYPES OF WIND ENERGY

OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY

Offshore wind energy is produced in a very similar way
to onshore energy by using wind turbines that harness
the force of the wind to produce electricity. The only
difference is that for offshore energy the wind turbines
are installed in the middle of the ocean to take
advantage of the powerful winds that blow offshore.
APPLICATIONS OF WIND ENERGY

OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY

Offshore wind energy is produced in a
very similar way to onshore energy by
using wind turbines that harness the
force of the wind to produce electricity.
The only difference is that for offshore
energy the wind turbines are installed in
the middle of the ocean to take
advantage of the powerful winds that
blow offshore.
CURRENT STATE OF WIND
ENERGY
CURRENT STATE OF WIND ENERGY

Global Wind Energy Capacity

As of late 2023, the global cumulative installed wind
power capacity exceeded 1,000 GW (Terawatt).
CURRENT STATE OF WIND ENERGY

Global Wind Energy Capacity

CURRENT STATE OF WIND ENERGY

Technological Advancements in Wind Energy

• Increased Turbine Size and Efficiency

• Floating Offshore Wind Farms
• Improved Energy Storage Solutions
• Smart Grid Integration and Digitalization
CURRENT STATE OF WIND ENERGY

Technological Advancements in Wind Energy

• Increased Turbine Size and Efficiency
Modern turbines have rotor diameters exceeding 200
meters and hub heights over 150 meters.
CURRENT STATE OF WIND ENERGY

Technological Advancements in Wind Energy

• Floating Offshore Wind Farms
Floating platforms allow wind turbines to be deployed in
deeper waters, expanding the potential for offshore
wind.
CURRENT STATE OF WIND ENERGY

Technological Advancements in Wind Energy

• Improved Energy Storage Solutions
Energy storage is crucial for balancing the variable
output of wind energy.
Battery storage is becoming increasingly cost-effective,
with lithium-ion batteries being widely used.
CURRENT STATE AND FUTURE OF WIND ENERGY

Technological Advancements in Wind Energy

• Smart Grid Integration and Digitalization
Smart grids enable real-time monitoring and control of
wind energy generation.