Turbine
Introduction
The rising cost of fossil fuel and effects of climate change forces to enhance the demand of
renewable energy
sources in different sector. Like as other renewable energy sources, wind power has a key role in
reducing greenhouse gas emissions
. Wind energy is a clean renewable energy source cheaper to maintain, saves fuel
and can give decentralized energy
. A wind turbine is a device that taps the renewable kinetic energy of
blowing wind, which converts it to useable mechanical, electrical or thermal energy. The main
idea of wind
power is to produce mechanical or electrical power economically without air pollution by using
exhaustible nat-
ural resources. The function of a wind electric generator is to convert the kinetic energy of the
wind into most
useful form of energy
i.e.
electricity. The basic design requires the conversion done in the most efficient way
and at lowest cost. This is done in few steps such as kinetic energy of the wind, converted
through blades to
mechanical energy of a rotating shaft and then transmitted through a gearbox to a generator,
which converts the mechanical into electrical energy
Tabassum, S., Rahaman, M., Bashar, M.S., Islam, S., Sharmin, A., Imam, A.Y., Hoque, A.,
Mahbub, N.,
Khatun, S. and Khanam, M. (2015) Design and Analysis of Different Types of Rotors for Pico-
Turbine.
Smart Grid and Re-
newable Energy
Turbines are mechanical devices that convert the energy from a fluid flow into useful work. They
are widely used in various industries and applications. Here are some common types of turbines:
1. Steam Turbines: These turbines use high-pressure steam to generate rotational motion. They
are commonly used in power plants to convert thermal energy into electrical energy.
2. Gas Turbines: Gas turbines operate on the Brayton cycle and use combustion gases to drive
the turbine blades. They are widely used in aircraft propulsion, power generation, and industrial
applications.
3. Hydro Turbines: Hydro turbines harness the power of flowing water to generate electricity.
They are commonly used in hydroelectric power plants, where the kinetic energy of water is
converted into mechanical energy and then into electrical energy.
4. Wind Turbines: Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy.
They are commonly seen in wind farms and are becoming increasingly popular as a renewable
energy source.
5. Gasoline and Diesel Turbines: These turbines are used in automotive applications, such as
turbochargers, where they help increase the efficiency and power output of internal combustion
engines.
The uses of turbines are vast and varied. They play a crucial role in power generation,
transportation, and industrial processes. Turbines are used in power plants to generate electricity,
in aircraft engines for propulsion, in ships for propulsion and electricity generation, and in
various industrial processes like oil and gas production, chemical manufacturing, and water
desalination.
Wind turbines offer several advantages for electricity generation:
1. Renewable Energy Source: Wind is a renewable and abundant resource, meaning it will never
run out. By harnessing the power of the wind, we can generate electricity without depleting finite
resources like fossil fuels.
2. Environmentally Friendly: Wind turbines produce clean energy, emitting zero greenhouse
gases or air pollutants during operation. Using wind power helps reduce carbon emissions and
combat climate change.
3. Cost-effective: Once a wind turbine is installed, the fuel (wind) is free. This makes wind
energy cost-competitive with traditional forms of electricity generation, especially in areas with
strong and consistent wind resources.
4. Job Creation: The wind energy industry creates jobs in manufacturing, construction,
installation, and maintenance of wind turbines. It contributes to local economies and supports a
growing workforce.
5. Energy Independence: Wind power reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing
energy security. It diversifies the energy mix and reduces vulnerability to price fluctuations in the
global energy market.
6. Scalability: Wind farms can range from small-scale installations to large utility-scale projects,
making wind power adaptable to different energy needs. Multiple turbines can be installed in a
single location to increase overall electricity generation.
7. Community Benefits: Wind farms can provide economic benefits to local communities
through lease payments to landowners and tax revenues. Additionally, wind turbines can coexist
with other land uses, allowing farmers and ranchers to continue their agricultural activities.
It's exciting to see how wind turbines contribute to a sustainable and clean energy future!
