10 Basics of Energy and Environment ESE Prelims
(Genea)S
2(2013-n1qi7)rne ingkjai
The Missionn will adopt a 3- phaso approach, Phase 1(upto 2012- 13), Phato
3(2017-22) ar
The immediate aim ot the Mission is to focus on seting up an enabling ernvironment for
penetration in the country both at a centralized and decentralized level. rSolar
Objectives of the Mission
To createtavourable conditionstor solar manufacturing capabilily, particularly solar
production and market leadership. therrnal
To achieve 15 million sa. meters solar thermal collector area by 2017 and 20 million by 2022
To deploy 20 milion solar lighting systems for rural areas by 2022.
1.5 Wind Energy
Wind is air in motion and it derives energy from solar radiation. About 2% of the total
reachesthe earth's surface is transformed into wind energy due to uneven heating of the solar
During daytime, the air over the land mass heats up faster than the air over the oceans. atrnospre
the hot air expands andrises while cool air from oceans rushes to fill the Subseque
space, creating lOcal wrs
At night, the process is reversed as the air cools more rapidly over land than ocean,
causingbreez:
Therefore, wind energy is the kinetic energy generated by virtue of the movement of largear
caused by differential heating of the atmosphere by the sun.
Wind eneray is one of the cleanest rernewable energy sOurces that hold out the promise of meetr.
significant portion of energy demand in the direct, grid connected modes as well as remote applirere
like water pumping. desalination, telecommunication,etc.
Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS)
Rotor Blade
A wind energy conversion system (WECS) is an
Gear Box
equipment which generates mechanical energy
Wind
powered by wind energy, that can be directly converted
intoelectrical energy. Generator
Power Cables
The major components of a typical wind energy
Conversion systern include a wind turbine, a generator, Tower Switchyard
inter-connectedapparatus, and control systems.
The wind turns large turbine blades which spins a
Transfomer
generator shaft andproduces electricity. This electricity
then charge batteries whichcan be directly connected
to local power distributionsystern or to the
power grid. Fig: 1.8 Wind Energy Conversion Syste
In particular, the medium and large scale wind energy
conversion systems are designea
to
parallel with a public or local ACgrid.
High Wind Potential Regions and Areas
Equator : This is the high ternperature and high humidity region. Due to low pressure belt arQund
Equator, the winds blow from areas of high atmospheric pressure, i.e. sub-tropical belts, towa
Eauator, andare known as trade winds.
Tropical Regions: The tropical regions are located betwecen 30° North and 30° Southofthet
tradewinds Ihes
Theseregions aredominated by seasonal wind
are high pressure belts. systems, like themonsoon and |the
There are wel1|-defined areas which is rich in wind resources, such as open Sea, coastal areas
Vallevs. terrace, saddle and khals (low depression).
MADE ERSY Energy Resources :Conservation
&Utilisation 11
Open seas : Open sea is in general
characterized by a very high wind potential
oetlareas :Land sites close to the Coastline
in the same wind regime.
experience stronger winds corrpared to inland sites
Hills : In hilly areas, the topography enhances the
wind
bioher wind speedsdue to acceleration over the hill. poterntial. Rounded hills and ridges e/0erience
Acceleration of wind over a ridge deoends on the
height and itsslope profile.
Valley: When tWo steep slopes meet each other, a valley is
energy installation.
formed. It is an ideal ocatior for wnd
Khals (Low Depressions): Low depression saddles (When the
two escarpments, a saddle is formned) have suitable
mountain range dips shallow bet weer
aerodynanic conditions for wind energy generator
These are common sites in rural Garhwal Himalayas, locally known as Khals.
Advantages of Wind Energy
Wind energy isa non-poluting andenvironment friendly source of energy which is
available free of cost
Power generationis cheaper as there is noshortage of input, and recurring
expenses are alnost nil
It can be made available easily in many offshore, onshore and remote
areas. Thus, it is helpful in
supplying electricity toremote and rural areas.
Limitations of Wind Energy
Wind turbine design is complex and needs more research and development work due to widely varying
atmospheric conditions where these turbines are made to operate.
Large units have less capital cost per kWh, but require capital internsive technology. In contrast, small
units are more reliable but have higher capital cost per kWh.
It has low energy density.
It is generally favourable in geographic locations which are away from cities.
It is variable, unsteady, irregular and intermittent type of energy resource.
NOTE 1 National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) is located in Chennai,Tamil Nadu.
2 The major wind energy installations are situated in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra. Andhra
Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan.
3 India now ranks 5th ingrid connected wind power installations in the worldafter China, USA,
Germany, and UK.
1.5.1 National Offshore WindEnergy Policy,2015
Under this Policy, the Ministry of New &Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been authorized as the Nodal
Ministry for use of offshore areas within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)of the country.
The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), Chennai, has been authorized as the Nodal Agency for
development of offshore wind energy in the country and to carry out allocation of offshore wind energy
blocks, coordination andallied functions with related ministries and agencies.
It would pave the way for offshore wind energy development including, setting up of offshore wind
country, up to
power projects and research and development activities in waters, in or adjacent to the
the base line.
the seaward distance of 200 nautical miles (EEZ of the country) from
It
The policy will provide a level playing field to all investors/beneficiaries, domestic and international.
coast soon.
is planned to set up the first offshore wind power project off the Gujarat
