Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS)

Definition of a Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS)

WECS is a system that converts wind energy into another form of energy, such as electricity, that can be used to power homes and businesses.

There are two main types of WECS: those that use wind turbines to generate electricity and those that use windmills to pump water.

WECS Classification

Wind energy conversion systems are classified according to the type of rotational axis about which the turbine rotor blades rotate. The four main classifications of WECS are rotational axis, turbine, power control, and rotational speed control. If you're 

Rotational Axis

There are two types of rotational axis: horizontal and vertical.

1. A horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) is the most commonly used type. The rotor blades are mounted on a horizontal shaft perpendicular to the ground.
2. A vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) has its rotor blades mounted on a vertical shaft parallel to the ground. VAWT is less common than HAWT because it is more expensive and complicated to build and is not as efficient in converting wind energy into electricity.

Turbine

Turbines can also be classified by their electrical output. The size of the wind farm is determined by its production power. The current turbine system technology may be categorized into three groups based on the following:

1. Low Power turbines: These are turbine systems with a maximum output of 30 kW on average. These devices are used in distant areas to meet home electrical needs and charge batteries. They're also employed in emergencies to lessen reliance on primary power sources.
2. Medium Power turbines: This category includes turbines with 30 to 300 kW outputs. They are, however, primarily utilized to provide electricity to houses in small communities. They are used with other renewable energy sources or power storage systems.
3. High Power turbines: These are systems in which a considerable amount of power is produced. These are integrated into large-scale wind farms connected to the power systems that transmit electricity across towns.

Power Control

The wind energy converted by the turbine must be managed appropriately to maintain a constant output of power. The two main ways to control power are active and reactive power control.

1. Active power control is the most common type of power control, and it involves regulating the amount of wind that goes through the turbine blades. This is accomplished by using a pitch control mechanism, which regulates the angle of the blades.
2. Reactive power control is less common, and it involves regulating the amount of electricity generated by the turbine. This is done using a generator, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Rotational Speed Control Criteria

The wind speed controls the speed of the turbine blades. The higher the wind speed, the faster the blades will spin. Two main ways to control the turbine's rotational speed are fixed speed and variable speed WECS.

1. Fixed speed WECS are the most common type, and they use a device called a governor to control the speed of the turbine. The governor is a mechanical device that is attached to the turbine blades. It prevents the blades from spinning too fast, damaging the turbine.
2. Variable speed WECS are less common, using an inverter device to control the turbine's speed. The inverter is an electronic device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). It also regulates the speed of the turbine blades.

Components of WECS

A wind energy conversion system's major components are separated into two categories: mechanical and electrical.

Mechanical Components

The mechanical components of a WECS include the rotor, the main shaft, gearbox, mechanical breaks, nacelle, pitch and yaw drives, and wind measuring equipment,

1. Rotor: It is the most important component of a WECS. It is a large wheel that has blades attached to it. The rotor is what captures the wind and turns it into mechanical energy.
2. Main Shaft: The main shaft is the shaft attached to the rotor. It is made of steel or aluminum and connected to the gearbox.
3. Gearbox: The gearbox is a device that increases the rotational speed of the rotor. It is made of gears, and it is located in the nacelle.
4. Mechanical Breaks: Mechanical breaks are used to stop the rotor from spinning. They are located in the nacelle and activated when the wind speed is too high.
5. Nacelle: The nacelle is the housing that contains all of the electrical and mechanical components of the WECS. It is located at the top of the turbine, and it is made of steel or aluminum.
6. Pitch and Yaw Drives: Pitch and yaw drives are used to adjust the angle of the blades. They are located in the nacelle, and a computer operates them.
7. Wind Measuring Equipment: Wind measuring equipment is used to measure wind speed and direction. It is located in the nacelle and consists of anemometers and wind vanes.

Electrical Components

The electrical components of a WESC include the generator, power converter, step-up transformer, and wind farm collection points or points of common coupling.

1. Generator: A device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It is located in the nacelle and is connected to the main shaft.
2. Power Converter: The power converter is a device that converts DC into AC. It is located in the nacelle, connected to the generator.
3. Step-up Transformer: The step-up transformer is a device that increases the voltage of the electricity. It is located in the nacelle, connected to the power converter.
4. Wind Farm Collection Points or Point of Common Coupling: Are used to collect the electricity from the turbines. They are located at the turbine's base, and they are connected to the power converter.

How It Works

The wind turns the rotor, which spins the main shaft. The primary shaft is linked to the gearbox, which increases the rotor's rotating speed.

The power converter converts DC into AC, and the step-up transformer increases the voltage of the electricity. The electricity is then sent to the wind farm collection points or points of common coupling.

Future of WECS

The future of WECS is very promising. With technological advances, WECS are becoming more efficient and less expensive to produce.

In addition, the demand for renewable energy is increasing, which is expected to drive the growth of the WECS market.

The Bottom Line

Wind energy conversion systems are renewable energy systems that convert wind into electrical energy.

They are composed of mechanical and electrical components, and they work by capturing the wind and turning it into mechanical energy.

The future of WECS is very promising, and they are expected to become more efficient and less expensive.

FAQs

1. What is a Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS)?

A Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) is a renewable energy system that converts wind into electrical energy.

2. What are the main components of a WECS?

The main components of a WECS are divided into two categories, namely, electrical and mechanical components.

3. How does a WECS work?

The wind rotates the rotor, which turns the main shaft. The primary shaft is linked to the gearbox, which increases the rotor's rotating speed. The power converter then converts DC into AC, and the step-up transformer increases the voltage of the electricity. The electricity is then sent to the wind farm collection points or points of common coupling.

4. What is the future of WECS?

With the advances in technology, WECS are becoming more efficient and less expensive to produce. In addition, the demand for renewable energy is increasing, which is expected to drive the growth of the WECS market.

5. What are some of the benefits of WECS?

Some of the benefits of WECS include that they are a renewable energy source, and the demand for renewable energy is increasing.