Wind power system is an indirect form of solar energy, because wind is mainly induced by the uneven heating of the earth’s surface by the sun.
Winds can be classified as planetary wind and local wind.
Planetary winds are caused by greater solar heating of the earth’s surface near the equator; whereas local winds are caused by differential heating of land and water, and also by hills and mountain sides.
During the operation, the wind approaching the blades moves the wind null shaft thereby rotating the rotor of generator.
In this way, kinetic energy of the wind is converted into mechanical energy by the wind mill and then converted into electrical energy by using a generator.
Figure shows the general layout of wind energy power system.
Advantages of Wind Power System
Wind is available at no cost.
It does not cause any kid of pollution while generating power.
It is available in many off-shore, on-shore and remote areas which is helpful in supplying the electric power in those areas.
It has low maintenance cost and low power generation cost.
Disadvantages of Wind Power System
It is favourable in locations which are away from cities.
The wind supply is variable, unsteady, intermittent and sometimes dangerous also.
