Wind Energy Applications

Abstract

Previous chapters have focused on wind turbines that are connected to conventional electrical grids under 'typical' conditions. The presumption in these discussions was also that the presence of wind turbines had relatively little impact on the grid itself. Wind turbines may also be used in other situations, where they may supply a large fraction of the total energy requirement. In addition, as more and more wind turbines are added to conventional networks, attention must be given to the best way to make use of the energy they can contribute. This chapter considers a number of those situations. These include distributed generation, hybrid power systems, offshore wind energy, installations in severe climates, special purpose applications, energy storage, and fuel production.Distributed generation refers to situations in which generators such as wind turbines are connected to a utility's relatively low voltage distribution system. This topic is discussed briefly in Section 10.2.Wind turbines may be connected to smaller, isolated electrical grids or may supply a large fraction of the power in a weak grid. When these systems contain other generators, storage or power converters, they are known as hybrid power systems. In these systems the wind power, other power sources, and any system loads may strongly influence each other. The characteristics of the components in such situation need to be understood in order to design the complete system. These issues are covered in Section 10.3.Offshore wind turbines have a whole host of unique issues. The most significant differences between land-based and offshore wind turbines are their support structures and the factors that must be considered in their design. Other important differences include undersea electrical transmission, installation, operation, and maintenance. Environmental issues, siting, and permitting are also quite different offshore than on land. Offshore wind energy is covered in Section 10.4.Issues related to operation in severe climates are covered separately in Section 10.5. These include cold weather, high temperatures, and lightning. Wind Energy Explained: Theory, Design and Application, Second Edition