Improving the Efficiency of Wind Turbine Blades - Research Proposal Example

Research Proposal: Improving the Efficiency of Wind Turbine Blades Introduction The importance of clean energy sources was realized rapidly after the adverse effects of the pollution caused by generators on the environment became apparent. Wind energy is a clean and renewable energy source whose applications exist worldwide. There are several forms of wind energy particularly in generating electricity. It can be harnessed directly at suitable locations unlike fossil fuels such as coal, which require transportation and treatment before processing (Valenciaga et al. 2). However, the inefficiency of the systems used for this type of power generation has been a major drawback to the producing industries. Many researchers have undertaken massive research on technology that can be employed to improve wind electricity generation. If well harnessed, the Greenhouse effect can be slowed down since the CO2 emissions will have been reduced drastically. Recently, the European Commission put forward a set of proposals to create a new Energy Policy for Europe, cutting its Carbon (IV) oxide (CO2) emissions by at least 20% by 2020 and 50% until 2050 (Mendes et al. 1). In the past, much research had been done in this field particularly from the point of view of velocity direction control of the wing and in turbine blade design. However, most of the previous work has been concentrated on wind blades designs were trying to find a new geometry of the blades. In connection to this, this proposed research is to try and find out a new methods of improving wind turbine efficiency by developing new surface material that increase the drag coefficient so that the fan blades can catch a lower speed of the wind. Literature Review To achieve sustainability in the energy sector, wind energy is achieving significant improvement such as horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) which is reducing system expenses per kW of the generated power and increasing the power production. It increases opportunities to expand energy production. At highly turbulent fluctuating wind, problems arise for a horizontal axis wind turbine (Pope et al. 1).Theoretical analysis shows that; From the Euler Theorem, force on a turbine blade is F= rATVTð(V1-V2 ), V1=Inlet velocity V2=outlet wind velocity(m/s) VT=average rotating velocity R=density(kg/m3) Power on the blade, P P=FVT=rATV2T(V1-V2) P ¼ FVT ¼ rATV2 TðV1 _ V2Þ: ð2Þ The power, which comes from the wind energy, is proportional in third order of the wind velocity. If the wind velocity is doubled the power will be approximately increased eight times. The kinetic power exchange of the wind before entering and leaving the wind blades is DEK =1/2MA (V21-V22) MA in the above equation is mass flow of the wind and equal to mA =rATVT The power to drive the wind blades is equal to the kinetic power exchange assuming there are no losses; hence, P = DEK, rATV2T(V1 -V2) =1/2 rATVT (V21 _ V22), Therefore substituting respectively, we have total power; P=1/4rAT(V21-V22) (V1+V2) dP/dV2 =¼ rAT(V0+V2) (V0-3V2) Pmax=8/27rATV30 =0.59 These indicate that the wind that can be converted into useful wind energy. As a result, several attempts have been made to maximize the power produced from wind. Francovic (2010) argues that energy and Exergy study is performed on four different wind power systems, together with both horizontal and vertical axis wind. Working parameters and changeability in design of wind turbine are compared with vertical axis turbine (Dincer ET al.7).The analysis are done based on both the first and the second law of thermodynamics with the efficiency prediction at 50 and 53% respectively. However in densely populated areas and urban centers there is low quality of wind source, unpredictable intensity and disturbances. Experimental data indicate that actual flow 20% slower than the ideal flow. These make the cost of land as well as generation and transmission to be relatively high. Since the velocity of air decreases as it makes contact with the turbine, the Department of Physics, Univ. OD Udine, Via DelleScienze 208, 33100 Udine, Italy as in Upgrading conventional wind turbines (Renewable Energy) is attempting to the widening of the stream as the air decelerates by use of profiled wing. Energy to control the pressure variation in the two edges of the turbine is extracted from air flow near the turbine but not passing through it. The surface area of the wing used to extract this energy is equal to being covered with the propeller. The wing is smaller than before, but the outer cylinder covers a considerably large cross section with close doubling in the power generated. Though the method is trying to solve one problem, it is creating another problem of increase in mass whose adverse effect is likely counter the efforts. Therefore, proving not to be highly reliable since rather than the loss due to widening of the air flow, there is also loss due to the pressure difference between the two sides of the propeller blades. Another technology that is being used today to improve the efficiency of the wind turbine is the use of steering profile surrounding the blades of the turbine. The steering airfoils are fixed surrounding the wind blades at an optimum distance, and the number of the aero foils and angle of tilt are adjusted to give the desired increase in speed of then blades. The vortex effect caused by wind blades increases he flow area of the turbine blades. (Grassmann et al. 2) In Portugal, the total installed renewable energy reached a capacity of 8908MW in 2009for which wind power accounted for 24.34% (Melicio et al. 3).As a result of the increased use of wind power, Power electrical converters are developed for integrating the wind power with the electric grid. These technical approach conveniences the use of turbine to generate and transmit stabilized voltage despite the fluctuating nature of the wind speed. The mechanical stress is reduced, and there is no transmission of torque oscillation to the grid. However, several switches are required and lack reactive component in the control circuit and undesirable noise. This negative side of the technology requires an extra cost for the system. The key researchers in this proposal are students from the engineering faculty especially those taking electrical and mechanical engineering causes. Their concern is answering questions that have been left by other researchers who have undertaken similar or related research. Most these researchers have provided a solution to some of the eminent problems such as solutions to mechanical stresses (Valenciaga et al. 1). Also, power loss due to the pressure difference in the two sides of the turbine blades by use of the wing structure (Grassmann et al. p7) among others but have not provided for the exact technical solution to increase in mass and cost of the system. These are some of the gaps left by the past researchers and which the proposed research will focus on. Main aim The present study aims to develop understanding of how different technologies have been used to improve wind turbine efficiency. In order to achieve this aim, the study will consider some of the approaches and techniques that have been employed to combat the various drawbacks associated with the use of wind turbines in power generation and production. The following research question will guide the proposed study. How has technology influenced the performance and efficiency of wind turbines? In doing so, the proposed study aims to investigate how different players in the field of technology have used these techniques in an attempt to bring forth solutions to technical challenges of wind turbines. It also seeks to establish the advantages and disadvantages arising from such application of technology in wind power generation. The proposed study will seek to answer this central question Research Context After the oil crisis in the 1970s, global interest for clean and renewable energy sources has grown remarkably (Valenciaga et al. p1). Wind power has gained a substantial attention, reflected in great technology advances regarding consistency, integration and cost-efficiency to the grid of the wind energy conversion systems (WECS). These can bring in their generated power into the grid directly or use it to feed isolated industries or rural communities. Wind turbines produce close to 2% of the world’s electricity consumption, with an installed capacity of 121 GW (Evangelista et al., 1). Statement of the Problem Despite the high level of use of wind power, wind that is stochastic in nature has uncertainties in the parameters of the electric and aerodynamic models. It also behaves nonlinearly, and there have been several technical efforts to control this behavior of the wind turbine system. Although, the SM (sliding mode) algorithms that are based on 2-SM (second order sliding mode) have provided some compelling solutions based on distinguished features (Evangelista et al. p 1): Easy implementation based on nonlinear models, lowering of mechanical stresses and accurate tracking and regulating variables with finite time convergence. However, the cost of production of wind power is yet to be efficiently regulated and minimized so as to meet the cost-effectiveness standards. These examples are a clear indication that despite the several attempts to improve the wind turbine efficiency, new problems are created and left unsolved thus deterring improvement of wind turbine efficiency. Therefore, there is a need to find new-structural layouts and designs which will aim to mold the wind energy into a better cost-effective source of power generation. Methodology Research Design The research is to be carried out through various methods so as to answer some of the most questions especially those formulated to guide the research. These methods will also aim at creating relevance of the hypothesis. Survey The research aims at carrying out a regional survey starting in our country and some of the neighboring countries in order to determine the various techniques used to improve the efficiency of the wind turbine. This is to be done in countries well known for wind power production and that have consistently used technology to enhance their industrial efficiency. Experiment The research aims at conducting massive laboratory experiments on various techniques used by different wind power production industries in order to establish the main drawbacks that render such nations have improved wind turbine efficiency. Sample experiment Experiment to determine the effect of aero foil has on the rotational speed of wind turbine blades Objectives 1. To establish the relation between the rotational speed of the wind turbine blades with the number and the angle of inclination of the airfoil Theory In developed countries, researchers have worked on developing new kinds of wind turbines in order to produce a part of their power from renewable wind energy. The rotational speed of the wind turbine blades can be increased using steering aerofoil’s surrounding the blades. A prototype of this wind turbine has been made in the laboratory. Apparatus 1. A ventilator whose flow rate is variable generates the ‘wind. 2. The steering airfoils 3. Wind blades on a sample turbine (designed using the theory of aerodynamics) 4. Screwdrivers to adjust inclination angles Procedure Fix the steering aerofoil to surround the wind blades at an optimum distance. Place the ventilator in position and fire it on to generate "wind." Change the number of the aerofoil and the angle of inclination (tilt) of the foils as you observe the variation in the rotor speed. Note: In the experiment the ambient conditions are held constant. The experiment is conducted in the Mechanical Department Workshop. The experiment is conducted by mechanical and electrical engineering students and funded by the University since all the apparatus are found in the Workshop. Expected results The maximum adjustment of the angle and distance of the aero foil will enable the speed of the blades to be increased by around 32 %. In this study the experimental and theoretical results will be analyzed and used in making conclusions and findings of this proposed study. Observation The research is meant to observe the various techniques that are being employed by industries that are starting up and those that are developed so as to determine the advancement level of technology between periods of times. Discussion The significance of the proposed study will enhance the power generation and transmission in industries that use wind to generate electricity. Since several nations have already initiated environmental conservation measures, the study result will provide information on how to generate wind power economically. Manufacturers will also focus on the research report to avoid inappropriate application of techniques. Internal and external validity, the study will ensure that all sources are credible and reliable through assessment and evaluation. This proposed study will also guide future research on the same topic or those related to the results of the study. It will also be at disposal of the government for making and formulation of policies on energy production and generation. Research Limitations Naturally, the scope of this research is limited. The research will not test experimentally some of the technological applications but will rather study and observe how they work with the assistance of technicians manning the systems .The proposed study will also be conducted regionally in order to make it manageable and easy to fund. These limitations will however not adversely affect the results and findings of the study since the materials and documentations in such instances will be subjected to at most scrutiny to ensure their reliability. Reference Bet, Grassman. “Upgrading conventional wind turbines”. Renewable Energy 28 (2003): 71–78. Print. Buckney, Neil, Alberto Pirrera, Steven Green and Paul Weaver. “Structural efficiency of a wind turbine blade”. Thin-Walled Structures 67 (2013): 144–154. Print. Evangelista, Puleston and Valenciaga. “Wind turbine efficiency optimization. Comparative study of controllers based on second order sliding modes”. Hydrogen energy 3 5 (2010): 5934 – 5939. Print. Francovic, Bernard and Ivan Vrsalovic. “New high profitable wind turbines” Renewable Energy 24 (2001): 491–499. Print. Melício, Mendes and Catalão. “Power converter topologies for wind energy conversion systems: Integrated modeling, control strategy and performance simulation“. Renewable Energy 35 (2010): 2165-2174. Print. Pope, Dincer and Naterer. “Energy and exergy efficiency comparison of horizontal and vertical axis wind turbines”. Renewable Energy 35 (2010): 2102-2113. Print. Varol, Asaf, Curmali Ilkilic and Yasin Varol. “Increasing the efficiency of wind turbines”. Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics 89 (2001): 809–815. Print. Budget Component Estimated Cost Rotor US $ 1000 Nacelle and machinery US $800 Gearbox and drivetrain US $ 1200 Generator systems US $400 Blades US $700 Total US $ 4100 Funding Organization Amount American Wind Association US $ 2000 American Council on Renewable Energy US $ 2100 US $ 4100 Read More