wind turbines research power point 1

Wind TurbinesResearch 1

Prepared by Stella Sisson (Environment), Andrea Bui, and Jordan Fletcher (Economics) and Teo Bagnoli and Ulises Mendoza (Engineering)

January 12, 2015

Period 3

Focus: Engineering• Q: What defines each of these kinds of turbines?

• A: Windmills are typically in agriculture to mill grain and pump water, while wind turbines are used to generate power. Horizontal-axis wind turbines are the most common type of wind turbine. Most have three large blades that spin parallel to their towers, on top of which is the main rotor and generator. They are usually about 60 to 90 meters tall, and the blades typically rotate at 10 to 20 rotations a minute. Vertical-axis wind turbines have unusually shaped blades that rotate in complete circles around their towers. They are much smaller, usually about 5 meters tall. Their main rotor and generator are on the ground, which makes maintenance easier.

Slide prepared by Eleanor Pahl and Stella Sisson

Focus: Engineering• Q: What are the parts and function of a turbine? Be sure to

include nacelle, hub, gearbox, drive train, blades, and tower.

• A: • Nacelle-The nacelle houses a generator and gearbox. The

blades are attached to the generator through a series of gears, which increase the speed of the blades to the generator speed of about 1,500 RPM. As the generator spins, electricity is produced.

• Hub- The hub consists of the hub housing and a pitch system, and the blade mount of the hub housing is reinforced to enhance structural strength, thereby making the equipment lighter in terms of total weight. The pitch control mechanism is electrically driven to ensure controllability, maintainability, environmental compatibility and other positive characteristics. The system also features three-axis independent control.

• Tower-The most common tower design is a white steel cylinder, about 150 to 200 feet tall and 10 feet in diameter. Some turbines use a lattice tower, like the Eiffel Tower. Towers have a ladder running up the inside and a hoist for tools and equipment.

• Gearbox- The rotor turns a low speed shaft at 20-400 rpm, and the gearbox speeds it up to 1,200-1,800 rpm. Some small turbines skip the gearbox and use a direct-drive system. The gearbox adapts the RPM to a suitable speed for the generator to produce electricity.

• Drivetrain-The heart of the wind turbine is the electricity generating system. The gearbox speeds up the RPM to a suitable speed for the generator. A wind turbine gearbox must be robust enough to handle the frequent changes in torque caused by changes in the wind speed. Wind turbines being sold in the U.S. have induction or permanent-magnet generators, depending on the model, but Induction generators are more common and require a gearbox as described.

Slide prepared by Teo Bagnoli and Stella Sisson

Focus: Engineering• Q: How are large turbine blades made?

• A: Turbine blades are made in a relatively simple manner. First they are molded in carbon fiber and fiberglass in separate halves and then glued together. They may also be made by welding multiple sheets of aluminum together. After that is finished they are sanded and shipped to their destination.

Slide prepared by Davin Sones and Stella Sisson

Focus: Engineering• Q: List three or more ideas you can incorporate from these large-scale designs into your smaller prototypes. Explain why.

• A: There are multiple parts of a wind turbine that can be brought over to our small scale test, but the following are the most important:• Flex of the airfoil. we would want to use the flex of the airfoil because calculated for the best high pressure and low pressure to push the blade around.

• size of the blade and thickness of airfoil if we use the same ratio of thickness we will be able to maximize the amount of torque

• The pitch of the blade this will be able to help keep the amount of sound down.

Slide prepared by Michael Alden and Stella Sisson

Focus: Engineering•Q: List three or more ideas that will not be feasible to include in your turbines. Explain why.

•A: Torque is equal to the force multiplied by distance. This means that the longer your blades are, the more torque you can generate. For example, imagine someone trying to wrench loose a tight bolt. Pushing with all their might, they can exert 100 pounds of force. If their wrench was 1 foot long, they would be exerting 100 foot-pounds of torque. If they applied the same force to a 2 foot long wrench, they would then be exerting 200 foot-pounds of torque on the bolt. This additional leverage makes it much easier to loosen the bolt!

Slide prepared by Ulises Mendoza and Stella Sisson

Focus: Engineering• Q: What are some important ways that they are similar and different?

• A: The main difference in between windmills and wind turbines is the use that is given to them, windmills are used in agriculture to mill grain and pump water while turbines are used to create electric energy in an effort to generate clean energy for the environment. Turbines are also generally much bigger than windmills and create much more energy. In the industrial world, both windmills and wind turbines usually have a horizontal-axis, but smaller versions of wind turbines can be bought for personal uses and are commonly vertical-axis turbines. Windmills have more blades and catch more wind to create more physical energy. Even though they both have all these specific differences, they both work in a similar way, turning kinetic energy into either electric energy or physical energy.

Slide prepared by Stella Sisson and Julian Medina

Focus: Economics •Q: From what sources do we generate most of our electricity in the US?

•A:•Coal 39%•Natural Gas 27%•Nuclear 19%•Hydropower 7%•Other Renewable 6%

•Biomass 1.48%•Geothermal 0.41%•Solar 0.23%•Wind 4.13%

•Petroleum 1%•Other Gases < 1%Slide prepared by Stella Sisson and Andrea

Buihttp://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/

faq.cfm?id=427&t=3

For more information:

Focus: Economics

•Q: What are the primary sources of electricity used in your region of the US (as of 2013)?

•A:•Hydro: 90.1%•Nuclear**: 4.7%•Wind: 3.4%•Coal**: 0.7%•Other*: 0.6%•Landfill Gases: 0.5%•Total: 100%

Slide prepared by Stella Sisson and Andrea Bui

Focus: Economics •Q: How much electricity does your household use over the course of a year?

•A: An average household uses approximately 4,500 kWh per year.

Slide prepared by Andrea Bui

Focus: Economics•Q: On average, how much does it cost to power your house hold each month?

•A: The cost would be about $107 per month.

In the United States alone, an average home uses about 903 kWh of electricity per month.


For more information: http://insideenergy.org/2014/05/22/using-energy-how-much-electricity-do-you-use-each-month/

Focus: Economics•Q: How much of electricity that is used in the US is generated by wind?

•A: In the United States, 4% of the electricity is generated by wind.

Iowa and South Dakota produced more than 25% from wind energy.

Slide prepared by Stella Sisson

For more information: http://www.windenergyfoundation.org/about-wind-

energy/faqs

Focus: Economics•Q: How has this changed over the last ten years?

•A: The US gained about 40,000 megawatts in capacity. 95% of the United States’ wind power capacity is from the last ten years.


Focus: Economics• Q: In some local communities wind power can be controversial. Below are concerns voiced by local communities:

Sound. People who live near wind turbines sometimes complain that the sound from the wind turbines is causing health impact from vibration and other acoustical affects. There is data that supports both sides of this argument. What do you think?• A: One idea that I have in mind is to create turbines that can generate power underwater. Not only would this minimize the amount of sound, but it too could reduce eyesores.

-Andrea


For more information: http://www.gereports.com/post/9244232522

5/how-loud-is-a-wind-turbine

Focus: Economics• Q: In some local communities wind power can be controversial. Below are concerns voiced by local communities:

Aesthetics. Wind turbines can be an eyesore to some people. What can be done with wind turbines to minimize this problem?• A:

I think that for in order to reduce vibrations, wind turbines could be built further apart or placed in certain areas that aren’t as populated.-Andrea


For more information: http://www.2050publications.com/eyesore-what-eyesore-why-anyone-who-thinks-wind-turbines-are-detrimental-to-the-countryside-are-rather-

missing-the-point-by-robin-whitlock/

Focus: Environment• Q: Climate change is major challenge facing the world. What are the environmental benefits of generating electricity using the wind?

• A: A wind turbine will produce a much more clean energy source for the general populace compared to fossil fuels, coal and others. On top of this it has several designs that can be best suited to its environment, vertical and horizontal are the most common but their are many others. Also the wind turbines generate a great amount of energy, it is common for one to produce 8 MW. Although able to generate a lot of energy, it sometimes does not meet up with the demand.


Focus: Environment•Q: What are some of the tradeoffs?

•A: a. Much land is cleared for the

turbines, although dependent on the area and how many trees there are

b. Requires leveling of the ground, possibly destroying it, depending on the land

c. Possibly requires blasting, which has an obvious harmful impact to the earth surface in order to place turbines


Focus: Environment•Q: What challenges might we face in generating 20–30% of US electricity from wind?

•A: Renewable resources like wind need a backup power source when the wind doesn't blow. Even the wind resources in optimal regions are only able to generate about 40% of their rated capacity on average throughout the year. The rest of the time, electricity must be produced from other sources, such as coal or gas. However, other countries (such as Germany and Scotland), have succeeded in producing most or all of their energy from wind.


Focus: Environment•Q: Wind turbines can change local habitats and have caused significant bird and bat kills in the past. What is the impact on wildlife from wind turbines today? How are biologists and ecologists dealing with these impacts?

• A: The impact of wildlife from wind turbines are still an issue the US Fish & Wildlife service are still concerned about the threats that wind turbines could create. In response they created laws that wind farms are not allowed be installed near wetlands, mountain ridges, near shorelines, or other in other locations known as concentration areas for wildlife or at sites subject to frequent fog or low-lying clouds during spring and fall migrations. The Wild Horse wind farm and the Puget Sound Energy Inc. (the company that owns Wild horse wind farm) installed more than 60 osprey nesting sites away from the turbines and power lines as well as over 4,500 bushing covers over the transformers to prevent bird and other little critters from getting electrocuted or hit from a wind turbine.


Focus: Environment• Q: What causes wind?

• A: Wind is caused by air flowing from high pressure to low pressure. The Earth's rotation prevents that flow from being direct, but deflects it side to side(right in the Northern Hemisphere and left in the Southern), so wind flows around the high and low pressure areas.


Focus: Environment• Q: What are the windiest parts of the US?

• A: Around the Midwest is the most windiest parts of the US consistently throughout the year. States like Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Texas, Wyoming, and Montana. During the winter, states around the great lakes and up north is winder.


Focus: Environment• Q: Where are most of the wind turbines located in Washington? In the US? Are there any offshore wind farms?

• A: The most wind turbines are located in Klickitat County right by the border between Oregon and Washington. The most wind turbines in the US are located in Minnesota and Iowa. Yes, there are many offshore windfarms. A total list of offshore wind turbines are here: http://www.lorc.dk/offshore-wind-farms-map/list


http://www.lorc.dk/offshore-wind-farms-map/list

http://www.lorc.dk/offshore-wind-farms-map/list

Engineering 1• Q: What is the Best Size, Shape, and Pitch for Wind Turbine Blades?

Slide prepared by Stella Sisson and Henry Crockett

Engineering 1• Q: What is the Best Size, Shape, and Pitch for Wind Turbine Blades?

• A: • Shorter vs. longer blades: shorter blades are

often easier to make and spin much faster but don’t produce as much power, but longer blades can be tougher to build but produce more power. they also don’t spin as fast, and if the blade tip goes past the width of the fan, then it is only creating drag.

• Shape of blades: Tips of the blade travel much faster than the base because it has a farther distance to travel around the rotor, so avoid using heavy or wide tips because that is only adding drag. Another tip to reduce drag is to smooth edges and surfaces of the blade as rough surfaces can create more drag.

• Pitch of blades: A good, standard measurement for the blades pitch is to have it set to around 45-50 degrees. Try to make the blades flatter to the fan. Pitch is a very important aspect to the output of energy the turbine produces so getting a good pitch is a very important aspect to having a successful turbine.

• Follow this link for more information: http://learn.kidwind.org/learn/wind_turbine_variables_bladedesign

Slide prepared by Stella Sisson and Henry Crockett

http://learn.kidwind.org/learn/wind_turbine_variables_bladedesign

http://learn.kidwind.org/learn/wind_turbine_variables_bladedesign

Engineering 2• Q: What are the potential advantages and disadvantages to a horizontal-axis wind turbine compared to a vertical-axis wind turbine?

Slide prepared by Stella Sisson and Eleanor Pahl

Engineering 2• Q: What are the potential advantages and disadvantages to a horizontal-axis wind turbine compared to a vertical-axis wind turbine?

• A: Vertical-axis turbines, which are much smaller, which could be useful for an area with limited space. However, horizontal-axis wind turbines often produce more power, On the other hand, maintenance is easier and cheaper for vertical-axis turbines because of the main rotor and generator being on the ground.

• Follow this link for more information: http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/wind-energy/?ar_a=1Slide prepared by Stella Sisson and

Eleanor Pahl

http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/wind-energy/?ar_a=1



Engineering 3• Q: What are the possibility of a blade being on top of the tower instead of a vertical?


Engineering 3• Q: What are the possibility of a blade being on top of the tower instead of a vertical?

• A: The possibility are very high for the blades to be located on top of the tower as it will allow it to spin more than in a vertical position.

• Follow this link for more information: http://www.motherearthnews.com/renewable-energy/vertical-axis-wind-turbines-zmaz08fmzmcc.aspx#axzz3OSHqZIzN


http://www.motherearthnews.com/renewable-energy/vertical-axis-wind-turbines-zmaz08fmzmcc.aspx#axzz3OSHqZIzN




Engineering 4• Q: What is the heart of the wind turbine?


Engineering 4• Q: What is the heart of the wind turbine?

• A: The electricity generating system.

• Follow this link for more information: http://www.awea.org/Resources/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=5083&RDtoken=29819&userID=4379


http://www.awea.org/Resources/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=5083&RDtoken=29819&userID=4379



Engineering 5• Q: What is the main function of the nacelle?

Slide prepared by

Engineering 5• Q: What is the main function of the nacelle?

• A: The nacelle houses the generator and gearbox.

• Follow this link for more information: http://www.hexcel.com/solutions/wind-energy/wnacelle

Slide prepared by

http://www.hexcel.com/solutions/wind-energy/wnacelle

http://www.hexcel.com/solutions/wind-energy/wnacelle

Economics 1• Q: Is wind energy economical?


Economics 1• Q: Is wind energy economical?

A: Yes it is. Wind energy is one of the many affordable forms of electricity. It is actually cheaper than convectional fuels.

For more information: http://www.windenergyfoundation.org/about-wind-energy/faqs


Economics 2• How much electricity can one wind turbine make?


Economics 2• Q: How much electricity can a turbine make?

A: A average wind turbine can make from 30-50 mph.

Follow this link for more information: https://www.wind-watch.org/faq-output.php


Economics 3• Q: How much energy can an offshore wind turbine make?


Economics 3• Q: How much energy can an offshore wind turbine make?

• A: 3.6 MW can power more than 3,312 average EU households

• Follow this link for more information: http://www.ewea.org/wind-energy-basics/faq/


http://www.ewea.org/wind-energy-basics/faq/




Economics 4• Q: Is wind energy able to create jobs?


Economics 4• Q: Is wind energy able to create jobs?

• A: In 2012, around 249,000 people were directly and indirectly employed by the European wind energy sector – a significant increase from the 182,628 employed in 2007.

Follow link for more information: https://www.wind-watch.org/faq-output.php


Environment 1• Q: How much energy do wind turbines create compared to fossil fuels? Is it enough to provide energy to a city?


Environment 1• Q: How much energy do wind turbines create compared to fossil fuels? Is it enough to provide energy to a city?

• A: • a. Of course, fossil fuels would create a lot more energy than wind turbines. However, wind turbines are massively more efficient, only losing 1% of the energy it creates. Meanwhile, fossil fuels loses about 54% of the energy that is produces. It is iffy on if it can provide enough energy for a city, with enough wind and storage of energy, it can definitely can.

• b. Usually the amount of energy produced by the wind turbines is not enough to support the demand. The graph on the previous slide proves this.

• Follow these links for more information: http://instituteforenergyresearch.org/topics/encyclopedia/wind/ and http://cleantechnica.com/2012/07/18/wind-energy-energy-efficient-fossil-fuels-uk/Slide prepared by Stella Sisson

http://instituteforenergyresearch.org/topics/encyclopedia/wind/



http://cleantechnica.com/2012/07/18/wind-energy-energy-efficient-fossil-fuels-uk/



Environment 2• Q: What are some of the short term and long term effects of using wind as 20-30% of our energy source?


Environment 2• Q: What are some of the short term and long term effects of using wind as 20-30% of our energy source?

• A: For long term, we would have to find more land to place the wind turbines. Wildlife would be majorly affected by this. Also the massive sound that will be created through many wind turbines is very disturbing to communities. In the short term, these effects would still apply but not as much as not many wind turbines are needed.

• Follow this link for more information: http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/environmental-impacts-wind-power.html#.VLDZ8SvF-Ps


http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/renewable-energy/environmental-impacts-wind-power.html#.VLDZ8SvF-Ps





Environment 3• Q: How much energy would be created in states that doesn’t have a lot of wind? And would it be beneficial towards the state?


Environment 3• Q: How much energy would be created in states that doesn’t have a lot of wind? And would it be beneficial towards the state?

• A: Almost all of the states in the United States have enough windy spots to create some sort of energy source. But, in the less windy states, there would need to be some sort of energy source to support the grid.

• Follow this link for more information: http://www.ecw.org/windpower/web/cat2b.html


http://www.ecw.org/windpower/web/cat2b.html



Environment 4• Q: How many homes can be powered by a megawatt of wind-generated electricity?


Environment 4• Q: How many homes can be powered by a megawatt of wind-generated electricity?

• A: 240 to 300 homes can be powered by a megawatt of wind-generated energy according to the American Wind Energy Association.

• Follow this link for more information: http://www.windeis.anl.gov/faq/index.cfm#Windhome


http://www.windeis.anl.gov/faq/index.cfm#Windhome



Environment 5• Q: Does wildlife impact wind turbines by damaging the blades or towers?


Environment 5• Q: Does wildlife impact wind turbines by damaging the blades or towers?

• A: It seems as if there is a much larger impact that wind turbines are having on wildlife and killing them off then and wind turbines aren’t getting damaged. There is about three to eight birds killed per turbine per year.

• Follow this link for more information: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2014/04/140427-altamont-pass-will-newer-wind-turbines-mean-fewer-bird-deaths/


http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2014/04/140427-altamont-pass-will-newer-wind-turbines-mean-fewer-bird-deaths/





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• "What Is Social Darwinism." AllAboutScience.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2015.Slide prepared by Stella Sisson and Andrea Bui

Works Cited: Environment• "Map of US Wind Farms." USGS Energy Reso"List of Offshore Wind Farms." Offshore Wind Farms List – Global

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