A critical review of global wind power generation

Abstract

This research begins with an overview of wind development and installation-related trends, including trends in capacity growth. Development of wind power has reached a level of maturity, which could be taken upon for further novelty and growth in meeting the future energy needs in much greater proportion. Current research techniques are producing stronger, lighter and more efficient blades for the turbines. Computer-controlled wind plants give optimum power output from available winds. With respect to new capacity, wind power is currently one of the most inexpensive ways to produce electricity and it may have a significant role to play in a carbon-constrained world. The kinetic energy in the wind is a promising source of renewable energy with significant potential in many parts of the world. The energy that can be captured by wind turbines is highly dependent on the local average wind speed. The research reviews the global development of wind energy, development of the technology of wind turbines and the various parameters related to wind energy conversion. Many countries are expanding their dependency over wind energy for the production of electricity and this process is increasing exponentially year after year. The research also reviews the past, ongoing and future technological developments in wind energy conversion systems. © 2009 Science Publications.