Wind energy power prospective

Abstract

Wind energy and its perspective is introduced and described in this chapter. Wind farms, in contrast to conventional power plants, are exposed to the inclement and variability of weather. As a result of these variations, wind turbines are subjected to high mechanical loads, which require a high level of maintenance to provide a cost-effective power output and care the life cycle of the equipment. The demand for wind energy continues to rise at an exponential rate, due to the reduction in operating and maintenance costs and increasing reliability of wind turbines. Wind turbines make use of condition monitoring systems that allow information to be gathered regarding the condition of the main components, and determine anomalous operating situations. The power generation plants have incorporated a basic online monitoring control system. This system generally includes sensors for monitoring key machine parameters, such as temperature, speed, fluid levels, unbalance in the rotor, etc.