Introduction to Wind Energy

Description

Cost of Energy, role of the electricity stock, economical feasibility. Statistical distribution of mean wind speed, the atmospheric boundary layer and velocity profile, turbulence and the terrains influence on the local wind conditions, annual energy production. Methods for wind measurement. The evolution of wind turbine technology, the components of a wind turbine. 1D momentum theory for flow through the rotor, maximum energy yield, thrust and power coefficient, the velocity triangle for a wind turbine blade, the principle behind the BEM method. Simple beam-formulae for the tower motion, natural frequency and structural resonance, sectional forces and moments in blades and tower. Galileis square-cube law for stresses, design/choice of composite materials, use of metals in wind turbines and fatigue of metals and composites. Generator types and their working principle, the mechanical-electrical coupling between rotor and grid, transmission, the balancing problem on the grid. Introduction to advanced courses and research in wind energy.