Project Report

Theme: Alternative sources of energy

The Power of

Wind

SAI International School (Senior Group)

Gita Ramakrishnan XI

Loy Larvin XI

Abhay Nayak XI

Acknowledgement

This project is the result of combined effort of team members, teachers and the

school authority. It would have been impossible to make this project successful

without the help of Mr. Panigrahi Sir, Barun Sir and Satpathy Sir. They guided as

and showed the right path to achieve perfection in whatever we have done.

We shall be ever grateful to the school for the faith and confidence they have

shown in us and provided us with everything that was required. We also thank

B.Ramakrishnan, father of Gita, who has helped us a lot through his ideas and

opinions.

Sometimes even small advices make great difference. We thank our friends who

were able to be part of this project and helped us to take it to the next step

through their suggestions. At last we would like to thank our parents for lending

us such beautiful support in every way possible

Thank you.

Foreword

Mother earth is crying, she’s bleeding, she has done enough for her and now it’s

our turn to help her. This energy crisis can only be overcome through collective

effort and determination. I am glad we have begun understanding this problem

and are working for a better tomorrow.

I congratulate Gita, Loy and Abhay for having successfully compiled their thoughts

and action plan on alternative sources of energy, through their project “The

Power of Wind”. It was a pleasure for me to go through their project which

contains such innovative application of thought and technology.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the school and to the administration for having

facilitated the project work in this institution.

A lot of research work and meticulous attention have gone into the making of this

project. I earnestly hope that this project turns out to be an eye-opener and

reveal the world about the true potential of wind.

Vice Principal

Contents:

Acknowledgement

Foreword

Synopsis

Introduction

Magenn Air Rotor System (MARS)

Maglev Wind Turbine

Vertical Axis Wind turbine

Project Methodology

o Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (working model)

o Magenn Air Rotor System

Observation

India’s Wind Resource

o Bhubaneswar

Conclusion

Synopsis

The Power of Wind

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

To promote the usage of wind power as a viable alternative source of energy

through different structures like Magenn, Maglev Wind turbine, and vertical axis

wind turbine. Our aim is also to construct a working model of vertical axis wind

turbine and prove its worthiness.

INTRODUCTION:

In present times it has become imperative for us to look for a sustainable

alternative source of energy to drive human race and its needs. Wind power is the

answer to our quest. Out of all sources of clean energy wind energy is the best.

Wind energy and its primitive technology have been around for hundreds of

years, yet it is untapped. This is because what we have the most is most ignored.

Now it’s time to alter our thought process and have a vision for a cleaner and

greener earth. If wind energy can be efficiently utilized then our dependence on

non-renewable source of energy would drastically decrease. In our project we

shall be discussing three types of ultra-modern turbines capable of harnessing

wind energy. They are:

Magenn Air Rotor System

Maglev Wind Turbine

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

MATERIALS RECQUIRED:

Circular permanent magnets,

Copper coil,

Pitch board,

Cellophane,

Thermometer cover (axis),

Nib of pen refill,

Plywood,

Thermocol,

G.I. rod,

Chart paper and other necessary craft things.

THEORY:

Wind possesses kinetic energy, which can be used to generate electricity. Wind

will rotate the turbines of a vertical axis wind turbine which will be attached to a

set of magnets and copper coils so as to produce electromagnetic induction and

thereby producing electricity. This can be detected using a Galvanometer.

Vertical Wind Turbines:

These structures have a vertical axis which can turn even at low velocities of wind.

This turbine is equally effective independent of the direction of wind. It can

handle speed over 100Km/h. It can be used for both commercial and home

purposes. Energy can be obtained at a very economical price.

Magenn Air Rotor System (MARS):

It is a high altitude wind turbine that rotates about a horizontal axis in response to

the wind generating electricity. These turbines are put in high altitude using

helium balloons. MARS captures the energy available in the 600 to 1000 ft low

level nocturnal jet streams that exist almost everywhere. The mechanism and the

built of this structure is such that it does not harm avian mortality and can be

used in accordance to the guidelines of airport authorities. It works with speed as

low as 2 m/s and is very mobile.

Maglev Wind Turbine:

This enormous structure has a vertical axis and vertical blades and its working is

based on the principles of magnetic levitation. This levitation is brought about by

using rare earth magnets. The vertically oriented blades of the wind are

suspended in the air above the vase of the machine through levitation and

thereby decreasing friction. It works at as low as 1.4 m/s. One large Maglev

turbine is capable of generating power as high a 1 Gigawatt, enough to supply

power to 750 thousand houses and has a life span of 500yrs!

PROCEDURE:

The vertical wind turbine has been built as a working model. Rectangular plywood

was taken as its base and two pillars of plywood were erected to support the

structure. The vertical turbine was built using pitch board and cellophane which

served as turbine’s blades. Three copper coils were wound clockwise each having

200 rounds. Three circular magnets were attached under the lower base of the

turbine, making sure it is just above the copper coils. The nib of a pen and the

cover of laboratory were used as the axial. The rotation of the turbine would

cause the magnets to rotate just above the coils thus causing electromagnetic

induction which would in turn generate electricity. For the construction of models

of Maglev and MARS pitch board, G.I rod, plastic container and thermocol were

used for giving these structures its proper shape.

ADVANTAGES:

Magenn turbines are less expensive per unit electrical energy output and

can harness the lower jet streams.

Magenn turbines can be useful in emergency deployments and disaster

relief situations.

Maglev can run even at 1.4m/s and can produce 1GW power, with a

lifespan of 500yrs.

Maglev reduces maintenance costs and has minimum friction.

Vertical axis wind turbines can take up air from any direction.

CONCLUSION:

Through our project we are able to show the real power of wind energy and its

advantages. This form of energy can be harnessed anywhere, even in

Bhubaneswar which has wind speed of 4-9 km/h (source: Airport forecasts). If

these forms of technology can be implemented in our nation, we can definitely

tackle the energy crisis without causing harm to the environment and allow our

emerging economy to boom. Although wind as a form of energy has already been

harnessed, this project provides an insight to the effective usage of wind for

maximum energy output in the most frugal way possible.

Introduction:

We believe tapping of energy as one of the future means to replace or at least

reduce the dependence on the conventional ways of producing electricity. We

chose wind energy as we believe that wind energy has distinct advantages over

other alternative methods like solar energy. The distinct advantages of harnessing

wind energy using these new devices are given in detail in the later part of the

report.

Need for alternative source of energy –

We don’t enjoy the luxury of having plenty of fossil fuel; in fact 70% of the fossil

fuel needs to be imported. Harnessing alternative energy would not only help in

checking pollution but it would also help our country to grow economically. In a

booming economy like ours we must have plenty of energy to keep growing. To

sustain our vast expanding economy we must look beyond the conventional.

Why wind energy?

We think wind energy will be the most fruitful source of power for India in the

future because scientists have found out that jet streams have speeds ranging

from 150 to 300 mph, and geo-engineers have found out that harnessing 1%of

these jet streams is enough to provide power for every person on earth. Other

relevant reasons are:

Wind power produces about 1.5% of worldwide electricity usage, and is

growing rapidly, having doubled in the three years between 2005 and 2008.

Several countries have achieved relatively high levels of wind power

penetration, such as 19% of stationary electricity production in Denmark,

11% in Spain and Portugal, and 7% in Germany and the Republic of Ireland

in 2008. As of May 2009, eighty countries around the world are using wind

power on a commercial basis.

Wind energy as a power source is attractive as an alternative to fossil fuels,

because it is plentiful, renewable, widely distributed, clean, and produces

no greenhouse gas emissions.

Large-scale wind farms are connected to the electric power transmission

network; smaller facilities are used to provide electricity to isolated

locations. Utility companies increasingly buy back surplus electricity

produced by small domestic turbines. The total amount of economically extractable power available from the

wind is considerably more than present human power use from all sources. An estimated 72 TW of wind power on the Earth potentially can be

commercially viable, compared to about 15 TW average global power

consumption from all sources in 2005.

Modern Structures -

Now we possess technology which is very efficient and very capable to harness

wind energy giving maximum output at minimal cost.

The structures are:

Magenn Air Rotor System (MARS)

Maglev Wind Turbine

Vertical Wind Turbine

We shall look into these structures in a more detailed manner and especially

vertical wind turbine, of which we have made a working model.

Magenn Air Rotor System (MARS):

About:

Magenn Power's high altitude wind turbine called MARS is a solution with distinct advantages over existing Conventional Wind Turbines and Diesel Generating Systems including: global deployment, lower costs, better operational performance, and greater environmental advantages.

MARS is a lighter-than-air tethered wind turbine that rotates about a horizontal axis in response to wind, generating electrical energy. This electrical energy is transferred down the 1000-foot tether for immediate use, or to a set of batteries for later use, or to the power grid. Helium sustains MARS and allows it to ascend to a higher altitude than traditional wind turbines.

MARS captures the energy available in the 600 to 1000-foot low level and nocturnal jet streams that exist almost everywhere. MARS rotation also generates the "Magnus effect" which provides additional lift, keeps the MARS stabilized, and positions it within a very controlled and restricted location to adhere to guidelines of airport authority.

Technology:

The Magenn Power Air Rotor System (MARS) is a patented high altitude lighter-than-air tethered device that rotates about a horizontal axis in response to wind, efficiently generating clean renewable electrical energy at a lower cost than all competing systems. This electrical energy is transferred down the tether to a transformer at a ground station and then transferred to the electricity power grid. Helium (an inert non-reactive lighter than air gas) sustains the Air Rotor which ascends to an altitude for best winds and its rotation also causes the Magnus effect. This provides additional lift, keeps the device stabilized, keeps it positioned within a very controlled and restricted location, and causes it to pull up overhead rather than drift downwind on its tether.

All competing conventional wind generators use bladed two-dimensional disk-like structures and rigid towers. The Magenn Power Air Rotor system is a closed three-dimensional structure (cylinder). It offers high torque, low starting speeds, and superior overall efficiency thanks to its ability to deploy higher. The closed

structure allows Magenn Power to produce wind rotors from very small to very large sizes at a fraction of the cost of current wind generators.

MARS 100kW Performance Specifications

Rated Power 101,000 Watts

Size (Diameter x Length) 45 ft x 100 ft (plus blade height of 22 ft each)

Shipping Weight Under 13,000 lbs

Volume of Helium 200,000 cubic feet

Tether Height 750 ft standard - up to 1,500 ft optional tether length

Start-up Wind Speed 2.5 m/sec - 5.6 mph

Cut-in Wind Speed 3.0 m/sec - 6.7 mph

Rated Wind Speed 12.0 m/sec - 26.8 mph

Cut-out Wind Speed 24.0 m/sec - 53.7 mph

Maximum Wind Speed 30.0 m/sec - 67.1 mph

Temperature Range -40¼C /-40¼F to +45¼C/+113¼F

Generators 100 kW Total

Output Form 380 V 3 Phase 50 Hz, 480 & 600 V 3 Phase 60 Hz or

Regulated DC

Warranty One Year

Life Cycle 10 to 15 Years

Price (USD) (Estimated) Rs.50,000

Environmental concerns:

Visual Impact

Wind turbines are highly visible structures often opposed by homeowners or real estate developers owning land near a proposed site. Several studies have shown that opposition often diminishes after the turbines are in place as homeowners find the structures aesthetically pleasing and realize their environmental benefits. Thus, opposition related to visual impact can be reduced through careful arrangement of the wind turbines, rendering them impressive against a landscape and through the education of the benefits of wind energy. Less opposition arises in rural settings where farmers are often paid rent or fees by the owners of the turbines.

Magenn Power has an added benefit in that our MARS units may be deployed much higher above surrounding terrain than conventional systems, thus capturing more wind. Conventional systems are positioned in areas where winds are higher such as coastal areas and high terrain. These locations are typically at greater distances to customers. MARS, due to its ability to reach greater winds at higher altitudes can be placed closer to demand centers, reducing transmission line costs and transmission losses.

Avian Mortality

Birds and bats occasionally collide with wind turbines, as they do with other tall structures such as buildings. However, collisions with Magenn's Air Rotors should be significantly less.

Birds and bats tend not to fly into objects directly in front of them. Birds can see these objects and bats can sense them. Current terrestrial wind turbines are large fast-moving blades slicing through the air, hitting birds and bats from the side without the animals sensing the presence of blades. In contrast Magenn wind turbines are three-dimensional, softer objects. Birds and bats will more easily be aware of the turbine's presence.

A large number of studies have addressed this issue. The findings indicate that overall, bird deaths due to wind turbines are low, especially when compared to other manmade structures.

Advantages:

The distinct advantages of the Magenn Air Rotor System design are as follows:

Magenn Air Rotor System is less expensive per unit of actual electrical energy output than competing wind power systems.

Magenn Power Air Rotor System will deliver time-averaged output much closer to its rated capacity than the capacity factor typical with conventional designs. Magenn efficiency will be 25 to 60 percent. This is hugely important, since doubling capacity factor cuts the cost of each delivered watt by half.

Wind farms can be placed closer to demand centers, reducing transmission line costs and transmission line loses.

Magenn Air Rotors are operable between 2 meter/sec and in excess of 28 meters/sec.

Magenn Air Rotors can be raised to higher altitudes, thus capitalizing on higher winds aloft. Altitudes from 400-ft to 1,000-ft above ground level are possible, without having to build an expensive tower, or use a crane to perform maintenance.

Magenn Air Rotors are mobile and can be easily moved to different locations to correspond to changing wind patterns. Mobility is also useful in emergency deployment and disaster relief situations.

These points are mutually inclusive. The advantages above combine to make

Magenn the most cost-effective wind electrical generation system.

Maglev Wind Turbine:

Renewable energy produced from the wind has garnered much attention and support in recent years but is often criticized for its low output and lack of reliability. But now a super power wind turbine has come along that may be just what the renewable energy industry needs. The Maglev wind turbine, which was first unveiled at the Wind Power Asia exhibition in Beijing, is expected take wind power technology to the next level with magnetic levitation.

Magnetic levitation is an extremely efficient system for wind energy. Here’s how it works: the vertically oriented blades of the wind turbine are suspended in the air above the base of the machine, replacing the need for ball bearings. The turbine uses “full-permanent” magnets, not electromagnets — therefore, it does not require electricity to run. The full-permanent magnet system employs neodymium (”rare earth”) magnets and there is no energy loss through friction. This also helps reduce maintenance costs and increases the lifespan of the generator.

Maglev wind turbines have several advantages over conventional wind turbines. For instance, they’re able to use winds with starting speeds as low as 1.5 meters per second (m/s). Also, they could operate in winds exceeding 40 m/s. Currently, the largest conventional wind turbines in the world produce only five megawatts of power. However, one large maglev wind turbine could generate one gigawatt of clean power, enough to supply energy to 7,50,000 homes. It would also increase generation capacity by 20% over conventional wind turbines and decrease operational costs by 50%. If that isn’t enough, the maglev wind turbines will be operational for about 500 years!

Construction began on the world’s largest production site for maglev wind turbines in central China on November 5, 2007. In the US, Arizona-based Maglev Wind Turbine Technologies will be manufacturing these turbines. Headed by long-time renewable energy researcher Ed Mazur, the company claims that it will be able to deliver clean power for less than one cent per kilowatt hour with this new technology. It also points out that building a single giant maglev wind turbine would reduce construction and maintenance costs and require much less land than hundreds of conventional turbines. The estimated cost of building this colossal structure is Rs 212 crores.

Advantages:

1 Maglev is equivalent to 1000 standard wind mills.

As it works on magnetic levitation, friction is minimum which reduces maintenance costs.

The minimum speed required to run is 1.4 m/s or 5.04 km/h.

It can produce power up to 1 Giga watt.

It can produce enough energy to light up 7,50,000 homes.

Its life span is 500 yrs!

Initial capital investment required is Rs 212 crores as against a nuclear plant whose cost of building is at least Rs 1000 crores.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine:

Vertical-axis wind turbines (or VAWTs) have the main rotor shaft arranged

vertically. Key advantages of this arrangement are that the turbine does not need

to be pointed into the wind to be effective. This is an advantage on sites where

the wind direction is highly variable.

With a vertical axis, the generator and gearbox can be placed near the ground, so

the tower doesn't need to support it, and it is more accessible for maintenance. It

is difficult to mount vertical-axis turbines on towers, meaning they are often

installed nearer to the base on which they rest, such as the ground or a building

rooftop. The wind speed is slower at a lower altitude, so less wind energy is

available for a given size turbine.

Air flow near the ground and other objects can create turbulent flow, which can

introduce issues of vibration, including noise and bearing wear which may

increase the maintenance or shorten the service life. However, when a turbine is

mounted on a rooftop, the building generally redirects wind over the roof and

these can double the wind speed at the turbine. If the height of the rooftop

mounted turbine tower is approximately 50% of the building height, this is near

the optimum for maximum wind energy and minimum wind turbulence.

Advantages:

A massive tower structure is less frequently used, as VAWTs are more

frequently mounted with the lower bearing mounted near the ground.

Designs without yaw mechanisms are possible with fixed pitch rotor

designs.

The generator of a VAWT can be located nearer the ground, making it

easier to maintain the moving parts.

VAWTs have lower wind startup speeds than HAWTs. Typically, they start

creating electricity at 6 mph (10 km/h).

VAWTs may be built at locations where taller structures are prohibited.

VAWTs situated close to the ground can take advantage of locations

where mesas, hilltops, ridgelines, and passes funnel the wind and increase

wind velocity.

VAWTs may have a lower noise signature.

Project Methodology:

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (working model) -

Concept:

This project has been meticulously compiled taking into considerations of all factors. The basic concept behind the working of vertical axis wind turbine is that wind possessing kinetic energy strikes the blades of the turbine and rotates it. The circular magnets are kept just above the copper coils and attached under the lower base of the turbine. Once the magnet rotates over the copper coils it causes electromagnetic induction because of change of flux and hence produces electricity.

Procedure:

Rectangular plywood of 15cm width was taken as base and two pillar like structures made of plywood were erected to support the structure.

Then we used pitch board to make the upper and lower discs of the turbine because they are light, strong and can be easily manipulated with. Two discs were made of same radius i.e. 7 cm.

Plastic cellophane sheets were used to make blades because they are very light. Several blades of dimension 4.5 cm x 13 cm were cut out.

Slits were made in the disc at an angle of 45 degrees and the blades were put into it. Then fevibond was used as glue to attach these blades. This gave a crude cylinder like structure.

We used the cover of Laboratory thermometer as our axis as it was strong, light and of perfect dimension that was needed.

We have used the nib of a pen at the bottom of the axial about which the structure rotates. We have chosen the nib because it is strong and on rotating it would produce least friction and rotate smoothly.

Then this axial is put inside the discs and attached with glue.

Three circular magnets are attached under the lower base of the turbine, making sure that all magnets have same polarity.

28 gage copper wire has been used to make three copper coils. Each copper coil is of 4 cm diameter and 200 rounds. All the copper wires were wound in the same direction. It was placed carefully making sure that it is just under the three magnets, allowing a gap of 2-3 mm.

Another horizontal piece of plywood was taken and attached to the pillars giving support for the axial to rotate.

Magenn Air Rotor System -

It was built by using chart paper slices as blades and a cylindrical plastic container.

The blades made of paper were attached to the container in the form of blades.

Two holes were made to facilitate the rotation of the turbine in horizontal axis. The horizontal axis was made of thin iron GI rod. They also served the purpose to erect the structures.

These structures were placed in a thermocol box so as to provide stability and support.

Observation:

The model was tested in the natural environment, blowing manually and through

a hair blower. The working model that was built did run smoothly even at low

velocities. Considering the experimental errors the result was very encouraging

and gave hope that a professionally built structure would indeed help in reducing

our dependence on fossil fuel. This model shows a very good deflection in the

voltmeter, achieving values as high as 1.4-1.6 volts. Testing it in galvanometer

also showed a very good deflection.

India’s Wind Resource:

India possesses excellent wind energy resource especially along the entire

eastern coast, Gujarat and coast of Kerala. If we can harness the wind energy

available to us with high efficiency, then it could support many major power

consuming cities of our country.

Bhubaneswar:

According to various reports Bhubaneswar has the potential to be a good site for

harnessing wind energy.

The average speed of wind is stated to be between 4-20 km/h, which is good

enough to run these structures.

(Source: http://www.timeanddate.com/weather/india/bhubaneshwar)

Establishing wind power generating stations would meet the demands of steeply

growing economy of our state. We have been facing problems when the

monsoons become very erratic, and as we are heavily dependent on

hydroelectricity and thermal power, our cause of worry becomes even greater.

Thus having such structures in our state becomes imperative.

Conclusion:

Wind is omnipresent and so can be usable energy. Through this project we tried

to explore the various ways through which wind energy can be harnessed. I hope

we are able to send this message of urgency to act for the benefit of human kind.

For different places, depending on the requirement and wind availability different

structures can be used. Maglev, Magenn and Vertical axis turbine are all great

prospects for the use of wind energy. These projects on paper are not sufficient to

tackle the energy crisis, it requires implementation. If these structures are

properly implemented we are sure that at least we can ensure a safe and

comfortable life for our future generations. Time is running out, we have to adopt

these sources of energy as soon as possible, before it’s too late.

References:

Britannica Encyclopedia – Volume – 18:364, Energy Conversion.

Report on “Wind energy potential in Tamil Nadu” by C .Raghanathan and Prashanthi Devi, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.

www.magenn.com

www.en.wikipedia.org

www.inhabitat.com

www.instructables.com

www.ias.ac.in

www.indiaenergyportal.org