What is the process of wind power generation?

The process of wind power generation mainly includes the following steps

The basic principles of wind power

Wind energy is converted into mechanical energy

Wind power generation uses the kinetic energy of the wind to push the blades of a wind turbine to rotate. When the wind blows through the blades of a wind turbine, the special shape and Angle of the blades convert the kinetic energy of the wind into the rotating mechanical energy of the blades.

For example, the common three-blade wind turbine, the design of the blade is similar to that of an aircraft wing, when the wind passes through the blade, due to the different airflow speeds on the upper and lower surfaces of the blade, it will generate lift and resistance, and the lift force will push the blade to rotate.

Mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy

The rotation of the blades is transmitted to the generator via a spindle attached to the hub. A rotor inside the generator cuts the lines of magnetic force in a rotating magnetic field, creating an induced electromotive force that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

For example, in a synchronous generator, the rotor usually consists of a permanent magnet or an exciting winding that creates an AC electromotive force in the stator winding as the rotor rotates. Through the transformer, the generator output voltage is raised to the voltage level suitable for grid transmission, and then the electric energy is transmitted to the grid.

Wind power system composition

Wind turbine set

Including wind wheel (blade, wheel hub and variable propeller system), spindle, gearbox (some direct drive wind turbines do not have gearbox), generator, yaw system, braking system and control system.

The wind turbine is a key component of capturing wind energy, and the shape and length of the blade determine the wind energy capture efficiency of the wind turbine. The gearbox is used to convert the low speed of the wind turbine to the high speed required by the generator. The yaw system allows the wind turbine to be aligned with the wind direction at all times to maximize the capture of wind energy. The braking system is used to stop the operation of the wind turbine in an emergency. The control system is responsible for monitoring and controlling the various components of the wind turbine to ensure its safe and stable operation.

Pylon

It is used to support wind turbines so that they can capture more wind energy at sufficient heights. The height of the tower is usually determined according to local wind resources and topographic conditions.

For example, in flat, open areas, towers can be relatively high for stronger wind speeds; In mountainous areas or areas with complex terrain, the height of the tower may be limited.

Power transmission and distribution system

Including transformers, switchgear, cables, etc., used to raise the voltage of the electricity emitted by the wind turbine and deliver it to the grid.

Transformers raise the lower voltage output from the generator to a voltage level suitable for grid transmission, switchgear is used to control the transmission and distribution of electrical energy, and cables are responsible for transferring electrical energy from the wind turbine to the transformer and the grid.

A way to use wind power as a renewable energy source

Integration into the grid

The most common use of wind power is its incorporation into the grid to provide clean, renewable energy to the power system. When the electric energy emitted by the wind turbine is raised by the transmission and transformation system, it is sent to the client through the grid.

The power grid can integrate and deploy the power generation resources of different regions and different types to meet the demand of users. As an unstable energy source, wind power needs to be combined with other stable power generation methods (such as thermal power generation, hydroelectric power generation, etc.) to ensure the stable operation of the grid.

For example, in areas rich in wind resources, large-scale wind farms can be built to integrate wind power into the grid to provide electricity for the surrounding region and even the whole country.

Distributed generation

In addition to being integrated into large power grids, wind power can also be used in distributed generation systems. Distributed wind power is usually installed near users, such as factories, schools, communities, etc., to provide users with an independent power supply or as a backup power source.

Distributed wind power generation system can reduce the loss of electricity in the transmission process and improve the efficiency of energy utilization. At the same time, it can enhance the reliability and stability of the power system and reduce the dependence on a centralized grid.

For example, some remote areas or islands can install small wind turbines to provide electricity to local residents and solve the problem of no electricity or lack of electricity.

Integration of energy storage technology

Due to the instability of wind power generation, in order to make better use of wind resources, wind power generation can be combined with energy storage technology. The energy storage system can store excess electrical energy when the wind power is high, and release electrical energy when the wind power is low or no wind power to meet the electricity needs of users.

Common energy storage technologies include battery energy storage, pumped storage, compressed air energy storage, etc. For example, battery energy storage systems can quickly respond to changes in wind power generation, storing and releasing electrical energy; Pumped storage plants can use excess electricity from wind power to pump water up high and store it, releasing it to generate electricity when needed.

Multi-energy complementary system

Wind power can be combined with other renewable energy sources (such as solar power, hydropower, etc.) and traditional energy sources (such as natural gas power generation, etc.) to form a multi-energy complementary system to achieve efficient use of energy and stable supply.

The multi-energy complementary system can give full play to the advantages of various energy sources and make up for the deficiencies of single energy sources. For example, solar power generation and wind power generation have a certain degree of complementarity in time, solar energy is sufficient during the day, and the wind may be larger at night, and a stable all-weather power supply can be achieved through reasonable configuration and scheduling. At the same time, traditional energy sources can be used as backup power sources to provide power support when renewable energy sources are insufficient.