floating wind generators for the generation of power anywhere

8/2/2019 Floating Wind Generators for the Generation of Power Anywhere

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FLOATING WIND GENERATOR

CHAPTER1:

INTRODUCTION

Wind power is one of the renewable energy sources which have been widely devel-

oped in recent years. Wind energy has many advantages such as no pollution, relatively low

capital cost involved and the short gestation period. The first wind turbine for electricity

generation was developed at the end of the 19th century. From 1940 to 1950, two important

technologies, i.e., three blades structure of wind turbine and the AC generator which re-

placed DC generator were developed [1]. During the period of 1973 to 1979, the oil crises

led to lots of research about the wind generation. At the end of 1990s, wind power had an

important role in the sustainable energy. At the same time, wind turbine technologies were

developed in the whole world, especially in Denmark, Germany, and Spain. Today, wind

energy is the fastest growing energy source. According to the Global Wind Energy Council

(GWEC), global wind power capacity has increased from 7600MW at the end of 1997 to

195.2 GW by 2009. However wind power accounts for less than 1.0% of worlds electrical

demand. It is inferred that the wind power energy will develop to about 12% of the worlds

electrical supply by 2020[2].

Wind energy, which is an indirect source of solar energy conversion, can be utilized to

run windmill, which in turn drives a generator to produce electricity. Wind can also be used

to provide mechanical power such as for water pumping. In India generally wind speeds

obtainable are in the lower ranges. Attempts are, therefore, on the development of low cost,

low speed mills for irrigation of small and marginal farms for providing drinking water in

rural area. The developments are being mainly concentrated on water pumping wind mill

suitable for operation in a wind speed range of 8 to 36 km per hour. In India high wind

speeds are obtainable in coastal areas of Saurashtra, western Rajasthan and some parts of

central India.

Dept of EEE , AIeMS Page 1


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The major components of a typical wind energy conversion system include a wind

turbine, generator, interconnection apparatus and control systems. Wind turbines can be

classified into the vertical axis type and the horizontal axis type. Most modern wind tur-

bines use a horizontal axis configuration with two or three blades, operating either down-

wind or up-wind. A wind turbine can be designed for a constant speed or variable speed op-

eration. Variable speed wind turbines can produce 8% to 15% more energy output as com-

pared to their constant speed counterparts, however, they necessitate power electronic con-

verters to provide a fixed frequency and fixed voltage power to their loads. Most turbine

manufacturers have opted for reduction gears between the low speed turbine rotor and the

high speed three-phase generators. Direct drive configuration, where a generator is coupled

to the rotor of a wind turbine directly, offers high reliability, low maintenance, and possibly

low cost for certain turbines.

Several manufacturers have opted for the direct drive configuration in the re-

cent turbine designs. At the present time and in the near future, generators for wind turbines

will be synchronous generators, permanent magnet synchronous generators, and induction

generators, including the squirrel cage type and wound rotor type. For small to medium

power wind turbines, permanent magnet generators and squirrel cage induction generators

are often used because of their reliability and cost advantages. Induction generators, perma-

nent magnet synchronous generators and wound field synchronous generators are currently

used in various high power wind turbines

Interconnection apparatuses are devices to achieve power control, soft start and in-

terconnection functions. Very often, power electronic converters are used as such devices.

Most modern turbine inverters are forced commutated PWM inverters to provide a fixed

voltage and fixed frequency output with a high power quality. Both voltage source voltage

controlled inverters and voltage source current controlled inverters have been applied in



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wind turbines. For certain high power wind turbines, effective power control can be

achieved with double PWM (pulse width modulation) converters which provide a bi-direc-

tional power flow between the turbine generator and the utility grid.

The factors that should be considered while installing wind generator are as follow:

(1) Availability of land.

(2) Availability of power grid (for a grid connected system).

(3) Accessibility of site.

(4) Terrain and soil.

(5) Frequency of lighting strokes.

Once the wind resource at a particular site has been established, the next factor that

should be considered is the availability of land. The area of the land required depends upon

the size of wind farm. In order to optimize the power output from a given site, some addi-

tional information is needed, such as wind rose, wind speeds, vegetation, topography,

ground roughness, etc. In addition other information such as convenient access to the wind

farm site, load bearing capacity of the soil, frequency of cyclones, earthquakes, etc., should

also be considered.

Installing a wind turbine in Polar Regions can be a tricky business. Unless the researcher

has a lot of experience in this area, one should not attempt to install a wind turbine greater

than 1-kilowatt output (a rotor 3 meters in diameter) without professional assistance. Most

50- to 400-watt turbines are fairly easy to install, largely because weights and tower heights

are both lower. As the weight of the turbine and the height of the tower go up, so does the

level of difficulty.

1.1 ADVANTAGES OF WIND POWER



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1. The wind is free and modern technology it can be captured efficiently.

2.Once the wind turbine is built the energy it produces does not cause green house

gases or other pollutants.

3. Although wind turbine can be very tall each takes up only a small plot of a land.

It means that the land below can still be used this is especially the case in agricultural

areas of farming can still continue.

4.Remote areas that are not connected to electricity power grid can use wind turbine to

produce their own supply.

5. Wind turbine are available in a range of sizes i.e.., single households to small towns.



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1.2 DISADVANTAGES OF WIND POWER

1. Wind turbines are noisy. Each one can generate the same level of noise as a family

car travelling at 70 mph.

2. The strength of the wind is not constant and it varies from zero to storm force. This

means that wind turbines do not produce the same amount of electricity all the time.

There will be times when they produce no electricity at all.

3. When wind turbines are being manufactured some pollution is produced. Therefore

wind power does produce some pollution.

4. Many people see large wind turbines as unsightly structures and not pleasant or

interesting to look at. They disfigure the countryside and are generally ugly.



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CHAPTER 2:

FLOATING WIND POWER GENERATORS

Floating wind generators are the new dimension for the generation of power by

converting the energy of conventional air currents in the atmosphere at high altitudes for the

generation of electricity and power with the help of MARS technology.

The flying electric generator units (FEGs) envisioned for commercial power

production have a rated capacity in the 3 to 30 MW range. Generators arrays are

contemplated for wind farms in airspace restricted from commercial and private3 aircraft

use.To supply allU.S. energy needs; airspace for power generation is calculated to restrict far

less airspace than is already restricted from civil aviation for other purposes. While similar in

concept to current wind farms, in most cases flying generator arrays may be located much

closer to demand load centers [10].

2.1.MARS (magenn power air rotor system)

It is a Wind Power Anywhere 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.

The Magenn Power Air Rotor System (MARS) is an innovative 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



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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 avery controlled and restricted location, and causes it to pull up overhead rather than drift

downwind on its tether. MARS rotor shown in fig(2.1)

Fig 2.1

2.2.M A R S

Fig 2.2

MARS is 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 the power grid. Helium sustains MARS and allows

it to ascend to higher altitude than traditional wind turbine. MARS rotation also generates the

Magnus effect which provides additional lift, keeps the MARS stabilized, and position itwithin a very controlled and restricted location to adhere to FAA (Federal Aviation

Administration).



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2.3.MECHANISM OF MARS

All competing 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 toits 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.

2.4. FLOATING WIND TURBINE INSTALLATION AND

DEPLOYING

1. It is easy to install and deploying the FWG.

2. To setup a wind turbine it takes nearly about few minutes.

2.5. ANIMATION DIAGRAM OF FLOATING WIND

GENERATOR

Fig 2.5



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CHAPTER 3:

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

These are usually the main environmental concerns that arise in association with the set up of

a wind turbine.

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 it 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.

An extensive literature review was conducted and a comparison of annual avian mortality in

the United States was presented. The table outlines the results

3.1. Birds Deaths



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StructureBird Deaths (wide range incorporates many

studies)

Vehicles 60 million - 80 million

Buildings and Windows 98 million - 980 million

Power lines 174 million

Communicative Towers 4 million - 50 million

Wind Generation Facilities 10,000 - 40,000

Magenn Power Air Rotor

Generators

Estimated to be very low as the structure

can be seen from a distance

Table 3.1

3.2. Noise

There are two types of noise generated by a wind turbine: mechanical noise from the gearbox

and generator; and aerodynamic noise created by the rotors passing through the air. Progress

through technological improvements has practically eliminated mechanical noise.

Aerodynamic noise has also improved through better rotor design although it will tend to

increase with increasing wind speeds. This is not of great concern since background noise

will also increase with increasing wind.

The table below compares the sound levels of various items. Notice the sound level emitted

by a 660kW wind turbine at 200m (650 ft) is less than the noise levels of a normal suburban

residential area. The Magenn Power Air Rotors are expected to be even quieter then wind

turbines because the Magenn Air Rotors will operate at 1000 feet

3.3. Noise Levels



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Common SoundsNoise

Levels (dB)Effect

Jet engine (near) 140

Shotgun Firing

Jet Takeoff(100-200ft)130 Threshold of pain

Thunderclap (near)

Discotheque120 Threshold of sensation

Power saw

Pneumatic drill

Rock music band

110Regular exposure of more than 1

min. risks permanent hearing loss

Garbage truck 100No more than 15 min. unprotected

exposure recommended.

Subway

Motorcycle

Lawnmower

90 Very annoying

Electric razor

Many industrial

workplaces

85Level at which hearing damage

begins (8 hours)

Average city traffic

noise Garbage disposal80

Annoying. Interferes with

conversation.

Vacuum cleaner

Hair Dryer

Inside a Car

70Intrusive. Interferes with

telephone.

Normal Conversation 60

Quiet Office Air

Conditioner50 Comfortable

Magenn Air Rotor 40 Quiet

Whisper 30 Very Quiet

Breathing 10 Just Audible

3.4. Exposure Time Limits

Sound levels are logarithmic: a small increase in decibels represents a large increase in soundenergy. For this reason, exposure to sound should be cut in half for every increase of 3

decibels.



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Decibels (dB) Exposure Time

85Db 8 hours

88Db 4 hours

91dB 2 hours

94dB 1 hour

97dB 30 minutes

100Db 15minutes

Table 3.3

CHAPTER 4:

Height Restrictions



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Magenn has carefully studied deployment of its MARS units. Of particular focus are altitude

guidelines as directed by FAA regulations. The five points, below represent a summary of

Magenn planning to satisfy these guidelines. Magenn has established a rapport with

cognizant FAA officials.

1. MARS units may not operate in controlled airspace or within five miles of the

boundary of any airport.

2. MARS units that are deployed over 150 feet on a permanent basis will require a

NOTAM, which stands for: Notices to Airmen. A NOTAM is issued by the FAA or

its equivalent to inform pilots of new or changed aeronautical facilities, services,

procedures, or hazards, temporary or permanent. NOTAMS are not difficult to obtain,

but will be necessary in most deployment cases in US, Canada and Europe.

3. MARS units that operate over 150 feet will have a lighting system including

individual lights that are placed every 50 feet on its tether. The lights will flash once

per second.

4. MARS units will have a Rapid Deflation Device installed that will automatically and

rapidly deflate the balloon if it escapes from its moorings. MARS device will be

equipped with at least two deflate systems that will bring the units slowly and safely

to the ground. If the MARS unit "cut down" system does not function properly, it willimmediately notify the nearest ATC facility of the location and time of the escaped

and the estimated flight path of the balloon.

5. MARS units balloon envelope is equipped with a radar reflective material that will

present an echo to surface radar operating in the 200 MHz to 2700 MHz frequency

range.

CHAPTER 5:

ADVANTAGES

5.1.Advantage of MARS over Conventional Wind Turbines



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Wind Power Anywhere removes all placement limitations. Coast-line or off-shore locations

are not necessary to capture higher speed winds. Reaching winds at 1,000-feet above ground

level allow MARS to be installed closer to the grid. MARS is mobile and can be rapidly

deployed, deflated, and redeployed without the need for towers or heavy cranes. MARS isbird and bat friendly with lower noise emissions and is capable of operating in a wider range

of wind speeds - from 4 mph to greater than 60 mph.

5.2.Advantage of a MARS combined Wind and Diesel Solution

over a Diesel Generator-only solution

MARS can complement a diesel generator by offering a combined diesel-wind power

solution that delivers power below 20 cents per kWh. This compares to a wide range of 25

cents to 99 cents per kWh for diesel-alone, reflecting the high fuel and transportation costs in

remote areas. The MARS combined solution allows lower pollution and green house gas

emissions. It also results in lower handling, transporting, and storage costs.

5.3.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 40 to 50 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.

Conventional wind generators are only operable in wind speeds between 3 meters/sec

and 28 meters/sec. Magenn Air Rotors are operable between 1 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



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correspond to changing wind patterns. Mobility is also useful in emergency

deployment and disaster relief situations.

CHAPTER 6

MARS Target Markets

Developing nations where infrastructure is limited or non existent; off-grid combined



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wind and diesel solutions for island nations, farms, remote areas, cell towers, exploration

equipment, backup power & water pumps for natural gas mines; rapid deployment diesel &

wind solutions (to include airdrop) to disaster areas for power to emergency and medical

equipment, water pumps; on-grid applications for farms, factories, remote communities; and

wind farm deployments.

.

Conclusion

MARS is most effective, cost effective, ecofriendly, mobile, low maintenance way of



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generating electrical energy out of wind energy.

It would be an ideal for country like india which is having vast varieties in geographical

landmarks to implement such power stations as it could be installed where it could be. It is

the best solution for the power crises faced by the world

REFERENCE

1. R.C. Bansal, T.S. Bhatti and D.P. Kothari, On some of the design ascpects of wind

2. Energy conversion systems,Energy Conversion and Management43 (2002) 2175



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3. 2187.

4. Global wind scenario,Power Line 7 (2003) 4953

5. TERI, TERI Energy Data Directory and year book, The Energy Research

6. Institute, New Delhi, 2000. pp. 118.

7. L. Chang, R. Doraiswami, T. Boutot and H. Kojabadi, Development of a Wind

8. Turbine Simulator for Wind Energy Conversion Systems, IEEE CCECE2000

9. Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering, Halifax,

10. Canada, May 2000.

11. T.S. Jayadev, Windmills stage a comeback,IEEE Spectrum 13 (1976) 4549.

12. G.L. Johnson, Economic design of wind electric generators,IEEE Trans. Power

13.Apparatus Systems 97 (1978) 554562.

14.F.Yao et al. 12. K.T. Fung, R.L. Scheffler and J. Stolpe, Wind energy a utility

15. Perspective,IEEE Trans. Power Apparatus Systems 100 (1981) 1176118

16. 9. http://www.technologystudent.com/energy1/wind8.html

17. 10. Bryan W. Roberts, David H. Shepard,Life Senior Member, IEEE, Ken Caldeira,

18. M. Elizabeth Cannon, David G. Eccles,Member, IEEE, Albert J. Grenier, and Jonathan F.

19. Freidin

20.12.www.magenn power inc.org

21. http://www.magenn.com/application.php

22. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floating_wind_turbine

23. http://Magenn_Air_Rotor_System_4kW.pdf

24. 20.http://www.magenn.com/enviornmentalConcerns.php

25. 21.http://www.magenn.com/technology.php



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floating wind generators for the generation of power anywhere

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