The College of Agricultural Engineering in Dediapada, Gujarat, has recently taken a significant step towards enhancing its renewable energy lab with the installation of a state-of-the-art Wind Energy Training System by Ecosense. This cutting-edge educational tool is designed to provide students with hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of wind energy systems, paving the way for future innovations in sustainable energy.
Wind Energy Training System
The Wind Energy Training System is a compact, scaled-down version of an actual wind turbine standalone power plant. It enables users to study the wiring and interconnections of different components involved in the system, offering a foundational understanding of the workings and operation of a standalone wind turbine system. The system includes various experiments that allow students to grasp the underlying principles of wind turbines and their applications in standalone systems.
Key Features
• Artificial Wind Generator: Utilizes a fan as an artificial wind source, powered by an induction motor whose speed can be controlled via a variable frequency drive (VFD). This allows for indoor usage and controlled wind speed adjustments, crucial for detailed study and experimentation.
• Fixed Pitch Wind Turbine: Operates in a controlled indoor environment, ensuring consistent and safe experimental conditions.
• Active Measurement Panel: Equipped to measure different voltages, currents, wind speed, and RPM, providing real-time data for analysis.
• Certification: The wind turbine is certified by the National Institute of Wind Energy, ensuring reliability and accuracy.
• Handheld Anemometer: Provided for precise wind speed measurements.
• Data Logging and PC Software: Optional software allows for data logging and saving in CSV format, with graphical outputs in image format, facilitating detailed analysis and reporting.
Ecosense Installs Wind Energy Training System at College of Agricultural Engineering, Dediapada
Educational and Research Benefits
The system enables students to conduct a variety of experiments, enhancing their understanding of key wind energy concepts such as cut-in, cut-off, and rated speed, coefficient of power, tip speed ratio, and pitch angle. Some specific experiments include:
• Evaluating the efficiency of the charge controller
• Determining the cut-in speed of the wind turbine experimentally
• Evaluating the Tip Speed Ratio (TSR) at different wind speeds
• Drawing power curves and analyzing the relationship between TSR and the coefficient of power
• Conducting power analysis at the turbine output and different branches of the wind turbine energy system with both AC and DC loads
Technical Advantages
Ecosense's Wind Energy Training System boasts a modular and scalable design, rigorously tested for continuous operation, and requires minimal space for installation. The system is built with high reliability, needing little to no after-sales service, and comes with a comprehensive manual detailing every wiring connection and experimental procedure. Specifications can be customized as per requirement, and a detailed demonstration and training session is provided during commissioning.
Research Opportunities
The installation of this training system opens numerous research opportunities for students and faculty at the College of Agricultural Engineering. Potential research areas include:
• Analysis and characterization of wind energy systems
• Integration of wind energy systems with micro-grids and smart grids
• Transient analysis of turbine power by rapidly changing wind speeds
• Studying Maximum Power Point (MPP) algorithms of wind turbines
• Developing control techniques for regulated AC power
• Conducting power quality analysis and power factor correction
Conclusion
The installation of the Wind Energy Training System by Ecosense at the College of Agricultural Engineering, Dediapada, marks a significant advancement in the institution's renewable energy education and research capabilities. This system not only provides a practical and interactive learning experience for students but also positions the college as a leader in sustainable energy education, fostering innovation and development in the field of wind energy.