Study of Measurement and Control Aspects of Wind Tunnel

Abstract: Wind energy is one of the cost effective renewable energy source. It is generated by horizontal axis and vertical axis wind turbines. Wind speed should be in the range of 5m/s to 15m/s for its effective generation. Low speed wind turbine development is in progress. Many leading research organizations, research labs in universities and wind energy industries around the globe are trying to develop micro or mini wind tunnel for feeding the electricity needs of urban houses. Energy generation from wind involves lot of electrical, mechanical and wind related parameters. Study of these parameters and their effect on electrical output is research topic for many decades. Testing of wind turbine with variation in wind parameters, electrical machines and tower type etc. are the major problems. Research centres of many establishments of leading companies such as suzlon has facilities to do such research work. Academic fraternity finds extremely difficult. One of the options is computer simulation. Wind tunnels of various sizes are available in leading educational organizations and companies. However most to them are of small and medium sizes and are suitable for performing specific tests pertaining to the particular product. This paper focuses on study of various wind tunnel parameters, types of tunnels, wind tunnel size and shape, air delivery, inlet-outlet dimensions and length of wind tunnel. Cooling of air, type of testing which can be performed etc are presented in this paper by keeping the major focus on electrical aspects in setting up wind tunnel.

Keywords: Wind energy, Wind tunnel, Exhaust fan