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Wind Energy: From Past to Present Technology

Madhur Babu Singh1, Pallavi Jain1* and Prashant Singh2┼

1Department of Chemistry, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Delhi-NCR Campus, Modinagar, India

2Department of Chemistry, Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India

Abstract

Humans have used wind energy for centuries. In the 7th century, ancient Persia used it to grind grain and pump water. The concept of using wind to produce electricity was initially investigated in the late 19th century, and in recent years, wind energy has emerged as a major player in the renewable energy market, with numerous nations investing in wind power projects. With numerous turbines positioned far from the shore, where the winds are steady and strong, offshore wind farms have grown in popularity. With the potential to produce electricity even in the absence of wind, wind energy has become more reliable and cost-effective thanks to technological improvements. This renewable energy source is crucial in the shift to a more sustainable future since it lowers greenhouse gas emissions while meeting the rising demand for electricity. As the world continues to move towards sustainable sources, wind energy is expected to offer a larger portion of energy needs. Scientists are researching novel wind turbine designs that might increase their output and efficiency. Wind energy is a potential renewable energy technology with a lengthy history and a bright future.

Keywords: Wind energy, turbine, environment, sustainable development

1.1 Introduction

Energy is a crucial aspect of our sustainability, playing a significant role in promoting human civilization and shaping our lives. The social and economic progress of modern society relies heavily on a steady and reliable source of energy. However, the rapid and unchecked growth of human civilization and industrialization has led to a detrimental effect on the environment and energy resources. Fossil fuels are a finite resource, and if the present rate of consumption continues, they will likely be depleted in the coming centuries [1]. The rise in carbon dioxide levels in the lower atmosphere has prompted the search for ecologically acceptable clean and sustainable energy options. Carbon dioxide build-up has had a negative influence on the climate, creating catastrophic weather events such as excessive rainfall, floods, and drought [2]. Every country is responsible for improving the quality of its energy supplies and, when feasible, replacing non-renewable fossil fuels like coal and oil with renewable sources like wind, solar, and other kinds of energy. This approach has the potential to reduce the negative environmental consequences of carbon dioxide emissions [3]. In order to address the issue of depleting natural resources and environmental deterioration, future technologies must incorporate sustainable development concepts and criteria throughout their technological processes, products, and operations. This notion has been recognized globally, and many initiatives have been established to promote the integration of these concepts. Sustainable development is not only beneficial for the environment but also for society and the economy in the long term. By merging environmental and social considerations into the design and production of new technologies, it is possible to create products and services that are not only eco-friendly but also efficient and cost-effective.

One of the key components of sustainable development is to minimize waste and pollution throughout the life cycle of the product. This can be achieved by using renewable resources, reducing energy consumption, and maximizing the product's lifespan. Furthermore, sustainable technologies offer opportunities for creating new industries and jobs, improving public health, and creating more equitable societies. Wind energy, which has been used by humans for millennia for purposes such as sailing, grinding grains, and pumping water, is a feasible form of renewable energy that can help mitigate the negative environmental consequences of non-renewable energy. However, it was not until the late 19th century that wind power was harnessed to generate electricity [4]. Since then, wind energy technology has undergone significant advancements, making it one of the rapidly developing renewable energy sources worldwide. The earliest recorded use of wind energy was in Persia (present-day Iran) around 5,000 BC. Persians used wind energy to power their sailing ships, grind grains, and pump water. Similarly, ancient Egyptians and Greeks also used wind power to propel their ships. However, it was not until the 12th century that the first windmill was developed in Europe. These windmills were used primarily to grind grains and pump water. Windmills continued to evolve and become more efficient, and by the 19th century, they had become a common sight across Europe and North America [5].

The first electricity-generating wind turbine was developed by Charles Brush in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1887. Brush's wind turbine had a rotor diameter of 17 m and generated around 12 kW of electricity. However, it was not until the 1940s that the first large-scale wind turbines were developed in the United States. These turbines had a rotor diameter of around 30 m and generated up to 100 kW of electricity. In the 1950s, wind energy began to be used to power remote locations such as farms and ranches.

Wind energy technology has undergone significant advancements in recent decades, making it a cost-competitive and reliable source of electricity. In addition to technological advancements in wind turbines were various significant developments in wind farm design and operation. Wind farms are designed to take advantage of the prevailing wind patterns in a particular region, and turbines are placed strategically to maximize energy production while minimizing environmental impacts. Wind farm operators use advanced software to monitor and control the turbines, allowing them to optimize energy production and minimize downtime [6].

1.2 Historical Background

Wind energy has been used throughout human history from ancient times, long before coal and refined petroleum were discovered. Notably, the Egyptians used windmills for water pumping some 3,000 years ago, while Chinese farmers used vertical-axis wind turbines to empty rice fields several centuries before their European counterparts. The horizontal-axis windmill is said to be originated in Europe and was first mentioned in the Duchy of Normandy around 1180 [7]. The generation of electricity using windmills began in 1887 when Prof. James Blyth built a windmill in Scotland for this purpose. In 1888, Bruch and his colleagues successfully developed a wind machine that was put into operation on the Atlantic coast. Wind power technology continued to evolve and develop over time. Kurt Bilau, in 1920, incorporated the Ventikanten blade, which utilized an aircraft air-foil developed by him and Betz, into modern windmill designs. Small wind machines (less than 1 kW) and windmills without an electrical system proliferated in rural areas of the United States during the 1920s and 1930s. The stages of wind technology development are given in Table 1.1. With almost 600,000 units erected at this time, windmill use in the US reached its height in popularity. Developed in the US for the first time in 1941, the contemporary horizontal-axis wind turbine was primarily utilized to supply electricity to farms without access to power lines. However, from the 1950s onward, the market for wind turbines slowly started to decline due to the widespread expansion of electric power lines [8].

Table 1.1 Stages of wind technology development.

Time period Key developments in wind energy technology Ancient times Windmills used for milling grain and pumping water Late 1800s Charles F. Brush builds the first large-scale wind turbine in Ohio, USA 1920s-1930s First electricity-generating wind turbines developed in Europe 1940s-1950s Utility-scale wind turbines developed for remote areas with no access to a power grid 1970s Advancements in aerodynamics and materials lead to more efficient wind turbines 1980s Wind power begins to gain popularity as a viable source of renewable energy 1990s Introduction of variable-speed turbines and the use of power electronics to improve efficiency 2000s Continued improvements in turbine design, including larger rotor diameters and higher hub heights Present day Advancement of offshore wind farms and increasing use of wind energy storage technologies

1.3 Use of Wind Energy in Specific Countries

Wind energy has rapidly come into utilization in the US since the 1980s, with tax breaks playing an important role in stimulating investment. As a result, the price of wind-generated power has dropped significantly from 35 to 4 cents/kWh. The Stateline Wind farm, which is now under development, will be the biggest in the world. Furthermore, wind power capacity in the US has increased rapidly [9].

However, with an average annual growth rate of...