1. What is this item?
A wind mill power generation system harnesses wind energy to produce electricity. This system uses a wind turbine equipped with blades that rotate when the wind blows, converting kinetic energy into electrical power. Wind energy is a renewable and clean energy source, making it ideal for farm operations where wind speeds are consistently strong. Windmills can provide energy for general farm use or even excess power can be fed into the local grid.
2. How is the Quantity Estimated?
• Wind Speed Assessment: A wind resource assessment is done to estimate the average wind speed (measured in m/s). This data is collected over several months to evaluate the wind potential.
• Turbine Size Selection: Based on the wind speed and farm's energy needs, the turbine's capacity is selected. Typically, farm wind turbines range from 5 kW to 150 kW.
• Energy Demand: Calculate daily or annual energy requirements of the farm (kWh/day).
• Site Evaluation: Ideal locations are open areas with few obstructions and consistent wind speeds of 4-5 m/s or higher.
• Annual Power Output: The power generation from a wind turbine can be estimated using the formula:
Annual Energy Output (kWh)=Rated Capacity (kW)×Annual Operating Hours (hrs)×Capacity Factor\text{Annual Energy Output (kWh)} = \text{Rated Capacity (kW)} × \text{Annual Operating Hours (hrs)} \times \text{Capacity Factor}Annual Energy Output (kWh)=Rated Capacity (kW)×Annual Operating Hours (hrs)×Capacity Factor Typically, wind turbines have 40–60% capacity factor.
3. What are the Cost Components?
• Wind Turbine: The turbine itself, which includes the rotor blades, hub, generator, and tower
• Foundation: Concrete foundation for anchoring the turbine tower
• Electrical Infrastructure: Includes wiring, transformers, and connection to the farm’s power grid
• Control Panel & Inverter: Equipment for regulating power output and converting the generated power to usable voltage
• Wind Measurement Equipment: Anemometer to assess the site’s wind speed
• Installation: Labor and equipment for setting up the wind turbine, including crane rental for lifting the turbine into place
• Maintenance: Periodic maintenance of turbine components, including the blades, gearbox, generator, and electrical systems
• Permits & Licenses: Legal permits for land use, wind farm operation, and connection to the grid (if applicable)
• Operation Costs: Routine inspections, lubrication, and potential repairs
4. What are the Going Rates & Per Unit Cost?
• Wind Turbine (Small-Scale 5-30 kW):
o ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,50,000 per kW
o Example: A 10 kW turbine would cost ₹10 lakh to ₹25 lakh
• Wind Turbine (Larger Scale 50-150 kW):
o ₹80,000 to ₹1,50,000 per kW
o Example: A 50 kW turbine would cost ₹40 lakh to ₹75 lakh
• Foundation & Installation:
o ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh depending on site and turbine size
• Electrical Infrastructure:
o ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh for wiring, transformer, and control equipment
• Operation & Maintenance:
o Typically ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh annually depending on system size
• Wind Measurement Equipment:
o ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh for wind measurement systems
Example Cost Breakdown:
For a 10 kW wind turbine on a farm:
• Wind Turbine (10 kW × ₹2,00,000) = ₹20 lakh
• Installation & Foundation = ₹3 lakh
• Electrical Infrastructure & Control Panel = ₹2 lakh
• Total Estimated Cost ≈ ₹25 lakh
Energy Output Example:
• Rated Capacity: 10 kW
• Average Wind Speed: 5 m/s
• Annual Energy Output: 10 kW × 4,000 hrs × 0.5 capacity factor ≈ 20,000 kWh/year
• Estimated Annual Savings from self-generation: ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakh (depending on grid tariffs)
Wind power can be a long-term, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for farms with suitable wind conditions, and it can reduce dependence on grid electricity while offering sustainability benefits.
