The unequal heating of the land and water by the sun causes winds on the surface of earth. The differences in temperature gradient induce the circulation of air from one zone to another.

Windmills convert the kinetic energy of moving air mass into mechanical motion, that can be used directly to run machines (eg., Pumps) or to generate electricity.

It is estimated that the potential for the wind power generation in India is about 20,000 MW. Of this, about 600 MW has been tapped in the country. India is poised to become one of the world's largest wind turbine users. India has witnessed several private ventures in the area of wind power generation during the past decade. Several state governments are encouraging wind power generation, by offering attractive buy-back rates.

Advantages of Wind Power

The following are the benefits of using Wind Power

One of the most environment friendly, clean and safe energy resource

Lowest gestation period as compared to conventional energy. Equipment erection and commissioning involve only a few months.

No fuel consumption, hence no operating cost.

Very low maintenance cost.

Recent trends in Wind Energy

Machine capacity - Earlier the trend was to install low capacity 225/250 KW machines. The recent trend is to install machines upto 1MW.

Machine Type - Windmills are available without gearbox, which have synchronous generator linked with inverter controls. The introduction of gearless machine has avoided the gearbox transmission loss. Synchronous generator and inverter control system have otimized the generation. The machines have quick response to wind-change, resulting in improved power generation.