Generation of electrical energy from the wind can be a suitable proposition for
off grid power supply at locations having a favorable wind regime. Proper design of wind
power generation system is of utmost importance to assure maximum benefit to the
consumer in terms of economic competitiveness as well as power supply reliability.
Designing a wind power system involves appropriate sizing of different components based
on the availability of wind speeds and the energy demand. Since, wind as a resource is
intermittent and variable by nature, the mismatch between the generation and demand can
be leveled by provision of a battery bank as a storage medium. A methodology for
designing an efficient wind-battery power system is presented in this chapter. The major
system design parameters are identified to be the wind rotor diameter, the generator rating
and the storage capacity. By considering the energy interactions between the generator, the
storage system and the load over a given time horizon, a number of feasible design
solutions can be generated. A diagrammatic representation of all feasible solutions enables
a system designer to understand the tradeoffs between different system design variables,
corresponding maximum and minimum limits, and arrive at an optimum solution system
subject to an appropriate design objective as well.
Keywords: Wind, power, generation system, performance analysis, rotor, model,
sizing wind-based system, standalone, power system, wind-battery power system,
wind speed, physical design, rotor diameter, generator rating, design, optimal.