MED 003: Unit 15 – Hydropower and Wind Energy

-

 UNIT 15: HYDROPOWER AND WIND ENERGY

15.0 Introduction

Hydropower and wind energy are two of the most established and widely used renewable energy sources globally. Both harness natural forces—water and wind—to generate electricity without direct greenhouse gas emissions. These sources are vital in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and meeting growing energy demands sustainably.

India, with its abundant rivers and wind-rich areas, holds considerable potential for both hydropower and wind energy development. This unit introduces the principles, technologies, and applications of hydropower and wind energy, with a special focus on small hydropower systems and wind energy development in India.

15.1 Objectives

After completing this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamentals of hydropower and wind energy.
  • Explain how small hydropower plants operate.
  • Discuss the status and potential of small hydropower development in India.
  • Describe the working of wind energy systems.
  • Assess the applications and growth of wind energy in India.
  • Appreciate the role of these renewable energy sources in sustainable development.

15.2 Hydropower

Hydropower is the energy derived from moving water. It is one of the oldest and most cost-effective renewable energy sources and contributes significantly to the global electricity supply.

15.2.1 Small Hydropower (SHP)

Small Hydropower (SHP) refers to hydroelectric plants with a capacity of up to 25 megawatts (MW) in India. These plants are ideal for rural and remote locations, and they cause less environmental disruption than large dams.

Categories in India:

  • Micro hydro: up to 100 kW
  • Mini hydro: 101 kW to 2 MW
  • Small hydro: 2 MW to 25 MW

15.2.2 Working of Small Hydropower Plant

Principle:
SHP systems convert the potential energy of falling or flowing water into mechanical energy using a turbine, which is then converted into electrical energy by a generator.

Components:

  1. Intake – Captures water from a stream or river.
  2. Penstock – A pipe through which water flows to the turbine.
  3. Turbine – Rotated by water to generate mechanical energy.
  4. Generator – Converts mechanical energy into electricity.
  5. Control Systems – Regulate voltage and frequency.
  6. Tailrace – Channel through which water is returned to the river.

Advantages:

  • Renewable and clean
  • Minimal environmental impact
  • Suitable for decentralized power generation

Limitations:

  • Seasonal variability of water supply
  • Limited potential in arid regions
  • High initial capital investment

15.2.3 Small Hydropower Development in India

India is rich in hydropower potential, with more than 150 GW of estimated potential from all sources. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) actively promotes SHP development through financial incentives, R&D, and training programs.

Key Statistics:

  • Over 1100 SHP projects installed
  • Total installed capacity: ~4.9 GW (as of 2024)
  • Leading states: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra

15.3 Wind Energy

Wind energy involves converting the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy using wind turbines. It is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sectors globally.

15.3.1 Working of Wind Energy Systems

Basic Principle:
Wind turns the blades of a turbine, which spins a shaft connected to a generator, thus producing electricity.

Types of Wind Turbines:

  1. Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs) – Most common type, with two or three blades.
  2. Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) – Less common but can capture wind from any direction.

Main Components:

  • Blades: Capture wind energy
  • Rotor: Converts wind to rotational motion
  • Nacelle: Houses gearbox and generator
  • Tower: Elevates the turbine to capture stronger winds
  • Controller: Starts and stops the turbine based on wind speed

Ideal Conditions:

  • Wind speeds above 12 km/h
  • Open plains, hilltops, and coastal areas

Challenges:

  • Intermittency of wind
  • Noise and aesthetic concerns
  • Land acquisition and transmission infrastructure

15.3.2 Wind Energy Applications in India

India is the fourth-largest wind power producer in the world, following China, the USA, and Germany.

Highlights:

  • Installed capacity: Over 45 GW (as of 2024)
  • Leading states: Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan
  • Major projects in: Muppandal (TN), Kutch (Gujarat), Satara (MH)

Applications:

  • Grid-connected electricity supply
  • Off-grid systems for remote areas
  • Hybrid systems (wind-solar)
  • Water pumping and battery charging

Government Support:

  • Accelerated depreciation benefits
  • Generation-based incentives (GBI)
  • Renewable Energy Service Companies (RESCO) model
  • Wind-Solar hybrid policy

15.4 Summary

Hydropower and wind energy are critical renewable energy resources for ensuring sustainable and clean electricity generation. While hydropower, especially small hydro, is well-suited for decentralized rural applications, wind energy is ideal for grid-scale renewable capacity addition.

India’s focus on expanding Small Hydropower Plants (SHPs) and wind farms through supportive policies, financial incentives, and technology upgrades has positioned the country as a leader in renewable energy adoption. However, challenges like environmental clearance, land availability, and grid integration need to be managed for future growth.

15.5 Keywords

  • Small Hydropower (SHP): Hydropower projects up to 25 MW in capacity.
  • Turbine: A rotary device that converts kinetic energy (from water or wind) into mechanical energy.
  • Penstock: A pipe that delivers water to turbines in a hydropower plant.
  • Wind Turbine: A device that converts wind energy into electricity.
  • Kinetic Energy: Energy possessed by an object due to its motion.
  • Wind Farm: A group of wind turbines in the same location used for producing electricity.
  • Grid Integration: The process of connecting renewable energy sources to the national power grid.
  • Intermittency: Variability in power generation due to changing wind or water conditions.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Jcert Class 8 Daffodil Chapter 1a: The Naive Friends Solutions

-
Chapter 1a : The Naive Friends Answer the following questions: 1. Which questions made Keshav and Shyama curious about the egg? Ans.         How did the chick come out? How big would the eggs? How many? What colours would they? What did they eat? Such types of questions made Keshav and Shyama curious about the egg. 2. What three things did the children do to protect the eggs? Ans.         The children done three things are: (i)          Adjustment of food. (ii)        Adjustment of water. (iii)      Adjustment of roof. 3. Why did Keshav think of making a cushion for the eggs? Ans.         When Keshav saw the egg on direct sun light, he thaught making a cushion for the eggs. 4. What excuse did Keshav give for not showing the eggs to Shyama? Ans.     ...
Read more

Jcert Class 8 भाषा मंजरी Chapter 3 मित्रता Solutions

-
अध्याय - 3 : मित्रता 1. आप किस प्रकार कह सकते हैं कि मित्रों के चुनाव की उपयुक्तता पर हमारे जीवन की सफलता निर्भर करती है? उ. मित्रों के चुनाव की उपयुक्तता पर हमारे जीवन की सफलता निर्भर करती है क्योंकि संगति का गुप्त प्रभाव हमारे आचरण पर पड़ता है और यदि हमें अच्छी संगति, अच्छे मित्र मिलते हैं तो वे हमें सफलता की ओर ले जाते हैं जबकि बुरी संगति हमारे जीवन को खाक में मिला देती है।  2. 'विश्वासपात्र मित्र जीवन की एक औषध है।' आशय स्पष्ट कीजिए। उ. 'विश्वासपात्र मित्र जीवन की एक औषध है'- ऐसा इसलिए कहा गया है कि यदि हमें विश्वासी मित्र मिल गया तो हम अपने जीवन में चाहे जैसा भी कदम उठाएँ, उस कदम की आलोचना करके वह हमें सही दिशा की ओर उन्मुख करेगा। हम अपनी गलती रूपी बीमारी को उसकी आलोचना रूपी औषधि से दूर कर सकेंगे।  3. मित्र का चुनाव करते समय हमें किन बातों का ध्यान रखना चाहिए? उ. मित्र का चुनाव करते समय हमें निम्नलिखित बातों का ध्यान रखना चाहिए हमारे अच्छे विचारों (संकल्पों) को दृढ़ करने वाला हो। हमें दोषों और त्रुटियों से बचाए। हमारे सत्य, पवित्रता ...
Read more

Jcert Class 8 भाषा मंजरी Chapter 8 अमरूद का पेड Solutions

-
अध्याय - 8 : अमरूद का पेड 1. लेखक को क्यों लगता है कि इन सब पिछड़े खयालातों का हमारे घर में गुजर नहीं हो सकेगा। उ. अमरूद के पेड़ को देखकर सबसे पहले बाबू कन्हैयालाल की बूढ़ी पत्नी ने एक दिन टोका कि पश्चिम की तरफ अगर मकान का मुखड़ा हो और सामने ही अमरूद का पेड़ तो 'राम-राम बड़ा अशुभ होता है और माँ के चेहरे पर थोड़ा-सा भय दिखा पर लेखक को विश्वास था कि इन सब पिछड़े खयालातों का हमारे घर में गुजर नहीं हो सकेगा क्योंकि उसके घर के लोग आधुनिक विचारधारा के थे उसकी माँ सत्याग्रह के दिनों में अजमेर में लम्बा जेल कर चुकी है। पिताजी खुद राजनैतिक सामाजिक उदारता वाले आदमी थे। बुआ ने विवाह नहीं किया था, पढ़ने-लिखने में ही अपनी सम्पूर्ण जिन्दगी लगा दी और समाज कोई चुनौती देने का साहस नहीं कर सका। साथ ही परिवार के सभी लोगों में पिछड़ेपन के प्रति भर्त्सना का भाव था। 2. अमरूद के पेड़ की छाया किस प्रकार लेखक को उनके भाई-बहनों के साथ जोड़ती है ? उ. अमरूद के पेड़ की छाया लेखक को उसके भाई-बहनों के साथ जोड़ती है। वे सभी अमरूद की छाया में बेंत की कुर्सियों पर बैठ चर्चाएँ करते थे जिससे उनके बीच...
Read more