Wind Energy: Developments, Potential & Challenges

Renewable energy, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat, is the type of energy that can naturally replenish on a human timescale. Renewable energy can replace conventional fossil fuels in several distinct areas and can eliminate the need for fossil fuels. This book presents current research on the developments, potential and challenges of wind energy. The first chapter provides research on potential wind sites, the impacts of wind installation, and thermo economic modeling. The following chapter makes a comparative study of the dynamic behavior of an aero-generator with a double fed induction generator (DFIG) connected to the grid through two controller techniques: SMC and PI Controller. Chapter three discusses the policy and promotion strategy of wind energy developments between Taiwan and Japan. Chapter four looks at the current status of wind power in South Africa, prospects for growth in integrating wind energy in the South African grid and discusses possible challenges that may arise due to high penetration of wind power and outline some possible solutions. The last chapter provides an inventory of challenges for the deployment of wind energy in a 2030 timeframe in the EU.