Study on Renewable Energy Resources, Oman - authority for ...

Renewable Energy Resources in Oman
The total energy conversion system for a grid connected wind turbine is installed
in the nacelle. The main components are the rotor connected to the gearbox via a
main shaft and the generator connected to the gearbox via a high speed shaft. The
power generated by the generator is transmitted to the grid eventually through a
step up transformer.
In 2006 the total installed wind power capacity worldwide was 75 GW of which
15 GW was installed in 2006. In some countries the wind turbines contribute up
to 20 % of the total electricity production. The development of the global wind
power capacity is shown in Fig. 5.3, Ref /14 /.
Fig. 5.3. Development of global wind power capacity, Ref /14/
An annual increase in wind turbine capacity world wide is expected to be 15-20
%. In 2020 the world wide installed wind turbine capacity is expected to reach
approximately 1000 GW.
Off shore located wind turbines have been erected during recent years. This is
relevant for countries where land availability is limited.
Stand alone wind turbines
Stand alone wind turbines for electricity generation can be divided into three
categories:
Micro systems: 100 W or less.
Mini systems: 100 W - 10 kW
Small systems: 10 kW to 50 kW.
Stand alone wind turbines can been used as an inexpensive water pumping
source, either as a mechanical pump or as power source for an electrical pump
system.
Page 69 of 134
.