A Review of Wind Power Technology: Design, Mathematical Modeling, and Efficiency
Keywords:
Anemometer, Horizontal axis wind turbine, Hybrid farm, Offshore wind farm, Onshore wind farm, Shading effect, Vertical axis wind turbine, Wind Speed Measurement Device, Wind vaneAbstract
Wind energy is the energy generated from the movement of wind, which results from the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface by the sun. Since the Earth's surface consists of different types of land and water, they absorb heat at varying rates. During the day, the air over land heats up faster than the air over water. Because warm air is lighter, it expands and rises upward, allowing the cool, heavy air to rush in and take its place. At night, the process is reversed, as the air over land cools faster than the air over water, thereby creating wind. Winds around the Earth are formed in the same manner because the equator is heated more by the sun than the North and South Poles. Wind energy is called a renewable energy because wind will exist as long as the sun shines. As for Iraq, the wind atlas indicates that the suitable locations for installing wind turbines are Wasit Governorate—specifically in the Al-Shihabi and Sheikh Sa'ad areas, and Al-Hayy district—and the Ali Al-Gharbi area in Maysan Governorate to the south, where the average wind speed exceeds 8 m/sec. This research conducts a detailed engineering analysis of wind turbine components, comparing horizontal and vertical axis designs alongside onshore and offshore configurations. It establishes the mathematical frameworks necessary for calculating both theoretical wind power and actual net electrical output based on system efficiencies. Additionally, the study explores advanced control systems, such as anemometers and pitch adjustments, utilized to protect infrastructure. The integration of hybrid wind-solar farms is evaluated as a solution for consistent remote power generation. Finally, critical operational challenges, including land layout optimization and the mitigation of aerodynamic shading, are thoroughly addressed to maximize farm efficiency.
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