Generation of electricity from the wind

The review paper traces the history of wind-driven plant from a point when it was first considered for electricity generation in about 1890. The build up of a significant level of available technology for large-scale exploitation is demonstrated, based on research and development that has since taken place, together with some of the concurrent commercial achievements. Plant subsystem design options interact with each other and affect performance and costs. These options are discussed, and the costs, costing methods and competitiveness of large wind generators now at, or soon to reach, the stage of conception or design, are examined. Such practical considerations must be based on an understanding of the nature of wind and of the theories affecting its capture by various devices. This leads to the important aspects of what constitutes the most favourable site, success being principally, and sensitively, dependent upon the general level of available winds. Also important is the range of applications that can be advantageously wind powered, and the technical procedures (and problems if any) associated with each of them. The paper includes an account of the scope of current activities of any size or special interest in several countries, and projects a future worldwide role for wind generation linked to needs, winds and technical innovations.