Wind Energy Conversion Systems Wind energy is one of the most promising sources of energy.

For years, it has been used for sailing, irrigation etc. In the present scenario, when concern of climate change together with the rapid depletion of fossil fuels has made the whole world search for alternative sources of electric power, wind energy systems have gained importance. Wind energy continues to be the fastest growing renewable energy source. Five nations - Germany, USA, Denmark, Spain and India - account for more than three-fourths of the world's installed wind energy capacity. New innovations and an intensive research are being carried out in this rapid evolving area. This report provides an insight into the research and development of the wind energy systems. However, before that, a brief introduction to the various technologies associated as listed, just for the sake of completeness.

Current Scenario in India As of 31 March 2011 the installed capacity of wind power in India was 16078 MW, mainly spread across Tamil Nadu (6007 MW), Gujarat (2,884 MW), Maharashtra (2310.70 MW), , Karnataka (1730.10 MW), Rajasthan (1524.70 MW), Madhya Pradesh (275.50 MW), Andhra Pradesh (200.20 MW), Kerala (32.8 MW), Orissa (2MW). West Bengal (1.1 MW) and other states (3.20 MW). It is estimated that 6,000 MW of additional wind power capacity will be installed in India by 2012.Wind power accounts for 6% of India's total installed power capacity, and it generates 1.6% of the country's power [Source : Wikipedia] A new study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory shows India has a ton of wind energy potential, much more than previously thought. "The new Berkeley Lab study has found the total techno-economic wind potential to range from 2,006 GW for 80-meter hub heights (an indication of how high the wind turbine stands above the ground) to 3,121 GW for 120-meter hub heights, an LBL news release states.

Fig taken from Clean Technica (http://s.tt/17YMH) Therefore, the potential is tremendous and the scope of work immense. A detailed assessment with economic implications has been carried out in the report titled " Wind Power Estimates for India : Economic and Policy Implications " by Phadke, Bharvirkar and Khangura. ( Mar 2012) Furthermore, ICRA expects wind based capacity addition during the current FY 2011-12 at about 2800 MW (against actual of 2350 MW in FY 2011), and the same to grow at an annual rate at about 15% going forward, supported by growing demand from Independent Power Producer (IPP) segment. A detailed note by ICRA ( which can be found here http://www.icra.in/Files/ticker/Wind%20Energy_Note.pdf ) lucidly lays down the regulatory framework prevalent in our country and the incentives that are available for the wind power generation.