TABLE OF CONTENTS Initially the title of this chapter immediately makes one jump to the conclusion that where wind is concerned then there are problems associated with it; either the wind is causing problems with process equipment, lifting or support difficulties, strengthening and stiffening costs etc. as well as other problems with dust, gas or pollution distributions, efflux velocities as well as possible plant internal personnel problems by way of draughts, process temperature disruptions etc. This is without giving consideration to other possible difficulties associated with climatic changes.
Discounting the above-mentioned occurrences it is possible, in certain circumstances, that full advantage can be taken of the wind. Over the years there have been great strides made in harnessing the power that wind carries.
Depending on the location and the type of power requirements of a plant use can be made of electricity generation.
It is in areas where necessity is the driving factor that maximum advantage is gained, for instance, in the leisure boating industry where photovoltaics have become a general source of power for general purpose on-board electrics, so, in turn, wind generators have come into their own and great strides have been made in this particular area, although associated in the lower voltage DC range. These developments have usually been associated with back-up charging of batteries for the operation of electronic circuits for lighting, communications and monitoring.
Having said that, there is no reason why the Plant Engineer should not also use these techniques within...
