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Continuous research and development effort is a prerequisite for the promotion of any new technology. This is particularly true for renewable energy devices where the acceptance of the technology depends on cost, efficiency of operation and product life, among other factors. The Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources (MNES) has set up three specialised technical institutions to constantly work on upgrading technology, ensuring reliability of systems through testing, standardisation and certification and developing design to suit specific needs of different sectors and target groups. CENTRE FOR WIND ENERGY TECHNOLOGY 8.2 During the financial year 2002-03, the Centre for Wind Energy Technology (C-WET) was recognised as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR). Apex and departmental quality manuals including procedures, work instructions, formats to implement ISO 9001- 2000 have been prepared and are in use for various activities. Preparation of matching National Standards for Wind Turbines is underway. 8.3 An office-cum-workshop building for Wind Turbine Test Station (WTTS) has been constructed; the campus for the Centre is under construction near Chennai. The construction work began in October 2002, and is likely to be completed by June 2003. The Centre will become functional from the new campus in July 2003. The Building Construction Management has been entrusted to CPWD. Wind Resource Assessment 8.4 Wind Resource Assessment programme is being implemented in co-ordination with the State Nodal Agencies. 59 wind monitoring stations are operational in 11 States. Seven new stations in the States of Rajasthan, Haryana and Maharashtra were commissioned. DPRs have been prepared for establishment of Wind Turbines at Car Nicobar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttaranchal. Wind monitoring stations in Marathwada and Konkan are also being established. A wind monitoring programme at five sites in Andaman & Nicobar Islands is planned. Micro-survey / Micro-siting studies were carried out in the States of Kerala and Maharashtra. Micro-survey reports including master plans for 81 stations have been prepared for 10 States. During the current year six more reports have been prepared and it is proposed to take up 10 more stations for micro-survey studies and preparation of Master Plans. Wind monitoring at 21 identified sites in North-eastern States is also being taken up. Research & Development 8.5 Two approved proposals, the first to carry out wind tunnel based studies for establishment of flow past wind turbine nacelles, and the other to revisit Palghat Gap with advanced measurement systems are under implementation. The Centre, in association with NRSA, is studying the applicability of GIS to identify and quantify the wind power potential in a given area. To analyse the problems faced in operation and maintenance of gearboxes of Wind Turbines, the Centre is conducting a study with Centre for Energy Studies, Osmania University. The project is expected to lead to improved operation and maintenance of gearboxes.
Standards & Certification 8.6 The Centre is implementing Type Approval Provisional Scheme-2000 (TAPS-2000), for Certification of Wind Turbines. Review of the manufacturer's documentation is carried out for Certification. Safety and Structural integrity of the Wind Turbines is verified through independent evaluation. During the current year, one Category I Certification and renewal of one Category II Certification, have been completed. Preparation of Type Approval Scheme (TAS), a full-fledged system for Certification of Wind Turbines has been initiated. Preparation of National Standards for wind turbine evaluation has been taken up. An Expert Group has been set up to draft the Indian Standards for Wind Turbines. A meeting of scientists from C-WET and RISO was held with the manufacturers to discuss the documentation requirements for certification. |
