Indian Wind Power, April - May 2016

Volume: 2
Issue: 1 April - May 2016 ` 10/-

Bimonthly, Chennai
IWTMA &
INDIAN WIND TURBINE
MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
announce
WINDERGY INDIA 2017

Conference: 11th and 12th January 2017,
Exhibition: 10th, 11th and 12th January 2017
at The Ashok, New Delhi
A Bi-monthly Magazine of Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association
Volume: 2 Issue: 1 April - May 2016
Executive Committee
Chairman
Mr. Sarvesh Kumar
Contents Page No.
Deputy Managing Director

RRB Energy Limited, New Delhi Key Highlights Indian Wind Industry Analytical Scorecard (FY 2015-16) 3
Nitin V Raikar, Suzlon Energy Limited, Mumbai
Vice Chairman & Honorary Secretary

Wind Turbine Tower Technology 6
Mr. Chintan Shah D. Sreenivasan, Vice President, Operations, RRB Energy Limited
President and Head (SBD)
Suzlon Energy Limited, Pune Parametric Optimization of Wind Turbine Towers 10
Dr. Rajesh Katyal, Deputy Director General and Head - Offshore, Small Wind,
Executive Committee Members Hybrid Systems & Industrial Business, National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE),
Chennai 600 100, TN, India
Mr. Madhusudan Khemka
Managing Director Wind Tower Technologies and Forthcoming Advancements 23
Regen Powertech Pvt. Ltd., Chennai Bharathy K, Chief Executive Officer, Windar Renewable Energy Private Limited
[email protected]
Mr. Ramesh Kymal
Chairman & Managing Director
Wind Turbine Generators: The Evolution of Tower Technology 31
Gamesa Renewable Pvt. Ltd., Chennai
Vinod R Tanti, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Suzlon Group
Mr. Devansh Jain
Director, Inox Wind Limited, Noida Structural Analysis, Design and Field Testing of Wind Turbine Support Towers 33
Mr. Ajay Mehra P. Harikrishna, Sr. Principal Scientist; A. Abraham, Sr. Scientist; S. Selvi Rajan, Chief Scientist;
G. Ramesh Babu, Principal Scientist, Wind Engineering Laboratory, CSIR-Structural Engineering
Director, Wind World India Limited, Mumbai
Research Centre, Chennai
Mr. Hemkant Limaye

Commercial Director, Snippets on Wind Power 38
LM Wind Power, Bengaluru Compiled By: Mr. Abhijit Kulkarni, Business Unit Head -
Energy Segment, SKF India Ltd, Pune and IWTMA Team
Secretary General Photo Feature 39
Mr. D.V. Giri, IWTMA, Chennai Know Your Member - ReGen Powertech Private Limited 40
Associate Director and Editor
Dr. Rishi Muni Dwivedi, IWTMA, Chennai Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association
4th Floor, Samson Tower, 403 L, Pantheon Road, Egmore
Views expressed in the magazine Chennai - 600 008. Tel : 044 43015773 Fax : 044 4301 6132
are those of the authors and do Email : [email protected]
not necessarily reflect those of the [email protected]
Association, Editor, Publisher or Author's Website : www.indianwindpower.com
Organization. (For Internal Circulation only)
From the Desk of the Chairman - IWTMA
Dear Readers, The question then is raised what happens thereafter from
2017-18? The answer is as follows:
Greetings from IWTMA!
a. Implementation of the Green Corridor Project for
With malice towards none, with charity for all, with firmness adequate evacuation;
in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on
b. Realistic transaction on interstate sale with rationalised
to finish the work we are in ....
STU charges;
Second Inaugural address of Abraham Lincoln...........................
c. De-bottling Open Access which would also help not so
When I sat down to write out my first communication as financially comfortable DISCOMs; and
Chairman of this prestigious Association, I was filled with d. Adherence to National RPO
mixed feelings - my delightfulness was overshadowed with
the responsibility, all of us have and the trust that I had to The expected policy on repowering and tariff policy on
hold in secure with all the stakeholders, including for the wind solar hybrid would help to push the figures better.
Government of India, which is exhorting all of us to make Furthermore, ease of doing business which includes land
effective contributions to turn the plans of the Government acquisition, permissions and approvals will attract investments
into reality. from private equity, higher participation by PSUs and
encouragement to this sector by home grown corporates.
Let me again thank all my esteemed colleagues in the The key factor lies in the fact that this source requires no fuel
Association for their support and for the wishes received or water and we need to spread the words like Evangelists
from across the country. Let us all try our best to keep up to fight the climate change and global warming similar to the
the momentum and tradition of my illustrious predecessors call of Prime Minister for Swatch Bharat.
to come up to the expectations and aspirations of the
stakeholders. It gives me immense pleasure to inform our readers that
IWTMA in partnership with Global Wind Energy Council
The wind industry has now created a record with an (GWEC), is organizing an International Conference and
installation of 3414.65 MW in 2015-16. This surpasses the Exhibition in New Delhi on 10th, 11th, 12th January 2017.
installation of 3197 MW in 2011-12. The state of Madhya The event is by the industry and for the industry and we are
Pradesh has set a record for itself of 1261.4 MW. It is a confident that such events will bring all stakeholders under
demonstration of proactive policy, which includes a tariff for one roof and with one single purpose for all together we
a meaningful IRR, technology to harness wind energy under can make it happen.
low and medium wind regime and interest cost prevailing
rates. It is heartening that the wind energy share is 63% We are highlighting in our 13th issue our passage to the 3rd
of the total renewable energy capacity of 42752 MW and year of publication of Indian Wind Power magazine on the
8.86% in total energy installation of 302 GW as on 31st theme of Towers. Towers hold the entire turbine, which is
March 2016. dynamic at 100 Mtrs. height to withstand high wind velocity
and hostile nature conditions with importance to safety and
In the Budget Speech of the Finance Minister in February functionality over performance.
2016, there is an announcement of reducing the Accelerated
Depreciation (AD) from 80 to 40% from the fiscal year We invite your feedback, views and expectations on this
2017-18. It is further known of the sunset clause on the issue.
prevailing policy of Generation Based Incentive (GBI) that Regards,
ends in March 2017. While this is not an encouraging note,
as seen in 2011-12, the industry expects a rush in the year
2016-17 and one can fairly expects an installation base Sarvesh Kumar
between 4000 to 4500 MW. Chairman
2 Indian Wind Power April - May 2016

Key Highlights Indian Wind Industry
Analytical Scorecard (FY 2015-16)
Nitin V Raikar, Suzlon Energy Limited, Mumbai ([email protected])
Key Pointers - India FY 2015-16 FY 2014-15 Growth/

State
(MW) (MW) De-growth (%)
Capacity addition in FY 2015-16 was the highest in the
annals of the Indian Wind Energy sector surpassing the Madhya Pradesh 1291.90 454.30 184.3
record of 3196.90 MW set in FY 2011-12 Rajasthan 687.90 523.50 31.4
Gujarat 385.65 196.72 96.0
Commissioned capacity addition of 3472.40 MW in FY
Andhra Pradesh 362.50 254.80 42.2
2015-16 (as against 2311.80 MW in FY 2014-15)
Karnataka 240.30 315.60 23.8
The industry attracted an investment to the tune of ~ 3.16
Maharashtra 220.65 386.70 42.9
billion USD
Tamilnadu 197.40 186.35 5.9
This represents an impressive increase of 50.20% over FY Telangana 77.70 - N.A
2014-15
Kerala 8.40 - N.A
Cumulative wind power capacity in India approaches 27 Total 3472.40 2317.97
GW mark and stands at ~26.91 GW as on 31.03.2016
Cumulative wind capacity constituted ~64% of Indias total Key Pointers Original Equipment Manufacturers
grid interactive renewable Energy capacity (OEM)
Cumulative wind capacity constituted ~9% of Indias total Total no. of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who
installed power capacity from all energy sources added capacity: 15
Cumulative grid interactive wind power installations would The top 6 OEMs (who added capacity exceeding 100 MW
translate to (on per annum basis) each) constituted ~95.70% of the total installed capacity
** Emission offset of ~58.16 million tonnes ** Gamesa Renewable Pvt Limited

** Coal savings of ~42.43 million tonnes ** Suzlon Energy Limited
** Tentatively power ~14.58 million number of ** Inox Wind Limited

households ** Regen Powertech Pvt Limited
** Wind World (India) Limited
Key Pointers States
** GE India Industrial Pvt Limited
Madhya Pradesh records a historic capacity addition close
Top OEMs who have a cumulative installation base
to 1300 MW (1.3 GW)
exceeding 1000 MW or 1GW in India
Telangana makes a debut in the wind energy space and
** Suzlon Energy Limited
records a maiden installed capacity of 77.70 MW solely
powered by Suzlon turbines of make - S97 2100kW 120m ** Wind World (India) Limited
Hybrid Tower ** Gamesa Renewable Pvt Limited
** Vestas Wind
Installations in 9 windy states with 5 states registering
positive YoY growth rate ** Regen Powertech Pvt Limited
** Inox Wind Limited
State wise capacity addition for FY 2015-16 with growth/de-
growth percentage w.r.t. FY 2014-15 indicated by arrows. ** RRB Energy
April - May 2016 Indian Wind Power 3

Key Pointers Product & Technology Investors who added 100 MW plus in FY 2015-16
A total of 2035 WTGs of different make and type were ** Renew Power (IPP)
installed and commissioned ** Mytrah Energy (IPP)
** Greenko Group(IPP)
Average turbine size was 1.71 MW as against 1.50 MW in
** Ostro Energy (IPP)
the preceding FY
** CLP (Utility)
The countrys tallest wind turbine @ 120m Hub Height ** Orange Group (IPP)
(HH), Hybrid Tower was installed & commissioned on ** Continuum Energy (IPP)
commercial scale basis by Suzlon in Rajasthan for Renew ** Energon Power Resources Pvt Ltd (IPP)
Power at site Bhesada Dist., Rajasthan ** Sembcorp Green Infra (IPP)
Suzlon successfully proto commissions its new product ** Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (Utility)
S111 mounted on 120m HH Hybrid Tower ** Hero Future Energies (IPP)
Gamesa debuts its G97 114 RD with maiden proto Key Pointers State-wise Cumulative Capacity
commissioning in Andhra Pradesh in April 2015
addition as of 31st March 2016
RRB Energy debuts its Pawan Shakti (PS) 1800kW with
Cumulative Capacity Additions in Key Wind States of India up-to Mar 2016
proto commissioning in TN in April 2015
Capacity additions Capacity Total
INOX commissions its prototype 2000kW, RD 113m in State upto Mar 2015 additions Cumulative
Gujarat (MNRE) FY 2015-16 Capacity
Classification by Drive Train Topology Figures in MW
Drive Train Topologies Share for FY 2015-16 Tamilnadu 7455.2 197.4 7652.6
Maharashtra 4450.8 220.6 4671.4
Drive Train % of total MW % of total Nos. of
Topology installed WTGs installed Gujarat 3645.4 385.6 4031.0
Geared Drive Train 85.15% 77.70% Rajasthan 3307.2 687.9 3995.1
Direct Drive Train 14.85% 22.30% Karnataka 2638.4 240.3 2878.7
Madhya Pradesh 879.7 1291.9 2171.6
Key Pointers Product Size & Range Andhra Pradesh 1031.4 362.5 1393.9
Product Size for FY 2015-16 Kerala 35.1 8.4 43.5

Telangana - 77.7 77.7
% of total
Product Size (Range) MW Others 4.3 - 4.3
MW installed
Small WTGs < 750 kW 59.25 1.71 Total 23447.5 3472.4 26919.8
< 751 -
Megawatt 213.50 6.15 Disclaimer
1499 kW
< 1500 - 1. The information contained herein has been compiled and
Mainstream 3189.15 91.84
2500 kW collated from grassroots MI sources but its accuracy and
Multi MW Class > 2501 10.5 0.30 completeness are not warranted, nor are the opinions or
Total 3472.40 99.70 analysis which are based upon it.
2. However the data is fairly accurate and is based on
Key Pointers Investor Class Segmentation extensive reconciliation with relevant industry stakeholders.
3. The statistical data if presented or published by the relevant
Investor Class Segmentation for FY 2015-16
government agencies in due course of time, shall prevail in
% of total MW all eventualities.
Investor Class MW
installed
4. The compilation makes minimal references to the names
Independent Power of OEMs and attempts to portray the generic industry
2408.85 69.37
Producers (IPPs)
scenario.
Corporate + Retail
826.55 23.80 5. This compilation has been compiled in the personal
Investors
capacity and shall not be construed as the views of the
Utilities (State & Private) 150.00 4.32
company/organization employing the author.
Public Sector Units 87.00 2.51
Researched, collated and compiled by
Total 3472.40
Nitin Raikar

Wind Turbine Tower Technology
D. Sreenivasan, Vice President, Operations, RRB Energy Limited
Tower is one of the key and critical components in wind turbine Different Type of Towers:
generators. It is not only load carrying member but also load
(i) Tubular Steel Towers
transferring member which helps the designer to optimize
nacelle components. This carries the nacelle, rotor and hub at Most large wind turbines are delivered
its top. These towers are to position the turbines in the best with tubular steel towers, which are
possible position to take advantage of the wind. Since rotor manufactured in sections of 20-30
diameter and hub height are two parameters in human control, meters with flanges at either end, and
which influence energy cultivation depends on wind shear bolted together on the site. The towers
are conical (i.e. with their diameter
(variation of wind speed with respect to height), increase in
increasing towards the base) in order
energy, safety of turbine and people and finally economic factor
to increase their strength and to save
decide the height and type of tower.
materials at the same time.
There are many different types of towers available in market A diameter varying from approximately
namely steel tubular/conical tower which is predominantly 4.5 meters at the base to 2 meters
used in India, lattice tower, concrete steel hybrid tower, split at the top, divided in 3 or 4 sections
bottom section tower, concrete tower, vertical bolt joint tower, assembled at the wind farm (they are
polygonal section tower, etc. bolted together). The length of a section can vary from 20 to
30 meters. Basically they are manufactured with steel sheets
Each type of tower is having its own advantages depends on
cut, rolled and welded.
size the turbine, type of terrain, average wind velocity, turbulence
level of wind in that wind farm, etc. They are constructed from rolled steel plates welded together
with flanges top and bottom, being sprayed with several coats
Towers are made from tubular steel, concrete or steel lattice. of gray weatherproof paint at the construction yard. They have
Different types of towers are used in wind industry based doors top and bottom allowing entrance to the vertical ladders
on size of the turbine. Tubular steel towers, lattice towers, or inside used to access the power cables and the yaw mechanism.
concrete towers are most suitable for large wind turbines and There are also a set of vertical ladders on the outside of the
Guyed tubular towers are only used for small wind turbines tower accessing the nacelle for maintenance and other checks.
(battery chargers etc.).
(ii) Lattice Towers
In India, tubular/conical tower is being used as a common type
of tower and in recent days cement and hybrid towers are Lattice towers are
considered due to competitiveness in price and also constraint manufactured using welded
steel profiles. It can be
in transportation of towers in hilly terrain. Due to increase in
constructed with perfectly
rating of turbines in India, logistics of tower in future may be a
shaped steel rods that
biggest challenge due to length and weight of sections of towers.
are put together to form
To overcome this difficulty, some wind turbine manufacturers
a lattice. These towers are
already exploring possibilities of using split bottom sections
very strong and inexpensive
which will allow the company to go for higher rating turbines to manufacture and easy to transport and erect.
even in challenging terrain.
Lattice tower were common in the past when turbine where
Height of the tower is an important in design of HWAT because smaller (less than a MW), but are seldom used today. Their
wind speed increases with height and taller towers are enable biggest problems are a notable visual impact, and higher
turbines to capture more energy and generate more electricity. construction and maintenance costs. They have several

advantages: they use less material (about 50% of a standard Disadvantage:
steel tower with the same stiffness) and they produce less
Difficult access around the towers which make them less
shadow.
suitable in farm areas. Finally, this type of tower is more prone
Advantage: to vandalism, thus compromising overall safety.
The basic advantage of lattice towers is cost, since a lattice (v) Tilt up Wind Towers
tower requires only half as much material as a freely standing
Tilt up towers are
tubular tower with a similar stiffness. The basic disadvantage
used for consume
of lattice towers is their visual appearance (although that issue
wind energy. These
is clearly debatable). Be that as it may, for aesthetic reasons
towers have locking
lattice towers have almost disappeared from use for large,
system, while working
modern wind turbines.
the turbine is locked.
The new steel towers of more than 100 meters have a base It can easily lock and
section diameter over 5 meters, this can be a problem, because lowered to ground
in many countries the maximum transportable size by road is to perform repairs.
less than 4.9 meters. Towers are held in
position by four guy ropes one of which can be released,
(iii) Tubular Concrete Towers allowing you to lower the tower, so you can work on the turbine.
Concrete towers are a solution in
(vi) Hybrid Tower Solutions
countries were steel price is unusually
high (for instance in Brazil, where steel Some towers are
production is almost a monopoly). made in different
combinations of the
They are made of several smaller
techniques. One
precast pieces assembled on site. This
example is the three-
solution allows an easier transportation
legged Bonus 95 kW
due to the smaller dimension of the
tower shown in below
components and a good control of the
image which may be
quality of the materials. The biggest
said to be a hybrid
problem is the weight (unless they
between a lattice
are designed in a biggest number of
tower and a guyed
pieces, they can weight more than the
tower.
nacelle).
Hybrid towers are another solution used by several manufacturer
(iv) Guyed Pole Towers to reduce the exposition to the steel price volatility, the main
drawbacks is that they are quite complicated to assemble so
Guyed pole towers are very strong
they have higher installation costs.
and most economical when
properly installed. But it requires (vi) Free Standing Towers
more space around the tower for
These can be used for small
guy wires.
wind turbines with cautions. Free
Many small wind turbines are standing towers have no guy ropes.
built with narrow pole towers As such they require a very solid
supported by guy wires. Fixed foundation. Therefore these are
guyed towers are similar to certainly the most expensive, but
tilt-up towers, except they are may well be the most aesthetically
permanently fixed in place so you pleasing.
need to climb the tower to do
any maintenance. Cost Considerations
Advantage: Lot of research work is going on
It is weight savings, and low cost. to make tower sections more sturdy and in the meantime with

reduced weight. In near future we may not be surprised to 3. the price the turbine owner gets for an additional kilowatt
have fiber glass or very special material tower sections which hour of electricity.
reduce weight of tower per MW by 50% from current level!!!
Manufacturers often deliver machines where the tower height
The price of a tower for a wind turbine is generally around 20 is equal to the rotor diameter. Aesthetically, many people find
per cent of the total price of the turbine. For a tower around that turbines are more pleasant to look at, if the tower height is
50m height, the additional cost of another 10m of tower is roughly equal to the rotor diameter.
about 15,000 USD. It is therefore quite important for the final
cost of energy to build towers as optimally as possible. Lattice Occupational Safety Considerations
towers are the cheapest to manufacture, since they typically
The choice of tower type has consequences for occupational
require about half the amount of steel used for a tubular steel
safety, discussed in detail below.
tower.
Wind Turbine Tower Occupational Safety
Aerodynamic Considerations
Occupational Safety
Generally, it is an advantage to have a tall tower in areas with
high terrain roughness, since the wind speeds increases farther Large, modern wind turbines normally use conical tubular
away from the ground, as we aware of wind shear. Lattice steel towers. The primary advantage of this tower over a lattice
towers and guyed pole towers have the advantage of giving tower is that it makes it safer and far more comfortable for
less wind shade than a massive tower. service personnel to access the wind turbine for repair and
maintenance. The disadvantage is cost.
Structural Dynamic Considerations The primary danger in working with wind turbines is the
The rotor blades on turbines with relatively short towers will height above ground during installation work and when doing
be subject to very different wind speeds (and thus different maintenance work. New Danish wind turbines are required to
bending) when a rotor blade is in its top and in its bottom have fall protection devices, i.e. the person climbing the turbine
position, which will increase the fatigue loads on the turbine. has to wear a parachutist-like set of straps.
The straps are connected with a steel wire to an anchoring
Comparison between Low and Tall Towers
system that follows the person while climbing or descending
Obviously, you get more energy from a larger wind turbine than the turbine.
a small one, but if you take a look at the three wind turbines
The wire system has to include a shock
below, which are 225 kW, 600 kW, and 1,500 kW respectively,
absorber, so that persons are reasonably
and with rotor diameters of 27, 43, and 60 meters, you will
safe in case of a fall.
notice that the tower heights are different as well.
A Danish tradition (which has later been
taken up by other manufacturers), is
to place the access ladders at a certain
distance from the wall. This
enables service personnel to
climb the tower while being
able to rest the shoulders
against the inside wall of the
Clearly, we cannot sensibly fit a 60m rotor to a tower of less
tower.
than 30m. But if we consider the cost of a large rotor and a
large generator and gearbox, it would surely be a waste to put Protection from the
it on a small tower, because we get much higher wind speeds machinery, fire protection and
and thus more energy with a tall tower. (See the section on electrical insulation protection
wind resources.) Each metre of tower height costs money, of is governed by a number of
course, so the optimum height of the tower is a function of: national and international
standards. During servicing it
1. tower costs per metre (10 metre extra tower will presently is essential that the machinery
cost you about 15,000 USD) can be stopped completely.
2. how much the wind locally varies with the height above In addition to a mechanical
ground level, i.e. the average local terrain roughness (large brake, the rotor can be locked in place with a pin, to prevent
roughness makes it more useful with a taller tower), any movement of the mechanical parts whatsoever.

Wind Turbine Tower Internal Ladder
Risk for Falls and Falling Objects
With wind turbines being such tall structures, the risk for
falls and struck-bys are an ever-present hazard on these
sites. Throughout construction and maintenance efforts,
workers may be required to climb ladders that place
them hundreds of feet in the air. While most ladder
falls in construction happen at a height of 10 feet or
less, fixed ladders inside wind turbine towers extend
far beyond the height of a standard ladder. When a
fall does occur, workers may be more likely to suffer
a serious injury or fatality. Contractors on wind turbine
jobs must make fall prevention and protection a top
priority and ensure they are protecting workers during
all aspects of a fall.
Workers are also at risk for being struck by falling objects, loads and structures. Wind turbine
construction involves using cranes and other lifting equipment to raise very heavy machinery hundreds
of feet into the air. For example, the nacelle the electrical gearbox at the top of the tower can
Life inside the
weigh about 90 tons.
Wind Turbine Tower
TNERC fixes RPO Obligations

TNERC has issued the amendment to the Renewable Energy Purchase Obligation Regulation, 2010 on 31.03.2016 and
fixed the minimum RPO target of solar & non-solar as follows:
Minimum quantum of Minimum quantum of

Minimum quantum of
S. total renewable purchase non-solar renewable
Year solar renewable purchase
No. obligation in percentage, in purchase obligation in
obligation in percentage.
terms of kwh. percentage.
Snippets on Wind Power
1 2015-2016 9.50 0.50 9

2 2016-2017 11.50 2.50 9
3 2017-2018 14.00 5 9
MERC issues final RE tariff order

Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has issued RE Tariff order for the FY 2016-17, applicable from
1 April, 2016 to 31 March, 2017. The tariff for New Wind Energy Projects for FY 2016-17 are:
Annual Mean Levelised Benefits of Tax and Net Levelised Tariff, adjusting for
Wind
Wind Power CUF Tariff Additional Depreciation Tax and Additional Depreciation
Zone
Density (W/m2) (Rs/Kwh) (if availed) (Rs/Kwh) Benefit) (if availed) (Rs/Kwh)
Zone 1 <=250 22% 5.56 0.62 4.94
Zone 2 >250 - <=300 25% 4.89 0.55 4.34
Zone 3 >300 - <=400 30% 4.08 0.45 3.63
Zone 4 >400 32% 3.82 0.43 3.39
Tata Power Eyes 40% Renewable Energy Share

Tata Power has announced plans to increase its share of renewable energy output from 20% to 35-40% by 2025. The
company currently has an installed capacity of 9,156 MW, including 593 MW from wind energy and 60 MW from solar
power projects. Tata Power hopes to increase its installed capacity to 20 GW by 2025.

Parametric Optimization of Wind Turbine Towers
Dr. Rajesh Katyal, Deputy Director General and Head - Offshore, Small Wind Hybrid Systems & Industrial Business
National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), Chennai 600 100, TN, India
Under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India [email protected]
Abstract: This article deals with parametric optimization of wind turbine towers. The aim is to analyze the various geometric
configurations for 73 m tall wind turbine towers comprising of both lattice and tubular type. The wind turbine towers were
analyzed using STAADPRO Tool to arrive at the most optimal/least weight configuration by changing the base dimensions. The
top dimensions were kept constant as per the requirements for housing the nacelle at the top, within the limits of allowable
blade deflection. As an outcome of the study the parametric relations between the base dimensions and bending moment at
which least/optimal weight can be achieved both for wind turbine lattice and tubular towers are suggested. This will act as a
ready-reckoner for tower designers specifically working for wind turbine applications.
Keywords: Wind turbine (WT), wind turbine tower, lattice tower, tubular tower, wind shear force, renewable energy and parametric
optimization
1.0 Introduction 2.0 Generic Methodology/Approach Followed

The wind turbine towers supports the high-tech and costly 2.1 Lattice Tower
nacelle comprising of electro-mechanical components and The lattice structure basically behaves like a cantilever subjected
sub-systems together with the rotor assembly. It provides to concentrated load/moments at the tower top hub due to
necessary elevation to the nacelle to keep it off the ground wind shear and varying wind loads along the height of the tower.
and to bring it up to the level where the wind resources are Due to the fixity at the bottom the moment at the base are the
available. Normally two types of towers are preferred for wind highest as it increases from the top to bottom and therefore
turbine applications viz. lattice and tubular towers. However, the higher width at the bottom is provided thereby tapering towards
concrete type towers are also sometimes used. the top. The blades have a tendency of bowing/bending due to
the action of the wind, the maximum deflection being at the tip
The lattice type of towers with bolted connection are basically of the blade and hence it needs to be ensured that the tip of
designed and analyzed like a space truss. On the other hand, the the blade does not touch the body of the tower while passing
tubular towers used for wind turbine applications are generally by the side of the tower. This poses a restriction on the plan
conical in shape; that is the diameters increase towards the dimensions of the top segment of the tower having the height
base, thereby increasing their strength at the base where it is equal to the length of the blade. Hence the splaying of the
needed the most, because the load response owing to the tower can be designed only below the level of the tip of the
wind loading is maximum at the base. The conical shape allows down pointed blade.
for saving in the material consumption. The maximum length of
2.2 Tubular Tower
the tower sections is usually governed by the requirements to
allow for transportation particularly in hilly/complex terrains due The tubular tower supporting the wind turbine essentially
to improper Ghat roads/infrastructure requirements. behaves like a Cantilever, with minimum bending moment at
the top and maximum at bottom. The force that causes the
This article attempts in carrying out a parametric study both maximum bending moment in the tower is the Hub Shear,
for wind turbine lattice and tubular towers which will foster the which is concentrated load causing a linearly varying bending
growth rate of wind turbine installations particularly suitable for moment. The wind load on the tower acts like a uniform
complex terrains, in Indian context. The object of this article is distributed load along the height of the tower, which causes a
to optimize an existing 73m tall lattice and tubular towers by parabolic distribution of bending moment. But the contribution
choosing the various geometric configurations in terms of base of the bending moment due to the wind on tower is very
dimension using STAADPRO Tool. The optimization used is a small compared to the moment due to the hub shear. Thus
practical design office approach involving iterative analysis. the bending moment in the tower is closer to a linearly varying

pattern than a parabolic pattern. Consequently it is logical parameters/loading conditions were kept same so as to arrive
that the shape of the tower follows the shape of the bending at the least/optimum weight both for lattice and tubular types
moment. The bending caused thus, is resisted by the internal of towers.
stresses developed in the tower body. The stress developed due
to a bending moment at any section is given by the equation: 3.0 Configuration of the Towers
3.1 Lattice Tower
b = M / Z (1)
In the present study, a lattice type tower 73m height was
Where M is the bending moment and Z is the section modulus modeled as described above with base width ranging from 12
at the section considered. to 18m. The iterations with varying base widths were carried
Z= * d2 / 4 * t (2) out starting in steps of every 1m interval.
Where d is the mean diameter and t is the thickness. The lattice tower basically consists of main leg members,
bracing members and secondary bracing members. The
From the above it is seen that for a given bending moment structure behaves like a cantilever structure, bending moment
M, the stresses reduce as the square of the diameter, keeping and the vertical load due to rotor assembly/blades, gear box
thickness as constant. and generator together with self weight of tower will be resisted
by main leg members while the shear force is transferred by
Also, the allowable stress at a given section varies inversely with
the bracings. The secondary bracings help in reducing the
the h/d ratio. So larger the diameter, larger is the allowable
unsupported length of the legs/bracing members to reduce
stress. This is another reason for increasing the diameter
the buckling effect. The tensile/compressive force in the leg
towards the bottom. While the diameter towards to the top is
members due to the bending moment is inversely proportional
tapered/reduced since the blades have a tendency of bowing/
to the distance between the legs. Thus by increasing the base
bending due to the action of the wind. However the minimum
width the force in the leg members will be reduced and hence
top diameter has to be provided in order to accommodate the
the weight of the main leg members reduces thereby achieving
nacelle.
the economy. However, by increasing the base width, the length
In the present study, the focus is to carry out the weight of the bracing member increases, thereby increasing the weight
optimization by changing the base width for lattice type tower of the bracing apart from reduction in its buckling strength and
and base diameter for tubular type tower keeping the top hence offsetting the economy achieved. Thus the aim was to
dimensions (top width/top diameter) unchanged due the examine the net effect in reduction of the weight and to arrive
reasons described above. Accordingly the two models one for at the least/optimal weight for a given base width, other design
lattice type tower and another for tubular type tower with a configuration parameters being constant.
height of 73m were developed and analyzed using STAAD Pro
tool as shown in figures 1 & 2. Thereafter number of iterations 3.2. Tubular Tower
was carried out by changing the base width in steps of 1m Similarly the tubular tower was modeled with base diameter
and by keeping the top width unchanged for lattice type tower. varying from 3.5m to 5.5m in steps of 0.25m interval. The top
Similarly iterations were also carried out for tubular type tower diameter was kept constant at 2m. The bottom portion of the
by changing the base diameters in step of 0.25m and by tower houses an access door opening of 0.6m x 2.0m was
keeping the top diameter unchanged. Also the other design provided at a height of about 1m from the base for service
Door opening
size 0.6m x 2m
Figure 1: Lattice Tower Figure 2: Tubular Tower Figure 3: Cross section of 73m high tower with door opening

personnel to climb up to the Nacelle as shown in Figure 3. For
this reason, the bottom 3.5m height of the tower has been
considered as cylindrical. Beyond this, it starts tapering upwards
up to height of 67 m from the bottom for 73m high towers.
The 2.5m high portion above this up to the top was again kept
cylindrical for housing the nacelle.
The structural data used for lattice and tubular type of tower is
given below in Table 1.
Table 1: Structural Data for Lattice and Tubular Tower
73 m WT 73 m
Description
Lattice tower Tubular tower
Figure 4(b): Plan view of Lattice Tower
Type Space Space
Base width 12m Base dia 3.5m 4.2 Tubular Tower
Base width / (changing from (changing from
The tubular tower resists the external loads applied in three ways:
diameter 12 to 18m in 3.5 to 5.5 m in
steps of 1 m) steps of 0.25 m) (i) Overall Bending, (ii) Local Bending and (iii) Compression.
The first and second are caused due to the horizontal forces
Top width /
Top width 2.6m Top dia 2.0m while the third is caused due to the vertical forces.
diameter
Height of tower 73 m 73 m Any structure of this nature suffers two types of stresses due to
Number of nodes 352 3529 the above actions namely,
Number of
897 3500 i. In Plane Stresses
elements
Degree of ii. Bending Stresses
6 d.o.f. 6 d.o.f.
freedom per Node
Thus it is imperative that the element that is chosen to
Total degree of model the structure represents both the above said actions.
2112 21174
freedom
STAADPRO has a four noded plate and shell element, which
Net degree of
2100 21030 is a combination of Plane Stress Elements and Plate Bending
freedom
Elements. The plane stress part consists of x, y & txy, where
x and y are the normal stresses along X and Y respectively
4.0 Modeling of the Tower
and txy is the plane shear stress. The Bending part consists of
4.1 Lattice Tower Mx, My, Mxy, Qzx & Qzy where Mx and My are the bending
moments in the X Z & Y Z planes and Mxy is the twisting
The main leg members for lattice
moment. Qx and Qy are the out of plane shear forces.
tower were modeled using 3-D
Accordingly, the 73m tall tubular towers was modeled using
space truss while the bracings were
four noded plate/shell elements.
modeled using 3-D beam elements.
The bracings are modeled as beam The base of the tower was assumed to be fixed as the bottom
elements in order to avoid instability plates are embedded in the concrete. Accordingly 24 base
problems. The legs are assumed to nodes were fixed and the tower was divided into 24 segments.
be hinged at the base the first model The tower was meshed with an interval of 0.5m throughout
was developed based on the existing the height of the towers. Care has been taken to keep the
tower configuration with base width aspect ratio (i.e. the ratio for the sides) for the plates/elements
as 12 m and top width as 2.6m. The to be kept less than 2. The first model was developed using
same was analyzed using STAADPRO the existing configuration with base diameter as 3.5m and top
tool and similar analysis was carried diameter as 2.0m. The same was analyzed using STAADPRO
out for different models by changing tool and similar analysis (static extreme wind) was carried
the base widths. The typical 3-D view out for different models by changing the base diameters. The
Figure 4(a):
of the model is shown in Figure 4(a), 3-D view of typical 3-D view for the model is shown in Figure 5(a) and
and plans are shown in Figure 4(b). Lattice Tower plans are shown in Figure 5 (b).

5.2 Vertical Load and Moment
The vertical load consists of self-weight of nacelle comprising of
rotor assembly/blades, gearbox and generator mounted at the
top of the tower. This load is also furnished by the manufacturer
and is applied at the top four nodes of the tower and is shared
equally assuming no eccentricity with respect to CG of the
tower. While in case of tubular tower the vertical load is applied
at the top center line of the tower assuming no eccentricity
with respect to CG of the tower. Accordingly two intersecting
Rigid Members (Beam Elements) have been modeled at the
top of the tubular tower and the vertical loads are applied at
the center of these beams.
The vertical load in this study was considered as 36 MT as
Figure 5(b): Plan view of shown in figures 8 and 9.
Tubular Tower
Figure 5(a): 3D view (showing 24 segments and
of Tubular Tower fixity of the plates at the base)
5.0 Loads on the Tower

The three loads which are mainly acting on the top of the tower
are hub level wind shear arising due to wind loading on the
non-operating rotor, vertical load due to the self weight of the
nacelle and moment due to the wind shear. Apart from this
wind turbine towers is subjected to wind forces together with
the self-weight acting along the height of the tower. The various
loads acting on the tower are described in detail as under:
5.1. Hub Level Wind Shear Force

The hub shear force is calculated using the aero foil
characteristics of the blades and the wind pressure. This value
is normally provided by the wind turbine manufacturer and in
Figure 8: Vertical Load Figure 9: Vertical Load
the present study the hub level shear value of 29.6 tons has
acting on Lattice Tower acting on Tubular Tower
been worked out using the equation(5). The same is applied
at the top of both lattice and tubular tower together with the 5.3 Wind Load on Tower
moment of 119.1 Ton Meter, which is as a typical value for the
wind turbine operating at this height as shown in figures 6 and The wind load on the tower was calculated strictly in accordance
7, respectively. with IS 875-part 3 codal provisions. The basic wind speed for
complex hilly terrain was considered 39 m/s. The risk coefficient
(k1) was taken as 1.06 assuming the maximum life span of
tower as 100 years. The terrain category (k2) was chosen as
III with class C for obstructions closely spaced suiting to complex
hilly terrains. The value of k2 for above conditions was chosen
from the code in accordance with the height. The topography
factor (k3) was chosen as 1.0 assessing absence of steep
slopes or ridges/valleys. Using these values the design wind
speed was calculated for different height along the tower using
the relation:
Vz = Vb k1 * k2 * k3 (3)
The design wind pressure is given by the following relation:
Pz = 0.6 Vz2 where Pz is N/m2 (4)
Figure 6: Hub Level Shear Figure 7: Hub level Shear
Force and Moment acting Force and Moment acting While the hub level wind shear force is given by the relation.
on Lattice Tower on Tubular Tower F = Pz At * Ct (5)

5.3.1 Lattice Tower
The lattice tower was sub divided into several panels and
the exposed area (Ae) of each panel was calculated for the
assumed size of leg and bracing members. The total area of the
panel is calculated using trapezoidal formula:
Ap= (Dt + Db)/2 * H. (6)
Where
Dt - Top width
Db - Bottom width
The solidity ratio (f) of the panel was calculated using the
following relation:
= Ae/Ap (7)
The overall force coefficient (Cf) corresponding to the
Figure 10(a): Figure 10(b): Wind Force
above solidity ratio was taken from the IS 875-part 3,
Wind Force Lattice Lattice Tower
Table 32 [13].
Tower (3-D view) (plan view)
The total wind force on the panel is given by following
relation: obtained from the Table given in IS 875-part-3 and the wind
Fp = Pz * Ae * Cf (8) pressure at this location is calculated using equation(4) above.
For determining the total wind load acting on the segment the
The wind forces were calculated for various iterations. The
mean diameter for each segment is calculated and is multiplied
wind force acting on each panel for lattice tower (base
by the height of the segment, wind pressure and its shape
with 14m) is detailed in Table 2.
factor as given by the following relation:
Table 2: Wind Forces acting on each Panel
Wind Force (F) = 0.7 * Pz * D. h (9)
Total Panel Force
Drag Co-Efficient
Bracing Member
Where D is the average diameter of the panel, h is height of the

Wind Pre-sure
Force on Each
Leg angle (m)
Length of Leg
Bracing angle
Panel(Kgs)
Length of
Member
Panel ht
(Kg/m2)
Bottom
Sl. No.
panel and shape factor is considered as 0.7.

Levels
width
(Kgs)
(m)
The wind loads acting on the different segments for 73m

7 73.00 12.040 2.585 12.060 3.410 0.10 0.40 1.74 117.54 3067.80 383.48 tubular tower are shown in Table 3 below.
6 60.952 10.740 3.098 10.750 3.850 0.10 0.40 1.82 117.54 3136.11 775.49
Table 3: Wind Loads acting on the different segments
5 50.212 9.100 3.557 9.220 4.920 0.10 0.40 2.22 117.54 3175.63 788.97
4 41.112 10.278 5.011 10.520 5.720 0.10 0.40 2.86 117.54 3368.37 818.00 Level Level at Ht. of Wind Dia
WF Dia. WF = 0.7
at top bottom the pressure Pz where
3 30.834 10.278 7.250 10.530 6.290 0.10 0.40 2.82 117.54 4676.95 1005.67 k2 acting @ the * Pz * D.
of of panel = 0.6*Vz2 force
at (m) Section h (T)
2 20.556 10.278 9.500 10.520 7.000 0.10 0.40 3.06 117.54 4294.49 1121.43 panel panel (h) t/m2 acts
73.00 70.500 2.5 1.168 0.140 71.750 2.000 2.000 0.49
1 10.278 10.278 11.740 10.530 12.440 0.10 0.40 3.10 117.54 3498.00 974.07
70.500 68.000 2.5 1.165 0.139 69.250 2.000 2.037 0.50
0 0.000 0.00 14.000 0.000 0.000 0.10 0.40 437.25 8.00 65.500 2.5 1.162 0.138 66.750 2.075 2.112 0.51
65.50 63.000 2.5 1.159 0.138 64.250 2.149 2.187 0.53
The above wind force is distributed to the 8 nodes of the said 63.00 60.500 2.5 1.156 0.137 61.750 2.224 2.261 0.54
panel equally. Figures 10(a) & 10(b) indicates the wind force 60.50 58.000 2.5 1.153 0.136 59.250 2.299 2.336 0.56
being applied at each node both for 3-D and plan view. 58.00 55.500 2.5 1.150 0.136 56.750 2.373 2.410 0.57
55.50 53.000 2.5 1.147 0.135 54.250 2.448 2.485 0.59
The wind loads obtained from the above procedure are applied 53.00 50.500 2.5 1.144 0.134 51.750 2.522 2.560 0.60
as nodal loads on the model and the analysis is performed. 50.50 48.000 2.5 1.141 0.133 49.250 2.597 2.634 0.62
48.00 45.500 2.5 1.135 0.132 46.750 2.672 2.709 0.63
It is found that the leg forces increase when the wind is blowing 45.50 43.000 2.5 1.129 0.131 44.250 2.746 2.784 0.64
along the diagonal direction to take care of this the leg forces 43.00 40.500 2.5 1.123 0.129 41.750 2.821 2.858 0.65
obtained for the face wind condition are multiplied by the factor 40.50 38.000 2.5 1.116 0.128 39.250 2.896 2.933 0.66
of 1.7. 38.00 35.500 2.5 1.110 0.126 36.750 2.970 3.007 0.67
35.50 33.000 2.5 1.104 0.125 34.250 3.045 3.082 0.67
5.3.2 Tubular Tower 33.00 30.500 2.5 1.098 0.124 31.750 3.119 3.157 0.68
30.50 28.000 2.5 1.091 0.122 29.250 3.194 3.231 0.69
In case of tubular tower for calculating the wind loads, the 28.00 25.500 2.5 1.084 0.121 26.750 3.269 3.306 0.70
tower has been divided in to 28 segments. The center of the 25.50 23.000 2.5 1.077 0.119 24.250 3.343 3.381 0.70
segment is located along the height and the value of k2 is 23.00 20.500 2.5 1.069 0.117 21.750 3.418 3.455 0.71

Level Level at Ht. of Wind Dia shoot up, whose consequences can be detrimental/serious.
WF Dia. WF = 0.7
at top bottom the pressure Pz where This cannot be predicted by hand calculation methods. However,
k2 acting @ the * Pz * D.
of of panel = 0.6*Vz2 force
at (m) Section h (T)
panel panel (h) t/m2 acts a finite element method gives realistic estimate of stresses, so
20.50 18.000 2.5 1.062 0.116 19.250 3.493 3.530 0.71 that the plate sizing can be done to cater to such stresses.
18.00 15.500 2.5 1.048 0.113 16.750 3.567 3.604 0.71
The plate stress contours showing the stress concentration are
15.50 13.000 2.5 1.033 0.109 14.250 3.642 3.679 0.70
13.00 10.500 2.5 1.014 0.105 11.750 3.716 3.754 0.69
shown for the bottom most segment of the optimized tower for
10.50 8.000 2.5 0.994 0.101 9.250 3.791 3.828 0.68 73m as shown in Figure 12.
8.00 5.500 2.5 0.974 0.097 6.750 3.866 3.903 0.66
5.50 3.500 2.0 0.954 0.093 4.500 3.940 3.970 0.52
3.50 0.000 3.5 0.938 0.090 1.750 4.000 4.000 0.88
0.00 4.000
Figure 11 indicates the various load

combinations acting on 73m tubular
tower comprising of hub shear force,
vertical load together with self-weight
and moment acting on top of the
tower and wind pressure acting along
the height of the towers.
6.0 Analysis of Tubular Tower

For the purpose of analysis the tower Figure 12: Plate stress contours showing the stress
has been divided into six segments. concentration at bottom most segment for 73m Tubular Tower
The analysis was carried out for
the above load configuration using 7.0 Design of Tower
STAADPRO and the plate stresses
were obtained. The minimum 7.1 Lattice Tower
and maximum plate stresses for Figure 11: Various
Having obtained forces in each leg as well as bracing members
optimized 73m high tubular tower Load combinations the members are designed for both compression and tension
and with base diameter as 4.5m is acting on Tubular as per IS 800 codal provisions. In case the member was found
detailed in Table 4 below. Tower to have higher factor of safety [FS] the size of the member
was reduced and in case it was found to be failing the size of
Table 4: Plate Stresses as obtained from STAADPRO the member was increased and the program was re-run for
Plate stresses for 73m Tower ensuring that all the members are passing.
Sl. Segment / Height of segment for
No. 73m high tower Min. N/mm2 Max. N/mm2
7.2 Tubular Tower
1 Segment-I (0-3.5m) 7.9500 105.1760
For design purposes, the tubular tower has been divided into
2 Segment-II (3.50-20.25) 7.8060 104.4760
6 segments. The thickness is maintained same throughout
3 Segment-III (20.25-37m) 13.0095 104.2680
the height in each of the segments. The maximum vertical
4 Segment-IV(37 - 53.75m) 10.9615 86.4707 stresses from STAAD Analysis are obtained for each of the
5 Segment-V(53.75-70.5m) 4.5700 67.3130 segments. The allowable stresses are obtained from IS 6533 by
6 Segment-VI(70.05-73m) 9.8800 118.1830 considering the tower as a tall chimney. Different segments are
considered and the h/d ratio of the segment is calculated. For
The same was validated using a hand calculation procedure this value of the h/d ratio, the allowable stresses are obtained
and then combined vertical stress obtained from STAADPRO from the Table given in IS 6533. These are compared with the
almost matches with the hand calculation values. actual stresses and if it is found that the actual stresses are
more than the allowable stress, the thickness is increased and
6.1 Stress Concentration near the Door Opening a re-analysis is carried out. This process is continued till all the
for Tubular Tower elements pass. For this configuration the total steel take off/
The vertical combined stress flow gets obstructed due to the weight is calculated. Thereafter the repeated iterative analysis
presence of an opening and hence there is a concentration of by changing the base diameter of the tower and keeping the
stress flow around the opening. This causes a phenomenon other parameters unchanged is carried out and the steel take
called as Stress Concentration due to which the stress levels off/weight is calculated for each analysis.

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8.0 Estimation of Empirical Relation between Base Figure 13 indicates the variation of total weight/steel take off
Dimensions and Bending Moment with respect to the base width for both 73 lattice tower. It was
concluded that for 73 m tower the base width corresponding
In order to suggest the empirical relation between the to the least weight was 14m. A similar exercise was carried out
optimized base dimensions and bending moment both for for 30m height tower also. For both the cases the ratio of the
lattice and tubular towers (73m high), further iterative analysis height of the wind turbine to the base width works out to about
was carried out using the varying wind shear force acting at 5 to achieve the least/optimized weight.
the top. Accordingly, the hub level wind shear force was varied
from 30MT to 50MT in steps of 5MT interval. For each value 9.1.1 Parametric Relation between Base Width and
of wind shear force three iterative analysis was carried out both Moment for Wind Turbine Lattice Towers
for lattice and tubular towers by varying the base dimensions
and keeping all other parameters as constant. In case of lattice In case of wind turbine lattice towers the base width at the
tower the iterative analysis was carried out by changing the base foundation concrete level is distance between the centre
width in steps of 0.5m interval so as to attain the optimized/ of gravity at one corner leg and the centre of gravity of the
least weight. While for tubular tower the iterative analysis adjacent corner leg. Hence, there is a particular base width
was carried out by changing the base diameters in steps of which gives minimum cost of the wind turbine lattice tower.
0.1m interval so as to attain the optimized/least weight. The For the said least weight base width, the bending moment at
bending moments for each optimized width and diameter for the base of the tower was obtained for varying hub level shear
varying wind shear force was determined both for lattice and forces as detailed in Table 6.
tubular tower, respectively. The objective was to determine the
Table 6: Base Width and Moment for varying Wind Shear
preliminarily values of the base dimensions, which provides the
Force (73m tower)
minimum cost of the wind turbine towers.
Hub level Wind Sqrt. of moment at the Optimized
9.0 Results and Discussions Sl.
Shear force base of the tower (M) base width
No.
9.1 Lattice Tower (MT) (TM) (M)
The seven different models with base width changing from 1 30 53.516 14
12m to 18m in steps of 1 m interval were developed and 2 35 58.08 14.5
was analyzed for same loading conditions viz. wind shear force, 3 40 61.29 15
vertical loads and moment for 73 m lattice tower. The total 4 45 64.40 15
weight of the tower/steel take off for different base width was 5 50 67.479 15.5
determined as indicated in Table 5.
Figure 14 indicates the best fit straight line between optimized
Table 5: Steel take-off for various Base Widths (73 m Tower)
base width and moment at the base for 73m lattice tower.
Models Base width(M) Weight/Steel take off (MT) Height / Base
1 12 50.48 6.08
2 13 47.858 5.62
3 14 47.58 5.21
4 15 48.202 4.87
5 16 62.207 4.56
6 17 63.627 4.29
7 18 74.129 4.06
Figure 14: Best fit straight line between base width and M
From the Table 6 above it is noted that the optimum base

width can be obtained for preliminary determination from the
following relation:
B = 0.24 M
Where B - base width of wind turbine lattice tower in meters
M - overturning moment about the ground level in tonne-meter
Also the following equation has been suggested based on the
best fit straight line relationship between the base width and
bending moment as shown in Figure 14.
Figure 13: Variations of Steel take off with varying Base
Width (for 73m) Tower B = 0.1027M + 8.5387

9.2. Tubular Tower Table 8: Base diameter and moment for varying wind shear
force (73m tower)
Similarly the nine different models with base diameter changing
from 3.5 to 5.5m in steps of 0.2m interval were developed Hub level Wind Sqrt. of moment at the base Optimized base
and was analyzed for same loading conditions viz.. wind shear Sl. No. Shear force of the tower (M) diameter
force, vertical loads, wind pressure acting along the height, and (MT) (TM) (M)
moment for 73m tubular tower. The total weight of the tower/ 1 29 53.65 4.50
steel take off for different base diameters was determined as 2 30 54.66 4.50
indicated Table 7. 3 35 57.96 4.60
Table 7: Steel take-off for various base diameters 4 40 61.12 4.75
(73m tubular tower) 5 45 64.00 4.75

6 50 66.97 5.00
Models Base Dia (M) Weight / steel take off (MT) Height / base Dia
1 3.5 117.1 20.86
Figure 16 indicates the best fit straight line between optimized
2 3.75 115.9 19.46
base diameter and moment at the base for 73m tubular tower.
3 4 107.8 18.25
4 4.25 107.5 17.17
5 4.5 107.4 16.22
6 4.75 112.9 15.37
7 5 113.5 14.60
8 5.25 114.8 13.90
9 5.5 119.2 13.27
Figure 15 indicates the variation of total weight/steel take

off with respect to the base diameter for 73m tall tower. It Figure 16: Best fit straight line between base diameter and M
was concluded that for 73m tall tower the base diameter
From the Table 8 above it is noted that the optimum base
corresponding to the least weight was 4.5m. A similar analysis
diameter can be obtained for preliminary determination from
was carried out for 30m tubular tower. For both the cases the the following relation.
ratio of the height of the wind turbine to the base diameter
works out to about 16 to achieve the least/optimized weight. D = 0.078 M
Where D - base diameter of wind turbine tubular tower in
meters
M - overturning moment about the ground level in tone-meter
and also the following equation has been suggested based on
the best fit straight line relationship between the base diameter
and moment, as shown in Figure 16.
D = 0.0351M+2.5851
10. CONCLUSIONS
In the present study, two wind turbine towers viz. lattice and
tubular of 73m height were modeled and analyzed using
Figure 15: Variation of total weight/steel take-off with different geometric configurations by changing their base
respect to the base diameter for 73m tower dimensions and keeping the top dimensions as constant. The
top dimensions were kept constant due to the constraint that
9.2.1 Parametric Relation between Base Diameter the tip of the blade should not touch the body while passing
and Moment for Wind Turbine Tubular Towers by the tower. The results indicated that the least/optimum
weight of 47.58MT was obtained for the base width of 14m for
In case of wind turbine tubular towers there is a particular base 73 m high lattice tower. Thus the H/B ratio so obtained was
diameter which gives the minimum total cost of the tubular 5.21. Similarly the least/optimal weight of 107.4MT for base
towers. In order to obtain preliminary determination of base diameter of 4.5m for 73m height tubular tower. Thus the H/D
diameter an iterative analysis was further carried out by varying ratio obtained was 16.22. Hence, inference drawn from the
hub level wind shear forces for 73m tubular tower. For the said parametric study is that for selecting the optimized tower the
least weight diameter the bending moment was obtained as designer/developers shall choose the base width about 1/5th
detailed in Table 8. of the height for lattice type towers and the base diameter as

1/16th for tubular type towers with which sizeable saving in b. Tubular Tower:
steel can be achieved, within the limits of static analysis used
D=0.078 M - for preliminary determination
in the present study. It is inferred that the optimized cost of the
lattice tower is about 40 - 45% of the cost corresponding to D=0.0351M+2.5851 - Based on the best fit
that of 73m height tubular tower, keeping other parameters as relationship between base diameter and M.
same for the analysis.
The hub shear for a given wind turbine will generally
Also as an outcome of the study the following parametric be provided by the manufacturer. This, multiplied by
relations between the base diameter and bending moment the hub height gives the moment at the base which
which provides the minimum cost of the wind turbine towers is predominant. The moment due to the wind on the
are suggested, based on parametric studies. tower is negligible. As such the value of M to be used
a. Lattice tower: in the formula may be taken as Hub shear x Hub height.
Using the above parametric relations the optimized base
B = 0.24 M - for preliminary determination
dimensions can be worked out which will serve as a ready
B = 0.1027M + 8.53 - Based on the best fit reckoner for a designer to start with for a given height/
relationship between base width and M. hub shear of the tower.
ReNew Power Becomes First IPP to Cross Wind Energy Capacity Addition Target 4.1 GW in
1GW of Renewable Capacity 20162017
The five-year-old start-up ReNew Power Ventures Wind energy capacity addition target for FY20162017 has
been set at 4.1 GW, compared to 2.4 GW in FY20152016.
Pvt. Ltd, an independent power producer (IPP)
2015-16 saw 3400 MW of wind power addition. MNRE also
and developer of wind and solar energy, has
plans to add 12 GW of solar power capacity this year.
become the first IPP in India to cross an installed
capacity of 1 GW (1,000 MW) from clean energy Reduction in AD to hit Renewable Energy Sector
projects in the country. This also makes ReNew
Power the largest IPP in the country by way of Mr. Upendra Tripathy, Secretary, MNRE has said that the
renewable energy sector, especially wind energy, is suffering
cumulative installed capacity. The company is
because of the reduction in accelerated depreciation tax
slated to bring another 1,400 MW of Renewable

benefit as announced in the Budget.
power capacity on stream over the next 12 to
18 months. MPERC issues Tariff Order
Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission has issued
Indian Renewable Energy Certificate Sales
final wind tariff order and determined tariff of Rs. 4.78/Kwh for
Jump at FY 2015/16 End the control period of 3 years from 01.4.2016 to 31.3.2019.
Nearly 300,000 solar renewable energy
TNERC issues Tariff Order
certificates (solar RECs) have been sold in India
in January-March 2015, marking an 83% rise in Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) has
issued a comprehensive tariff order No 3 of 2016 dated
quarter-on-quarter terms, demand remains wide,
31.03.2016 on wind energy and determined tariff of Rs.
with 621,200 solar RECs issued for the quarter. 4.16/Kwh effective from 1st April 2016 for the control period
For non-solar RECs, on the other hand, this of 2 year.
was the first quarter in which buys surpassed
certificate issuance in each month. Non-solar APERC issues Tariff Order
REC demand jumped to 2.045 million sold Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission has
units, which compares to 1.34 million sold in issued generic preferential tariff of Rs. 4.84/Kwh for
October-December 2015 and to 1.78 million without AD Benefit & Rs.4.25/Kwh with AD Benefit for
Wind Power Project applicable from 01-04-2016 to
issued for the reporting quarter.
31-03-2017.
Gamesa grabs 198 MW in India Wind in White Sector by MPPCB

Gamesa will deliver 50 G114-2.0 MW and 12 Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) issued
G114s turbines in Karnataka and 25 G97-2.0 an order no. 477 dated 6th April 2016 related to exemption
MW turbines in Rajasthan making a total order of 36 types of white sector industries from the consent to
operate (copy attached) and mentioned Wind Power in the
of 198 MW.
Sr. no. 35.

Wind Tower Technologies and
Forthcoming Advancements
Mr. Bharathy K, Chief Executive Officer

Windar Renewable Energy Private Limited [email protected]
Evaluation of Wind Turbine Technology had not yet been installed. In this period, high-tensile steel was
cheap, and the generators were placed atop prefabricated open
Windmills were used in Persia (present-day Iran) as early as
steel lattice towers.
200 B.C. The wind wheel of Hero of Alexandria marks one
of the first known instances of wind powering a machine in A forerunner of modern horizontal-axis wind generators was in
history. However, the first known practical windmills were built service at Yalta, USSR in 1931. This was a 100 kW generator
in Sistan, an Eastern province of Iran, from the 7th century. on a 98 ft tower.
These "Panemone" were vertical axle windmills, which had
In the autumn of 1941, the first megawatt-class wind turbine
long vertical drive shafts with rectangular blades. Made of six
was synchronized to a utility grid in Vermont. The Smith-
to twelve sails covered in reed matting or cloth material, these
Putnam wind turbine only ran for 1,100 hours before suffering
windmills were used to grind grain or draw up water, and were
a critical failure. The unit was not repaired, because of shortage
used in the grist milling and sugarcane industries.
of materials during the war.
The first electricity-generating wind turbine was a battery
Despite these diverse developments, developments in fossil
charging machine installed in July 1887 by Scottish academic
fuel systems almost entirely eliminated any wind turbine
James Blyth to light his holiday home in Marykirk, Scotland.
systems larger than super micro size. In the early 1970s,
Some months later American inventor Charles F. Brush was
however, anti-nuclear protests in Denmark spurred artisan
able to build the first automatically operated wind turbine after
mechanics to develop micro turbines of 22 kW. Organizing
consulting local University professors and colleagues.
owners into associations and co-operatives lead to the lobbying
In Denmark by of the government and utilities and provided incentives for
1900, there were larger turbines throughout the 1980s and later. Local activists
about 2,500 in Germany, nascent turbine manufacturers in Spain, and large
windmills for investors in the United States in the early 1990s then lobbied
mechanical loads for policies that stimulated the industry in those countries. Later
such as pumps and companies formed in India and China.
mills, producing
an estimated Present Need for Clean Energy
combined peak Now the entire world has realized that building a clean energy
power of about future as one of the great challenges of our present time.
30 MW ie. 12 KW
each. The largest In order to address this challenge comprehensive new energy
machines were on plans are being developed by many countries. Part of this plan
Figure 1: The first automatically 79 ft towers. calls for 15 percent of our electricity to come from renewable
operated wind turbine in year 1887. resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, wave and OTEC by
It was 60 feet tall, weighed 4 tons By 1908 there were 2015, and 25 percent by 2020.
and powered a 12 kW generator. 72 wind-driven
electric generators National Academy of Sciences of the United States, estimated
operating in the United States from 5 kW to 25 kW. Around the world wind power potential to be 40 times greater than total
time of World War I, American windmill makers were producing current power consumption. This large increase over previous
100,000 farm windmills each year, mostly for water-pumping. studies, which found this multiple to be closer to 7 times, is in
large part due to the increasingly common deployment of very
By the 1930s, wind generators for electricity were common on large turbines that rise to heights not considered by previous
farms, mostly in the United States where distribution systems studies.

Evaluation of Wind Tower Technology provided by the turbine manufacturer. Wind, self-weight, and
internal fixture loads are obtained using appropriate formulas.
As turbines rise to new heights, in order to tap into the greater
Loads on the foundation, which result from the various loads
wind speeds available at these heights, obtaining the most
on the tower, are obtained from the structural load calculations.
efficient and safe or optimal design of the structures that
Additional loading on the foundation includes its self-weight.
support them will become of increasing importance to the
successful proliferation of wind power. Towers can be classified in two major application headings:
1) Onshore wind turbine and 2) Offshore wind turbines. Windar
Over the past 25 years, a significant amount of research has
Renewable is specialist in both these types.
been conducted to formulate the design of various pole and
tower structures as optimization problems. This research has Onshore and Offshore Wind Turbines
provided us with many valuable insights into the optimal design
of such structures as well as into the effectiveness of various Onshore wind turbines Offshore wind turbinesv
optimization approaches. Considering the tower and foundation These are two types, namely
Advantages:
as an integral system, where tower support conditions are not
assumed to be perfectly rigid, will allow us to better understand It requires cheaper Near shore and Off shore.
the validity of this technical paper. foundations Advantages:
Easily integrated with the The roughness of the
Additionally, due to the lack of an official wind turbine tower
electrical- grid network water surface is very low
design standard, previous efforts have relied on a mixture of
Cheaper installation wind and obstacles to the
codes, standards, and engineering judgment to identify design
and access during the wind are less.
requirements.
construction phase. So, large turbines can be
A review of the literature surrounding the optimal design of installed
It can be operated and
various pole and tower structures is now presented in order
maintained easily and Noise pollution is also not
to show the current state of the art in the field, review various
cheaply a factor because these are
optimizations approaches, and identify important technical
too far from shores
issues connected with each options.
Disadvantages: Disadvantages:
Main Tower Design Considerations Negative visual impact and Installing offshore wind-
1. Minimization of the towers mass noise. turbines is much more
Limited availability of lands complex and costly
2. Maximization of the towers stiffness
3. Maximization of the towers stiffness to mass ratio Restrictions associated Connection to the utility
with obstructions like grid is also much more
4. Minimization of vibrations complex and expensive
buildings, mountains, etc.
5. Minimization of a performance index that measures the
Birds getting trapped in Operation and
separation between the structures natural frequency and maintenance is also a
blades
the turbines exciting frequency complex task with off
Affected to more shore wind turbines
6. Maximization of the system natural frequency
turbulence
In all six design strategies, allowable stress, maximum deflection,
resonance, limits on tower mass, limits on mean diameter and
limits on wall-thickness constraints were imposed.
Cross-sectional dimension, buckling, tower top deflection and

rotation limits are main focus points to be considered. Limits
on the towers and combined with foundation systems natural
frequency are again an important issue to be design satisfied in
order to ensure a satisfactory tower design.
Figure 2: Onshore Wind Figure 3: Offshore Wind
Turbines Turbines
Tower and Foundation Loads
Parts of a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine
The tower loading consists of loads from the turbine, wind, self-
weight, and internal fixtures. Loads from the turbine, which act The basic parts of a horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) are
at the tower top, are obtained from a structural load document foundation, tower, nacelle, generator and rotor blades.

Clearly, we cannot sensibly fit a 60 meter rotor to a tower of
less than 30 meters. But if we consider the cost of a large rotor
and a large generator and gearbox, it would surely be a waste

Figure 4: Wind Turbine Parts to put it on a small tower, because we get much higher wind
speeds and thus more energy with a tall tower.
Foundation: A very good foundation is required to support
Each meter of tower height costs money so the optimum
the tower and various parts of a wind turbine which weighs in
height of the tower is a function of:
tones say around 180 MT.
1. tower costs per meter (10 meter extra tower will presently
Tower cost about Rs. 20 lacs)
A tower provides support to the nacelle and rotor hub at its top. 2. how much the wind locally varies with the height above
These are made from tubular steel, concrete, or steel lattice. ground level, i.e. the average local terrain roughness (large
Height of the tower is an important in design of HWAT. Because roughness makes it more useful with a taller tower),
wind speed increases with height, taller towers enable turbines 3. the price the turbine owner gets for an additional kilowatt
to capture more energy and generate more electricity. Generally hour of electricity.
output power of the wind system increase with increase in
Manufacturers often deliver machines where the tower height
height and also reduces the turbulence in wind. The theoretical
is equal to the rotor diameter. Aesthetically, many people find
view of tower height versus power out is shown in Figure 5.
that turbines are more pleasant to look at, if the tower height is
roughly equal to the rotor diameter.
Comparison between Low and Tall Towers
Different Types of Wind
Obviously, we get more energy from a larger wind turbine than Structure
Turbine Towers
a small one, but if you take a look at the three wind turbines
below, which are 225 kW, 600 kW, and 1,500 kW respectively,
and with rotor diameters of 27, 43, and 60 meters, you will
notice that the tower heights are different as well.
Figure 6: Tubular Tower
Tubular Tower: They are constructed from rolled steel plates

welded together with flanges on top and bottom, being
sprayed with several coats of gray weatherproof paint. They
have doors top and bottom allowing entrance to the vertical
ladders inside used to access the power cables and the yaw
mechanism. There may also be a set of vertical ladders on the
outside of the tower accessing the nacelle for maintenance
and other checks. 85% of nacelles operate in this type of
Figure 5: Tower Height vs Power Output tower.

Different Types of Wind Forthcoming Technical Advancement in Tower
Structure Designs
Turbine Towers
To cope up with increasing MW class machines and practical
constrain in tower transportation, designers are already in
Lattice tower: A lattice
advanced stage to commercialize telescopic towers, flangeless
tower can be constructed
towers, vertically split towers, etc.
using L angles. They
have disadvantages and
Tower Production Process
advantages for wind
energy Tower production process is divided into three major stages i.e.
shell fabrication, section fabrication in black & section finish in
Figure 7: Lattice tower
white.
Guyed wind tower: Shell Fabrication:

These are very strong and
most economical when The process starts with the receipt of materials like raw
steel plates, flanges, weldable internals, paints & screwable
properly installed. But
internals etc.
it requires more space
around the tower for guy After receipt, the material is duly inspected and approved
wires by the quality team and identification of items is done at
Figure 8: Guy Tower this stage.
Once the material is identified, all raw steel plates are cut
Tilt up Wind Towers: as per the layout in CNC plasma /oxy fuel cutting machine
These types of towers and stacked in sequence of tower sections.
are used for consumer
The cut steel plates are shaped into shell through rolling
wind energy and for lower machine. These rolled shells have long seam welded by
power generating wind SAW welding process.
machines.
Figure 9: Tilt up Tower
Section Fabrication in Black:
The tubular section is made of various shells fitted with the
flanges at both the end. Therefore the first step is to fit a
Free Standing Tower: flange to a shell and add more shell up to maximum, and
These can be used for finish a section by fitting up flange to the last shell.
small wind turbines with
cautions. Once the shells are converted into section, it is followed
by external SAW welding and internal SAW welding. Section
Weldable internals like ladders, platform, etc. are fixed &
Figure 10: Free stand tower
welded to the section.
Hybrid Tower Solutions The complete section welds are then inspected and cleared
by NDT tests and also all dimensional are checked before
Some towers are made
clearing section from black stge.
in different combinations
of the techniques Section Finish in White:
mentioned above. One
example is the three- The final black section is sent to blasting booth for surface
legged 95 kW tower preparation by shot/grit blasting followed by cleaning from
between a lattice tower both sides.
and a guyed tower. After blasting of section, it is painted & dried up in painting
Similar concept can booth. All screwable internals like ladder, platforms etc. are
be adopted combining then fitted to painted section.
lattice and tubular tower
A finished white section is duly inspected by quality team
also.
and is released for despatch.

which provides added value in terms of logistics. Gantry Cranes
are also needed in the storage yard to handle and pick any
tower sections at any time or seasons.
A Tower Section Manufacturing in Process

Some companies are also exporting the towers to other
countries. Now most of the turbines installed in India are in
between the range of 1.5 to 2.5 MW. Hence the height of
the tower is regularly on increase from 30 meters to 80, 100
meters and beyond. Hence maintaining high quality is must.
Certifications like LRQA for the Quality Management System IS0

Windar India Halol Plant for Tower Manufacturing 9001, the Environmental System ISO 14001 & the Occupational
Health & Safety Management System ISO 18001, TUV Nord
The tower manufacturing factory needs very large areas for Systems GmbH & Co. KG for the welding workshop in the
raw material, workshop for manufacturing process and storage, product range of Steel Tower for Wind Turbines of the Standard
Rollers
I Reception and quality
control of the steel plates
The cylinders forming the wind
turbine tower are made from
plated sheets that are flame cut
and primed. 4 rings
8 rings
12 rings
Ring
II Shaping
The sheets are inserted in a
machine with three large
rollers that shape the rings.
III Welding
The rings are submerged
Hoist
arc-welded, forming sections
of different lengths.
Steel
sheets
Welding
machine
Moveable
support
Flange
IV Shot peening, painting and drying

The structure is placed inside the painting and drying
tunnel. Once the tower plating is finished, it is then given
a surface treatment, consisting of a double-steel shot
peening and three coats of paint. This provides a C-5
level protection.
V Assembly of the auxiliary equipment

Once the tower is dry, all the service elements
such as platforms and ladders) are mounted on it.
Tower Production Process

DIN EN ISO 3834-2 (EN 729-2) are also part of providing the
quality product.
There are several challenges for tower manufacturers in terms

of raw material supply and finished goods dispatches but the
industry is poised for significant growth in the coming years.
Having the strong financial and technical expertise of the parent

company - in manufacturing metal structures and knowledge
hub for renewable energy technologies, high indexes in the
quality of the finishing of works and opportunities offered by
the Indian wind power segment, Windar India will be offering
global solutions to its clients and is set to emerge as the largest
wind tower manufacturer in India.
CERC Declares Generic Tariff:

CERC has declared generic tariff for RE Technologies for FY 2016-17 vide its order Date of Order: 29th April 2016. Generic
Tariff for Wind Energy for FY 2016-2017 is tabulated below.
Levellised Total Benefit of Accelerated Depreciation Net levellised Tariff (upon adjusting for
Particulars
Tariff, (Rs/kwh) (If availed), (Rs/kwh) AD benefit) (If availed), (Rs/kwh)
Wind Zone-1 (CUF 20%) 6.60 0.71 5.89
Wind Zone-2 (CUF 22%) 6.00 0.65 5.36
Wind Zone-3 (CUF 25%) 5.28 0.57 4.71

Wind Zone-4 (CUF 30%) 4.40 0.47 3.93
Wind Zone-5 (CUF 32%) 4.13 0.44 3.68
MERC issues Renewable Energy Purchase Obligation

Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has issued the Renewable Energy Purchase Obligation, its
Compliance and Implementation of Renewable Energy Certificate Framework, Regulation, 2016 for the operating
period from 1st April 2016 to 31st March 2020. The regulation will be applicable on Distribution Licensees, Captive
Users and Open Access consumers as per their respective regulations (with various conditions) and RPO targets are:
Quantum of purchase from Renewable Energy sources (in %)

YEAR
SOLAR NON-SOLAR (other RE) TOTAL
2016-2017 1.00% 10.00% 11.00%
2017-2018 2.00% 10.50% 12.50%
2018-2019 2.75% 11.00% 13.75%
2019-2020 3.50% 11.50% 15.00%
Rs. 4,000 - crore Investments in Wind Energy on Brink of Becoming NPAs

Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (MSEDCL) has refused to sign power purchase agreements (PPA)
or issue commissioning certificates to 364.15 MW of wind projects that were ready in 2014-15 and another 192.05
MW were completed in 2015-16. Hence the investment of Rs 4,000 crore in wind energy projects is on the verge of
becoming non-performing assets.

Wind Turbine Generators:
The Evolution of Tower Technology
Vinod R Tanti, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Suzlon Group
One of the most important components of a wind turbine is on the cost of manufacturing such a tall tower versus the
its tower. increase in value brought on by increased generation.
Often the importance of the role that the tower plays in Another advantage of a taller tower is to tap air that is less
the design of a wind turbine goes unnoticed. Most people turbulent resulting from absence of obstructions such as trees
assume its primary function to be carrying the nacelle and and buildings. Towers under 100 metres in height can face
rotor to which the blades are attached. However, the tower is greater wear and tear due to higher wind turbulence as a result
responsible for many more functions, one of which is to raise of a higher number of obstructions. Taller turbines overcome
the turbine above surrounding obstacles and to a height where this drawback as they face less turbulent winds, increasing their
clean and unobstructed wind becomes available and harvest life. Hence, the fact that taller towers were the next step in tower
the maximum wind energy by accommodating the suitable size technology evolution was a given. The question then became
rotor dia. Furthermore, the tower needs to absorb the large one of how, because lattice towers could not accommodate
static and dynamic loads brought about by the power of varying such heights. In fact, lattice towers were optimum until the
wind. height of 60 metres. Consequently, when the time came
for towers that were over 60 metres in height, wind turbine
Given its role in the smooth operation of a turbine and in
manufacturers made the move from lattice to tubular towers.
effective energy generation, the tower has undergone a large
amount of innovation in design and construction over decades. Tubular towers are built in individual sections of 20 metres to
This has resulted in numerous types of towers, each catering 30 metres each and flanges at either end. With a tower that
to set of conditions and circumstances. The height of the has a thick base and narrower top, the tower is made logistic-
turbine, the wind conditions and the type of land flat ground, friendly by being bolted together only once on-site. The conical
mountainous terrain, thick covering of tall trees or rocky and shape allows for greater cost efficiency than a straight tower
uneven ground are all important aspects of the tower design. and greater stability through a wider base. However, the tubular
Each of these factors plays a role in determining the most tower too has a height limitation. When applied to turbines of
effective tower structure that will provide the desired result of over 100 metres, the design needs to incorporate a thicker
stability, height and load bearing capacity. base. This adversely impacts the cost. Furthermore, this design
becomes unfeasible for transport, resulting in applicability to
Up until 15 years ago, lattice towers were the norm for wind
only those sites that are accessible through unobstructed roads
turbines. Manufactured with welded steel profiles, they offered
or vessels and availability of required size steel plates and
the advantages of a sturdy base that could better absorb the
manufacturing infrastructure. Some players in the industry have
buffeting of winds with reduced wear and tear. Furthermore,
achieved success on the design, transport and installation of
when compared to the more recent tubular towers, they
such tubular towers that go up to 120 metres.
required less steel, thereby offering a large cost advantage.
However, when height became a consideration to overcome Suzlon, however, took a different path. With the innovation of
the problem of low wind, lattice towers fell short. a hybrid tower, it presented itself as a solution in going higher
than conventional towers.
Many regions were left untapped because their wind resources
were not strong enough at the prevailing wind turbine heights The hybrid tower is a combination of a lattice tower and a
for adequate generation. Capitalising on cleaner and stronger tubular tower. A tubular tower is attached to a lattice base with
winds required an increase in hub height. The solution was to a unique transition piece. Placed on top of a lattice base, the
develop taller turbines. The science behind this is quite simple. transition piece acts as a elevated foundation for the tubular
A wind turbines power output is a function of the cube of the sections of tower, allowing the transition from one type of
wind velocity and density. As a result, a small increase in wind tower to the other to be stable, safe and effective. Although
speed, as felt by a taller tower, will have a large impact on completely constructed using steel, the hybrid tower offers the
energy generation. The height of the tower is thus dependent advantage of reduced material usage and therefore less weight.

The lattice base uses 33% less concrete in its foundation than due to low wind resource. The evidence of design success lies
a tubular tower of the same height would, resulting in reduced in the fact that the prototype of the S97 120m hybrid tower,
cost of foundation. commissioned in Gujarat in June 2014, has achieved a 35%
Plant Load Factor (PLF) which is higher than the industry
In fact, the hybrid tower is evidence of weight optimization
average of 25% to 30%.
in tower design. A reduced mass per kW of energy, through
reduced steel usage, translates into increased natural resource But there is more than meeting the need for height, reduced
saving and greater environment-friendliness. Testament to this weight, reduced cost and greater stability that goes into designing
is the fact that at a height of 120 metres, a tubular tower would a hybrid tower. Tower technology, in practice, is heavily reliant
weigh much higher, as compared to a hybrid tower. on quality control. A flawless design can be rendered ineffective
Furthermore, its wide stance, achieved through the lattice tower if not supported by quality control and stringent parameters that
base as opposed to a tubular one, offers enhanced stability, are analysed for optimum versus actual.
cohesive to achieving greater height. This allows the wind Wind turbine manufacturers need to ensure that their towers
turbine generators to scale new heights where wind speeds can accommodate heavy static and dynamic loads. Tolerances,
and consequent generation are greater. As a result, sites that which can be allowable as deviations from the set design
remained previously unviable become viable, overcoming the parameters, need to be kept at a minimum. This can be
limitations of windy site scarcity. achieved through quality checks at every stage of manufacture
Logistics play a very important role for the advantage of cost, and installation.
time and other related risks. Hybrid towers overcome numerous Another point of consideration during the manufacture of towers
potential problems and offer increased accessibility as they and tower components is production time. The difference
are also constructed on site. This makes them more logistic- in production cycle time can affect customer decision when
friendly and consequently, cost effective. It also provides local selecting a renewable energy partner. How successful a plant
employment. is, and how optimized its production cycle time is, depends on
Hybrid towers are increasingly becoming the norm as the its setup. Suzlon, for instance, uses a linear production setup
industry moves towards higher hub heights. Suzlon too has that places heavy focus on manpower. It gives us a 16 day
embraced this step and introduced the S97 and S111, the production cycle, which is at par with industry standards.
latest innovations from our 2.1 MW platform of products. The To conclude, it can be stated that the tower is the foundation
S97 120m turbine is, in fact, the highest all-steel tower wind on which a turbine is installed. The time now is for taller
turbine in the world at a height of 120 metres. Keeping with turbines that enable larger rotors/diameters. History proves that
the national movement to increase investment in, and use of, necessity is the mother of invention lattice towers gave way to
renewable energy, Suzlons hybrid towers have been designed tubular towers, and now we are moving towards the technology
to lower the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCoE) and offer a safe of hybrid towers. Yet, regardless of the type of tower, what
and secure investment with excellent, long term Return on remains consistent is the advantage of cost, weight, logistics,
Investment (ROI). These hybrid towers combine a lattice base and production time. One these aspects, tower technology
with a tubular tower, brought together with a unique transition across the industry remains common; and the aim is to bring
piece. As a result, we have been able to scale a height of 120 about the best in each aspect while also maintaining quality
metres and open up those sites that were previously unusable and minimising deviations from design.
National Institute of Wind Energy 2nd Wrapper

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The theme of the next issue of
LM Wind Power 25 Indian Wind Power is "Gearbox Technology".
Suzlon 29 We invite relevant articles to the theme. We solicit your cooperation.
NGC Transmission Asia Pacific Pvt Ltd. 35 Editor

Structural Analysis,
Design and Field
Testing of Wind Turbine P. Harikrishna A. Abraham S. Selvi Rajan G. Ramesh Babu
Sr. Principal Sr. Scientist Chief Scientist Principal Scientist
Support Towers Scientist
Wind Engineering Laboratory, CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre, Chennai
Introduction under different

o p e r a t i n g
Wind power in India has an estimated potential of 302 GW of
wind speeds.
electricity generation capacity at 100m height (ref. www.niwe.
Modal analysis
res.in) under the renewable energy sources sector. The Indian
of the tower
wind energy sector has an installed capacity of 26769 MW (as
with tower top
on March 31, 2016, ref. MNRE) and is ranked 4th in the world.
mass is carried
The wind energy is converted into electrical energy using Wind
out to obtain
Turbines, which are supported on elevated towers. The cost of
various natural
wind turbine tower and its foundation is generally about one tenth
frequencies of the
of the capital investment of a wind turbine system. However, the
tower and their
satisfactory functioning of the wind turbine during its intended life
mode shapes
time requires the safe design of the support tower against survival
(Figure 2).
wind loads and turbine operating fatigue loads.
The dynamic
The CSIR-SERC has State-of-the-art facilities and expertise for sensitivity of the
carrying out studies on structural analysis, design and testing of tower to wind Figure 1: Schematic diagram of
wind turbine support towers and blades using Mobile Laboratory turbulence, rotor 6-component tower top loads
equipped with DAQ system for field instrumentation on prototype rpm and its
structures and Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel (BLWT) for model harmonics, and natural frequencies of blade is assessed
testing. In the last couple of decades, CSIR-SERC has efficiently for the evaluation of dynamic amplification factors, if any.
utilized these facilities and expertise in serving various industries Under survival wind speed, the tower is analysed for the
related to wind energy sector. 6-component tower top loads (which are turbine specific)
due to wind induced loads on the nacelle and blades along
Structural Analysis and Design of Wind Turbine with wind loads on the tower.
Support Lattice Towers
The Centre has carried out analysis of towers (with heights varying
between 35 m and 50 m) supporting wind turbines with capacities
ranging from 80 kW to 500 kW. Design criteria for these towers
involve safety against survival wind loads and also against fatigue
damage due to cyclic operating loads during its intended life time
(usually 20 years). For the safe design of wind turbine support
tower, the tower needs to be designed for 6-component tower
top loads (FX, FY, FZ, MX, MY and MZ) under survival wind speed
(with the turbine under stalled condition) in addition to the wind
loads on the support tower (Figure 1). Further, the towers need
to be designed for fatigue damage caused by 6-component tower
top load ranges with specified number of cycles during its life time

turbine support tower has been field tested by CSIR-SERC to
assess its dynamic structural characteristics (Figure 3).
Figure 2: Finite element modeling of a tall tower

supporting a wind turbine and its mode shapes
Under operating wind speed range (i.e. between cut-in and

cut-out/cut-off wind speeds), the tower will be subjected to
6-component tower top turbine operating loads, which are
turbine specific, with specific amplitude ranges. These operating Figure 3: Field testing of 60 m tall guyed tower supporting
load ranges cause different levels of fatigue damage to the 500 kW capacity down-wind type wind turbine
tower members/sections in various operating wind speed bins.
Based on Miners rule, the fatigue damage in each wind speed Field Investigations of Wind Turbine Support Towers
bin is obtained as a ratio of the number of operating cycles
Wind turbine support towers are generally designed for
(based on the site specific annual wind speed distribution)
6-component tower top loads specific to the wind turbine
to the total number of cycles for failure (based on structural
characteristics and based on standard reference terrain/
analysis using operating load ranges and material/detail specific turbulence conditions. However, these standard reference
S-N curve). The cumulative fatigue damage of the tower over its terrain/turbulence characteristics can not be comparable to
life-time is obtained as a sum of the evaluated fatigue damages all wind farm sites, which are specific to local topographical
in each wind speed bin. Design recommendations are given features. Further, these towers are designed for standard
based on the analysis of the tower for survival wind loads and operating load conditions. However, frequent occurrence of
for operating load ranges in various operating wind speed bins. various other operating load conditions, viz. Grid failure causing
sudden brake to the operation and followed by restarting
Structural Analysis, Design and Field Testing of the turbine, can cause significant fatigue damage during the
Wind Turbine Support Guyed Tubular Tilt-up Tower life time of the tower due to high amplitude fatigue cycles.
These issues warrant full-scale field testing of the wind turbine
As part of New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership
support towers for various operating load conditions under
Initiative (NMITLI) project on Development of a 500 kW low-
site-specific terrain/turbulence conditions. Due to very high
cost horizontal-axis wind turbine, CSIR-SERC, in collaboration
capital investments and continuous maintenance of state-of-art
with CSIR-NAL, Bengaluru, has carried out structural analysis
instrumentation facilities, there are only a few prototype testing
and design of a 60 m tall guyed tubular tilt-up tower supporting
stations, exclusively for wind turbines. Nevertheless, lower
a 500 kW down-wind type wind turbine with 2-blades. The
capital costs and experienced manpower, measurements over
tower has been supported by four guys at the 42 m level and a period of couple of weeks during seasonal wind conditions,
anchored at the ground level at a diagonal spacing of 25 m could be used to get reliable data from the specific site for the
from the tower base. Finite element analysis of the tower has evaluation of fatigue damage (per hour) in critical members
been carried out for various inclined positions of the tower to under different operating wind speed bins and under various
take into account the tilt-up action. The tubular sections have miscellaneous operating wind conditions. These data can be
been designed with slip-joints with specified segment lengths used to verify the fatigue damage evaluated at the design stage
along the height of the tower. Further, the prototype wind and for the evaluation of fatigue life of the tower.

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Centre has developed expertise and carried out field testing The measurements are carried out over a period of 1 or 2
of many lattice towers supporting up-wind/down-wind type weeks using DAQ systems containing built-in strain gauge signal
wind turbines with capacities ranging from 225 kW to 1 MW conditioners housed in a Mobile Laboratory (Figure 6).
and with 2/3-blades in various wind farm sites (Figure 4).
Figure 6: Views of mobile laboratory and DAQ system

inside mobile laboratory
The data are collected under turbine stalled condition, turbine

operating conditions in various wind speed bins and under
various other operating conditions (Figure 7). The measured
data is analysed for the evaluation of natural frequencies of the
tower and blade, and various operating frequencies, viz. rotor
rpm and its harmonics (Figure 8).
Figure 4: Field testing of different lattice towers supporting
wind turbines
Typical instrumentation of a tower includes anemometers at

reference height for measuring wind speed and direction, tri-
axial accelerometer at the top of the tower for measuring the
vibrations of tower and strain gauges at critical elevations of the
tower for measuring the member stresses (Figure 5).
Figure 7: Typical measured tower base strain during

Figure 5: View of propeller anemometer, strain gauge
different operating Conditions
instrumentation and tri-axial accelerometer

Figure 8: Typical evaluated stress spectrum with peaks at
operating and structural frequencies
Further, the evaluated stress time histories are analysed using

Rainflow Counting Technique to evaluate number of fatigue
cycles in different stress amplitude ranges and to evaluate per
hour fatigue damage (Figure 9).
Based on the measured data covering different operating wind

speed bins, recommendations are provided for strengthening
the tower for critical members/section based on cumulative Figure 9: Distribution of Rainflow counted cycles for
fatigue damage is evaluated over the life time of the tower. different stress ranges in various wind speed bins
Wind Industry News in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh and a 20MW

plant at Inox Winds Lahori site in Madhya Pradesh.
Inox Wind Limited has bagged an order for a 20 MW
wind power project (10 units of 2MW DFIG 93.3 rotor Denmark-based LM Wind Power has inaugurated its
diameter WTGs) to be set up at Nipaniya, Mandsaur in second manufacturing wind turbine blade facility at
the state of Madhya Pradesh from PTC Energy Limited Halol near Vadodara in Gujarat with an investment of
(PEL). 25 million euros or Rs 200 crore.
According to IT, Urban Development and Municipal Inox Wind has bagged two orders for a cumulative
Administration Minister of Telangana Mr. K T Rama capacity of 100 MW from one of India's leading
Rao, the Suzlon Group is charting out a Rs 1,200 - renewable energy independent power producers. The
crore investment plan to take up 3000 MW solar, wind turnkey orders comprise of a 50 MW project to be set
and hybrid power project in the state of Telangana. up in Gujarat and a 50 MW project to be set up in
Suzlon has secured work on several wind projects with Madhya Pradesh.
a combined capacity of 81.9 MW, 90% from the old
Gamesa has bagged a 40MW order from developer
customers from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh
ReNew Power for a wind farm in the Karnataka to
and Madhya Pradesh. Over 75% of the order are for
install 20 G97-2.0MW class S machines with tower
its newly launched S97 120m hybrid tower and S111
heights of 104 metres.
90m machines.
Suzlon has won a 105 - MW turbine order from Suzlon Energy Ltd has aquired Gale Solarfarms Private
Greenko Group for 50 S97 2.1 - MW wind turbine Limited, Tornado Solarfarms Private Limited, Abha
generator with hybrid tower to be installed at a wind Solarfarms Private Limited, Aalok Solarfarms Private
park in Andhra Pradesh. Limited and Shreyas Solarfarms Private Limited increase
its presence in India's renewable energy sector.
Inox Wind has won two contracts for turbines totalling
70MW from Adani Green Energy for 50 MW wind farm

reported delays in payments by state owned utility in the
Snippets on Wind Power state of Maharashtra as per industry sources is further likely
to impact fresh wind energy capacity addition expected in the
country in near to medium term to some extent.
Renewable Projects: India may seek Funds for
Hedging Currency Risks CERC (DSM and related matters) Regulations
Mr. Ajay Mathur, a member of the Prime Ministers Council on Amendment
Climate Change, and former Director General of the Bureau
CERC has issued CERC (Deviation Settlement Mechanism
of Energy Efficiency has told that the foreign funding for the
and related matters) (Third Amendment) Regulations,
projects could be had at 2-3 per cent. However, financing
2016 dated 6th May 2016. The major findings of the
cost for currency hedge for three-five years for a project
developer is at around 7 per cent. This makes renewable amended Regulations are:
energy project costly and unviable for supplying power at a Deviation shall be calculated for the Regional Entities
competitive rate. To reduce the finance cost and mitigation by concerned RLDC/RPC which shall be attributed to
of currency fluctuation risk hedge for solar and wind energy various entities embedded within State by SLDC.
projects, the Centre is considering a channel of funds from
Global Climate Fund (GCF). The special funding could be as Renewable Rich State means a State whose minimum
low-cost grants from GCF, hence the Centre is considering combined installed capacity of wind and solar power is
seeking special long-term fund (10 years and above), which 1000 MW or more.
costs around 2-3 per cent. The Union Government is also Deviation for under-drawls/over-injection by a
considering a hedging instrument that takes care of the
renewable rich state in a time block in excess of limits
needs of the renewable energy sector. Meanwhile, SIDBI
as specified below:
and IDFC have applied for accreditation from GCF for project
evaluation and due diligence. South Korea-headquartered States having combined
Sr. Deviation Limits
GCF has already accredited NABARD for such work for Indian installed capacity of Wind
renewable projects. No. (MW)- "L"
and Solar projects
1. 1000 3000 MW 200
IREDA Scheme for discounting of Energy Bills 2. > 3000 MW 250
IREDA has issued a scheme for discounting of Energy Bills
for the purpose of credit under the bill discounting to all Applicable Charges for Deviation shall be applicable for
IREDA Borrowers who are selling Energy to State Discoms/ over-drawal as well as under-injection of electricity for
SECI/NVVN etc. RE generators are exporting energy to State renewable rich states:
Discoms/SECI/NVVN etc. and raise energy bill against the
unit exported on monthly basis. Many of them RE generators (i) For over-drawal/ Equivalent to 20% of
are not getting payment within stipulated time period and under-injection of the Charge for Deviation
the same is impacting the debt servicing obligation of the electricity above L corresponding to average
borrowers. In view of that IREDA proposed to provide bill MW and up to L+50 grid frequency of the time
discounting facility for the energy bills of IREDA borrowers
MW in a time block block
which are pending for payment with utilities for up to 6
months. (ii) For over-drawal / Equivalent to 40% of
under-injection of the Charge for Deviation
ICRA says - MP and Maharashtra may Trip Wind electricity above corresponding to average
Energy Capacity Additions L+50 MW and up grid frequency of the time
In Madhya Pradesh, wind energy tariff has been revised to L+100 MW in a block
downwards from Rs 5.96 per unit to Rs 4.78 per unit, while time block
the same in Tamil Nadu (TN) has been revised upwards
from Rs 3.51 per unit to Rs 4.16 per unit. Madhya Pradesh (iii) For over-drawal / Equivalent to 100% of
has topped the wind energy addition in FY 2015-16 in one under-injection of the Charge for Deviation
year by any state so far. ICRA in its latest research on wind electricity above corresponding to average
energy sector has expressed that reduction in preferential L+100 MW in a grid frequency of the time
tariff by State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) is a time block block.
negative development for new wind energy projects to be
commissioned in Madhya Pradesh. This reduction in tariff Compiled By: Mr. Abhijit Kulkarni
in MP, coupled with slowdown in signing of fresh power Business Unit Head - Energy Segment
purchase agreements (PPAs) over last 6-8 month period & SKF India Ltd, Pune and IWTMA Team

Photo Feature
Regional Interactive Workshop on Wind Energy at Ahmedabad 19th April 2016
IWTMA and CII-Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre organized an Interactive Workshop on Wind Energy at Ahmedabad on
19th April 2016. Photograph taken during the workshop:
Left to Right: Mr. S. Raghupathy, Executive Director, CII-Godrej

GBC; Mr. Ramesh Kymal, Chairman, RE Council, CII-Godrej GBC
& Chairman and Managing Director, Gamesa Renewable Ltd.; Mr.
Ishwarbhai M. Bhavsar, Chairman, Gujarat Energy Development
Agency; Smt. Shobhana Desai, Additional Secretary to Govt,
Energy Dept, Government of Gujarat and Mr. Sarvesh Kumar,
Chairman, IWTMA and Deputy Managing Director, RRB Energy
Limited.
A view of the delegates at the workshop
IWTMA Meeting with SAIL on April 04, 2016
A view of the SAIL meeting

After introduction of Minimum Import Price and initiation of proceedings from Bhilai, Rourkela, Kolkata and Chennai participated for discussing
of Safe Guard Duty (SGD) on Steel Plates, IWTMA felt the need to the supply of Steel Plates for the manufacture of Tower.
get involved with the subject in the interest of our members. IWTMA
IWTMA was represented by its Associate Director and Commercial &
has taken part in the hearing of SGD and have submitted our version.
Technical heads of the members like Gamesa, Regen, Inox, Vestas, RRB
IWTMA also took up the matter with Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of
Energy and Leitwind Sriram. SAIL presentations on the newly acquired
Steel and SAIL and decided to make joint efforts to create a favourable
capabilities by Rourkela & facilities available at Bhillai plant and a case
situation for the wind industry. Consequently SAIL & IWTMA jointly
study with Gamesa were made.
organised a meeting on Monday, 4th April 2016 at Chennai. SAIL officials
of Quality, Application Engineering, Production and Marketing joined IWTMA made a presentation on behalf of industry.

Know Your Member ReGen Powertech Private Limited
ReGen was established in 2006 Mr. Madhusudan Khemka is heading

to manufacture Direct Drive the ReGen as Managing Director. He
(gearless) wind turbines with
has over two decades of long and rich
PMG technology in partnership with Vensys AG, Germany
experience in all aspects of wind energy
for 1.5 MW, 2.0 MW, 2.5 MW and 3.0 MW wind turbines.
Wind Direct ReGens R & D Division based in Germany has converters such as manufacturing,
developed 2.8 MW WEC for the international market. ReGen marketing and project management.
is the third largest player in Indian market with an installed Mr. Khemka holds a Bachelors degree in Commerce from
capacity of 2000 MW.
University of Punjab. He is technically inclined and possesses
ReGen has fully integrated, state-of-the-art production facility in-depth knowledge of the scientific aspects of the business.
near Tada in Andhra Pradesh, and Udaipur in Rajasthan,
India. The plant houses a sophisticated manufacturing line
Mr. R. Sundaresh is taking care of the
for 1000 MW and a world-class R&D Center. It has upgraded
technology for 1.5 MW platform to maximize efficiency of ReGen as Joint Managing Director
V77, V82 and V87 models. It will soon be launching V115, having over two decades of experience
a 2 MW turbine with 115 meter rotor diameter. ReGen is a
in corporate finance, corporate affairs,
market leader in Sri Lanka and foraying into Bangladesh.
law & general management and vast
ReGen an ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OSHAS 18001 certified
experience & expertise in raising
company, offers total turnkey solutions for wind power
financial resources in the domestic and international market.
projects that includes consultancy, manufacturing, supply,
erection, commissioning, and operations and maintenance He holds a Post Graduate degree in Commerce from the
services of Wind Energy Converters (WEC). University of Madras and is a qualified Company Secretary.
ReGen has also launched a unique Wind-Solar Hybrid system,

first of its kind in the world, solar panels (200 KW to 1000
KW) can be added in the foot print of the wind turbine and
run as a hybrid system using the existing land and evacuation
infrastructure including the converter of the wind turbine,
making the solar installation cheaper by 15-20% compared
to stand alone solar plants.
Printed by R.R. Bharath and published by Dr. Rishi Muni Dwivedi on behalf of Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association
and printed at Ace Data Prinexcel Private Limited, 3/304 F, (SF No. 676/4B), Kulathur Road, Off NH 47 Bye Pass Road,
Neelambur, Coimbatore 641062 and published at Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association, Fourth Floor, Samson Towers,
No. 403 L, Pantheon Road, Egmore, Chennai 600 008.
Editor: Dr. Rishi Muni Dwivedi

IWTMA
INDIAN WIND TURBINE
&
INDIAN WIND TURBINE

GLOBAL WIND ENERGY COUNCIL
announce
WINDERGY INDIA 2017
Conference: 11th and 12th January 2017,
Exhibition: 10th, 11th and 12th January 2017
at The Ashok, New Delhi
Registered with REGISTRAR OF NEWSPAPERS for India, New Delhi April - May 2016
Vide No. TNENG/2015/60605 Date of Publishing : 25.05.2016
ACE DATA, Coimbatore

Indian Wind Power, April - May 2016

Uploaded by

Indian Wind Power, April - May 2016

Uploaded by

Volume: 2

Issue: 1 April - May 2016 ` 10/-

WINDERGY INDIA 2017

Deputy Managing Director

Vice Chairman & Honorary Secretary

Mr. Hemkant Limaye

Secretary General Photo Feature 39

Associate Director and Editor

2 Indian Wind Power April - May 2016

Nitin V Raikar, Suzlon Energy Limited, Mumbai ([email protected])

Key Pointers - India FY 2015-16 FY 2014-15 Growth/

** Emission offset of ~58.16 million tonnes ** Gamesa Renewable Pvt Limited

** Tentatively power ~14.58 million number of ** Inox Wind Limited

April - May 2016 Indian Wind Power 3

Product Size for FY 2015-16 Kerala 35.1 8.4 43.5

4 Indian Wind Power April - May 2016

D. Sreenivasan, Vice President, Operations, RRB Energy Limited

6 Indian Wind Power April - May 2016

April - May 2016 Indian Wind Power 7

8 Indian Wind Power April - May 2016

TNERC fixes RPO Obligations

Minimum quantum of Minimum quantum of

1 2015-2016 9.50 0.50 9

MERC issues final RE tariff order

Tata Power Eyes 40% Renewable Energy Share

April - May 2016 Indian Wind Power 9

1.0 Introduction 2.0 Generic Methodology/Approach Followed

10 Indian Wind Power April - May 2016

12 Indian Wind Power April - May 2016

Table 1: Structural Data for Lattice and Tubular Tower

April - May 2016 Indian Wind Power 13

5.0 Loads on the Tower

5.1. Hub Level Wind Shear Force

14 Indian Wind Power April - May 2016

Where D is the average diameter of the panel, h is height of the

panel and shape factor is considered as 0.7.

The wind loads acting on the different segments for 73m

April - May 2016 Indian Wind Power 15

Figure 11 indicates the various load

6.0 Analysis of Tubular Tower

16 Indian Wind Power April - May 2016

Bonfiglioli Transmissions (Pvt.) Ltd.

From the Table 6 above it is noted that the optimum base

18 Indian Wind Power April - May 2016

Table 7: Steel take-off for various base diameters 4 40 61.12 4.75

(73m tubular tower) 5 45 64.00 4.75

Figure 15 indicates the variation of total weight/steel take

April - May 2016 Indian Wind Power 19

slated to bring another 1,400 MW of Renewable

Gamesa grabs 198 MW in India Wind in White Sector by MPPCB

22 Indian Wind Power April - May 2016

Mr. Bharathy K, Chief Executive Officer

April - May 2016 Indian Wind Power 23

Cross-sectional dimension, buckling, tower top deflection and

24 Indian Wind Power April - May 2016

and a large generator and gearbox, it would surely be a waste

Figure 6: Tubular Tower

Tubular Tower: They are constructed from rolled steel plates

26 Indian Wind Power April - May 2016

Guyed wind tower: Shell Fabrication:

April - May 2016 Indian Wind Power 27

A Tower Section Manufacturing in Process

Certifications like LRQA for the Quality Management System IS0

IV Shot peening, painting and drying

V Assembly of the auxiliary equipment

Tower Production Process

28 Indian Wind Power April - May 2016

There are several challenges for tower manufacturers in terms

Having the strong financial and technical expertise of the parent

CERC Declares Generic Tariff:

Wind Zone-1 (CUF 20%) 6.60 0.71 5.89

Wind Zone-2 (CUF 22%) 6.00 0.65 5.36

Wind Zone-3 (CUF 25%) 5.28 0.57 4.71

Wind Zone-4 (CUF 30%) 4.40 0.47 3.93

Wind Zone-5 (CUF 32%) 4.13 0.44 3.68

MERC issues Renewable Energy Purchase Obligation

Emission offset of ~58.16 million tonnes Gamesa Renewable Pvt Limited

Tentatively power ~14.58 million number of Inox Wind Limited