Eolic Energy

Wind energy in Guatemala

Definition:

Wind energy is a renewable energy source that is obtained from the kinetic energy of the wind that moves the blades of a wind turbine which in turn starts a turbine that converts it into electrical energy.

The process begins when the wind turbine is positioned to take full advantage of the wind energy, using the data recorded by the wind vane and anemometer and rotating on its tower. Then, the wind turns the blades that are connected to a rotor that in turn is connected to a multiplier that raises the speed of rotation to thousands of revolutions per minute. This kinetic energy is transferred to the generator that converts it into electrical energy that is conducted through the interior of the tower to its base, then continues through the substation to raise its voltage and continues to the electrical network for subsequent distribution.

Elements:

A wind turbine or wind turbine is a machine that has various mechanical, electrical, electronic and structural systems that allow it to fulfill its function.

The components of a wind turbine can be classified into internal or external elements, the internal components being all those that are inside the nacelle and the tower, and external, all those that can be seen from the outside.

The internal components of a wind turbine are the following:

Main shaft, which joins the rotor with the gearbox.

Gearbox, perhaps the most mechanically complex element of a wind turbine. Not all wind turbines have this element.

Electrical equipment: electrical generator, transformer, electrical panels and wiring.

Control system: In charge of starting, stopping, orientation, blade pitch, etc. Usually maintain communication with a control base.

Auxiliary mechanisms. They fulfill certain functions: rotor lock, nacelle steering system lock, blade steering mechanism, nacelle steering mechanism, various lubrication systems for the elements whose friction needs to be reduced, and the lifting equipment.

The external components of a wind turbine are the following:

Foundation to hold the wind turbine.

Tower, which joins the foundation with the gondola and serves as its support, in addition to supporting some interior elements such as the elevator, the access ladder or the interior cables.

Gondola, where all the interior elements are housed.

The hub, which joins the rotor blades and houses inside the blade orientation system or pitch change system.

The blades, which are the longest element of the wind turbine, and are responsible for the conversion of kinetic energy from the wind into kinetic energy in the rotor.

Weather station: sensors that measure temperature, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure.

The position signaling beacon, to indicate the presence of a high altitude element to aircraft and other flying elements.

The lightning rod, of controversial utility, whose mission is to capture the energy generated in atmospheric electrical discharges and lead them to earth.

Usages:

In Guatemala The wind farm, which has a capacity for 52.8 megawatts (MW). It is the first of three wind generators to be awarded. Together, these will have a capacity of 101 MW, which will represent around 2.7% of the country's energy matrix. The contracted prices were US $ 126 per megawatt (US $ 0.12 per kilowatt). In the country there are 10 areas with probable wind potential, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mines: Villa Canales (Guatemala), Estanzuela (Zacapa), El Rodeo (San Marcos), Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán (Sololá), San Juan Alotenango (Sacatepéquez) , Mataquescuintla (Jalapa), Jutiapa and Nentón (Huehuetenango).

In Guatemala there are two regions with winds capable of producing wind energy: the region of the departments of Escuintla and Guatemala, around the Pacaya volcano, and the eastern part of the department of Jutiapa, on the border with El Salvador, so it is not It happens that this is where the wind power plants are installed. The first plant was “Eólico San Antonio El Sitio”, with an installed capacity of 52.8 MW, located in Villa Canales, department of Guatemala, which began operations in April 2015. The next one is “Viento Blanco”, located in the municipality of San Vicente, Escuintla, around the Pacaya volcano, with an installed capacity of 23.1 MW, and has been operating since December 2015.

Current situation in Guatemala:

The most recent is the “Las Cumbres” plant, which has a capacity of 31.5 MW, and is located in the municipality of Agua Blanca, Jutiapa. The total installed capacity as a whole is 106.5 MW, with an energy production in 2019 of 330 GWh, representing 2.47% of the total generation in that year. Wind energy in Guatemala is an achievement of the policy of diversification of the energy matrix. The construction and installation of these plants was made possible by having been awarded contracts within the long-term power purchase tenders for end users, carried out by the distributors and the National Electric Power Commission.

For this type of project with the technical and financial assistance of the United Nations Environment Program, Environment (UNEP) the Solar and Wind Energy Resource Assessment project was developed (SWERA), with the purpose of minimizing the barriers caused by the lack of information and to promote the use of wind and solar energy; the following were obtained results:

1) Wind speed (m / s) and power density (W / m2) maps, referred to a height of 50 meters, of the countries of Central America and Cuba.

2) Normal Annual and Direct Global Solar radiation maps, in KWh / m2, day of Central America and Cuba.

3) Geospatial tool that allows identifying the wind and solar potential of Guatemala; as well as, obtain geographic and infrastructure information, among others.

Advantages:

Among the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy we must highlight that one of the most notable benefits of its use is that it is a renewable, non-polluting, indigenous and inexhaustible source of energy. In addition, it implies a reduction in the use of fossil fuels, thus contributing to sustainable development. Here are some of its main benefits:

1. It is a renewable and clean energy.

It has its origin in atmospheric processes due to solar radiation, so it is a renewable natural resource that does not produce atmospheric emissions or pollutants.

2. Wind energy is indigenous.

It is available almost everywhere on the planet, therefore it promotes wealth and the generation of local employment.

3. It is adaptable to almost any space.

It can be installed in spaces not suitable for other purposes, such as desert areas and it can also coexist with other uses of the land, such as cultivation or livestock.

4. It has a quick installation.

It does not require mining or fuel transformation, and wind turbines can be installed at different heights to achieve stable production.

5. Allows self-feeding of homes.

Its use combined with photovoltaic solar energy, allows the self-powering of homes, avoiding the need to connect to supply networks.

6. It is considered cheap energy.

It is a low-cost energy whose price remains quite stable, so it can compete in profitability with traditional energy sources, as well as being a source of savings.

Wind energy is indigenous and can occur in any corner of the planet.

Disadvantages:

Disadvantages of wind energy We must point out the disadvantages that one of the biggest disadvantages of its use is the planning of obtaining energy due to the randomness of the wind. You can check the main disadvantages in this list:

1. Lack of security in the presence of wind.

This reason prevents wind energy from being used as the sole source of electrical energy. However, this could be solved by using electrical energy storage devices.

2. Speed ​​cannot exceed a limit.

If the wind speed is higher than the maximum that the turbine can withstand, it causes damage to the shaft and production is decreased, so control systems are required to disconnect the wind turbine or modify the blades.

3. High voltage lines need to be built.

To distribute electrical energy from wind farms, it is necessary to build high voltage lines capable of conducting the maximum amount of electricity generated.

4. It implies an environmental impact.

The installation of wind farms causes damage and deaths to birds and bats and also has a visual impact on natural landscapes. New wind turbine designs are changing this trend.

5. Wind farms occupy large areas.

Wind turbines must be separate, although this same area can be used simultaneously for other purposes.

6. Difficulty in planning to obtain energy.

The randomness of the wind poses serious problems, although the latest meteorological advances for wind forecasting have greatly improved the situation.