Novel developments towards efficient and cost effective wind energy generation and utilization for sustainable environment

This keynote paper dwells on innovative approaches towards the development of cost effective and sustainable environment and living using renewable energy sources. The works described are based essentially on the author‟s work at the University of New South Wales in Australia during the past decade. Power generation and their utilization with minimum carbon footprint are two themes around which the content of this paper has been organised. The first theme deals with the methodologies associated with the design of rotors for small horizontal axis wind turbines to operate in low to high gust wind conditions for direct electricity generation. However, for sustainable living with minimum carbon foot print, efficient and effective use of available power is also of paramount importance. The second theme is built towards achieving this objective. It comprises of the design and developments activities towards the minimisation of electricity use by employing wind driven turbine ventilator and providing air quality and comfort for occupants inside buildings. Finally, the author outlines his vision of future possibilities. The concept of a novel small hybrid wind turbine to generate mechanical power or electricity and operate with greater safety and lower noise level is also outlined. The author also foresees application of flow control technologies towards novel, efficient and cost effective wind energy generation and utilization for sustainable environment.