Modelling the Integrated Output of Mechanical Wind Pumps

A method for predicting output of simple multi-bladed windmill mechanically coupled to a reciprocating pump is proposed. The present method adopts an integrated approach by considering the interaction between the rotor, pump and the wind regime to model the wind pump discharge. The wind velocity-power relationship of the rotor is assumed to be quadratic. The wind regime is characterized by the Raleigh distribution. Differences in the starting and running torque requirements of the pump are also considered in the model. Wind data from a few potential sites from the southern part of India were analyzed and the expected outputs at these sites were predicted using the proposed method.