1. WHY NEPC MACHINES:

The parameters which are to be considered in such a selection process and the relevance of NEPC machines are detailed below:

a. Simplicity of Design:

The windmills are commissioned in remote areas with limited technical man power available. The windmills can not be under the direct supervision of the Top Management, because of its location being in remote places. It is therefore essential that the design of the windmills should be very simple, but at the same it must be robust to operate without any interference. NEPC machines are simple in design and robustness have been demonstrated by their performance over a period of time.

b. Cost of Operation and Maintenance:

The only cost attributable to windmill operation would be the cost of operation and maintenance and of course insurance, since there is no raw material cost. It is essential that this operation and maintenance cost are the lowest in order to ensure the maximum return on investment. Being simple in design NEPC machines are economical to maintain and operate in terms of cost as well as efforts. This gives the clear edge to NEPC machines.

c. Availability of Spares:

Readily available spare parts and consumables is of primary importance, since delay in procurement of these parts would directly affect generation, especially in the windy season. NEPC has installed more than 1500 machines in India with significant nos. In Tamil Nadu and has created an infrastructure, with large availability of skilled manpower, spares and consumables and other facilities for maintenance. The easiness with which the parts can be procured and the availability of skilled man power as well as unskilled man power for servicing NEPC machines brings competitiveness for NEPC machines.

d. Indigenization:

The extent of indigenization is also crucial in selection of machines as higher indigenized content would bring in competitiveness in pricing as well as enhanceavailability of spare parts. Moreover indigenization, taking into accountthe climatic conditions prevailing in local areas is very much needed andmachines with significant import content will not be suitable to climatic conditions prevailing here.

e. Price and Performance:

Ultimately this becomes the crucial factor in the over all selection process. Theinvestment in wind farms should provide best return and this means that the machines procured should have the best price performance ratio. NEPC machines are highly indigenized and are most competitive and hence make best commercial sense.

f. Generation:

It is essential that the machines generate as per projections, as the entire working would depend on the out put of the WTG’s. While it is possible to estimate theoretical generation based on the power curve and the wind data as per wind mast, the results would not be realistic since the actual location would differ from the place where the wind mast is located as well the vagaries of grid and array efficiency. It is therefore essential that the generation is based on the actual generation of machines in the area where the wind farm is to come up.

g. Life:

The wind turbine generators are estimated to have the life of 15 to 25 years and it is always a project providing excellent return in the long run. This means that the machines should have a life of 15 years plus. NEPC machines are in operation for about 15 years and have successfully demonstrated their life cycle. Hence this would be another crucial factor since ultimate life of the machines would determine the over all return. The actual existence of NEPC machines for about 15 years in working condition, is a proof that the NEPC machines can go for a long life.