Power from the wind
Book - 2009
Saved in:
- Subjects
- Published
-
Gabriola Island, BC :
New Society Publishers
[2009]
- Language
- English
- Main Author
- Other Authors
- ,
- Item Description
- "A practical guide to small-scale energy production"--Cover.
"Achieving energy independence"--Cover.
"Books for wiser living, Mother Earth news recommendation"--Cover. - Physical Description
- xiii, 273 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm
- Bibliography
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 251-258) and index.
- ISBN
- 9780865716209
- Preface
- Chapter 1. Introduction to Small-Scale Wind Energy
- World Wind Energy Resources
- The Pros and Cons of Wind Energy
- The Purpose of this Book
- Organization of this Book
- Chapter 2. Understanding Wind and Wind Energy
- What is Wind?
- Offshore and Onshore Winds
- Mountain-Valley Breezes
- Large-Scale Wind Currents
- Wind from Storms
- Friction and Turbulence and Smart Siting
- The Mathematics of Wind Power
- Closing Thoughts
- Chapter 3. Wind Energy Systems
- Components of a Wind Energy System
- Wind Energy System Options
- Grid-Connected Systems with Battery Backup
- Off-Grid (Stand-Alone) Systems
- Hybrid Systems
- Choosing a Wind Energy System
- Chapter 4. Wind Site Assessment
- Assessing Electrical Demand
- Conservation and Efficiency First!
- Assessing Your Wind Resource
- How Much Electricity Will A Wind Turbine Produce?
- Does a Wind System Make Economic Sense?
- Putting It All Together
- Chapter 5. A Primer on Wind Generators
- The Anatomy of a Wind Turbine
- Improvements in Small Wind Turbines
- The Main Components of Wind Turbines
- What to Look for When Buying a Wind Machine
- Other Considerations
- Building Your Own Wind Machine
- Conclusion
- Chapter 6. Towers and Tower Installation
- Tower Options
- Homebrew Towers
- Tower Kits
- Tower Anchors and Bases
- Safety First
- Siting a Tower
- Aircraft Safety and the FAA
- Protecting Against Lightning
- Chapter 7. Understanding Batteries
- What Types of Batteries Work Best?
- Will Any Lead-Acid Battery Work?
- Wiring a Battery Bank
- Sizing a Battery Bank
- Battery Maintenance and Safety
- Living with Batteries
- Chapter 8. Inverters
- Battery-Based Inverters for Off-Grid Systems
- Batteryless Grid-Tied Inverters
- Multifunction Inverters
- Buying an Inverter
- Conclusion
- Chapter 9. Maintaining a Wind-Electric System
- What's Required
- Climbable Towers
- Tilt-up Towers
- Final Inspections
- Conclusion
- Chapter 10. Final Considerations: Zoning, Permits, Covenants, Utility Companies, Insurance and Buying a System
- Zoning, Building Permits, and Restrictive Covenants
- Zoning Regulations
- Connecting to the Grid: Working with Your Local Utility
- Insurance Requirements
- Buying a Wind Energy System
- Parting Thoughts
- Endnotes
- Resource Guide
- Index
- About the Authors