Dan Chiras

Power from the Wind - 2nd Edition (eBook, ePUB)

A Practical Guide to Small Scale Energy Production

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

Skyrocketing energy costs and constant reminders of the impacts of conventional energy sources are making homeowners and businesses look at different ways to use energy more efficiently and to generate their own electricity to reduce fuel bills and their carbon footprint.

Power From the Wind is the completely revised and updated edition of the go-to guide for individuals and businesses interested in installing small wind energy systems. Written for the layperson, this practical guide provides an accurate and unbiased view of all aspects of small wind energy systems, including:

• Wind and wind energy system options
• Ways to assess wind resources at your site
• Wind turbines and towers
• Inverters and batteries
• Installation and maintenance of systems
• Costs and benefits of installing a wind system.

Readers will gain the knowledge they need to make wise decisions during the design, purchase, and installation of small wind energy systems and to communicate effectively with wind system installers, and will be empowered to help make the smartest, most economical choices.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: New Society Publishers
• Seitenzahl: 288
• Erscheinungstermin: 5. Mai 2017
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9781771422208
• Artikelnr.: 48201895

Autorenporträt

Dan Chiras is founder and director of The Evergreen Institute's Center for Renewable Energy and Green Building, which offers workshops on residential renewable energy and green building. He speaks extensively on renewable energy, green building, and sustainable building. He is also the author of over 30 books, including The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy and Power from the Sun. He lives and farms in Gerard, MO.

Inhaltsangabe

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 Author
A Note About the Publisher