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Wind energy is the fastest growing source of energy in the world, and by the year 2020 it is projected to supply at least 12 percent of global electrical demand.Wind Power Basics provides a clear understanding of wind and wind energy systems, including turbines, towers, inverters and batteries, site assessment, installation, and maintenance requirements.Whether yours"re considering your own small-scale wind energy system or just want a straightforward, detailed introduction to the benefits and challenges of this rapidly emerging technology, Wind Power Basics is the guide you need.Dan Chiras is a respected educator and an internationally acclaimed author who has published more than twenty-five books on residential renewable energy and green building, including Power From the Wind .

DAN CHIRAS is a respected educator and author who has published more than 25 books on residential renewable energy and green building including Power from the Wind. He is the director of the Evergreen Institute, where he teaches workshops on small wind energy systems, solar electricity, passive solar design, energy efficiency, and green and natural building.

Preface	p. ix
Introduction to Small-Scale Wind Energy	p. 1
World Wind Energy Resources	p. 4
The Pros and Cons of Wind Energy	p. 6
The Purpose of this Book	p. 14
Organization of this Book	p. 15
Wind and Wind Energy	p. 17
What is Wind?	p. 17
Large-Scale Wind Currents	p. 20
Wind from Storms	p. 24
Friction, Turbulence and Smart Siting	p. 24
The Mathematics of Wind Power	p. 29
Closing Thoughts	p. 32
Wind Energy Systems	p. 33
Wind Turbines	p. 33
Towers	p. 35
Wind Energy System Options	p. 37
Hybrid Systems	p. 55
Choosing a Wind Energy System	p. 57
Wind Site Assessment	p. 59
Assessing Electrical Demand	p. 60
Conservation and Efficiency First!	p. 65
Assessing Your Wind Resource	p. 67
How Much Electricity Will a Wind Turbine Produce?	p. 71
Does a Wind System Make Economic Sense?	p. 72
Putting It All Together	p. 80
A Primer on Wind Generators	p. 81
The Anatomy of a Wind Turbine	p. 81
The Main Components of Wind Turbines	p. 88
What to Look for When Buying a Wind Machine	p. 89
Other Considerations	p. 99
Building Your Own Wind Machine	p. 102
Conclusion	p. 104
Towers and Tower Installation	p. 105
Tower Options	p. 105
Tower Kits	p. 119
Tower Anchors and Bases	p. 120
Proper Siting of a Wind Machine	p. 122
Tower Height Considerations	p. 123
Aircraft Safety and the FAA	p. 127
Protecting Against Lightning	p. 127
Batteries and Charge Controllers	p. 129
Which Types of Batteries Work Best?	p. 129
Will Any Lead-Acid Battery Work?	p. 130
Wiring a Battery Bank	p. 134
Sizing a Battery Bank	p. 135
Battery Maintenance and Safety	p. 135
Living with Batteries	p. 144
Inverters	p. 145
Types of Inverters	p. 145
Buying an Inverter	p. 150
Conclusion	p. 153
Final Considerations	p. 155
Covenants and Neighbors' Concerns	p. 155
Zoning and Permits	p. 157
Connecting to the Grid: Working with Your Local Utility	p. 160
Insurance Requirements	p. 162
Buying a Wind Energy System	p. 163
Maintaining a Wind-Electric System	p. 164
Parting Thoughts	p. 168
Resource Guide	p. 169
Index	p. 173
About the Author	p. 179
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

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Wind Power Basics

Wind Power Basics

086571617X

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Table of Contents

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