Wind Power Basics. Dan Chiras

      

      Table of Contents

       Praise

       Title Page

       Dedication

       Preface

       Books for Wiser Living recommended by Mother Earth News

       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 - WIND AND WIND ENERGY

       What is Wind?

       Large-Scale Wind Currents

       Wind from Storms

       Friction, Turbulence and Smart Siting

       The Mathematics of Wind Power

       Closing Thoughts

       CHAPTER 3 - WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS

       Wind Turbines

       Towers

       Wind Energy System Options

       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

       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

       Tower Kits

       Tower Anchors and Bases

       Proper Siting of a Wind Machine

       Tower Height Considerations

       Aircraft Safety and the FAA

       Protecting Against Lightning

       CHAPTER 7 - BATTERIES AND CHARGE CONTROLLERS

       Which 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

       Types of Inverters

       Buying an Inverter

       Conclusion

       CHAPTER 9 - FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

       Covenants and Neighbors’ Concerns

       Zoning and Permits

       Connecting to the Grid: Working with Your Local Utility

       Insurance Requirements

       Buying a Wind Energy System