Power From the Wind

by Chiras, Dan

• ISBN13: 9780865716209
• ISBN10: 086571620X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-04-01
• Publisher: New Society Pub

Summary

Faced with frequent power outages, skyrocketing energy costs, and constant reminders of the impacts of conventional energy sources, homeowners and businesses are beginning to explore ways to use energy more efficiently and to generate their own electricity to reduce fuel bills and their carbon footprint and to achieve greater independence. Power From the Wind is an easy-to-understand guide for individuals and businesses interested in installing small wind energy systems and includes information on the following: Ways to assess wind resources at your site Wind turbines, towers, inverters, and batteries Installation, maintenance, and costs This book is designed to help readers make the smartest, most economical choices. 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. Dan Chiras is an internationally acclaimed author who has published over twenty-four books, including The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy. He is a certified wind site assessor and has installed several residential wind systems. Dan lives in a passive solar home in Evergreen, Colorado. Mick Sagrillo is the wind technology specialist for Wisconsin's Focus on Energy. Ian Woofenden is a wind electricity editor, writer, workshop coordinator, instructor, and user in Washington's San Juan Islands.

Author Biography

Dan Chiras is an internationally acclaimed author who has published over two-dozen books on green building and residential renewable energy, including The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy. He is a certified wind site assessor and has installed several residential wind systems. Dan lives in a passive solar home in Evergreen, Colorado. Mick Sagrillo has 30 years experience with small wind turbines and powers his home with wind. Mick consults and teaches workshops nationally and internationally on the subject and served as the wind technology specialist for Wisconsin's Focus on Energy. Ian Woofenden is a wind electricity editor, writer, workshop coordinator, and instructor, and powers his home in Washington's San Juan Islands with wind and solar.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. xi
Introduction to Small-Scale Wind Energy	p. 1
World Wind Energy Resources	p. 6
The Pros and Cons of Wind Energy	p. 8
The Purpose of this Book	p. 21
Organization of this Book	p. 22
Understanding Wind and Wind Energy	p. 25
What is Wind?	p. 26
Offshore and Onshore Winds	p. 26
Mountain-Valley Breezes	p. 28
Large-Scale Wind Currents	p. 30
Wind from Storms	p. 34
Friction and Turbulence and Smart Siting	p. 35
The Mathematics of Wind Power	p. 39
Closing Thoughts	p. 43
Wind Energy Systems	p. 45
Components of a Wind Energy System	p. 45
Wind Energy System Options	p. 49
Grid-Connected Systems with Battery Backup	p. 59
Off-Grid (Stand-Alone) Systems	p. 64
Hybrid Systems	p. 70
Choosing a Wind Energy System	p. 73
Wind Site Assessment	p. 75
Assessing Electrical Demand	p. 76
Conservation and Efficiency First!	p. 84
Assessing Your Wind Resource	p. 86
How Much Electricity Will A Wind Turbine Produce?	p. 97
Does a Wind System Make Economic Sense?	p. 98
Putting It All Together	p. 105
A Primer on Wind Generators	p. 109
The Anatomy of a Wind Turbine	p. 109
Improvements in Small Wind Turbines	p. 116
The Main Components of Wind Turbines	p. 118
What to Look for When Buying a Wind Machine	p. 120
Other Considerations	p. 135
Building Your Own Wind Machine	p. 139
Conclusion	p. 143
Towers and Tower Installation	p. 145
Tower Options	p. 148
Homebrew Towers	p. 161
Tower Kits	p. 161
Tower Anchors and Bases	p. 163
Safety First	p. 167
Siting a Tower	p. 169
Aircraft Safety and the FAA	p. 176
Protecting Against Lightning	p. 177
Understanding Batteries	p. 179
What Types of Batteries Work Best?	p. 179
Will Any Lead-Acid Battery Work?	p. 181
Wiring a Battery Bank	p. 185
Sizing a Battery Bank	p. 187
Battery Maintenance and Safety	p. 189
Living with Batteries	p. 203
Inverters	p. 205
Battery-Based Inverters for Off-Grid Systems	p. 206
Batteryless Grid-Tied Inverters	p. 212
Multifunction Inverters	p. 214
Buying an Inverter	p. 216
Conclusion	p. 223
Maintaining a Wind-Electric System	p. 225
What's Required	p. 226
Climbable Towers	p. 226
Tilt-up Towers	p. 229
Final Inspections	p. 230
Conclusion	p. 230
Final Considerations: Zoning, Permits, Covenants, Utility Companies, Insurance and Buying a System	p. 231
Zoning, Building Permits, and Restrictive Covenants	p. 231
Zoning Regulations	p. 231
Connecting to the Grid: Working with Your Local Utility	p. 239
Insurance Requirements	p. 241
Buying a Wind Energy System	p. 244
Parting Thoughts	p. 245
Endnotes	p. 248
Resource Guide	p. 251
Index	p. 259
About the Authors	p. 273
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