Author:
Chiras, Daniel D.
Imprint:Gabriola Island, BC : New Society Publishers, c2009.
Descriptionxiii, 273 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.
Note:"A practical guide to small-scale energy production"--Cover.
Note:"Books for wiser living, Mother Earth news recommendation"--Cover.
Note:Preface -- 1: Introduction To Small-Scale Wind Energy -- World wind energy resources -- Pros and cons of wind energy -- Purpose of this book -- Organization of this book -- 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 -- Mathematics of wind power -- Closing thoughts -- 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 -- 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 -- 5: Primer On Wind Generators -- Anatomy of a wind turbine -- Improvements in small wind turbines -- Main Components of Wind Turbines -- What to look for when buying a wind machine -- Other considerations -- Building your own wind machine -- Conclusion -- 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 -- 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 -- 8: Inverters -- Battery-based inverters for off-grid systems -- Batteryless grid-tied inverters -- Multifunction inverters -- Buying an inverter -- Conclusion -- 9: Maintaining A Wind-Electric System -- What's required -- Climbable towers -- Tilt-up towers -- Final inspections -- Conclusion -- 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.
Bibliography Note:Includes bibliographical references (p. 251-258) and index.
