Читать книгу Wind Power Basics - Dan Chiras - Страница 21

This book’s principal focus is on small wind-electric systems — those with rated output ranges from 1 kilowatt to 100 kilowatts. Most of the turbines we’ll be discussing fall in the 1- to 20-kilowatt (kW) range. The blades of small wind turbines (1 to 100 kW) range from 4 feet to 32 feet in length. Small-scale wind systems serve a variety of purposes. The smallest units are generally sufficient to power cabins and cottages; larger small wind turbines power homes and small businesses as well as schools, farms, ranches, small manufacturing plants, and public facilities.

This book is written for individuals who want a succinct introduction to small-scale wind systems that doesn’t require a degree in physics or engineering. My goal was to create a user-friendly book that teaches readers the basics of wind energy and wind energy systems. This book is not an installation manual, but it will help you learn about wind if you want to become a wind energy installer or install a wind turbine and tower on your property. It will also help you determine if wind energy is right for you, what your options are, and how much it is going to cost.

When you are done with this book, you should have a good knowledge of the key components of wind energy systems. This book will help you when shopping for a wind system or an installer. You’ll also learn about maintenance requirements.

If you choose to hire a professional wind energy expert to install a system — a route we highly recommend — you’ll be thankful you’ve read this book. The more you know, the more input you will have into your system design, components, siting and installation — and the more likely that you’ll be happy with your purchase.

This book should help readers develop realistic expectations. Wind energy systems, for instance, require annual inspection and maintenance — climbing or lowering a tower to access the wind turbine to check for loose fasteners and blade damage and, much less commonly, an occasional part replacement. If you are not up for it or don’t want to pay someone to climb or lower your tower once or twice a year to check things out, you may want to invest in a solar electric system instead.