Читать книгу Wind Power Basics - Dan Chiras - Страница 22

After this brief introduction, we turn our attention to the wind itself, the driving force in a wind energy system. In Chapter 2, you will learn how winds are generated and explore the factors that influence wind flows in your area. We will also explore the factors that affect energy production by a residential wind turbine and why it is important to mount a wind machine on a tall tower.

In Chapter 3, we’ll explore small wind energy systems. You’ll learn the three types of residential wind energy systems: (1) off-grid, (2) batteryless grid-tie, and (3) grid-connected with battery backup. You’ll learn about the basic components of each one and hybrid wind systems.

In Chapter 4, you will learn how to assess your electrical energy needs and how to determine if your site has enough wind to make a wind system worthwhile. You’ll learn why energy conservation and energy efficiency will save you a lot of money on a wind energy system. You will also learn ways to evaluate the economics of a wind system answering the question: Does a wind system make sense from an economic perspective?

Chapter 5 will introduce you to wind turbines — what types are available and how they work. We’ll also give you shopping tips — what to look for when buying a wind turbine. We’ll spend a little time discussing building your own wind generator.

Chapter 6 describes basic tower options, the pros and cons of each one, and how they are installed.

In Chapter 7, we’ll study storage batteries and charge controllers, two key components of off-grid wind systems.

Chapter 8 addresses another key component of all wind energy systems, the inverter. You will learn how inverters work, what functions they perform, and what to look for when shopping for one.

In Chapter 9, we’ll give a brief overview of wind energy system maintenance. We’ll also explore a range of issues such as homeowner’s insurance, financing renewable energy systems, building permits, electrical permits and zoning. This books ends with a resource guide that lists books, magazines, organizations, small wind turbine manufacturers and wind turbine tower kits.