Description
Nelson (Alternative Energy Institute, West Texas A&M U.) has been engaged with wind resources assessment, education and training, research, and rural applications since the early 1970s. He says that was before Oil War I and Oil War II, but perhaps would agree that it was really only before they started. Here he presents a textbook primarily for engineering students, but at a level of technological sophistication that would allow readers in other physical or social sciences or business to get a broad view of the history, the performance and application of current technology, and potential not only for improving current models but also for completely new approaches to using wind power. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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Due to the mounting demand for energy and increasing population of the world, switching from nonrenewable fossil fuels to other energy sources is not an option—it is a necessity. Focusing on a cost-effective option for the generation of electricity, Wind Energy: Renewable Energy and the Environment covers all facets of wind energy and wind turbines.The book begins by outlining the history of wind energy, before providing reasons to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. After examining the characteristics of wind, such as shear, power potential, and turbulence, it discusses the measurement and siting of individual wind turbines and wind farms. The text then presents the aerodynamics, operation, control, applications, and types of wind turbines. The author also describes the design of wind turbines and system performance for single wind turbines, water pumping, village systems, and wind farms. In addition, he explores the wind industry from its inception in the 1970s to today as well as the political and economic factors regarding the adoption of wind as an energy source.Since energy cannot be created nor destroyed—only transformed to another form—we are not encountering an energy crisis. Rather, we face an energy dilemma in the use of finite energy resources and their effects on the environment, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels. Wind Energy explores one of the most economical solutions to alleviate our energy problems.
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