This handbook considers the use and applications of horizontal axis wind turbines, detailing how wind power can be most efficiently harnessed for the production of electricity. The authors provide a broad view of the issues raised by this technology, addressing engineering, environmental, social, and economic interests. It analyses material fatigue and examines component design from blades and generators to gearboxes and brakes. It also assesses the wind resource in terms of wind characteristics, statistics, turbulence, and speed prediction techniques, and considers the aerodynamics, performance, and design of horizontal axis wind turbines. It examines the environmental impact of wind farms from noise and appearance to the effects on bird life and links wind turbines to the power system and investigates the need for stability when integrated into electricity grids.

Table of Contents

Preface; List of symbols; Introduction; The Wind Resource; Aerodynamics of Horizontal-axis Wind Turbines; Wind-turbine Performance; Design Loads for Horizontal-axis Wind Turbines; Conceptual Design of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines; Component Design; The Controller; Wind-turbine Installations and Wind Farms; Electrical Systems; References; Index.

Reviews

."..a very rounded introduction...good value for money for a book of this detail...an essential textbook..." ("Intl Jnl of Electrical Engineering Education", Vol 41(1))