• Presents an international perspective on integrating a high penetration of wind power into the power system
• Offers broad coverage ranging from basic network interconnection issues to industry deregulation and future concepts for wind turbines and power systems
• Discusses wind turbine technology, industry standards and regulations along with power quality issues
• Considers future concepts to increase the penetration of wind power in power systems
• Presents models for simulating wind turbines in power systems
• Outlines current research activities

Essential reading for power engineers, wind turbine designers, wind project development and wind energy consultants dealing with the integration of wind power systems into distribution and transmission networks, this text would also be of interest to network engineers working for power utility companies dealing with interconnection issues and graduate students and researchers in the field of wind power and power systems.

This book covers the theory necessary to understand wind energy basics, and proceeds as a how-to manual on shaping a simple turbine out of wood. It then shows how to build a low speed alternator out of a brake drum. (There is another book by Hugh called "Brake Drum Windmill Handbook" which goes into more detail).

The challenge is building an electrical generating system that operates at the slow rotational speeds of a wind turbine (e.g. 300 - 500 RPM). Everybody wants to hook up an automobile alternator, but even if it is optimized for high output at an idle, it probably will not start producing power until it reaches 1800 RPM. (Typically the engine/alternator pulleys have a ratio of 3 or 3.5 to 1 and the engine idles @ 600 RPM).

A great little book.

Focusing on the electrical engineering aspects of wind energy, this completely revised edition provides a detailed treatment of electrical and mechanical components and their interdependency, power control and supervision in wind power plants, and the grid integration facility. The book incorporates all the recent technical developments in electrical power conversion systems and essential operating conditions.

• Provides guidelines for the design, construction and installation of wind power plants
• Presents the history of wind technology, wind resources and economics of wind energy generation
• Introduces operating results and cost considerations
• Describes the fundamental characteristics and theoretical tools of electrical and mechanical components
• Discusses conventional and new types of generators, converters and power electronics
• Offers a comprehensive treatment of grid integration including the effect of power fluctuations on harmonics
• Focuses on improved use of grid capacities and grid support for fixed-and variable-speed controlled wind power plants
• Outlines power conditioning and control systems to ensure the safe operation of plants

Fully revised and updated, this new edition will continue to be the definitive resource for researchers and practitioners involved in the planning, installation and grid integration of wind turbines and power plants. The thorough approach will also prove highly beneficial to university students and practitioners in wind engineering, turbine design and manufacture and electrical power engineering.

Assuming no previous knowledge of solar panels, the book explains how solar panels work, how they can be used and explains the steps you need to take to successfully design and install a solar electric system from scratch using photovoltaic solar panels.

Accompanying this book is a solar resource website containing lots of useful information, lists of suppliers and on-line solar energy calculators that will simplify the cost analysis and design processes.

Why buy the Solar Electricity Handbook?

* The Handbook is a simple, practical guide to using electric photovoltaic panels.
* The book is suitable for enthusiastic novices and professionals.
* Clear examples, diagrams and example projects are given to demonstrate the true capabilities of these systems.
* The Handbook is updated yearly, providing a up-to-date reference for anyone planning to use electric photovoltaic technology.
* It is the most comprehensive book on solar electric systems available today.
* It is backed up by the most powerful online calculator tools available, to make your design and calculations as straightforward as possible.
* With comprehensive detail in the book for both North America and Europe, the Handbook provides you with information that is relevant to you and your project - whereever you live.