Wind Energy: Renewable Energy and the Environment

The utilization of wind power and other renewable energy sources has been growing at a phenomenal rate. Wind Energy, Fourth Edition, explores the wind industry from its inception to today; presents the design, aerodynamics, operation, control, and applications; and examines the various types of wind turbines. It covers the characteristics of wind, such as shear, power potential, and turbulence, and discusses the measurement and siting of individual wind turbines and wind farms. It also discusses the political and economic factors regarding the adoption of wind as an energy source. This new edition is updated throughout and offers three new chapters, as well as a solutions manual for adopting instructors. This book: Is updated throughout and has three new chapters on climate change, energy storage, and observations. Illustrates the need for a shift to renewable energy through discussions on energy use and the order-of-magnitude estimates for the lifetime of fossil fuels. Discusses the interconnection of wind turbines to utility grids, regulations on installation and operation, and the related environmental concerns.