Wind Energy Essentials

The first few chapters of the book include a history of wind power and the social impacts of both electricity and wind power from a historical perspective, a discussion of basic electrical terms that those involved in the wind energy industry will need to be familiar with, and a primer on the conversion of power in the wind to electricity. Much of the second half of the book is devoted to comparing wind energy to other forms of electric generation, both renewable and non-renewable sources. In order to have a true understanding of the impact of wind energy on society, one also has to have a thorough understanding of the impacts that other sources of electric generation have, such as fossil-fueled plants or nuclear power plants. The comparison of electric generation sources includes a review how such sources are typically utilized within the electric system, as well as the economic factors and environmental considerations that affect which resources utilities or operators of electric grids have to take into account. The book concludes with a discussion of energy policies in the U.S., individual states, and foreign nations, how these policies influence the use of renewable energy, and what our future may hold in terms of energy supply and demand.