Wind Energy Explained

Authoritative and bestselling textbook detailing the many aspects of using wind as an energy source

Wind Energy Explained provides complete and comprehensive coverage on the topic of wind energy, starting with general concepts like the history of and rationale for wind energy and continuing into specific technological components and applications along with the new recent developments in the field.

Divided into 16 chapters, this edition includes up-to-date data, diagrams, and illustrations, boasting an impressive 35% new material including new sections on metocean design conditions, wind turbine design, wind power plants and the electrical system, fixed and floating offshore wind turbines, project development, permitting and environmental risks and benefits, turbine installation, operation and maintenance, and high penetration wind energy systems and power-to-X.

Wind Energy Explained also includes information on:

• Modern wind turbines, covering the design and their many components such as the rotor, drive train, and generator
• Aerodynamics of wind energy, covering one-dimensional momentum theory, the Betz limit, and ideal horizontal axis wind turbine with wake rotation
• Environmental external design conditions, such as wind, waves, currents, tides, salinity, floating ice, and many more
• Commonly used materials and components, such as steel, composites, copper, and concrete, plus machinery elements, such as shafts, couplings, bearings, and gears
• Modern design methods, including probabilistic design
• Environmental effects and mitigation strategies for wind project siting and the role of public engagement in the development process

This book offers a complete examination of one of the most promising sources of renewable energy and is a great introduction to this cross-disciplinary field for practicing engineers. It may also be used as a textbook resource for university level courses in wind energy, both introductory and advanced.

James F. Manwell is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and the Founding Director of the Wind Energy Center at the University of Massachusetts, USA.

Emmanuel Branlard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, USA.

Jon G. McGowan is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, USA.

Bonnie Ram is a Senior Researcher and Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Center for Research in Wind Energy at the University of Delaware, USA, and an independent consultant on ecology, society, and technology.