Preface
Wind Energy Engineering is an outcome of our earlier book, Future Energy,improved, sustainable and clean options for our planet, 2nd edition (Elsevier2014). It was felt that the wind turbine industry was developing so rapidly that it was now necessary to compile a collection of wind energy related topics into one volume.
The use of renewable energy sources such as wind and sun for electricity generation is becoming commonplace in our society as we move away from fossil fuels to more sustainable forms of energy, free from carbon dioxide production. The move cannot come quickly enough as each month we hear that the previous month was the hottest month since records began and that CO2 levels are increasing every year and have now passed the 400 ppm level.
Our book gives an all-round view of wind energy with a special focus on technical issues surrounding wind turbines. The 26 chapters are divided into the following seven sections: Introduction; Wind Resource and Wind Energy Worldwide; Wind Turbine Technology; Generation of Electricity;Environmental Impacts of Wind Energy; Financial Modeling/Wind Economics; Investment, Growth Trends, and the Future of Wind Energy. In more detail the book includes chapters on the following areas:
● Scientific aspects (basic theory of wind energy, global potential for producing electricity from wind);
● Wind energy in China and in Germany to give a flavor of developments in two leading wind energy countries;
● The history of wind power;
● Engineering aspects that include the design of different types of wind tur�bines, basic technologies and problems, and reliability of wind turbines;
● Electricity generation including integration into national grids, small�scale turbines, and the storing of excess electricity;
● Environmental aspects including life cycle investigation, landscape, and safety issues;
● Economics of wind power generation;
● Growth trends and the projected future of wind power.
It is hoped that the book will act as a springboard for new developments and perhaps lead to synergistic advances by linking ideas from different chapters. Another way that this book can help in expanding and developing the wind industry is through contact between readers and authors and to this effect email addresses of the authors have been included.
This volume is unique in the genre of books of related interests in tha teach chapter of Wind Energy Engineering has been written by an expert sci�entist or engineer, working in the field. Authors have been chosen for their expertise in their respective fields and come from 12 countries: Australia,Belgium, China, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Finland, India, Russia,South Africa, United Kingdom, and the United States. Most of the authors come from developed countries as most of the research and development in this relatively new field, is based in these countries. However, we look for�ward to the future when new approaches to wind energy, focusing on local conditions in emerging countries, are developed by scientists and engineers working in those countries. Perhaps this new book will aid in this endeavor.
The chapters in this book can be considered as snapshots, taken in 2016,of the state of this rapidly developing industry. Like Future Energy, one can expect an updated version of Wind Energy Engineering in a few years’ time.Wind Energy Engineering goes hand in hand with two other books we have recently published: Climate Change: Observed Impacts on Planet Earth, 2ndedition, (Elsevier 2015); and Storing Energy: with Special Reference to Renewable Energy Sources, (Elsevier, 2016).
Wind Energy Engineering: A Handbook for Onshore and Offshore Wind Turbines
Author: Trevor M. Letcher
Publisher: Academic Press (Elsevier)
Publication Year: 2017
Overview:
This handbook offers an in-depth exploration of wind energy systems, focusing on both onshore and offshore wind turbines. It is designed to provide researchers, engineers, and students with comprehensive knowledge about the engineering, science, and economics of wind energy. The book covers technical aspects, environmental concerns, and policy frameworks, making it an invaluable resource for professionals in the renewable energy industry.
Key Features and Topics
Comprehensive Coverage of Wind Energy:
- A detailed examination of wind turbine design, construction, and operation.
- Analysis of the unique challenges associated with onshore and offshore wind farms.
- Discussion of wind energy's role in the global renewable energy landscape.
Wind Turbine Technology:
- Fundamentals of aerodynamics and mechanical engineering for wind turbines.
- Insights into materials science and structural considerations for turbine blades and towers.
- Electrical systems, including generators, converters, and grid integration.
Onshore and Offshore Wind Farms:
- Comparison of site selection, construction, and maintenance strategies for onshore vs. offshore installations.
- Evaluation of offshore-specific challenges such as foundation engineering, corrosion, and deep-water installations.
- Innovative floating wind turbine technologies.
Environmental and Social Impacts:
- Examination of the ecological impact of wind farms on land and marine environments.
- Solutions for minimizing disruptions to ecosystems and addressing public concerns.
- Role of wind energy in mitigating climate change.
Economic and Policy Considerations:
- Cost analysis, including capital expenditure, operational costs, and lifecycle assessments.
- Market trends, government incentives, and regulatory frameworks driving wind energy development globally.
Future Directions and Innovations:
- Emerging technologies in wind energy, such as advanced turbine designs and predictive maintenance using AI and IoT.
- Exploration of hybrid systems combining wind with solar, storage, and hydrogen production.
Applications:
This book is ideal for a broad audience, including:
- Engineers and Designers: Looking to optimize wind turbine and wind farm performance.
- Researchers and Academics: Exploring new technologies and methods in wind energy.
- Policymakers and Developers: Understanding the economic and regulatory aspects of wind energy projects.
Conclusion:
Trevor M. Letcher’s Wind Energy Engineering: A Handbook for Onshore and Offshore Wind Turbines is an essential resource for mastering the technical, environmental, and economic dimensions of wind power. Its balance of theory and practice ensures readers are well-equipped to address the challenges and opportunities in the rapidly growing wind energy sector.
