Wind power plants

This book is intended for researchers, engineers and technicians who wish to extend their knowledge in the wind energy field.

It contains the main theories which are indispensable for accurately fixing measurements and characteristics of a wind rotor for producing electricity or pumping water, whatever the type of machine may be: horizontal or vertical-axis. The book, whose main characteristic is simplicity, is laid out according to the following scheme.

After a short introduction and two general chapters, the first relating to the wind, the second to notions of fluid mechanics necessary to the understanding of wind energy problems, the author describes the horizontal-axis installations and, in particular, the various systems of orientation and regulation effectively used.

After having displayed the blade calculations of horizontal-axis systems in chapter IV, the author examines the vertical-axis wind installations in chapter V.

The succeeding chapters deal with pumping water and the production of electricity by wind energy. They contain, among other things, descriptions of small and high power wind plants constructed throughout the world. The problem of adapting the wind rotor to electrical generators or to pumps is studied in its entirety.

Then comes a chapter dealing with applying the above methods of calculation to four projects of various types.

The appendix contains monograms, aerodynamic characteristics of profiles commonly used, and computer programs for determining rapidly any wind power plant.

To facilitate the understanding of the text, many graphs and photographs (about 200) have been included.

In conclusion, "Wind Power Plants, Theory and Design" tackles all the problems concerning wind energy. Its is a modern book, new by its contents, well informed, indispensable to all researchers, engineers and manufacturers who are interested in wind energy. Its up-to-date practical features will be invaluable to those responsible for projects.

Contents

• Foreword
• Introduction
• History of windmills
• The wind
• General theories of win machines. Basic laws and concepts of aerodynamics
• Description and performances of horizontal-axis wind machines
• Horizontal-axis wind machines. Design of the blades and determination of the forces acting on the wind power plant
• Description and performances of the vertical-axis windmills
• Use of wind energy for water pumping
• The generation of electricity by wind power
• Wind power plant projects
• Wind power plants. Economic and development prospects
• Computer programs and graphs
• Bibliography