Page 17 - Fluid Power Engineering

Preface xv

in most cases, it is the longest duration task. Measurement is a key
step in reducing uncertainty related to the financial performance of a
wind project.
The seventh chapter deals with wind resource assessment. It is an-
other pivotal step in the development phase of a wind project. In this
chapter, different methods of assessment are covered, from methods
based on publicly available wind data and no onsite measurements,
to methods that extrapolate measured data along three spatial axes
and the temporal axis. In the eighth chapter, advanced wind resource
assessment topics such as computation of extreme wind speed, and
modeling of rough terrain and wake are described. Losses and un-
certainty associated with the various components of wind resource
assessment are also covered in this chapter.
Theninthchapterdescribesthecomponentsofawindturbinegen-
erator. The rotor system, nacelle, and tower and foundation systems
are described. The components of these three systems are described
for different types of utility scale turbines.
The tenth chapter deals with the electrical side of wind energy.
Basic concepts of electricity and magnetism are covered followed by
description of various types of generators used in wind turbines. In the
eleventh chapter, the integration with an electricity grid is described.
It covers how the variability of wind energy is incorporated in the
grid, the grid interconnection standards, and the protection systems
required in a wind farm. In addition, several topologies of wind farm
from an electrical standpoint are explained.
The twelfth chapter covers the environmental impact of wind
projects. It begins by setting the context for relative impact relative
to fossil fuel-based generation. In the chapter, each of the environ-
mental impacts: wildlife, noise, esthetics, shadow flicker, and others
are described. In addition, impact on aviation, radar, and telecommu-
nications are described.
The thirteenth chapter describes financial models used to evalu-
ate wind energy projects. In this chapter, the various components of
revenue, capital costs, and recurring costs are described. The impact
of incentives, in particular tax incentives in the United States, on the
financial performance is detailed. Finally, the financial performance
measures used to evaluate wind projects are described.
The fourteenth and final chapter describes planning and execu-
tion of wind projects. This chapter will serve as a guide to project
managers of wind energy projects during development, construction
and commissioning, and operations.
I learned a lot while writing this book. There were quite a few
things that I was certain were true but which turned out to be not so