Power Systems and Renewable Energy

Solar and wind energy systems have flourished throughout the

United States in the last few years as the public calls for reduced

dependence on foreign oil. This has stimulated the growth of an

industry that provides wind and solar systems, and many small businesses

have sprung up to install these systems. Training programs

and courses are now ubiquitous as the demand for designers and

installers increases.

This book provides a resource for engineering students interested

in the design and operation of solar electric, solar thermal,

wind, and other renewable systems. While there are many good reference

books on power systems and renewable energy, this book

integrates the engineering basics of existing power systems with

design problems and solutions using renewable energy sources.

The author includes chapters on concepts and background review.

Details of photovoltaic and wind systems as interconnected or

stand-alone designs, estimating and predicting energy production

using industry distribution functions and online programs, and concepts

of temperature coefficients, synchronization, power conversion,

and system protection are explained and illustrated. The book

is a very "hands-on" practical guide, structured to motivate you to

experience the design and installation process.