Wind Energy: A Reference Handbook

(Hardback)

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Description

While covering the fascinating history of wind power as a whole, this timely handbook focuses on current technological developments and the promiseand pitfallsof wind energy as part of the world's energy future. The use of wind power for the generation of electricity holds vast potential for solving the world's energy problems, but numerous technical and social issues must be addressed before that potential can be realized. This handbook will both educate students about current issues related to wind energy and introduce the ways in which mankind has harnessed the wind through the ages. The book covers topics as diverse as early windmills in Europe, the United States, China, and the Middle East; the development of wind farms for electricity generation; and political factors involved in the development of wind energy today. Conventional wind turbine mechanics are explained, as are the technical improvements that drive modern wind turbines and other wind systems. What makes the handbook unique is that it combines hard science with perspective pieces that address topics such as potential environmental damage that can result from modern wind technology, and how recent developments in wind turbine technology hold the promise for considerably reducing the cost of this alternate energy source, making it competitive with conventional fossil fuels. Readers will be engaged by extensive discussion of the economic, political, and ethical issues raised by the expanding use of wind energy in the United States and elsewhere, and they will be intrigued by a look at what wind power can mean to the planet's energy future.

Reviews

This volume in the Contemporary World Issues series provides a thorough introduction to the science behind and the history of the use of wind for energy. . . . The organization of the book makes it easy to use, and the extensive and up-to date number of resources is impressive. This is a reference that could be adapted for use by high school and college students as well as general readers interested in the topic. * Booklist *
Newton, a prolific author and former secondary school and academic educator, provides a nontechnical introduction to wind energy with a focus on history and policy. . . . The content is solid but standard, fitting for an early undergraduate audience. . . . Lower-division undergraduates and general readers. * Choice *

Author Bio

David E. Newton has been a freelance writer of nonfiction books and ancillary materials for young adults for nearly 55 years.