Wave, Wind, and Current Power Generation. Victor M. Lyatkher

image: Green Turbine Background Image: Korn Vitthayanukarun | Dreamstime.com Wave: Leigh Prather | Dreamstime.com

      Cover design by Kris Hackerott

      Set in size of 11pt and Minion Pro by Manila Typesetting Company, Makati, Philippines

      Printed in the USA

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Preface

      The book deals with modern problems of using wind energy – low-level and high-level (jet) currents in the atmosphere and the energy of water flows of rivers (without dams), ocean and sea currents, including those caused by tides. These areas (air and water flow energy) taken together do not solve the problem of using renewable, environmentally friendly energy sources, but they form an essential part of it. The energy of these flows in elemental, natural conditions passes from one form to another and dissipates into heat. The engineering measures discussed in this book aim to convert some of the energy of flows into electricity, thereby reducing the natural rate of energy dissipation of these flows. It turns out that by reducing the rate of dissipation of atmospheric surface low-level currents by only 1%, it is possible to provide all of humanity with energy at rates twice the per capita consumption of the wealthiest countries.

      The physical laws underlying the considered flow energy conversion schemes are equally implemented to water and air flows. Therefore, it is natural to combine the issues of calculations and modeling of wind and hydroelectric units into a single section. There is a lot in common in the schematic diagrams of power plants. In contrast, specific design solutions due to the considerable differentiation in densities and flow rates are different. In addition to general approaches, the book describes real projects in the field of wind and tidal energy. Lastly, this book discusses the future of wind energy: high altitude turbines (HATs). Unlike the jet stream turbine it can harness wind energy from a wider wind band. HATs have been on trial for the last few years with limited commercial success. We describe HAT technology in detail with two case studies. It has proven added benefits over conventional wind turbines and all other renewable sources of energy.