This is far more than a book about microgeneration on rooftops. The authors are all consulting engineers for the built environment and perceive wind power from the largest to the smallest turbines in urban and industrial settings. For example, one installation described is the 2 MW, 70 m diameter turbine near the M4 motorway in Reading. The tower is 150 m from the motorway and only 70 m from the nearest office block. Wind-generated electricity enters the local network for a significant proportion of annual power to the whole business park and its locality. The authors are confident that people in the non-residential offices and at the nearby football stadium are not perturbed visually or acoustically, despite the closeness of the tower and with the blades rotating above the height of the buildings.
A strength of the book is the wealth of such specific examples for turbines of all scales and for urban locations worldwide. There are coloured photographs of most examples, which match the lively colour presentation and format throughout, so typical of the publishers. The result is an applied study with appeal to engineers, architects and planners.
Yet the authors do not shirk theory or numerate analysis. We learn about the characteristics of wind, especially for wind around buildings and through the urban form. Explanations are given of different wind turbine configurations, for although horizontal axis machines dominate for windfarms, there is a place aesthetically and turbulence-wise for vertical axis machines near and on buildings. The fundamentals of wind power capture and the components of the machines are explained, always with excellent coloured diagrams and graphs, and usually with algebraic analysis and quantitative deductions. This reviewer found only about 15 minor errors overall (e.g. some units, tip-speed ratio muddled with solidity, explanations of generators), which is minimal compared with the extensive information of the whole book.
Microgeneration using small wind turbines of, say, 10 kW capacity and less, is considered, again with examples and photographs. Monitoring studies are referenced, with the firm conclusion that just bolting a small turbine onto a building is most unlikely to produce significant electricity, especially if compared with the same machine sited in the open, well clear of obstructions. The authors do see a place, however, for designing ‘building-integrated turbines’ where the form of the building is used to concentrate the wind onto the turbine. Sophisticated computational fluid dynamic simulations are portrayed (again in colour) to show wind flow around obstructions and buildings, with concentration effects from specific shapes and building forms. Wind tunnel testing is shown. There are several examples where the architects have used such information to design and to construct impressive and futuristic buildings incorporating wind turbines.
Despite the adrenaline-provoking scenarios, the authors are realistic and professional, dealing with safety, fixings, noise, shadow flicker and many other issues. They do not suggest building-integrated wind turbines as a panacea, but they support the initiatives and ‘brave new projects’ being tried by some sponsors, architects and engineers worldwide. The book is carefully structured, with the initial preparation being for a contract for the European Commission Project ZED (zero-emission urban development). As explained, analysis and application covers micro/small (<10 kW), medium (~100 kW) and large (~2 MW) turbines, with links to manufacturers and further information in all these classes. Five distinctive parts are considered.
Urban and general energy needs in the context of global energy supplies and carbon abatement. This is an excellent explanation of present and impending energy policy, with the likely constraints and opportunities for change.
Wind energy opportunities in cities and towns, including commercial and industrial complexes.
Feasibility and analytic investigation of proposals, requiring basic analysis of the wind and of the machine characteristics and options.
Realistic appraisal of turbines and specific design requirements, especially considering free-standing machines and professional requirements needed for planning permission, financing, safety and insurance. The authoritative information of this section makes it essential reading for practitioners.
Building-integrated wind power, which is recognised to be speculative, yet architecturally exciting, at this stage.
Throughout there are clear references and illustrations of exceptional standard. You will not be disappointed in the book as a good read, nor for any lack of relevant information.
