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SUSTAINABLE WINDPOWER
WORKSHOP This is a 1997 release from the Centre for Alternative Technology's series Anglicising small wind turbine publications for a British audience. For more than twenty years CAT has been demonstrating the use of alternative technology from waterpower to wind turbines at their centre in an abandoned slate quarry in central Wales.Windpower Workshop grew out of Hugh's lectures at CAT instructing people on how they can build their own low-cost wind machines... I immediately liked Hugh's organization of Windpower Workshop. He's one of the few writers on wind energy that has had the guts to put a discussion of safety right up front where it counts. Hugh relates a literally hair-raising tale of an encounter between Mick Sagrillo, a small wind turbine guru from the US, and a whirring Jacobs generator. (Mick still can't stand the sound of velcro). Some of these micro turbines, such as the Marlec, use what Hugh calls "air gap" generators. Hugh explains how these mysterious little generators work, answering questions that I've had for years. Windpower Workshop includes a comprehensive list of British consultants, dealers, and manufacturers of small wind turbines, a seven-page glossary, and a useful list of equations in the appendix. What sets these formulas apart from those in other books on wind energy is their presentation. Hugh helpfully provides them in a form suitable for keying into a spreadsheet so the reader can make their own calculations. Do-It-Yourselfers will greatly appreciate that gesture. Windpower Workshop, says Hugh, was "written for those who want to build their own windmill and for those who dream." It's books like this that keeps the dream alive. £12.00 THE
SOLAR ELECTRIC HOUSE: ENERGY FOR THE ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIVE,
ENERGY-INDEPENDENT HOME This is the most comprehensive book available regarding the application of solar-generated electricity (photovoltaics). The book is well organised, well written, and easy to understand. Many have long wanted to be able to harvest the sun's energy for heat and electricity, but were in doubt about whether the technology was dependable or affordable. This book will erase your concerns. While the science of converting the sun's rays to electricity is still incomprehensible to many people, you will find the down-to-earth examples reassuring. £12.37 |
THE
SOLAR HOME How to design and build a house you heat with the sun as the subtitle. Not a lot more to add to that. £14.99 THE
WHOLE HOUSE BOOK Shows you how to make your home attractive, healthy, and energy efficient - without harming the environment. Definitely a must for anyone who is thinking of building an eco house, or improving the ecological integrity of an existing one. It goes over all aspects and although you would need more information on certain specifics, such as wind turbines, this book will certainly give you a good overview and establish clear views in your mind about ecological building, the do's and the don'ts £35.00 PASSIVE
SOLAR HOUSE BASICS Superb introduction to the concept of using the sun to heat and light your building. Split into 2 major sections: principles and plans. Anyone who has been in a solar house, on a cold winter day has felt the warmth and comfort of its natural radiant heat. In 1958, solar pioneer Peter van Dresser built his first solar-heated house, one of the two oldest in the United States. In this book van Dresser lays out in text and illustration the principles an owner builder will need to know in siting, designing, building and living in their solar house. Several sample house plans, ideas for solar hot water heaters, and plans for solar crop dryers give the solar enthusiast the basic information they will need to begin plans on their efficient home. This book shows that solar energy can be economically harnessed by simple means. Means that are within the grasp of the average homeowner and builder. Also useful for retrofitters. £7.48
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