Wind Generator Lightning Protection

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• Solar Age Magazine was the official publication of the American Solar Energy Society. The contemporary solar energy magazine associated with the Society is Solar Today. "Established in 1954, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nation's leading association of solar professionals & advocates. Our mission is to inspire an era of energy innovation and speed the transition to a sustainable energy economy. We advance education, research and policy. Leading for more than 50 years. ASES leads national efforts to increase the use of solar energy, energy efficiency and other sustainable technologies in the U.S. We publish the award-winning SOLAR TODAY magazine, organize and present the ASES National Solar Conference and lead the ASES National Solar Tour – the largest grassroots solar event in the world."
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  Steven Bliss served as editorial director and co-publisher of The Journal of Light Construction for 16 years and previously as building technology editor for Progressive Builder and Solar Age magazines. He worked in the building trades as a carpenter and design/build contractor for more than ten years and holds a masters degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Excerpts from his recent book, Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, Wiley (November 18, 2005) ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, appear throughout this website, with permission and courtesy of Wiley & Sons. Best Practices Guide is available from the publisher, J. Wiley & Sons, and also at Amazon.com
• Portions of this information are based on UL publication 200-81 11/87 and other local service company information about lightning protection systems and lightning strike hazards.
• Special thanks to www.alrci.com/ Associated Lightning Rod Company, Cooper Road Box 329A, Millerton NY who has been contributing technical content in presentations to NY ASHI home inspectors since 1996. Some of that information [on lightning system material and installation details] was edited for clarity.
  
  ALRCi can be reached at 518-789-4603, 845-373-8309, 860-364-1498 and will inspect your lightning protection system at no charge. [We have no financial nor any other business relationship with any company or product discussed at this website--DF]
• Pacific Electric & Gas Co., For more details on how lightning protection systems work, see www.pge.com/docs/pdfs/biz/power_quality/power_quality_notes/lightning.pdf Lightning Protection from Pacific Electric and Gas Company, and www.afcesa.af.mil/userdocuments/publications/ETL/ETL%2090-6.pdf">Electrical System Grounding and Lightning Protection, Engineering Technical Letter 90-6, Department of the Air Force, HQ USAF.
• As we indicated in an original version of this article, a lightning strike risk assessment guide can be found in Appendix I of the National Fire Protection Association's Lightning Protection Code, NFPA #780. The guide considers type of structure, type of construction, structure location, topography, occupancy, contents and lightning frequency. Contact NFPA, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269 617-770-3000.
• www.awea.org/">American Wind Energy Association, is the the national trade association for the wind energy industry. Contact AWEA, the American Wind Energy Association, at 1501 M Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005, Phone: 202.383.2500 Fax: 202.383.2505 or by email to windmail@awea.org

Lightning protection references & products for wind generators

• "Lightning Awareness," Gerry Schulte, BMW ON magazine, June 2007 pp. 58-60, provided some technical details about lightning, and refers readers to www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm
• Lightning Protection Institute, 3365 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite J., Arlington Heights IL 60004
• Lightning strike risk assessment: for the full body of this excellent article which summarizes recent opinions about lightning strike risk assessment and safe practices for individuals or groups needing to avoid being struck by lightning,
  
  see www.nssl.noaa.gov/mag/holleetal.html">Updated Recommendations for Lightning Safety - 1998 Ronald L. Holle and Raul E. Lopez from National Severe Storms Laboratory, NOAA and Norman, Oklahoma, Christoph Zimmermann Global Atmospherics, Inc. Tucson, Arizona
• Underwriters Laboratory Standard UL96A.
  
  These requirements cover the installation of lightning protection systems on all types of structures other than structures used for the production, handling, or storage of ammunition, explosives, flammable liquids or gases, and other explosive ingredients including dust.
  
  These requirements apply to lightning protection systems that are complete and cover all parts of a structure. Partial systems are not covered by this standard.
  
  These requirements do not cover the installation of lightning protection systems for electrical generating, distribution, or transmission systems. These requirements do not cover lightning protection components, which are covered by the Standard for Lightning Protection Components, UL 96.
• Underwriters Laboratory Standard UL96: These requirements cover lightning protection components for use in the installation of complete systems of lightning protection on buildings and structures. These requirements do not cover the installation of lightning protection components. Products of this type are covered by the Standard for Installation Requirements for Lightning Protection Systems, UL 96A.
• "Wind Power Grows 39 % for the Year", Jad Mouawad, The New York Times, 01/26/2010 p. B1.
• "China Leading Race to Make Clean Energy", Keith Bradsher, The New York Times, 01/31/2010, p1, p10.
  
  Mr. Bradsher and the Times reported that most of the wind turbines and wind energy being installed in the U.S. as well as most of the solar panels being used in the U.S. are being produced in China. U.S. President Obama has called for American Industry to step up its production of renewable energy equipment.
  
  Vestas, a Danish corporation, has completed the world's biggest wind turbine manufacturing facility, located in northeastern China, effectively transferring the latest turbine technology for wind turbine generators and turbine controls to that country.
  
  China intends to produce 8 percent of its electricity generation by renewable energy by 2020, compared with the current 4% level in both China and the U.S. In China, wind energy remains 20-40% less costly than that produced from coal. But renewable energy costs continue to fall.
• "China Leading Race to Make Clean Energy", Keith Bradsher, The New York Times, 01/31/2010, p1, p10.
• "Tons of Machinery, Blowing in the Wind", The New York Times, 08/03/2010, p-. BU-7. [Contains the G.E. wind turbine production citation mentioned above.] G.E.'s wind turbine production sites include Pensacola FL (hub and nose cone and nacelle), and Newton IA (wind turbine blades).

Master List of Wind Turbine Generator & Solar Energy Companies, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Guanajuato

Ace Lab (52) (47) 7740055 Blvd Hidalgo 2006 Col Sn Jos Consuelo Cp 371 Len, GT

• Auto Partes Henry (52) (47) 7710553 Blvd J Torres Landa 6002 Cp 37530 Len, GT
• www.aerosolarmexico.com/index1.html">Aero Solar Mexico, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Carr. San Miguel / Queretaro Km 3, San Miguel de Allende, Gto. MX
  Tel. 415-1500000 / 415-1200000 [generador eolico - see photo at top of this page] email: info@aerosolarmexico.com
• Solar energy - Apollo Solar Design, briowen@yahoo.com
• CONSTRUCTORA NOBERGO (415) 152-0747 blvd de la conspiracion 13 SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, GT
• Construcciones Y Excavaciones Del Norte Sa De Cv (52) (47) 7116788 Blvd Torres Landa 5703 Cp 37530 Len, GT
• CIMAQ (415) 150-7216 de la estacion 137 centro SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, GT
• CONST Y TRITURACIONES (415) 120-2169 cll lucero 50 la lejona SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, GT
• Solar energy - DesMex Solar, Carretera a Celaya Km. 1, Plaza Alhóndiga Local 14 (1M), Frente a Mega Comercial Mexicana
  Alejandra Galiana, info@desmexsolar.com 415 150 7312
• Gas Noel (52) (47) 7182222 Paseo De Los Insurgentes 404 A Jardines Cp 3 Len, GT
• Importexportmexico, wholesale supplier, exporter, importer: water pumping windmills, water filtering and purification systems, wind energy towers and structures (small), remote home power systems. # 1 Montitlan Los Balcones, San Miguel de Allende , GTO Mexico 37720 Tel: 011 52 415 15 4 6947
• Logstica Express (52) (47) 7169986 Ricardo Castro 123 Cp 37480 Len, GT
• RODRIGEZ PEREZ LUIS ENRIQUE (415) 154-7292 durazno 8 la lejona SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, GT
• RODRIGEZ PEREZ LUIS E (415) 154-7292 clle durazno 8 SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, GT
• Solar energy - Solar & Heating Solutions, Javier Hernandez 415 113 9710, javier@mexsolar.com
• Wind & Solar Power - Solar San Miguel - The Green Store, Plaza Conspiracion, Salida Queretaro, Ben-Zion Ptashnik 415 154 6397 or 044 415 153 5164, benptashnik@yahoo.com
• Wind & Solar Power - Soluciones Solares, Enrique Orvaños 415 154 4915 o 415 103 3355; eorvananos@solsol.com.mx
• Wind & Solar Power - Distribuidora Waltho de SMA, Miguel Gil 415 152 8378 o 415 113 9544; distribuidora@gmail.com

Wind turbine electrical generators & Wind Generator Controllers, also packaged solar generators

• CVI, Chaul Valve, Inc., ENERGÍA EOLICA, at http://www.chaul.net/genpro.htm - photographs of wind turbines ranging from 300W to 20,000 Watts. Generador de Turbina = 20kW
• Windpower generator and tower, Sunforce products
• Solar Wind Power Tower> - AIR-X Land wind turbine/ 10 Watt, AEE, SW Windpower, Samlex, Morningstar
• Sunforce 44444 12-Volt 400-Watt Wind Generator,
  
  The Sunforce 44444 400 Watt Wind Generator uses wind to generate power and run your appliances and electronics. Constructed from lightweight, weatherproof cast aluminum, this generator is also a great choice for powering pumps or charging batteries for large power demands.
  
  With a maximum power up to 400 watts or 27 amps, this device features a fully integrated regulator that automatically shuts down when the batteries are completely charged.
  
  The 44444 is virtually maintenance free with only two moving parts, and the carbon fiber composite blades ensure low wind noise while the patented high wind over speed technology guarantees a smooth, clean charge.
  
  Assembly is required, but this generator installs easily and mounts to any sturdy pole, building, or the Sunforce 44455 Wind Generator 30-Foot Tower Kit. The 44444 uses a 12-volt battery (not included) and measures 15 x 9 x 27 inches (WxHxD).
• Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
• www.armorlp.com/"> Armor Lightning Protection Inc Manchester Center, VT, 802-375-0266 state-of-the-art lightning protection and surge protection for residential and commercial buildings in Vermont, New England, and throughout the Northeast
• Associated Lightning Rod Company, Inc., Box 329A, Cooper Road, Millerton, NY 12546 914/373-8309 518/789-4603
• A-C Lightning Security, Inc., 2100 East First St., PO Box 329, Maryville MO 64468 816-582-8115 800-821-5575 816-562-2932. In New York, Hudson Valley, contact Christensen Electrical Power Systems, Richard G. Christensen, 518-537-4128.
• www.lightningeliminators.com/">Lightning Eliminators & Consultants6687 Arapahoe Road Boulder, CO 80303 (303) 447-2828. "Engineering Solutions For Lightning, Grounding and Surge Protection Worldwide Since 1971"
• www.einet.net/galaxy/Engineering-and-Technology/Electrical-Engineering.html">Electrical EINET
• www.blackmagic.com/ses/bruceg/EMC/litfacil.html">Lightning Protection for Facilities, Dr. Bruce Gabrielson, Robert B. Marcus, Published and presented: EMCEXPO92, Washington D.C.
• web.mit.edu:1962/tiserve.mit.edu/9000/22714.html">MIT's Electrical Safety Files
• www.polarnet.com/users/GNewton/newt.htm">Newton's International Electrical Journal
• www.cpwr.com/hazpdfs/hazlightning.pdf">Lightning Protection for Workers What to Do if You're Outside in a Lightning Storm - Center to Protect Workers' Rights (PDF)
• 1998 and Current Lightning Protection Conferences & Exhibitions
• www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_lhm/lightning_risk_ham.html">Lightning Risk and Hazard Analysis Measurement from the National Lightning Safety Institute (NLSI).
• www.nssl.noaa.gov/papers/techmemos/NWS-SR-193/techmemo-sr193.html"> "Lightning Fatalities, Injuries, and Damage Reports in the United States from 1959-1994", E. Brian Curran, Ronald L. Holle, Raul E. Lopez, NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS SR-193 October 1997
• UL - Underwriters Labs Lightning equipment certification program. "Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) has been testing and certifying lightning protection equipment since 1908. UL issues certificates of conformance for systems, inspecting system components and checking completed installations. Installations are required to comply with UL's internationally recognized Standards for lightning protection systems. Manufacturers, suppliers and installers demonstrate their commitment to safety by building, selling and installing only those lightning protection products that pass UL's rigorous testing." -- (Op.Cit.)

Books on Wind Generators and Wind Energy System Designs

• Developing Wind Power Projects: Theory and Practice, Tore Wizelius, Earthscan Publications Ltd. (January 2007), ISBN-10: 1844072622, ISBN-13: 978-1844072620
  
  Wind power is developing rapidly, both in the number of new installations and in the interest from various stakeholders including policy makers, NGOs, research scientists, industry, and a broader general public.
  
  Unlike the majority of other texts on wind power, which are written primarily for engineers or policy analysts, this book specifically targets professionals and students interested in wind power project development. Having outlined wind power basics and explained the underlying resource and technology, the author explores the interactions between wind power and society and the main aspects of project development, including, siting, economics, and legislation.
  
  Based on a successful Swedish edition, expanded and updated for an international market, this book will be an essential reference for professionals developing new sites, government officials and consultants reviewing related applications, and both specialists and non-specialists studying wind power project development.
• Harnessing the Wind for Home Energy, Dermot McGuigan, Garden Way Pub Co (February 1978), ISBN-10: 0882661175, ISBN-13: 978-0882661179 - old text, brief, concise, helpful - DF
• Induction Generators for Wind Power, Vladislav Akhmatov, Multi-Science Publishing Co. Ltd. (August 1, 2007), ISBN-10: 0906522404, ISBN-13: 978-0906522400
  [Quoting]
  At a time of great concern about energy efficiency and the future of energy supply comes an in-depth look at the technical aspects of producing wind power. The complexities of converting wind power into electricity that can be readily distributed through national power lines are discussed. This book analyzes a full range of simulated induction generators and grid conditions, and electrical engineering theory is also presented.
• Natural Energy Association Windpower Booklet: Practical Guide to Available Wind Generators, Natural Energy Assn, (May 1979), ISBN-10: 0950610720, ISBN-13: 978-0950610726
• The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy: Achieving Energy Independence through Solar, Wind, Biomass and Hydropower ( Mother Earth News Wiser Living), Dan Chiras, ISBN13: 9780865715363
  
  The coming energy crisis caused by a peak in global oil and natural gas production will profoundly affect the lives of all North Americans.
  
  As the price of these vital fuels rises, homeowners will scramble to cut their fuel bills. Two options for meeting the upcoming challenge are dramatic improvements in home energy efficiency and efforts to tap into clean, affordable, renewable energy resources to heat and cool homes, to provide hot water and electricity, and even to cook.
  
  These measures can result in huge savings and a level of energy independence.
  
  
  The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy tells you how. It starts by outlining the likely impacts of fossil fuel shortages and some basic facts about energy. It then discusses energy conservation to slash energy bills and prepare for renewable energy options.
  
  Focusing carefully on specific strategies needed to replace specific fuels, the book then examines each practical energy option available to homeowners:
  
  • Solar hot water, cooking, and water purification
  
  • Space heat: passive and active solar retrofits
  
  • Wood heat
  
  • Passive cooling
  
  • Solar electricity
  
  • Wind-generated electricity
  
  • Electricity from microhydropower sources
  
  • Emerging technologies—hydrogen, fuel cells, methane digesters, and biodiesel
  
  The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy gives readers sufficient knowledge to hire and communicate effectively with contractors and, for those wanting do installations themselves, it recommends more detailed manuals.
  
  With a complete resource listing, this well-illustrated and accessible guide is a perfect companion for illuminating the coming dark age.
• The Renewable Energy Handbook, Revised Edition: The Updated Comprehensive Guide to Renewable Energy and Independent Living, William H. Kemp,
  
  This revised edition of The Renewable Energy Handbook focuses on the unique requirements of off-grid living as well as using "green" energy for homeowners who remain connected to the electrical utility. The book contains chapters on:
  
  * Energy efficiency and economics
  
  * Home heating and cooling and domestic water heating
  
  * Photovoltaic, wind, and micro-hydro energy generation
  
  * Battery selection and inverters
  
  * Backup power, wireless communications, etc.
  
  It includes comprehensive specifications for many of the products available in the market today. Whether you are just curious or an industry expert, this handbook will show you how to stretch your energy dollars (doing much more with less) while powering your home with renewable energy.
  
  And, unlike fossil fuels or nuclear energy, renewable energy frees you from worry about dumping today's pollution on tomorrow's children. Since its release in 2003, The Renewable Energy Handbook has been a top-selling technology book and is recognized as the best in its field.
  
  This edition has been fully revised for 2010 and beyond. It has been increased in size to an easy-to-read 8 x 10 inch format, and it is augmented with hundreds of illustrations, line drawings, photographs, and appendices.
• Turbulence statistics for design of wind turbine generators, J. C. Kaimal,
  [Quoting]
  
  This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's large-scale digitization efforts. The Library seeks to preserve the intellectual content of items in a manner that facilitates and promotes a variety of uses.
  
  The digital reformatting process results in an electronic version of the original text that can be both accessed online and used to create new print copies. The Library also understands and values the usefulness of print and makes reprints available to the public whenever possible.
  
  This book and hundreds of thousands of others can be found in the HathiTrust, an archive of the digitized collections of many great research libraries. For access to the University of Michigan Library's digital collections, please see http://www.lib.umich.edu and for information about the HathiTrust, please visit http://www.hathitrust.org
• Wind Energy Generation: Modelling and Control, Olimpo Anaya-Lara, Nick Jenkins, Janaka Ekanayake, Phill Cartwright, Michael Hughe, ISBN13: 9780470714331
  [Quoting]
  
  With increasing concern over climate change and the security of energy supplies, wind power is emerging as an important source of electrical energy throughout the world. Modern wind turbines use advanced power electronics to provide efficient generator control and to ensure compatible operation with the power system.
  
  Wind Energy Generation describes the fundamental principles and modelling of the electrical generator and power electronic systems used in large wind turbines. It also discusses how they interact with the power system and the influence of wind turbines on power system operation and stability.
  
  Key features:
  
  * Includes a comprehensive account of power electronic equipment used in wind turbines and for their grid connection.
  
  * Describes enabling technologies which facilitate the connection of large-scale onshore and offshore wind farms.
  
  * Provides detailed modelling and control of wind turbine systems.
  
  * Shows a number of simulations and case studies which explain the dynamic interaction between wind power and conventional generation.
• In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested
  
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