A revolution is ongoing in the field of small-scale energy solutions, which can enable lower impact on the environment, more robust supply and self-determination. Solar power and other forms of renewable energy sources, which you can implement to generate your own electricity, are growing quickly. Electromobility is transforming the car industry and transportation systems and can also play a role in your energy system. Electricity can be used much more efficiently than before, for example by using LED light, variable speed motor drives and efficient home appliances. Smart controls are available, sometimes with free open source software. All this opens up tremendous opportunities for energy independence, which is the focus of this book. The book introduces the reader to a number of renewable energy sources, to different options for storing electricity and to smart use of electricity, particularly in the context of small isolated systems. This is important because many renewable energy sources are weather- and season-dependent and usually require storage and smart control, in order to obtain a system that is completely independent of the electricity grid. In the book, overall system design is explained, including how to combine different sources in a hybrid system. Different system sizes and architectures are also covered. A number of real cases are described, where homes, businesses and communities have achieved a high level of energy independence or are on their way to achieving it. This book will prove useful in university education in renewable energy at bachelor and master level, and also for companies and private individuals, who want to start or expand activities in the area of renewable energy.

A revolution is ongoing in the field of small-scale energy solutions, which can enable lower impact on the environment, more robust supply and self-determination. Solar power and other forms of renewable energy sources, which you can implement to generate your own electricity, are growing quickly. Electromobility is transforming the car industry and transportation systems and can also play a role in your energy system. Electricity can be used much more efficiently than before, for example by using LED light, variable speed motor drives and efficient home appliances. Smart controls are available, sometimes with free open source software. All this opens up tremendous opportunities for energy independence, which is the focus of this book. The book introduces the reader to a number of renewable energy sources, to different options for storing electricity and to smart use of electricity, particularly in the context of small isolated systems. This is important because many renewable energy sources are weather- and season-dependent and usually require storage and smart control, in order to obtain a system that is completely independent of the electricity grid. In the book, overall system design is explained, including how to combine different sources in a hybrid system. Different system sizes and architectures are also covered. A number of real cases are described, where homes, businesses and communities have achieved a high level of energy independence or are on their way to achieving it. This book will prove useful in university education in renewable energy at bachelor and master level, and also for companies and private individuals, who want to start or expand activities in the area of renewable energy.

Small Scale Power Generation Handbook: Towards Distributed Energy Systems is a technological assessment of small-scale power in one reference, covering various technologies that can be applied to construct small power generation, each with their unique characteristics of operation, maintenance, control and integration within the grid. Addressing how conventional generation can be jointly and efficiently operated with renewable energy sources in small scale power sources, the specific peculiarities of small-scale power are considered in terms of performance, availability and reliability, all in relation to the current trend of incorporating small and distributed power plants using different energy sources and fuels. This book provides technological advances along with the critical issues and economic performance of small size power plants of all types in a single source, making it relevant for professionals involved in the design of small-scale power generation systems and those interested in current energy system design. Compares the advantages and weaknesses of small-scale power production with a focus on new challenges for grid integration Critically analyzes different technology issues surrounding operation, maintenance and control Includes small-scale power generation technology examples and global case studies

Skyrocketing energy costs and constant reminders of the impacts of conventional energy sources are making homeowners and businesses look at different ways to use energy more efficiently and to generate their own electricity to reduce fuel bills and their carbon footprint. Power From the Wind is the completely revised and updated edition of the go-to guide for individuals and businesses interested in installing small wind energy systems. Written for the layperson, this practical guide provides an accurate and unbiased view of all aspects of small wind energy systems, including: Wind and wind energy system options Ways to assess wind resources at your site Wind turbines and towers Inverters and batteries Installation and maintenance of systems Costs and benefits of installing a wind system. Readers will gain the knowledge they need to make wise decisions during the design, purchase, and installation of small wind energy systems and to communicate effectively with wind system installers, and will be empowered to help make the smartest, most economical choices.

The increasing demand and consumption of energy resulted in today's energy crisis. In order to overcome the burden on limited fuels and to sustain the growth of industries and comfortable living, there is a need to switch to the "utilization of renewable energy resources." Whereas, to develop renewable energy systems not only their familiarization is important but also simple and cost effective techniques are required to easily bring these system in practical forms. This book covers introduction to renewable energy systems and also helps to develop small scale renewable energy systems both in islanded and grid connected modes.

Small-scale Renewable Energy Systems, Grid-connection and Net Metering: An Overview of the Canadian Experience in 2003 Abstract This report documents the experience of small-scale grid-connected renewable energy power producers in Canada and provides an overview of the grid-connect and net metering policies of electric utilities across the country as of March 2003. [...] One survey documents the experience of the small-scale energy producer and the grid-connection process, while the other catalogues the utility policies in place that support the grid-connection process. [...] One of the factors not accounted for in the study was the preponderance of 'guerilla' systems: systems connected to the grid without the official approval of the utility and/or inspection to meet the CE Code. [...] Two crucial roadblocks have been identified in the US as blocking the widespread uptake of Green Power initiatives and a small-scale renewable energy industry: 1) Lack of consistency in standards and policies regulating the implementation of interconnection and net metering across the country 2) Reluctance of utilities (who are, by and large, both producers and suppliers of power) to allow other p [...] This report documents the experience of small-scale grid-connected renewable energy power producers4 in Canada to the end of March 2003, and provides an overview of the current grid-connect and net metering policies of electric utilities across the country.

Optimization in Renewable Energy Systems: Recent Perspectives covers all major areas where optimization techniques have been applied to reduce uncertainty or improve results in renewable energy systems (RES). Production of power with RES is highly variable and unpredictable, leading to the need for optimization-based planning and operation in order to maximize economies while sustaining performance. This self-contained book begins with an introduction to optimization, then covers a wide range of applications in both large and small scale operations, including optimum operation of electric power systems with large penetration of RES, power forecasting, transmission system planning, and DG sizing and siting for distribution and end-user premises. This book is an excellent choice for energy engineers, researchers, system operators, system regulators, and graduate students. Provides chapters written by experts in the field Goes beyond forecasting to apply optimization techniques to a wide variety of renewable energy system issues, from large scale to relatively small scale systems Provides accompanying computer code for related chapters