Electricity for Agricultural Applications

NACTA Journal, Mar 2004 by Field, Harry

Electricity for Agricultural Applications By Carl Bern & Dean Olson, Iowa State Press, 2002, 235 pages, paperback, $64.99

As the authors discuss in the preface it would be difficult to envision agriculture without electric motors and other electrical devices. The author's intent was to provide a textbook for engineering and technology students what will explain the principles of electricity. I feel they have accomplished their goal.

A prominent feature of the text is the numerous illustrations and example problems. The authors have included concise, black and white drawings for all of the major principles included in the text. These drawings and the inclusion of example problems enhance the understanding of the content, especially the areas that require algebra and more advanced math. They have also included many good example problems at the end of each chapter.

The authors have not only infused safety throughout the text, but they have also included chapters on specific safety topics. The safety and electrical principles are supported by the appropriate references to the National Electric Code.

An additional plus for the text are the three appendixes. Appendix A & B contain a wealth of information on the electrical demand for many agricultural machines and other equipment data. Appendix C contains the solutions for selected end of chapter problems.

The authors intended to write a book that would be appropriate for engineering or post secondary technology students. The use of this book should be limited to these levels. The subject matter, reading level and math used would make it difficult to understand for all but the very best high school student. It would be considered to simple for the upper level college electrical engineer.

I think the quality of the text would be improved if some of the complicated wiring and electrical schematics included color. Another improvement would be the inclusion of a glossary as electricity includes many terms that may be new to the reader, or are not commonly used

Electricity for Agricultural Applications was not intended to be a how to wiring book. Its intent is to explain basic electrical theory and give examples of where it applies to agriculture. I feel it does this well. If the reader studies the text and figures, and completes all of the problems at the end of the chapters they will have a strong understanding of the principles of electricity.

Harry Field

Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering

Oklahoma State University