The Science of Renewable Energy

Frank R. Spellman, Revonna M. Bieber (Autoren)

Buch | Hardcover

339 Seiten

2011
Crc Press Inc (Verlag)
978-1-4398-2502-0 (ISBN)

Infos

As time goes forward, the availability of affordable and accessible petroleum products decreases while the negative environmental impact increases. If we want to sustain our current way of life, which includes massive energy consumption, it is necessary to find alternatives to fossil fuels to prevent fuel shortages and to preserve and repair the environment around us. The Science of Renewable Energy presents a no-nonsense discussion of the importance of renewable energy, while adhering to scientific principles, models, and observations. The text includes in-depth discussions of emerging technologies, including biomass and fuel cells, and major sources of renewable energy, such as ocean, hydro, solar, and wind energy.


To provide a fundamental understanding of the basic concepts of renewable energy, the book also offers an extensive discussion on the basics of electricity, since it is applied to and produced from all forms of renewable energy. While emphasizing the technical aspects and practical applications of renewable sources, the text also covers the economic, social, and policy implications of large-scale implementation. The main focus of the book is on methods of obtaining energy from self-replenishing natural processes while limiting pollution of the atmosphere, water, and soil, as this is a critical pathway for the future. Exploring the subject from a scientific perspective highlights the need for renewable energy and helps to evaluate the task at hand.


The book is written for a wide range of readers, including students of diverse backgrounds and individuals in the energy industries, and presents the material in a user-friendly manner. Even individuals can have an impact on the quest to develop renewable energy sources. The concepts and guidelines described provide critical scientific rationale for pursuing clean and efficient energy sources as well as the knowledge needed to understand the complex issues involved. Woven with real-life situations, the text presents both the advantages and challenges of the different types of renewable energy.

Autor

Dr. Frank R. Spellman is assistant professor of Environmental Health at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, and the author of 55 books. His book topics range from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to all areas of environmental science and occupational health.

Inhalt

Post-Oil Energy
The Gathering Storm
Peak Oil
A Malthusian Catastrophe?
Weathering the Storm
Alternative and Renewable Energy
The Bottom Line: The Need for Innovation
Discussion Questions
References and Recommended Reading

Energy Basics
Energy
Principles of Basic Electricity
Battery-Supplied Electricity
DC Circuits
Ohm’s Law
Electric Power
Electric Energy
Series DC Circuit Characteristics
Parallel DC Circuits
Series–Parallel Circuits
Conductors
Electromagnetism
AC Theory
Characteristic Values of AC Voltage and Current
Resistance in AC Circuits
Inductance
Capacitance
Inductive and Capacitive Reactance
Capacitive Reactance
AC Circuit Theory
Generators
Motors
Transformers
Power Distribution System Protection
Electrical Drawings
Discussion and Review Questions
References and Recommended Reading

Solar Energy
Introduction
Concentrating Solar Power
Linear Concentrators
Dish/Engine Systems
Power Tower Systems
Thermal Energy Storage
Photovoltaics
Domestic and Industrial Use of Solar Energy
Let There Be Natural Light
The Bottom Line on Solar Energy
Discussion and Review Questions
References and Recommended Reading

Wind Energy
Introduction
Air in Motion.
Wind Energy
Wind Power Basics
Wind Turbine Types
Turbine Components
Wind Energy and Power Calculations
Small-Scale Wind Power
The Bottom Line on Wind Power
Discussion and Review Questions
References and Recommended Reading

Hydropower
Introduction
Hydropower Basic Concepts
Density and Specific Gravity
Force and Pressure
Reservoir Stored Energy
Hydro Turbines
Advanced Hydropower Technology
Hydropower Generation: Dissolved Oxygen Concerns
Bottom Line on Hydropower
Discussion and Review Questions
References and Recommended Reading

Bioenergy
Introduction
Biomass
Plant Basics
Biodiesel
Biogas (Methane CH)
The Bottom Line
Discussion and Review Questions
References and Recommended Reading

Geothermal Energy
Introduction
Geothermal Energy: The Basics
Energy Conversion
Geothermal Power Plant Technologies
Enhanced Geothermal Systems
Geothermal Heat Pumps
The Bottom Line
Discussion and Review Questions
References and Recommended Reading

Ocean Energy
Introduction
Oceans and Their Margins
The Ocean Floor
Ocean Tides, Currents, and Waves
Coastal Erosion, Transportation, and Deposition
Wave Energy
Wave Energy Conversion Technology
Tidal Energy
Tidal Energy Technologies
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion
The Bottom Line
Discussion and Review Questions
References and Recommended Reading

Fuel Cells
Fuel Cells: The Basics
Open Cells vs. Closed Cells
Hydrogen Fuel Cells: A Realistic View
Discussion and Review Question.
References and Recommended Reading

Afterward
Appendix
Glossary
Index

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 13.5.2011
• Zusatzinfo: 168; 32 Tables, black and white; 181 Illustrations, black and white
• Verlagsort: Bosa Roca
• Sprache: englisch
• Maße: 178 x 254 mm
• Gewicht: 794 g
• Themenwelt: Naturwissenschaften ► Biologie ► Ökologie / Naturschutz
• Themenwelt: Naturwissenschaften ► Physik / Astronomie
• Themenwelt: Technik ► Elektrotechnik / Energietechnik
• Themenwelt: Technik ► Umwelttechnik / Biotechnologie
• ISBN-10: 1-4398-2502-5 / 1439825025
• ISBN-13: 978-1-4398-2502-0 / 9781439825020
• Zustand: Neuware