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Energy and Sustainable Futures: Proceedings of the 3rd ICESF, 2022 (Springer Proceedings in Energy)
by Jonathan D. Nixon Amin Al-Habaibeh Vladimir Vukovic Abhishek AsthanaThis is an open access book. This book contains research papers presented at the 3rd International Conference on Energy and Sustainable Futures (ICESF), which took place at Coventry University, UK, in 2022. The ICESF is an annual conference organised by the UK-based Doctorial Training Alliance (DTA) programme. It is a multidisciplinary conference focused on addressing the future challenges and opportunities for meeting global energy targets and sustainable development goals. The conference brought together academic researchers, industry experts and research students to showcase the latest innovations and research on a wide range of topics in the areas of energy and sustainability, including • renewable energy; • ICT and control; • computational fluid dynamics; • optimization; • conventional energy sources; • energy governance; • materials in energy research; • energy storage and • energy access.
Energy and the Environment
by Robert A. Ristinen Jack J. Kraushaar Jeffrey T. BrackEnergy and the Environment Examine the tension between energy production and consumption and environmental conservation with the latest edition of this widely read text In the newly revised Fourth Edition of Energy and the Environment, the authors deliver an insightful and expanded discussion on the central topics regarding the interaction between energy production, consumption, and environmental stewardship. The book explores every major form of energy technology, including fossil fuels, renewables, and nuclear power, wrapping up with chapters on how energy usage affects our atmosphere, and the resulting global effects. The latest edition includes new figures and tables that reflect the most recent numbers on conventional and renewable energy production and consumption. The history and current status of relevant U.S. and international governmental energy legislation is discussed along with the text. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to the fundamentals of energy and energy use in industrial societies, including the forms of energy, scientific notation, and the principle of energy conservation A comprehensive exploration of fossil fuels, including petroleum, coal, and natural gas, along with their history, world production, and remaining future resources Discussion of the pros and cons of nuclear power, it’s rise in China, and it’s fall elsewhere, and a history of power plant accidents A practical discussion of heat engines, including their thermodynamics, energy content of fuels, and heat pumps and engines In-depth examinations of new innovations and rapidly increasing use of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy, along with updates on battery technology and alternative energy storage techniques Detailed discussions of the atmospheric effects of our energy usage on scales both local and global; reports from the International Panel on Climate Change; the carbon budget, carbon capture and storage, and geoengineering Perfect for either graduate or upper-level undergraduate students of physics, environmental science, and engineering, Energy and the Environment is also an indispensable resource for anyone professionally or personally interested in climate change, energy policy, and energy conservation.
Energy and the Environment: Sources, Technologies, and Impacts
by Reza ToossiEnergy and the Environment is conceived and written at a level suitable for use as an introductory undergraduate textbook in energy and environment for students with very little mathematics or science background. It can also be used by anyone interested in technical, political, environmental, and economical issues related to energy. To make the text appropriate for engineering and science students, additional topics are included within information boxes placed throughout the book, and in the appendices. Examples requiring algebra are indicated in a similar manner. Depending on the audience, instructors can decide to eliminate all or part of this material without loss of continuity. Each chapter in Energy and the Environment stands alone, and the text can be taught in any order that the instructor deems suitable. Widely different curricula can therefore be designed and tailored for any audience simply by focusing on the appropriate sections from the appropriate chapters. For example, an environmental engineering course might include the summaries of various energy sources types, with an emphasis on air pollution, radiation, and environmental economics. A science curriculum might alternately emphasize the various technological sections and incorporate some of the engineering designs. This book is now available and can be purchased at http://vervepublishers.com. You may also order a free examination copy if you are considering adopting the Energy and the Environment for your classes. I would be most pleased to receive comments and thank you for your time!
Energy and the Quality of Life: Understanding Energy Policy
by Clifford Hooker Robert Macdonald Robert Van Hulst Peter VictorAs the supply/cost crunch tightens, issues related to energy become increasingly compelling. This is a guide for the general public to the fossil fuel crisis facing Canada, and Ontario in particular. It is also about other long-term matters of greater importance: the economic, socio-political, and cultural consequences of the choices which now have to be made, primarily by governments. The authors argue that energy policy is social policy. Therefore our ideas about the kind of society we want must be a governing consideration in working out a policy to take Canada through the energy crisis. The four writers bring to bear on the problem the perspectives of engineering, philosophy, environmental studies, and economics. The result is a balanced guide for the continuing debate on the adaptation of society to the imperatives of energy.
Energy and the Social Sciences: An Examination of Research Needs (Routledge Revivals)
by Sam H. Schurr Hans H. Landsberg John J. Schanz, Jr. Grant P. ThompsonOriginally published in 1974, this report dwells on the problems of meeting global energy demands and the time, effort and knowledge needed to research new energy methods. With rising costs, the uncertainty of supply from the Middle East and concern over the environmental impact of energy products, Energy and the Social Sciences outlines the intense need for well-designed research. This title will be of interest to students of Environmental Studies.
Energy and the Wealth of Nations: Understanding The Biophysical Economy
by Charles A.S. Hall Kent KlitgaardIn this updated edition of a groundbreaking text, concepts such as energy return on investment (EROI) provide powerful insights into the real balance sheets that drive our “petroleum economy.” Hall and Klitgaard explore the relation between energy and the wealth explosion of the 20th century, and the interaction of internal limits to growth found in the investment process and rising inequality with the biophysical limits posed by finite energy resources. The authors focus attention on the failure of markets to recognize or efficiently allocate diminishing resources, the economic consequences of peak oil, the high cost and relatively low EROI of finding and exploiting new oil fields, including the much ballyhooed shale plays and oil sands, and whether alternative energy technologies such as wind and solar power can meet the minimum EROI requirements needed to run society as we know it.For the past 150 years, economics has been treated as a social science in which economies are modeled as a circular flow of income between producers and consumers. In this “perpetual motion” of interactions between firms that produce and households that consume, little or no accounting is given of the flow of energy and materials from the environment and back again. In the standard economic model, energy and matter are completely recycled in these transactions, and economic activity is seemingly exempt from the Second Law of Thermodynamics. As we enter the second half of the age of oil, when energy supplies and the environmental impacts of energy production and consumption are likely to constrain economic growth, this exemption should be considered illusory at best. This book is an essential read for all scientists and economists who have recognized the urgent need for a more scientific, empirical, and unified approach to economics in an energy-constrained world, and serves as an ideal teaching text for the growing number of courses, such as the authors’ own, on the role of energy in society.
Energy and the Wealth of Nations
by Charles A. Hall Kent A. KlitgaardFor the past 150 years, economics has been treated as a social science in which economies are modeled as a circular flow of income between producers and consumers. In this "perpetual motion" of interactions between firms that produce and households that consume, little or no accounting is given of the flow of energy and materials from the environment and back again. In the standard economic model, energy and matter are completely recycled in these transactions, and economic activity is seemingly exempt from the Second Law of Thermodynamics. As we enter the second half of the age of oil, and as energy supplies and the environmental impacts of energy production and consumption become major issues on the world stage, this exemption appears illusory at best. In Energy and the Wealth of Nations, concepts such as energy return on investment (EROI) provide powerful insights into the real balance sheets that drive our "petroleum economy." Hall and Klitgaard explore the relation between energy and the wealth explosion of the 20th century, the failure of markets to recognize or efficiently allocate diminishing resources, the economic consequences of peak oil, the EROI for finding and exploiting new oil fields, and whether alternative energy technologies such as wind and solar power meet the minimum EROI requirements needed to run our society as we know it. This book is an essential read for all scientists and economists who have recognized the urgent need for a more scientific, unified approach to economics in an energy-constrained world, and serves as an ideal teaching text for the growing number of courses, such as the authors' own, on the role of energy in society.
Energy Applications of 2D Nanomaterials
by Ram K. Gupta2D nanomaterials have emerged as promising candidates for use in energy devices owing to their superior electrochemical properties, surface area, nanodevice integration, multifunctionality, printability, and mechanical flexibility. Energy Applications of 2D Nanomaterials covers a wide range of applications of 2D nanomaterials for energy, as well as future applications and challenges in fabricating flexible energy generation and storage devices. This book: Examines 2D nanomaterials for solar cells, fuel cells, batteries, supercapacitors, and flexible devices Details novel methods and advanced technologies Covers future applications and challenges This book is aimed at materials scientists, chemists, electrochemists, and engineers working in energy disciplines.
Energy at the Crossroads: Global Perspectives and Uncertainties (The\mit Press Ser.)
by Vaclav SmilAn objective, comprehensive, and accessible examination of today's most crucial problem: preserving the environment in the face of society's insatiable demand for energy.In Energy at the Crossroads, Vaclav Smil considers the twenty-first century's crucial question: how to reconcile the modern world's unceasing demand for energy with the absolute necessity to preserve the integrity of the biosphere. With this book he offers a comprehensive, accessible guide to today's complex energy issues—how to think clearly and logically about what is possible and what is desirable in our energy future.After a century of unprecedented production growth, technical innovation, and expanded consumption, the world faces a number of critical energy challenges arising from unequal resource distribution, changing demand patterns, and environmental limitations. The fundamental message of Energy at the Crossroads is that our dependence on fossil fuels must be reduced not because of any imminent resource shortages but because the widespread burning of oil, coal, and natural gas damages the biosphere and presents increasing economic and security problems as the world relies on more expensive supplies and Middle Eastern crude oil.Smil begins with an overview of the twentieth century's long-term trends and achievements in energy production. He then discusses energy prices, the real cost of energy, and "energy linkages"—the effect energy issues have on the economy, on quality of life, on the environment, and in wartime. He discusses the pitfalls of forecasting, giving many examples of failed predictions and showing that unexpected events can disprove complex models. And he examines the pros and cons not only of fossil fuels but also of alternative fuels such as hydroenergy, biomass energy, wind power, and solar power. Finally, he considers the future, focusing on what really matters, what works, what is realistic, and which outcomes are most desirable.
Energy at the Crossroads
by Vaclav SmilIn Energy at the Crossroads, Vaclav Smil considers the twenty-first century's crucial question: how to reconcile the modern world's unceasing demand for energy with the absolute necessity to preserve the integrity of the biosphere. With this book he offers a comprehensive, accessible guide to today's complex energy issues -- how to think clearly and logically about what is possible and what is desirable in our energy future. After a century of unprecedented production growth, technical innovation, and expanded consumption, the world faces a number of critical energy challenges arising from unequal resource distribution, changing demand patterns, and environmental limitations. The fundamental message of Energy at the Crossroads is that our dependence on fossil fuels must be reduced not because of any imminent resource shortages but because the widespread burning of oil, coal, and natural gas damages the biosphere and presents increasing economic and security problems as the world relies on more expensive supplies and Middle Eastern crude oil. Smil begins with an overview of the twentieth century's long-term trends and achievements in energy production. He then discusses energy prices, the real cost of energy, and "energy linkages" -- the effect energy issues have on the economy, on quality of life, on the environment, and in wartime. He discusses the pitfalls of forecasting, giving many examples of failed predictions and showing that unexpected events can disprove complex models. And he examines the pros and cons not only of fossil fuels but also of alternative fuels such as hydroenergy, biomass energy, wind power, and solar power. Finally, he considers the future, focusing on what really matters, what works, what is realistic, and which outcomes are most desirable.
Energy Audit and Management: Concept, Methodologies, Procedures, and Case Studies
by L. Ashok Kumar Gokul GanesanThis book describes the energy management concepts, energy audit principles, resource efficiency, and other energy conservation opportunities involved in different sectors across varied industries. Real-time case studies from various large industrial sectors, like cement, paper and pulp, refineries, manufacturing, garments and textile processing, power plants, and other MSME industrial sectors with cross functional energy conservation opportunities, are included. It also describes the future scope of energy auditing and management including IoT and data analytics. It also helps to gather the energy generated and utilization, energy conservation, and other process related data. Features: Provides entire coverage of energy management and audit concepts. Explores energy audit methodologies and energy saving initiatives. Incorporates current technologies like machine learning, IoT, data analytics in energy audit for reliability improvement. Includes case studies covering detailed energy saving calculation with investment pay back calculations. This book is aimed at researchers, professionals, and graduate students in electrical engineering, power systems, energy systems, and renewable energy.
Energy Audit of Building Systems: An Engineering Approach, Third Edition (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Series)
by Moncef KrartiUpdated to include recent advances, this third edition presents strategies and analysis methods for conserving energy and reducing operating costs in residential and commercial buildings. The book explores the latest approaches to measuring and improving energy consumption levels, with calculation examples and Case Studies. It covers field testing, energy simulation, and retrofit analysis of existing buildings. It examines subsystems—such as lighting, heating, and cooling—and techniques needed for accurately evaluating them. Auditors, managers, and students of energy systems will find this book to be an invaluable resource for their work. Explores state-of-the-art techniques and technologies for reducing energy combustion in buildings. Presents the latest energy efficiency strategies and established methods for energy estimation. Provides calculation examples that outline the application of the methods described. Examines the major building subsystems: lighting, heating, and air-conditioning. Addresses large-scale retrofit analysis approaches for existing building stocks. Introduces the concept of energy productivity to account for the multiple benefits of energy efficiency for buildings. Includes Case Studies to give readers a realistic look at energy audits. Moncef Krarti has vast experience in designing, testing, and assessing innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies applied to buildings. He graduated from the University of Colorado with both MS and PhD in Civil Engineering. Prof. Krarti directed several projects in designing energy-efficient buildings with integrated renewable energy systems. He has published over 3000 technical journals and handbook chapters in various fields related to energy efficiency, distribution generation, and demand-side management for the built environment. Moreover, he has published several books on building energy-efficient systems. Prof. Krarti is Fellow member to the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the largest international professional society. He is the founding editor of the ASME Journal of Sustainable Buildings & Cities Equipment and Systems. Prof. Krarti has taught several different courses related to building energy systems for over 20 years in the United States and abroad. As a professor at the University of Colorado, Prof. Krarti has been managing the research activities of an energy management center at the school with an emphasis on testing and evaluating the performance of mechanical and electrical systems for residential and commercial buildings. He has also helped the development of similar energy efficiency centers in other countries, including Brazil, Mexico, and Tunisia. In addition, Prof. Krarti has extensive experience in promoting building energy technologies and policies overseas, including the establishment of energy research centers, the development of building energy codes, and the delivery of energy training programs in several countries.
Energy Autonomy: From the Notion to the Concepts
by Benoit BoutaudEnergy autonomy is an emerging concept that is, as yet, poorly identified in France. It can mean taking ownership of certain issues related to energy, its production, or, indeed, becoming self-sufficient, and it can apply equally to individuals, communities and buildings.While there are numerous new developments – renewable energies, smart grids and self-consumption – it is becoming difficult to know what this idea of &“autonomy&” covers, just as it is difficult to define &“independence&” and &“self-sufficiency&”, which are often associated with it. However, these three concepts are key to thinking about the energy system and deciding its future. Covering distinct ideas, they are often reduced to economic and productive factors. This ambiguity in their meanings is responsible for the misunderstandings, delusions and obstacles that hamper the implementation of the energy transition.This book deconstructs the common idea of autonomy in favor of a set of more operational concepts. It demonstrates that these ideas are not interchangeable but rather represent practical and constructive tools for action. The world of energy is changing, and therefore we must rethink energy autonomy.
Energy-Aware System Design
by Chong-Min Kyung Sungjoo YooPower consumption becomes the most important design goal in a wide range of electronic systems. There are two driving forces towards this trend: continuing device scaling and ever increasing demand of higher computing power. First, device scaling continues to satisfy Moore's law via a conventional way of scaling (More Moore) and a new way of exploiting the vertical integration (More than Moore). Second, mobile and IT convergence requires more computing power on the silicon chip than ever. Cell phones are now evolving towards mobile PC. PCs and data centers are becoming commodities in house and a must in industry. Both supply enabled by device scaling and demand triggered by the convergence trend realize more computation on chip (via multi-core, integration of diverse functionalities on mobile SoCs, etc.) and finally more power consumption incurring power-related issues and constraints. Energy-Aware System Design: Algorithms and Architectures provides state-of-the-art ideas for low power design methods from circuit, architecture to software level and offers design case studies in three fast growing areas of mobile storage, biomedical and security. Important topics and features: - Describes very recent advanced issues and methods for energy-aware design at each design level from circuit and architecture to algorithm level, and also covering important blocks including low power main memory subsystem and on-chip network at architecture level - Explains efficient power conversion and delivery which is becoming important as heterogeneous power sources are adopted for digital and non-digital parts - Investigates 3D die stacking emphasizing temperature awareness for better perspective on energy efficiency - Presents three practical energy-aware design case studies; novel storage device (e.g., solid state disk), biomedical electronics (e.g., cochlear and retina implants), and wireless surveillance camera systems. Researchers and engineers in the field of hardware and software design will find this book an excellent starting point to catch up with the state-of-the-art ideas of low power design.
Energy Balance Climate Models
by Gerald R. North Kwang-Yul KimWritten by renowned experts in the field, this first book to focus exclusively on energy balance climate models provides a concise overview of the topic. It covers all major aspects, from the simplest zero-dimensional models, proceeding to horizontally and vertically resolved models. The text begins with global average models, which are explored in terms of their elementary forms yielding the global average temperature, right up to the incorporation of feedback mechanisms and some analytical properties of interest. The effect of stochastic forcing is then used to introduce natural variability in the models before turning to the concept of stability theory. Other one dimensional or zonally averaged models are subsequently presented, along with various applications, including chapters on paleoclimatology, the inception of continental glaciations, detection of signals in the climate system, and optimal estimation of large scale quantities from point scale data. Throughout the book, the authors work on two mathematical levels: qualitative physical expositions of the subject material plus optional mathematical sections that include derivations and treatments of the equations along with some proofs of stability theorems. A must-have introduction for policy makers, environmental agencies, and NGOs, as well as climatologists, molecular physicists, and meteorologists.
Energy Balance in Motion
by Klaas R. WesterterpEnergy balance can be maintained by adapting energy intake to changes in energy expenditure and vice versa, where short-term changes in energy expenditure are mainly caused by physical activity. Questions are whether physical activity is affected by over and under-eating, is intake affected by an increase or a decrease in physical activity, and does overweight affect physical activity? Presented evidence is largely based on studies where physical activity is quantified with doubly labeled water. Overeating does not affect physical activity while under-eating decreases habitual or voluntary physical activity. Thus, it is easier to gain weight than to lose weight. An exercise induced increase in energy requirement is compensated by intake while a change to a more sedentary routine does not induce an equivalent reduction of intake and generally results in weight gain. Overweight and obese subjects have similar activity energy expenditures than lean people despite they move less. There are two options to reverse the general population trend for an increasing body weight, reducing intake or increasing physical activity. Based on the results presented, eating less is most effective for preventing weight gain, despite a potential negative effect on physical activity when reaching a negative energy balance.
Energy-Based Control of Electromechanical Systems: A Novel Passivity-Based Approach (Advances in Industrial Control)
by Victor Manuel Hernández-Guzmán Ramón Silva-Ortigoza Jorge Alberto Orrante-SakanassiThis book introduces a passivity-based approach which simplifies the controller design task for AC-motors. It presents the application of this novel approach to several classes of AC motors, magnetic levitation systems, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and rigid robot manipulators actuated by AC motors. The novel passivity-based approach exploits the fact that the natural energy exchange existing between the mechanical and the electrical subsystems allows the natural cancellation of several high order terms during the stability analysis. This allows the authors to present some of the simplest controllers proposed in scientific literature, but provided with formal stability proofs. These simple control laws will be of use to practitioners as they are robust with respect to numerical errors and noise amplification, and are provided with tuning guidelines. Energy-based Control of Electromechanical Systems is intended for both theorists and practitioners. Therefore, the stability proofs are not based on abstract mathematical ideas but Lyapunov stability theory. Several interpretations of the proofs are given along the body of the book using simple energy ideas and the complete proofs are included in appendices. The complete modeling of each motor studied is also presented, allowing for a thorough understanding.Advances in Industrial Control reports and encourages the transfer of technology in control engineering. The rapid development of control technology has an impact on all areas of the control discipline. The series offers an opportunity for researchers to present an extended exposition of new work in all aspects of industrial control.
Energy Calculations and Problem Solving Sourcebook: A Practical Guide for the Certified Energy Manager Exam
by Scott Dunning Larry S. KatzBased on the Body of Knowledge, this book is designed to serve as a practical guide for energy professionals preparing to take AEE’s Certified Energy Manager® (CEM®) examination. The reference presents an overview of the specific areas of expertise referenced in the current Body of Knowledge in a guided preparatory format, including detailed, specifically targeted reference materials. The full scope of energy calculations and problem solving strategies which must be mastered are presented, covering relevant codes and standards, energy accounting and economics, electrical, lighting and HVAC systems, motors and drives, industrial systems, building envelope, building automation and control systems, renewable energy, boiler and steam systems, thermal storage, maintenance, commissioning, alternative financing, and much more. Green Building, LEED and Energy Star programs are also addressed. The appendix provides a broad range of useful reference tables, as well as mathematical formulas specific to each specific area of energy management addressed. While aimed at those taking the ANSI-certified CEM exam, this text is also an excellent reference to be used throughout an energy manager’s professional career.
Energy Conservation in Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Facilities (IEEE Press Series on Systems Science and Engineering)
by Hossam A. GabbarAn authoritative and comprehensive guide to managing energy conservation in infrastructures Energy Conservation in Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Facilities offers an essential guide to the business models and engineering design frameworks for the implementation of energy conservation in infrastructures. The presented models of both physical and technological systems can be applied to a wide range of structures such as homes, hotels, public facilities, industrial facilities, transportation, and water/energy supply systems. The authors—noted experts in the field—explore the key performance indicators that are used to evaluate energy conservation strategies and the energy supply scenarios as part of the design and operation of energy systems in infrastructures. The text is based on a systems approach that demonstrates the effective management of building energy knowledge and supports the simulation, evaluation, and optimization of several building energy conservation scenarios. In addition, the authors explore new methods of developing energy semantic network (ESN) superstructures, energy conservation optimization techniques, and risk-based life cycle assessments. This important text: Defines the most effective ways to model the infrastructure of physical and technological systems Includes information on the most widely used techniques in the validation and calibration of building energy simulation Offers a discussion of the sources, quantification, and reduction of uncertainty Presents a number of efficient energy conservation strategies in infrastructure systems, including HVAC, lighting, appliances, transportation, and industrial facilities Describes illustrative case studies to demonstrate the proposed energy conservation framework, practices, methods, engineering designs, control, and technologies Written for students studying energy conservation as well as engineers designing the next generation of buildings, Energy Conservation in Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Facilities offers a wide-ranging guide to the effective management of energy conservation in infrastructures.
Energy Consumption, Chemical Use and Carbon Footprints of Wastewater Treatment Alternatives: Assessment Methodology and Sustainability Solutions (Springer Theses)
by Xu WangThis thesis focuses on the energy, chemical and carbon implications of diverse wastewater treatment alternatives, and offers effective solutions for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to achieve sustainability goals. The author first uses the life cycle philosophy to explore the environmental performance of several representative wastewater treatment systems, and then proposes a refined assessment framework, accompanying analytical toolkit and case study for further quantifying the environmental sustainability of various wastewater management scenarios. Allowing readers to gain a better understanding of the existing wastewater treatment technologies from a sustainability perspective, this book helps decision makers identify promising approaches to the environmentally friendly operation of WWTPs and make infrastructure investments that are appropriate for future changing conditions.
Energy Conversion Efficiency of Solar Cells (Green Energy and Technology)
by Takashi Kita Yukihiro Harada Shigeo AsahiThis book offers a concise primer on energy conversion efficiency and the Shockley-Queisser limit in single p-n junction solar cells. It covers all the important fundamental physics necessary to understand the conversion efficiency, which is indispensable in studying, investigating, analyzing, and designing solar cells in practice. As such it is valuable as a supplementary text for courses on photovoltaics, and bridges the gap between advanced topics in solar cell device engineering and the fundamental physics covered in undergraduate courses. The book first introduces the principles and features of solar cells compared to those of chemical batteries, and reviews photons, statistics and radiation as the physics of the source energy. Based on these foundations, it clarifies the conversion efficiency of a single p-n junction solar cell and discusses the Shockley-Queisser limit. Furthermore, it looks into various concepts of solar cells for breaking through the efficiency limit given in the single junction solar cell and presents feasible theoretical predictions. To round out readers’ knowledge of p-n junctions, the final chapter also reviews the essential semiconductor physics. The foundation of solar cell physics and engineering provided here is a valuable resource for readers with no background in solar cells, such as upper undergraduate and master students. At the same time, the deep insights provided allow readers to step seamlessly into other advanced books and their own research topics.
Energy Conversion in Natural and Artificial Photosynthesis (Springer Series in Chemical Physics #117)
by Katharina BrinkertThis book discusses the basic principles and processes of solar energy conversion in natural photosynthesis. It then directly compares them with recent developments and concepts currently being pursued in artificial photosynthetic systems that are capable of utilizing sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into a chemical fuel. In this regard, the main focus is on photoelectrochemical cells, in which semiconducting photoanodes and -cathodes modified with (electro-) catalysts are used to oxidize water, produce hydrogen and reduce carbon dioxide in a monolithic device. The fundamental photochemical and photophysical processes involved are presented and discussed, along with protection mechanisms and efficiency calculations for both natural and artificial photosynthesis. In turn, key parameters that are crucial for the efficient operation of natural photosynthesis are identified. Lastly, their validity and applicability in the design of artificial solar-driven water-splitting systems are examined.
Energy Conversion, Second Edition
by D. Yogi Goswami Frank KreithThis handbook surveys the range of methods and fuel types used in generating energy for industry, transportation, and heating and cooling of buildings. Solar, wind, biomass, nuclear, geothermal, ocean and fossil fuels are discussed and compared, and the thermodynamics of energy conversion is explained. Appendices are provided with fully updated data. Thoroughly revised, this second edition surveys the latest advances in energy conversion from a wide variety of currently available energy sources. It describes energy sources such as fossil fuels, biomass (including refuse-derived biomass fuels), nuclear, solar radiation, wind, geothermal, and ocean, then provides the terminology and units used for each energy resource and their equivalence. It includes an overview of the steam power cycles, gas turbines, internal combustion engines, hydraulic turbines, Stirling engines, advanced fossil fuel power systems, and combined-cycle power plants. It outlines the development, current use, and future of nuclear power.
Energy Cooperation in South Asia: Utilizing Natural Resources for Peace and Sustainable Development (Routledge Explorations in Energy Studies)
by Mirza Sadaqat HudaThis book analyses the key political challenges to regional energy cooperation in South Asia. It argues that investment in the planning of regional energy projects can increase their viability and also drive integration and peacebuilding. Regional cooperation has been substantiated by academics and multilateral development banks as one of the most viable solutions to South Asia’s crippling energy crisis. However, three decades of national and regional efforts have failed to develop a single multilateral energy project or foster high levels of bilateral cooperation. Using data collected through extensive interviews with policymakers in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal, this book identifies the specific roadblocks to energy cooperation – including domestic politics and the failure of leadership on multiple levels - and evaluates how these political challenges determine regional interactions on energy securitisation, environmental cooperation and human rights. Huda then undertakes case studies on four transnational energy projects to highlight specific policy recommendations to overcome these challenges, suggesting planning mechanisms through which the significant issue of energy cooperation in South Asia can be addressed. This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of energy security and geopolitics, natural resource governance and South Asian politics.