Rather than focusing on cutting oil consumption, which...

The first chapter presents the electromagnetic theory and radiation transfer theory necessary to calculate the optical properties of the components in a TPV optical cavity. Using a simplified model, Chapter 2 develops expressions for the maximum efficiency and power...

Energy and environmental security are truly major problems facing our global economy. Fossil fuels, particularly crude oil, are confined to a few regions of the world and the continuity of supply is governed by dynamic political, economic and ecological factors. These factors conspire to force volatile, often high fossil fuel prices while, at the same time, our environmental policies are demanding a reduction in greenhouse gases and toxic emissions. Thus a coherent energy strategy is required, addressing both energy supply and demand, taking account of the whole energy lifecycle including...

The world's overdependence on fossil fuels has created environmental problems, such as air pollution and global warming, as well as political and economic unrest. With water as its only by-product and its availability in all parts of the world, hydrogen promises to be the next great fuel source.

All of the Key Aspects of Hydrogen Fuel

Hydrogen Fuel: Production, Transport, and Storage describes various aspects of hydrogen fuel, including production from both renewable and...

Evaluating a wealth of quantitative data, Biofuels: Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Sustainable Development discusses different types of biofuels, the science behind their production, the economics of their introduction to the marketplace, their environmental impacts, and their implications for world agriculture. It broadens the discussion on biofuels beyond bioethanol and biodiesel, taking into account the data, ideas, and bioproducts that have appeared over the last 50 years.

An Insider's Look at the Biotech Industry

Written by a seasoned expert in the...

A solution to the climate and energy crisis
The reversible fuel cell (RFC) described in this volume stores solar energy and thereby makes it continuously available. This can make the building of energy-free homes and all electric transportation a reality. The foldout drawing at the back of this book also describes the detailed design of the world s first 1,000 megawatt solar-hydrogen power plant.

How is this possible?
Our planet receives more solar energy in an hour than humans use in a year. In fact, 5% of the Sahara could meet the total energy requirement...

Environmental and political concerns are generating a growing interest in alternative engine fuels such as biodiesel. Biodiesel is a renewable energy source produced from natural oils and fats, which can be used as a substitute for petroleum diesel without the need for diesel engine modification. In addition to being biodegradable and non-toxic, biodiesel is also essentially free of sulfur and aromatics, producing lower exhaust emissions than conventional gasoline whilst providing similar properties in terms of fuel efficiency.

The greatest drawback of using pure vegetable...

Solar electricity is a viable, environmentally sustainable alternative to the world s energy supplies. In support, Dr. Krauter thoroughly examines the various technical parameters of photovoltaic systems. Study of performance and yield (including optical, thermal, and electrical parameters and interfaces) are analyzed. The net energy balance of photovoltaic systems from production, operation and maintenance, to recycling is explored. Professor Krauter demonstrates how the importance of accurate yield calculations, optimal system performance, and new prototypes aid in cost reductions. The...

Photovoltaic solar-energy conversion is one of the most promising technologies for generating renewable energy, and conversion of concentrated sunlight can lead to reduced cost for solar electricity. In fact, photovoltaic conversion of concentrated sunlight insures an efficient and cost-effective sustainable power resource. This book gives an overview of all components, e.g. cells, concentrators, modules and systems, for systems of concentrator photovoltaics. The authors report on significant results related to design, technology, and applications, and also cover the fundamental physics...

ISES Solar World Congress is the most important conference in the solar energy field around the world. The subject of ISES SWC 2007 is Solar Energy and Human Settlement; it is the first time that it is held in China. This book consists of 619 papers and 23 invited papers, whose authors are top scientists and experts in the world.

ISES SWC 2007 covers all aspects of renewable energy, including PV, collector, solar thermal electricity, wind, biomass energy and so on. Therefore, many papers cover more than one research area and bring forward new cross-disciplinary technology,...

The book begins by providing a historical perspective on energy use by human civilizations and then covers energy fundamentals and trends; buildings and energy; sustainable...

Solar irradiation is the fundamental initiator of the different renewable energy alternatives, including wind, wave, hydrogen and biomass energy sources. Solar Energy Fundamentals and Modelling Techniques presents the methods of quantitative determination of solar irradiation incident amount on a surface on the Earth. The book collects together material from the current literature in atmospheric environmental sciences, climate change, meteorology, engineering and renewable energy, liberally illustrated by diagrams and worked examples.

Solar Energy Fundamentals...

Solar radiation data is important for a wide range of applications, e.g. in engineering, agriculture, health sector, and in many fields of the natural sciences. A few examples showing the diversity of applications may include: architecture and building design, e.g. air conditioning and cooling systems; solar heating system design and use; solar power generation; evaporation and irrigation; calculation of water requirements for crops; monitoring plant growth and disease control; skin cancer research.