Features
Provides a clear, well-balanced introduction to renewable energy conversion, storage technologies, and policy implications
Covers a broad range of renewable energy sources, including biofuels and geothermal, wind, wave, tidal, and solar power
Examines conventional nonrenewable energy, particularly fossil fuels and nuclear power, for comparison with renewable energy
Pedagogical Features
Boxed illustrative examples to engage readers
End-of-chapter problems and hands-on lab exercises, with solutions to even-numbered problems provided in the back of the book
End-of-chapter summaries
More than 200 illustrations, plus a two-page color insert
Flexible content that can be tailored to fit a one- or two-semester course
Figure slides available upon qualifying course adoption
Summary
Renewable energy has great significance for the worlds future, given the environmental issues related to energy generation and energys importance in our society. Making wise energy choices is not easy, however. It involves balanced consideration of economic, environmental, technical, political, and other perspectives to weigh the relative costs and benefits for a host of possible technologies. Renewable Energy: A First Course is an accessible textbook for science and engineering students who want a well-balanced introduction to the science, technologies, economics, and policies related to energy choices.
How Does Renewable Energy Work? Science, Technologies, Economics, and Key Policy Issues
The book delves into all forms of renewable energy, from biofuels and geothermal energy to wind, hydro, and solar power. It also discusses nuclear power and fossil fuels, allowing readers to compare and evaluate the advantages and shortcomings of renewable energy. In addition, the book explores four overarching topics that go beyond a specific type of energy, namely, energy conservation, energy storage, energy transmission, and energy policy, and examines the important issue of climate change.
A Broad Introduction for Science and Engineering Students
Requiring only a basic background in physics and calculus, the book avoids technical jargon and advanced mathematical approaches to focus on the basic principles of renewable energy. Throughout, a wealth of illustrations and real-world examples make the concepts more concrete. Designed for a one- or two-semester course, this book takes a broad approach that addresses the need for diversity in any nations energy portfolio
Introduction
Why Another Book on Energy?
Why Is Energy So Important to Society?
Exactly What Is Energy?
Might There Be Some New Forms of Energy Not Yet Known?
What Are the Units of Energy?
Laws of Thermodynamics
What Is an Energy Source?
What Exactly Is the Worlds Energy Problem?
How Is Green or Renewable Energy Defined?
Why Has Renewable Energy and Conservation Been Neglected Until Fairly Recently?
Does Energy Efficiency Really Matter?
Which Renewable Energy Sources Hold the Greatest Promise?
Who Are the World Leaders in Renewable Energy?
What Is Our Likely Energy Future?
Complexities in Charting the Best Course for the Future
Summary
Problems
References
Fossil Fuels
Introduction
Coal
Petroleum and Natural Gas
Summary
Problems
References
Nuclear Power: Basic Science
Introduction
Early Years
Discovery of the Atomic Nucleus
Mathematical Details of the Rutherford Scattering Experiment
Composition and Structure of the Atom and Its Nucleus
Nuclear Radii
Nuclear Forces
Ionizing Radiation and Nuclear Transformations
Nuclear Mass and Energy
Nuclear Binding Energy
Energy Released in Nuclear Fusion
Mechanics of Nuclear Fission
Mechanics of Nuclear Fusion
Radioactive Decay Law
Health Physics
Radiation Detectors
Radiation Sources
Impacts of Radiation on Humans
Summary
Problems
References
Nuclear Power: Technology
Introduction
Early History
Critical Mass
Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Proliferation
Worlds First Nuclear Reactor
Nuclear Reactors of Generations I and II
Existing Reactor Types
Reactor Accidents
Front End of the Fuel Cycle: Obtaining the Raw Material
Back End of the Fuel Cycle: Nuclear Waste
Economics of Large-Scale Nuclear Power
Small Modular Reactors
Nuclear Fusion Reactors
Summary
Problems
References
Biofuels
Introduction
Photosynthesis
Biofuel Classifications
Other Uses of Biofuels and Social-Environmental Impacts
Artificial Photosynthesis
Summary
Problems
References
Geothermal Energy
Introduction and Why Geothermal Is Important
Geophysics of the Earths Interior
Thermal Gradient
Characterization and Relative
Abundance of the Resource
Geothermal Electricity Power Plants
Residential and Commercial Geothermal Heating
Sustainability of Geothermal
Environmental Impacts
Economics of Geothermal Electricity
Summary
Problems
References
Wind Power
Introduction and Historical Uses
Wind Characteristics and Resources
Power Transfer to a Turbine
Turbine Types and Terms
Controlling and Optimizing Wind Turbine Performance
Electrical Aspects and Grid Integration
Small Wind
Offshore Wind
Environmental Impacts
Unusual Designs and Applications
Problems
References
Hydropower
Introduction to Hydropower
Wave, Tidal, and Ocean Thermal Power Resources
Introduction to Tidal Power and the Cause of the Tides
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion
Social and Environmental Impacts of Hydropower
Summary
Problems
References
Solar Radiation and Earths Climate
Introduction
Electromagnetic Radiation
Types of Spectra
Apparent Motion of the Sun in the Sky
Availability of Solar Radiation on Earth
Optimum Collector Orientation and Tilt
Greenhouse Effect
Summary
Problems
References
Solar Thermal
Introduction
Solar Water-Heating Systems
Flat-Plate Collectors
Evacuated Collectors
Collector and System Efficiency
Thermal Losses in Pipes
Water Tanks and Thermal Capacitance
Passive Solar Hot Water System
Swimming Pool Heating
Space Heating and Cooling
Three Applications Well Suited to Developing Nations
Electricity Generation
Summary
Appendix: Four Heat Transfer Mechanisms
Problems
References
Photovoltaics
Introduction
Conductors, Insulators, and Semiconductors
Increasing the Conductivity of Semiconductors through Doping
pn Junction
Generic Photovoltaic Cell
Electrical Properties of a Solar Cell
Efficiency of Solar Cells and Solar Systems
Efficiency of Solar Systems
Grid Connection and Inverters
Other Types of Solar Cells
Environmental Issues
Summary
Appendix: Basic Quantum Mechanics and the Formation of Energy Bands
Problems
References
Energy Conservation and Efficiency
Introduction
Factors Besides Efficiency Influencing Energy-Related Choices
Lowest of the Low Hanging Fruit
Obstacles to Efficiency and Conservation
Is Energy Efficiency and Conservation Ultimately Futile?
Summary
Problems
References
Energy Storage and Transmission
Energy Storage
Energy Transmission
Summary
Problems
References
Climate and Energy: Policy, Politics, and Public Opinion
How Important Are International Agreements?
What Are the Top-Three GHG Emitters Doing?
How Much Time Does the World Have to Move Away from Fossil Fuels?
How Has Public Opinion Evolved?
Best Way Forward?
Summary
Some Concluding Thoughts
Problems
References
Appendix: Answers to Even-Numbered Problems
Index
(0 Comentarios)
