Fundamentals of Renewable Energy Processes

Aldo V. da Rosa

Fundamentals of Renewable Energy Processes contains the technical detail necessary to understand the engineering principles that govern renewable energy application at many different levels. Focused on the fundamental mechanisms and processes that underpin energy management, it provides students with the foundation for all energy process courses.



The text is organized according to the main forms of energy - heat engines, hydrogen energy, energy from the sun, and wind and water energy - with an introductory chapter of basic energy terms. From fuel cells, electrolyzers and processes for hydrogen production to biomass and windmills the author provides a thorough examination of all aspects of renewable energy processes.

Nuclear Energy An Introduction to the Concepts, Systems, and Applications of Nuclear Processes

Raymond Murray

Nuclear Energy, Fifth Edition provides nuclear engineers, plant designers and radiation physicists with a comprehensive overview of nuclear energy and its uses, discusses potential problems and provides an outlook for the future

New and important trends are discussed including probabilistic safety analysis (PSA), deregulation of the electric power industry to permit competition in the supply of electricity; improvements in performance characteristics of nuclear power plants, such as capacity factor, production costs, and safety factors; storage and disposal of all types of radioactive wastes; advances in decontamination, decommissioning and reutilization; continued progress in evolutionary reactors; increased interest in the role of nuclear power in reducing pollution and global warming. Attention is given to the developments in Russia, Ukraine, France, Sweden, South Korea, China and Third World Countries. The author also looks at the problems of nuclear weapons proliferation and the potential threat from terrorist organizations. Web sites and other electronic information sources are listed to supplement all of the topics covered in the book.


Contents

Basic Concepts: Energy, atoms and nuclei, Radioactivity, Nuclear processes, Radiation and materials, Fission and fusion; Nuclear Systems: Particle accelerators, Isotope separators, Radiation detectors, Neutron chain reactions, Neutron heat energy, Breeder reactors, Fusion reactors; Nuclear energy and Man; History of nuclear energy; Biological effects of radiation; Information from isotopes, Useful radiation effects, Reactor safety, Nuclear propulsion; Radiation projection, Radioactive waste disposal; laws, Regulations and organisations; Energy economics, International nuclear power, Nuclear explosions; The future.

Future Electricity Technologies and Systems

Tooraj Jamasb, William J. Nuttall, Michael G. Pollitt (Editors)

Where will our electricity come from in the future, and how will we use it? The UK is aiming for a 60% reduction of 1990 carbon dioxide emission levels by 2050, yet the electricity industry and patterns of electricity use must change radically if this is to be achieved. This overview analyses a range of possible scenarios for the future of electricity in the UK. Specialists in various renewable electricity technologies demonstrate the potential each has to play a significant role.



Other routes to a low-carbon electricity system are also considered, including nuclear power, improved power electronics, a wider use of superconducting technology, and micro-generation systems including combined heat and power. The book concludes by examining opportunities for demand side improvements in architecture, industry and transport. Each chapter is written by a technical expert in a manner accessible to readers interested in energy technology, policy and economics.

• An important contribution to the highly topical debate about global warming, examining where our electricity will come from in the future
• The first publication of the SuperGen - Future Networks programme, including contributions from Denmark, Norway, Germany and the US as well as the UK
• Comprehensive analysis of our future electricity system from generation, transportation and storage to end-use

Sustainable Development and Innovation in the Energy Sector

Ulrich Steger and others

Almost every energy scenario assumes an enormous growth in the demand for energy in the coming decades. Meanwhile, at international conferences and other venues, the primary concern is massive reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, especially of the CO2 produced by fossil-fuel energy consumption. Experts also point out the political risk of depending on petroleum and remind us of the fact that resources are not inexhaustible.

This timely book explores: how these conflicting scenarios could be reconciled; how can we shape a more sustainable energy system from the existing one; and possible technological progress and innovations to enable a brighter future. It also addresses the reality that there exists no consensus on the extent to which innovations can really contribute to reconciling ever-growing energy consumption, availability of resources and the environment, and the structural demands on any energy system.