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.

A Friend in Every City

A Friend in Every City, by Penny and Thomas Power, founders of Ecademy, and Andy Coote, claims to be an inspirational and practical guide to the art and science of networking.

Networking is the key skill for the 21st century worker. As birth rates go down, life expectancy goes up and the business world continues to downsize to a core of permanent workers, more of us will find the 21st century a tough place to make a living. More of us will find ourselves working as freelancers or as part of 'fractional teams' that come together for a project and then disband. Fewer of us will retire on a pension - choosing instead to work on a portfolio of projects.



A Friend in Every City looks first at the forces shaping the new ways of working, then at how online networks, such as LinkedIn, Open BC, Ryze and Ecademy, are evolving to provide support for them. The authors look at how an individual worker can leverage these changes to their best effect.

Networks can provide us with support in all aspects of our lives. A good network will sustain us through bad times as well as good, providing emotional support as well as referrals. Contacts become connections, connections become advocates and advocates become friends.

Can the new networks provide the basis for something more than personal friendship and business? If we can look forward to having a true friend in every city around the world, what changes might that bring? Can conversations change the world?

Blog on to change your career

Margaret Stead, career coach and self-styled 'dream architect' has produced the first comprehensive guide to self-promotion by blogging. Blogs (weB LOGs) are the fastest-expanding feature of the Internet, easily out-pacing porn and gambling in their rate of growth. Margaret's book 'Blog on to a career change' describes how you can use blogs to build your profile and become widely known as an expert in your particular area.

In fact Margaret Stead guarantees that using the tools she describes in her book you are 'guaranteed' to 'enjoy the income you deserve'. And all for less than £100 ((US$185 or €145) and 'overnight'.

I have used Margaret's book to build this blog and its associated pages of news on energy and sustainability (see Links). So, has it worked? Well, I cannot say that I have followed all of Margaret's advice. Starting in December last year, I have not yet spent anything, but have only made $9 and haven't received that yet. I have not spent as much time on the blogs as I should have - little and often is the rule, whereas I tend to do big chunks when work and other commitments permit. It has been interesting and fun and, although I haven't received feedback that my standing as an expert has grown, I am sure the blog has done no harrm.

At £47 the e-book is not cheap, but Margaret convincingly argues that, by following her precepts, you can save many times that. She also offers free full access to her world number one careersnet career change and job search website with the book. And a one-year money-back guarantee. In fact, you should grab one before the price goes up!

Sun Tzu and the project battleground

In his first book David Hawkins explores the lessons that the classic book on Chinese warfare, by General Sun Tzu, has for people involved in setting-up and managing projects.

There have been many business books based on the works of Sun Tzu and a lot of them turn out to be rather stodgy and contrived. This book however uses the Chinese original as a basis on which to build a series of penetrating insights into the rough and tumble of modern business and project management.

I can claim a modest share in this book's success in that I helped the author to decide on what image to use for the cover.



David Hawkins has wide experience of project management in the engineering, energy and extractive industries sectors. He is currently Operations Director of business reklationship management think tank PSL.

Winning by sharing

Winning by Sharing is a collection of true stories combined with market research and analysis about the future of work, how profoundly it will affect people in the next decade, and how this will take most people by surprise.

Based on the personal experience of the author, Leon Benjamin, it describes the new ways in which freedom-loving individuals are choosing to work, buy and invest.



"The internet has caused a fundamental change in attitude towards work and the realisation that a 'career' has ceased to be a feasible way to organise working life", says the author. "I now view work as an instrument of self-development and personal autonomy and entrepreneurship not as a status symbol, but as an attitude - an attitude that everyone is going to need."

Leon Benjamin is a prominent thinker and practioner of the new networked business paradigm and has a leading role in Ecademy. This book is fascinating to read and is packed with keen insights into what many believe is the new world of work.

The Bending Moment - energizing corporate business strategy

This book is about how pressures and stresses from both outside and within can act to change the shapes of organisations - the 'Bending Moment' of the title. It develops the idea of an holistic business strategy as being essential to build success in today's highly complex global market place. The book has fascinating things to say about mergers and acquisitions, risk management, leadership, change management, business networks and alliances.

David Hawkins is Operations Director at PSL. He has extensive experience in procurement, project management and business relationship management. Anyone who has met David, or has heard him speak, will know that he is a highly original thinker who brings his ideas and experience together in ways that will challenge, perhaps infuriate, but will always set you thinking along new lines.