New federal and state laws providing tax credits and markets to independent producers of electricity have created widespread interest in the development of small, dispersed power plants using cogeneration processes, waste, or renewable resources. Recent legislation also promotes decentralized electricity production by allowing unregulated, non-util
The introduction of micro CHP – the simultaneous production of heat and power in a single building based on small energy conversion units such as Stirling and reciprocating engines or fuel cells – is of increasing political and public interest. This book introduces into micro CHP systems and technologies, and presents the results of the first such investigation carried out by four German research bodies.
Power Plant Synthesis provides an integrated approach to the operation, analysis, simulation, and dimensioning of power plants for electricity and thermal energy production. Fundamental concepts of energy and power, energy conversion, and power plant design are first presented, and integrated approaches for the operation and simulation of conventional electricity production systems are then examined. Hybrid power plants and cogeneration systems are covered, with operating algorithms, optimization, and dimensioning methods explained. The environmental impacts of energy sources are described and compared, with real-life case studies included to show the synthesis of the specific topics covered.
Reducing and managing humanity's demand for energy is a fundamental part of the effort to mitigate climate change. In this, the most comprehensive textbook ever written on the subject, L.D. Danny Harvey lays out the theory and practice of how things must change if we are to meet our energy needs sustainably. The book begins with a succinct summary of the scientific basis for concern over global warming, then outlines energy basics and current patterns and trends in energy use. This is followed by a discussion of current and advanced technologies for the generation of electricity from fossil fuels. The book then considers in detail how energy is used, and how this use can be dramatically reduced, in the following end-use sectors: - buildings - transportation - industry - food and agriculture - municipal services The findings from these sector-by-sector assessments are then applied to generate scenarios of how global energy demand could evolve over the coming decades with full implementation of the identified and economically-feasible energy-saving potential. The book ends with a brief discussion of policies that can be used to reduce energy demand, but also addresses the limits of technologically-based improvements in efficiency in moderating demand and of the need to re-think some of our underlying assumptions concern ends with a brief discusing what we really need. Along with its companion volume on C-free energy supply, and accompanied by extensive supplementary online material, this is an essential resource for students and practitioners in engineering, architecture, environment and energy related fields. Online material includes: Excel-based computational exercises, teaching slides for each chapter, links to free software tools.
The energy system is undergoing a fundamental transformation – from fossil to renewable energy, from central power plants to distributed, decentralised generation facilities such as rooftop solar panels or wind parks, from utilities to private residents as producers of energy, and from analogue to digital. This book looks at the energy transformation from two complementary angles: governance and business model innovation. On the one side, governance is a decisive factor for the success of the transformation because it can act as an accelerator, or it can delay the process. On the other side, entrepreneurs and corporate decision-makers provide new business models for a decentralised energy world. Based on best practices, country studies and interviews with CEOs and founders of startups from all over the world, the “Global Game Changer” suggests eight key principles for political decision-makers to successfully implement the transformation, and six core competencies for corporate decision-makers to thrive in the new marketplace.
Introduction to Biomass Energy Conversions explores biomass energy conversions and characterization using practical examples and real-world scenarios. It begins with biomass resource estimation and extends to commercialization pathways for economical biomass conversion into high-value materials, chemicals, and fuels. With extended discussions of new sustainability issues in biofuels production, such as carbon capture and sequestration, the second edition has been updated with carbon footprint work life cycle analysis, the growing circular economy, and newer research directions of biomass resources, such as graphene production from biochar. This book covers thermo-chemical conversion processes, including torrefaction, pyrolysis, gasification and advanced gasification, biomass liquefaction, and combustion. This book is intended for senior undergraduate students taking Renewable Energy Conversions, Bio Energy, Biomass Energy, Introduction to Biofuels, and Sustainability Engineering courses. This book also features end-of-chapter problems, exercises, and case studies with a Solutions Manual available for instructors.
The globalizing world is increasingly confronting a new category of security issues related to resource availability. The resource environment contains both traditional categories, such as energy, foodstuffs, and water, as well as new technologically related resources, such as rare earth minerals. The essays in this volume emphasize both the uniqueness and the magnitude of these new challenges, while simultaneously acknowledging that cooperation and competition in response to these security concerns occur within the context of both the historical and contemporary international power configurations. Moreover, these challenges are of a global nature and will require global perspectives, global thinking, and innovative global solutions. Krishna-Hensel brings together a wide range of topics focusing on critical resource availability impacting upon global security and the geopolitical ramifications of resource competition. The volume addresses the development of strategic thinking on these issues and underscores the increasing awareness that this is a critical area of concern in the twenty-first century global landscape.
