Renewable energy : physics, engineering, environmental impacts, economics & planning / created by Bent Sørensen.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Frontmatter Chapter 1. Perspectives 1.1 Current marketplace penetration 1.2 Brief history of energy use 1.3 Determinants for the future development in energy use 1.4 Topics for discussion and for mini-projects PART I: Energy Resources Chapter 2. Status, prospects and sustainability issues 2.1 Non-renewable energy resources 2.2 Renewable energy resource introduction Chapter 3. The origin of renewable energy flows 3.1 Solar radiation 3.2 Disposition of radiation at the Earth 3.3 Processes near the surface of the Earth 3.4 Non-radiative energy flows 3.5 Topics for discussion and for mini-projects Chapter 4. Modelling renewable energy flows 4.1 Circulation modelling 4.2 Climate: definition and modelling 4.3 Climate: interference and change 4.4 Summary of energy and related matter cycles 4.5 Topics for discussion and for mini-projects Chapter 5. Individual renewable energy resources 5.1 Direct solar energy 5.2 Wind flows 5.3 Water flows and reservoirs, waves and tides 5.4 Heat flows and reservoirs 5.5 Biological conversion and stores 5.6 Topics for discussion and for mini-projects PART II: Technologies for converting and handling renewable energy Chapter 6. General principles 6.1 Principles of energy conversion 6.2 Thermodynamical engine cycles 6.3 Topics for discussion and for mini-projects Chapter 7. Heat energy conversion processes 7.1 Direct thermoelectric conversion 7.2. Engine conversion of solar energy 7.3 Heat pumps 7.4 Geothermal energy conversion 7.5 Ocean-thermal conversion 7.6 Topics for discussion and for mini-projects Chapter 8. Mechanical energy conversion processes 8.1 Basic description of flow-driven converters 8.2 Propeller-type converters 8.3. Cross-wind and other alternative converter concepts 8.4 Hydro and tidal energy conversion 8.5 Magneto hydrodynamic converters 8.6 Wave energy converters 8.7 Topics for discussion and for mini-projects Chapter 9. Solar radiation conversion processes 9.1 Photovoltaic conversion 9.2 Photo-electrochemical conversion 9.3 Solar thermal conversion 9.4 Solar thermal electricity generators 9.5 Solar cooling and other applications 9.6 Topics for discussion and for mini-projects Chapter 10. Electrochemical energy conversion processes 10.1 Fuel cell principles 10.2 Specific types of fuel cells 10.3 Other electrochemical energy conversion 10.4 Topics for discussion and for mini-projects Chapter 11. Bioenergy conversion processes 11.1 Combustion 11.2 Biological conversion into gaseous fuels 11.3 Biological conversion into liquid fuels 11.4 Thermochemical conversion to gaseous and other fuels 11.5 Topics for discussion and for mini-projects Chapter 12. Energy Transmission 12.1 Heat transmission 12.2 Power transmission 12.3 Fuel transmission 12.4 Topics for discussion and for mini-projects Chapter 13. Energy storage technologies 13.1 Heat capacity storage 13.2 Latent heat and chemical transformation storage 13.3 Pumped hydro storage 13.4 Flywheels 13.5 Hydrogen and other compressed gas storage 13.6 Battery storage 13.7 Additional storage forms 13.8 Topics for discussion and for mini-projects PART III: Planning and socio-economic issues Chapter 14. Energy system planning 14.1 The methodologies of energy planning 14.2 Demand scenario construction 14.3 Overall system scenarios 14.4 Consistency simulation and implementation studies 14.5 Local systems 14.6 Regional systems 14.7 Global systems 14.8 Topics for discussion and for mini-projects Chapter 15. Socio-economic assessment 15.1 Social and economic framework 15.2 Scale of analysis 15.3 Life-cycle approach 15.4 Assessment issues 15.5 Communication and policy dimensions 15.6 Topics for discussion and for mini-projects Chapter 16. Integrated approaches 16.1 Greenhouse warming mitigation 16.2 Greenhouse warming adaptation 16.3 Ecological sustainability 16.4 Winding up References Index

This volume is a true shelf reference, providing a thorough overview of the entire renewable energy sphere, while still functioning as a go-to information source for professionals and students when they need answers about a specific technical issue. Crafted over the last 15 years into a problem-solving tool for engineers, researchers, consultants and planners currently working in the field, as well as a detailed map of the renewables universe for those looking to expand into new technological specialties, Renewable Energy by Sorensen offers the most comprehensive coverage of the subject available. The book has been structured around three parts in order to assist readers in focusing on the issues that impact them the most for a given project or question. PART I covers the basic scientific principles behind all major renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind and biomass. PART II provides in-depth information about how these raw renewable sources can actually be converted into useful forms, transmitted into the grid and stored for future utilization. Finally, PART III undertakes the aspects of energy planning, environmental impacts and socio-economic issues on regional and global levels. In this fourth edition update, new material includes expanded coverage of biofuels, solar conversion, biomass and fuel cells, storage and transmission, and a new chapter on integrated technologies to introduce the hybrid systems now being explored. New surveys and the most recent research findings are included throughout. *New, thoroughly updated fourth edition of the authoritative field guide to the entire Renewable Energy universe *The only books to scientific principles and implementation methods, technologies and socio-economics, environmental impacts and cutting-edge advances, all in one volume. *New material includes expanded coverage of biofuels, solar conversion, biomass and fuel cells, storage and transmission, and a new chapter on integrated systems