The skyrocketing demand for clean, abundant energy has resulted in a need for comprehensive information that can be used by builders, technicians, energy industry professionals, and anyone else wanting to learn about alternative forms of energy and their everyday uses.
With a vast array of information available on the subject, Alternative Energy: Sources & Systems stands out from the crowd as an easy-to-read resource on current, mainstream technologies as well as those on the horizon. This book bridges the gap between overly simplistic information and high-level engineering materials.
Instead, Alternative Energy: Sources & Systems serves as a comprehensive guide that explores solar, wind, and other sources, and the technology available to harness them. Readers will gain a better understanding of how these systems work as well as how they are put together.
Contents
Part I: SOLAR ENERGY: HARNESSING THE SUN'S POWER.
- 1. Introduction to Solar Energy.
- 2. How Thermal Storage works.
- 3. Applications for Solar Thermal Storage.
- 4. How Photovoltaic Panels work.
- 5. Applications for Photovoltaic Solar Panels.
Part II: WIND ENERGY: SETTING SAIL FOR A NEW POWER ALTERNATIVE.
- 6. Introduction to Wind Energy.
- 7. Considerations for Choosing a Wind Turbine.
- 8. Introduction to Large Scale Turbines.
Part III: GEOTHERMAL: USING THE EARTH TO HEAT AND COOL OUR WORLD.
- 9. How a Geothermal System Works.
- 10. Types and Configurations of Geothermal Loops.
- 11. Proper Sizing Procedures for Geothermal Applications.
- 12. Installation and Start-up of Geothermal Systems.
Part IV: BIOMASS: UTILIZING WOOD, CORN AND PELLETS AS HEATING FUELS.
- 13. Using Biomass as a Heating Source.
- 14. Applications for Biomass Burners.
Part V: FUTURE ENERGY SOURCES: A LOOK AT FUEL CELLS AND CHP (COMBINED HEAT AND POWER).
- 15. How Fuel Cells Work.
- 16. What is CHP?
Key Features
- Coverage of all major alternative energy systems, including solar, geothermal, and wind energy.
- Detailed illustrations and photographs provide a visual reference for complex concepts.
- Clear, straightforward examples of theory and practical application.
- Descriptions of cutting-edge technologies and their possible impact on the energy industry.
About the Author
- Donald Steeby is an Associate Professor of HVAC – Applied Technology at Grand Rapids Community College.
Book Details
- Paperback: 318 pages
- Publisher: Delmar Cengage Learning; 1 edition (July 28, 2011)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1111037264
- ISBN-13: 978-1111037260
- Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
List Price: $29.95