This book presents peer-reviewed papers based on the oral and poster presentations during the 5th International Conference on Renewable Energy Sources, which was held from June 20 to 22, 2018 in Krynica, Poland. The scope of the conference included a wide range of topics in renewable energy technology, with a major focus on biomass, solar energy and geothermal energy, but also extending to heat pumps, fuel cells, wind energy, energy storage, and the modelling and optimization of renewable energy systems. This edition of the conference had a special focus on the role of renewable energy in the reduction of air pollution in the Eastern European region. Traditionally this conference is a unique occasion for gathering Polish and international researchers' perspectives on renewable energy sources, and furthermore of balancing them against governmental policy considerations. Accordingly, the conference offered also panels to discuss best practices and solutions with local entrepreneurs and federal government bodies. The meeting attracts not only scientist but also industry representatives as well as local and federal government personnel. In 2018, the conference was organized by the University of Agriculture in Krakow in cooperation with AGH University of Science and Technology (Krakow), University of Zilina, Silesian University of Technology, International Commission of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (CIGR) and Polish Society of Agricultural Engineering. Honorary auspices were given by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education Republic of Poland, Rector of the University of Agriculture in Krakow and Rector of the AGH University of Science and Technology.

Biomass to Biofuel Supply Chain Design and Planning under Uncertainty: Concepts and Quantitative Methods explores the design and optimization of biomass-to-biofuel supply chains for commercial-scale implementation of biofuel projects by considering the problems and challenges encountered in real supply chains. By offering a fresh approach and discussing a wide range of quantitative methods, the book enables researchers and practitioners to develop hybrid methods that integrate the advantages and features of two or more methods in one decision-making framework for the efficient optimization of biofuel supply chains, especially for complex supply chain models. Combining supply chain management and modeling techniques in a single volume, the book is beneficial for graduate students who no longer need to consult subject-specific books alongside mathematical modeling textbooks. The book consists of two main parts. The first part describes the key components of biofuel supply chains, including biomass production, harvesting, collection, storage, preprocessing, conversion, transportation, and distribution. It also provides a comprehensive review of the concepts, problems, and opportunities associated with biofuel supply chains, such as types and properties of the feedstocks and fuel products, decision-making levels, sustainability concepts, uncertainty analysis and risk management, as well as integration of biomass supply chain with other supply chains. The second part focuses on modeling and optimization of biomass-to-biofuel supply chains under uncertainty, using different quantitative methods to determine optimal design.

Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems and Microgrids covers the modeling and analysis for each type of integrated and operational hybrid energy system. Looking at the fundamentals for conventional energy systems, decentralized generation systems, RES technologies and hybrid integration of RES power plants, the most important contribution this book makes is combining emerging energy systems that improve micro and smart grid systems and their components. Sections cover traditional system characteristics, features, challenges and benefits of hybrid energy systems over the conventional power grid, the deployment of emerging power electronic technologies, and up-to-date electronic devices and systems, including AC and DC waveforms. Conventional, emerging and hierarchical control methods and technologies applied in microgrid operations are covered to give researchers and practitioners the information needed to ensure reliability, resilience and flexibility of implemented hybrid energy systems.

This book presents research dedicated to solving scientific and technological problems in many areas of electronics, photonics and renewable energy. Energy and information are interconnected and are essential elements for the development of human society. Transmission, processing and storage of information requires energy consumption, while the efficient use and access to new energy sources requires new information (ideas and expertise) and the design of novel systems such as photovoltaic devices, fuel cells and batteries. Semiconductor physics creates the knowledge base for the development of information (computers, cell phones, etc.) and energy (photovoltaic) technologies. The exchange of ideas and expertise between these two technologies is critical and expands beyond semiconductors. Continued progress in information and renewable energy technologies requires miniaturization of devices and reduction of costs, energy and material consumption. The latest generation of electronic devices is now approaching nanometer scale dimensions, new materials are being introduced into electronics manufacturing at an unprecedented rate, and alternative technologies to mainstream CMOS are evolving. Nanotechnology is widely accepted as a source of potential solutions in securing future progress for information and energy technologies. Semiconductor Nanotechnology features chapters that cover the following areas: atomic scale materials design, bio- and molecular electronics, high frequency electronics, fabrication of nanodevices, magnetic materials and spintronics, materials and processes for integrated and subwave optoelectronics, nanoCMOS, new materials for FETs and other devices, nanoelectronics system architecture, nano optics and lasers, non-silicon materials and devices, chemical and biosensors, quantum effects in devices, nano science and technology applications in the development of novel solar energy devices, and fuel cells and batteries.

This book presents the latest developments and advances in solar desalination technology, including the concept, design, testing, modeling, economics and innovation. The chapters in this volume are contributed by leading international researchers and are based on original research material. The contents of this volume will be of interest to researchers, professionals, and policymakers alike.

Hybrid Energy System Models presents a number of techniques to model a large variety of hybrid energy systems in all aspects of sizing, design, operation, economic dispatch, optimization and control. The book's authors present a number of new methods to model hybrid energy systems and several renewable energy systems, including photovoltaic, solar plus wind and hydropower, energy storage, and combined heat and power systems. With critical modeling examples, global case studies and techno-economic modeling integrated in every chapter, this book is essential to understanding the development of affordable energy systems globally, particularly from renewable resources. With a detailed overview and a comparison of hybrid energy systems used in different regions, as well as innovative hybrid energy system designs covered, this book is useful for practicing power and energy engineers needing answers for what factors to consider when modeling a hybrid energy system and what tools are available to model hybrid systems.

This book examines ways of saving energy by using green roofs and facades, solar devices such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and thermal solar panels, as components of energy-efficient building envelopes. The author takes an interdisciplinary / multidisciplinary approach to the subject that analyzes several different scientific fields connected to building research-sustainability, sustainable architecture, energy efficiency in buildings, and building envelopes-while approaching other collateral domains, including history, archaeology, botanics, physics, engineering, and landscape architecture. Alternative Envelope Components for Energy-Efficient Buildings will be a welcome resource for researchers, students, and postgraduates in the fields of energy, building materials, and renewable energy, as well as architects, engineers, and specialists in industries related to building products. Looks at the impact of building envelopes on energy usage; Offers readers an introduction to the principles of sustainability; Presents passive and active approaches to using solar devices.

Renewable Energy Microgeneration Systems presents the latest technology advances in small-scale energy generation (electricity and heat) in the context of low/medium voltage level electric power distribution networks. With a focus on scientific innovations of the methodologies, approaches and algorithms in enabling efficient and secure operation of microgeneration systems, this book also analyzes the current understanding of motivations and barriers affecting microgeneration adoption with the aim of identifying opportunities for improving the field deployment. Considering the recent advances of theories and implementations in modeling, design, planning and management of different forms of microgeneration systems, this reference provides applied researchers in the field of electrical engineering and renewable micro generation incredible insights into microgeneration systems technologies and the potential for new technologies and markets.

This book focuses on the development of novel combustion approaches and burner designs for clean power generation in gas turbines. It shows the reader how to control the release of pollutants to the environment in an effort to reduce global warming. After an introduction to global warming issues and clean power production for gas turbine applications, subsequent chapters address premixed combustion, burner designs for clean power generation, gas turbine performance, and insights on gas turbine operability. Given its scope, the book can be used as a textbook for graduate-level courses on clean combustion, or as a reference book to accompany compact courses for mechanical engineers and young researchers around the world.

This book covers the present and future of bioethanol biorefinery technologies. It discusses the efficient use of feedstock in bioethanol production, and critically reviews the environmental sustainability of bioethanol production. In addition, it describes the integrated production of bioelectricity, biopolymers, organic acids, and other biomolecules, as well as the use of process-related liquid and solid byproducts and/or wastes during bioethanol generation. Since the bioethanol industry has also led the automotive industry to explore new avenues, this book summarizes the various aspects of ethanol motorization, hybrid engine development, and biofuel electrification. For decades, clean and renewable alternatives have been sought to reduce dependence on petroleum-based fossil fuels and CO2 emissions. Bioethanol appears as one of the best solutions for the production of biofuels, bioenergy and biochemicals, along with the establishment of new biorefinery concepts and a circular bioeconomy. Therefore, the ideas and technologies presented in this book contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. This book is a useful reference for postgraduate students and researchers interested in biorefinery and biofuel technologies, both in academia- and commercial laboratories. Early career scientists can use it to fast track into the field. Advanced scientists will find it helpful to gain a broader overview of the field beyond their area of specialization.

This book evaluates a number of serious technical challenges related to the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid using the DIgSILENT PowerFactory power system simulation software package. It provides a fresh perspective on analyzing power systems according to renewable energy sources and how they affect power system performance in various situations. The book examines load flow, short-circuit, RMS simulation, power quality, and system reliability in the presence of renewable energy sources, and presents readers with the tools needed for modeling, simulation, and analysis for network planning. The book is a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and students working to solve power system problems in the presence of renewable energy sources in power system operations and utilities.

The widely accepted need to reduce the world's dependence on fossil fuels and move instead to low-carbon, renewable alternatives faces a host of challenges. Whilst the greatest challenges remain in engineering, political and public policy issues continue to play a very important role. This volume, which consists of contributions from leading figures in the field, presents the case for a Sustainable Energy Trade Agreement (SETA). It shows that by addressing barriers to trade in goods and services relevant for the supply of clean energy, such an agreement would foster the crucial scaling-up of clean energy supply and promote a shift away from fossil fuels. In doing so it illustrates how the agreement would help to address a number of overarching sustainable development priorities, including the urgent threat of climate change, enhanced energy access and improved energy security. The book will appeal to academics and policymakers working on the interface of trade and energy policy.

This book provides a deep insight into recent achievements in synthesis, investigation, and applications of the low-dimensional chalcohalide nanomaterials. The large number of interesting phenomena occur in these compounds, including ferroelectric, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, electrocaloric, Seebeck, photovoltaic, and ferroelectric-photovoltaic effects. Furthermore, the outstanding photoelectrochemical, photocatalytic, and piezocatalytic properties of the chalcohalide nanomaterials have been revealed. Since many chalcohalide semiconductors possess both photoactive and ferroelectric properties, they are recognized as photoferroelectrics. It presents an overview of fabrication of chalcohalide nanomaterials using different methods: mechanical milling of bulk crystals, liquid-phase exfoliation, vapor phase growth, hydro/solvothermal methods, synthesis under ultrasonic irradiation, microwave synthesis, laser/heat-induced crystallization, electrospinning, successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction. The strategies of the chalcohalide nanomaterials processing for construction of functional devices are presented. The book describes solution processing for thin films preparation, spin-coating deposition of polymer composites, solution casting, films deposition via drop-casting, high pressure compression of nanowires into the bulk samples, pressure assisted sintering, and electric field assisted alignment of nanowires. The applications of the chalcohalide nanomaterials for mechanical/thermal energy harvesting and energy storage are presented. Major challenges and emerging trends in fabrication, characterization, and future applications of low-dimensional chalcohalide nanomaterials are discussed. A wealth of information for scholars, graduate students, and engineers involved in research of nanomaterials.

In recent years, the replacement of non-renewable crude oil by renewable sources has been addressed, particularly in developed countries. Its main driving force has been the increasing demand and limited reserves of fossil fuels, the greenhouse gas effect, and the need of securing energy supplies. Advanced Solid Catalysts for Renewable Energy Production provides emerging research on renewable energy production, catalysts, and environmental effects of increased productivity. While highlighting the challenges for future generations to develop in the sustainable energy age, readers will learn the importance of new approaches not only for synthesizing more active and selective (nano)catalysts, but also, for designing innovative catalytic processes that can eventually meet the growing energy efficiency demand and overcome the environmental issues. This book is an important resource for academicians, university researchers, technology developers, and graduate level students.

This book examines the potential applications of nanoscience and nanotechnology to promote eco-friendly processes and techniques for energy and environment sustainability. Covering various aspects of both the synthesis and applications of nanoparticles and nanofluids for energy and environmental engineering, its goal is to promote eco-friendly processes and techniques. Accordingly, the book elaborates on the development of reliable, economical, eco-friendly processes through advanced nanoscience and technological research and innovations. Gathering contributions by researchers actively engaged in various domains of nanoscience and technology, it addresses topics such as nanoparticle synthesis (both top-down and bottom-up approaches); applications of nanomaterials, nanosensors and plasma discharge in pollution control; environmental monitoring; agriculture; energy recovery; production enhancement; energy conservation and storage; surface modification of materials for energy storage; fuel cells; pollution mitigation; and CO2 capture and sequestration. Given its scope, the book will be of interest to academics and researchers whose work involves nanotechnology or nanomaterials, especially as applied to energy and/or environmental sustainability engineering. Graduate students in the same areas will also find it a valuable resource.

This book gathers contributions from a multidisciplinary research team comprised of control engineering and economics researchers and formed to address a central interdisciplinary social issue, namely economically enabled energy management. The book's primary focus is on achieving optimal energy management that is viable from both an engineering and economic standpoint. In addition to the theoretical results and techniques presented, several chapters highlight experimental case studies, which will benefit academic researchers and practitioners alike. The first three chapters present comprehensive overviews of respective social contexts, underscore the pressing need for economically efficient energy management systems and academic work on this emerging research topic, and identify fundamental differences between approaches in control engineering and economics. In turn, the next three chapters (Chapters 4-6) provide economics-oriented approaches to the subject. The following five chapters (Chapters 7-11) address optimal energy market design, integrating both physical and economic models. The book's last three chapters (Chapters 12-14) mainly focus on the engineering aspects of next-generation energy management, though economic factors are also shown to play important roles.

Genetic and Metabolic Engineering for Improved Biofuel Production from Lignocellulosic Biomass describes the different aspects of biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass. Each chapter presents different technological approaches for cost effective liquid biofuel production from agroresidues/biomass. Two chapters cover future direction and the possibilities of biomass-based biofuel production at the industrial level. The book provides a genetic and metabolic engineering approach for improved cellulase production and the potential of strains that can ferment both pentose and hexose sugars. The book also gives direction on how to overcome challenges for the further advancement of lignocellulosic biomass-based biofuel production.

Direct Liquid Fuel Cells is a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals and specificities of the use of methanol, ethanol, glycerol, formic acid and formate, dimethyl ether, borohydride, hydrazine and other promising liquid fuels in fuel cells. Each chapter covers a different liquid fuel-based fuel cell such as: Anode catalysts of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), future system designs and future trends for direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs), development of catalysts for direct glycerol fuel cells (DGFCs), the mechanisms of the reactions taking place at the anode and cathode electrodes, and the reported anode catalysts for direct formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC) and direct formate fuel cell (DFFC), characteristics of direct dimethyl ether fuel cell (DDMEFC), including its electrochemical and operating systems and design, the developments in direct borohydride fuel cells, the development of catalysts for direct hydrazine fuel cells (DHFCs), and also the uncommonly used liquids that have a potential for fuel cell applications including 2-propanol, ethylene glycol, ascorbic acid and ascorbate studied in the literature as well as utilization of some blended fuels. In each part, the most recent literature is reviewed and the state of the art is presented. It also includes examples of practical problems with solutions and a summarized comparison of performance, advantages, and limitations of each type of fuel cell discussed. Direct Liquid Fuel Cells is not a typical textbook but rather designed as a reference book of which any level of students (undergraduate or graduate), instructors, field specialists, industry and general audience, who benefit from current and complete understanding of the many aspects involved in the development and operation of these types of fuel cells, could make use of any chapter when necessary.

This book presents cutting-edge perspectives and research results in smart energy spanning multiple disciplines across four main topics: smart metering, smart grid modeling, control and optimization, and smart grid communications and networking. Chapters from an international panel of experts in the field cover: privacy-preserving data aggregation in smart metering systems; smart price-based scheduling of flexible residential appliances; smart tariffs for demand response from smart metering platforms; decentralized models for real-time renewable integration in future grid; distributed and decentralized control in future power systems; multiobjective optimization for smart grid system design; frequency regulation of smart grid via dynamic demand control and battery energy storage systems; distributed frequency control and demand-side management; game theory approaches for demand side management in the smart grid; energy storage systems and grid integration; overview of research in the ADVANTAGE project; big data analysis of power grid from random matrix theory; a model-driven evaluation of demand response communication protocols for smart grid; energy efficient smart grid communications; and cyber security of smart grid state estimation.

This book explores key theoretical and empirical issues related to the development and implementation of planning strategies that can provide guidance on the transition to climate-compatible and low-carbon urban development. It especially focuses on integrating resilience thinking into the urban planning process, and explains how such an integration can contribute to reflecting the dynamic properties of cities and coping with the uncertainties inherent in future climate change projections. Some of the main questions addressed are: What are the innovative methods and processes needed to incorporate resilience thinking into urban planning? What are the characteristics of a resilient urban form and what are the challenges associated with integrating them into urban development? Also, how can the resilience of cities be measured and what are the main constituents of an urban resilience assessment framework? In addition to addressing these crucial questions, the book features several case studies from around the world, investigating methodologies, challenges, and opportunities for mainstreaming climate resilience in the theory and practice of urban planning. Featuring contributions by prominent researchers from around the world, the book offers a valuable resource for students, academics and practitioners alike.

Low-Temperature Energy Systems with Applications of Renewable Energy investigates a wide variety of low-temperature energy applications in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial areas. It addresses the basic principles that form the groundwork for more efficient energy conversion processes and includes detailed practical methods for carrying out these critical processes. This work considers new directions in the engineering use of technical thermodynamics and energy, including more in-depth studies of the use of renewable sources, and includes worked numerical examples, review questions, and practice problems to allow readers to test their own comprehension of the material. With detailed explanations, methods, models, and algorithms, Low-Temperature Energy Systems with Applications of Renewable Energy is a valuable reference for engineers and scientists in the field of renewable energy, as well as energy researchers and academics.

This book provides a detailed coverage of how the circular economy aims to change the paradigm in relation to the linear economy, by limiting the environmental impact and waste of resources, as well as increasing efficiency at all stages of the product economy. It serves as the sole comprehensive overview of the role of biofuels in the circular economy. It contains updated information on the latest trends of techno-economic analysis of biofuels, economic transitions, low-carbon economies, green circular societies, and life cycle assessment of biofuels. This book delves deep into the economic security of the poor as well as the nexus between biofuel industry and global trade bodies, making it one of the few introductory books without bias toward the contribution of biofuels in circular economy. With its diverse contributions on themes such as biofuels as potential alternatives to fossil fuels, biofuel economics and policies; biofuel standards, blending, and future insecurities; economic transitions from biomass to biofuels; and biofuel economy, development, and food security, the book would be a great resource for a wide and multi-disciplinary readership base ranging from researchers to academics, policy makers, innovators, corporates, and non-profit organizations working in this area.

Municipal Solid Waste Energy Conversion in Emerging Countries: Technologies, Best Practices, Challenges and Policy presents contributions from authors from India, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, South Africa and China who come together to present the most reliable technologies for the energy conversion of municipal solid waste. The book addresses existing economic and policy scenarios and possible pathways to increase energy access and reduce the negative impacts of inadequate disposal. The book's authors discuss anaerobic digestion and other MSW conversion technologies, such as incineration and gasification. The environmental and social impacts of their introduction in small villages in emerging countries is also explored. Due to its focus on local authors and its pragmatic approach, this book is indispensable for bioenergy researchers and practitioners in emerging economies, as well as researchers, graduate students and professionals interested in developing waste to energy technology that can be implemented in those regions. It is also particularly useful to professionals interested in energy policy and economics, due to its assessment of policy and recommendations.

This book comprises state-of-the-art advances in energy, combustion, power, propulsion, environment, focusing on the production and utilization of fossil fuels, alternative fuels and biofuels. It is written by internationally renowned experts who provide the latest fundamental and applied research innovations on cleaner energy production as well as utilization for a wide range of devices extending from micro scale energy conversion to hypersonic propulsion using hydrocarbon fuels. The tailored technical tracks and contributions are portrayed in the respective field to highlight different but complementary views on fuels, combustion, power and propulsion and air toxins with special focus on current and future R&D needs and activities. This book will serve as a useful reference for practicing engineers, research engineers and managers in industry and research labs, academic institutions, graduate students, and final year undergraduate students in mechanical, chemical, aerospace, energy, and environmental engineering.