The future of energy production, operation and management in a changing world was the focus of the 5th International Conference on Energy Production and Management. Papers presented at the meeting form this volume. A focus is placed on the comparison of conventional energy sources, particularly hydrocarbons, with a number of other ways of producing energy, emphasising new technological developments, based on renewable resources such as solar, hydro, wind and geothermal. Key to sustainability is the need to convert new sustainable sources of energy into useful forms (electricity, heat, fuel), while finding efficient ways of storage and distribution. In many cases, the challenges lie as much with the production of such renewable energy at an acceptable cost, including damage to the environment, as with the integration of those resources into the existing infrastructure. The changes required to progress from an economy based mainly on hydrocarbons to one taking advantage of sustainable energy resources are massive and require considerable scientific research as well as the development of advanced engineering systems. Such progress demands close collaboration between different disciplines in order to arrive at optimum solutions. Also discussed is the energy use of industrial processes, including the embedded energy contents of materials, such as those in the built environment. Energy production, operation, distribution and usage, result in environmental risks that need to be better understood. They are part of energy economics and relate to human environmental health as well as ecosystems behaviour. An emphasis is placed on the ways in which more efficient use can be made of conventional as well as new energy sources. This relates to savings in energy consumption, reduction of energy losses, as well as the implementation of smart devices and the design of intelligent distribution networks.

Energy and power are fundamental concepts in electromagnetism and circuit theory, as well as in optics, signal processing, power engineering, electrical machines, and power electronics. However, in crossing the disciplinary borders, we encounter understanding difficulties due to (1) the many possible mathematical representations of the same physical objects, and (2) the many possible physical interpretations of the same mathematical entities. The monograph proposes a quantum and a relativistic approach to electromagnetic power theory that is based on recent advances in physics and mathematics. The book takes a fresh look at old debates related to the significance of the Poynting theorem and the interpretation of reactive power. Reformulated in the mathematical language of geometric algebra, the new expression of electromagnetic power reflects the laws of conservation of energy-momentum in fields and circuits. The monograph offers a mathematically consistent and a physically coherent interpretation of the power concept and of the mechanism of power transmission at the subatomic (mesoscopic) level. The monograph proves (paraphrasing Heaviside) that there is no finality in the development of a vibrant discipline: power theory.

Deploying lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries depends on cost-effective electrode materials with high energy and power density to facilitate lower weight and volume. Si-based anode materials theoretically offer superior lithium storage capacity. Replacing a graphite anode with high-capacity materials such as silicon will further improve the energy density. Durable, low-cost, and high-energy-density materials are vital to developing plug-in electric vehicles as affordable and convenient as gasoline-powered ones, while reducing carbon emissions. This reference presents the knowledge gained over recent decades in the materials science and chemistry of silicon and its derivates as anode materials for Li-ion batteries, and provides insights into developing Si-based anode materials for next-generation batteries. Coverage includes the structure and chemistry of silicon, electrolytes and chemistry of Si anodes, nanostructure and binder additives for Si anodes, surface modification and mechanical properties. Researchers in academia and industry will find this detailed reference a highly useful resource.

Nuclear energy is contributing to the long-term solution to stave off climate change. However, current nuclear fission technology accesses only about 1-3% of the nuclear energy content of natural uranium, which is inefficient, and also creates a radioactive waste disposal problem. Combining nuclear fission technology with emerging nuclear fusion technology to create a fusion-fission hybrid would yield extra fusion neutrons to 1) convert much more of the uranium into fissionable material, which would increase efficient utilization of the nuclear fuel resource, and 2) significantly reduce (by fission) the most long-lived radioactive nuclear waste. This book describes fusion-fission hybrid physics and technology. The first parts briefly review nuclear fission principles and describe design and safety of nuclear fission reactors; then the fundamentals of nuclear fusion and fusion reactor concepts are described, together with ongoing and future challenges and anticipated developments in this not-yet matured technology. Chapters cover the scientific basis of nuclear fission and the fission fuel cycle, advanced fission reactors, safety aspects, the scientific and technological basis of nuclear fusion power, future improvements expected, and then the fusion-fission hybrid (FFH) breeder and burner reactor concept principles, with illustrative FFH design concepts, safety analyses, and examples of the use of fusion neutrons for helping to achieve burning and breeding fission fuel cycles. This concise work is essential reading for researchers and policy makers in nuclear energy research and engineering, including advanced students.

Wind energy is often framed as a factor in rural economic development, an element of the emerging "green economy" destined to upset the dominant greenhouse- gas-emitting energy industry and deliver conscious capitalism to host communities. The bulk of wind energy firms, however, are subsidiaries of the same fossil fuel companies that wrought havoc in shale-gas and coal-mining towns from rural Appalachia to the Great Plains. On its own, wind energy development does not automatically translate into community development. In Governing the Wind Energy Commons, Keith Taylor asks whether revenue generated by wind power can be put to community well-being rather than corporate profit. He looks to the promising example of rural electric cooperatives, owned and governed by the 42 million Americans they serve, which generate $40 billion in annual revenue. Through case studies of a North Dakota wind energy cooperative and an investor-owned wind farm in Illinois, Taylor examines how regulatory and social forces are shaping this emerging energy sector. He draws on interviews with local residents to assess strategies for tipping the balance of power away from absentee-owned utilities.

As the world has entered the era of big data, there is a need to give a semantic perspective to the data to find unseen patterns, derive meaningful information, and make intelligent decisions. This 2-volume handbook set is a unique, comprehensive, and complete presentation of the current progress and future potential explorations in the field of data science and related topics. Handbook of Data Science with Semantic Technologies provides a roadmap for a new trend and future development of data science with semantic technologies. The first volume serves as an important guide towards applications of data science with semantic technologies for the upcoming generation and thus becomes a unique resource for both academic researchers and industry professionals. The second volume provides a roadmap for the deployment of semantic technologies in the field of data science that enables users to create intelligence through these technologies by exploring the opportunities while eradicating the current and future challenges. The set explores the optimal use of these technologies to provide the maximum benefit to the user under one comprehensive source. This set consisting of two separate volumes can be utilized independently or together as an invaluable resource for students, scholars, researchers, professionals, and practitioners in the field.

Renewable energy is crucial to preserve the environment. This energy involves various systems that should be optimized and assessed to provide better performance. The goal of this book is to present the latest research works on nature-inspired computing approaches applied to the design and development of renewable energy systems. The design and development of renewable energy systems remain a challenge. This book focuses on nature-inspired computing approaches which are the most prevailing solutions. Therefore, the book provides new solutions to the renewable energy domain. It is an essential research book for researchers, students, engineers, and individuals working in the renewable energy industry.

Coal-Fired Electricity and Emissions Control: Efficiency and Effectiveness discusses the relationship between efficiency and emissions management, providing methods for reducing emissions in newer and older plants as coal-fired powered plants are facing increasing new emission control standards. The book presents the environmental forces driving technology development for coal-fired electricity generation, then covers other topics, such as cyclone firing, supercritical boilers, fabric filter technology, acid gas control technology and clean coal technologies. The book relates efficiency and environmental considerations, particularly from a technology development perspective.

Hydropower is a mature and cost-competitive renewable energy source, contributing the bulk of global renewable electricity. Over the past decades, computer technology has led to significant possible improvements in monitoring, diagnostics, protection and control through retrofitting of large plants, and there is potential for additional large plants as well as for smaller installations. This book presents a systematic approach to mathematical modeling of different configurations of hydropower plants over four sections - modeling and simulation approaches; control of hydropower plants; operation and scheduling of hydropower plants, including pumped storage; and special features of small hydropower plants. The chapters address the fundamentals and the latest concepts, providing the most appropriate solutions for cost-effective and reliable operation, and include several real-world case studies of hydropower plants in operation. Modeling and Dynamic Behaviour of Hydropower Plants is essential reading for researchers involved with hydropower, as well as for advanced students in power engineering.

The range of energy systems carried by this volume is inclusive, encompassingthermal and gas turbines, renewable power, fuel cells (low and high temperature), nuclear power generation (fission and fusion) and the transmission and storage of the energy produced. The editors consider aspects of the hydrogen economy, as well as the materials employed in the design of batteries, and in energy conversion in a range of devices and actuators. Over 80 articles have been selected which discuss the applications of materials to these energy systems, with emphasis placed upon the generation of nuclear energy. The whole assembly provides the reader with an up-to-date understanding of the applications of the entire range of materials of engineering importance, across metals, ceramics and polymeric materials.
Aconcise desk reference work for material scientists working with energy systemsBridges the divide between materials science and engineering of complex systemSignificantly more cost-effective than purchase of the main "Encyclopedia of Materials: Science and Technology "for departmental budgets"

As environmental issues remain at the forefront of energy research, renewable energy is now an all-important field of study. And as smart technology continues to grow and be refined, its applications broaden and increase in their potential to revolutionize sustainability studies. This potential can only be fully realized with a thorough understanding of the most recent breakthroughs in the field. Research Advancements in Smart Technology, Optimization, and Renewable Energy is a collection of innovative research that explores the recent steps forward for smart applications in sustainability. Featuring coverage on a wide range of topics including energy assessment, neural fuzzy control, and biogeography, this book is ideally designed for advocates, policymakers, engineers, software developers, academicians, researchers, and students.