While covering the fascinating history of wind power as a whole, this timely handbook focuses on current technological developments and the promise-and pitfalls-of wind energy as part of the world's energy future. The use of wind power for the generation of electricity holds vast potential for solving the world's energy problems, but numerous technical and social issues must be addressed before that potential can be realized. This handbook will both educate students about current issues related to wind energy and introduce the ways in which mankind has harnessed the wind through the ages. The book covers topics as diverse as early windmills in Europe, the United States, China, and the Middle East; the development of wind farms for electricity generation; and political factors involved in the development of wind energy today. Conventional wind turbine mechanics are explained, as are the technical improvements that drive modern wind turbines and other wind systems. What makes the handbook unique is that it combines hard science with perspective pieces that address topics such as potential environmental damage that can result from modern wind technology, and how recent developments in wind turbine technology hold the promise for considerably reducing the cost of this alternate energy source, making it competitive with conventional fossil fuels. Readers will be engaged by extensive discussion of the economic, political, and ethical issues raised by the expanding use of wind energy in the United States and elsewhere, and they will be intrigued by a look at what wind power can mean to the planet's energy future. Serves as a comprehensive introduction to the topic and a guide for further study Features expert essays on issues and controversies related to the use of wind energy Covers the dangers wind power poses to wildlife as well as its impacts on communities' economic development Profiles key individuals and organizations in the field Includes statistical information on the production and consumption of wind energy in the United States and around the world

The advent of lithium ion batteries has brought a significant shift in the area of large format battery systems. Previously limited to heavy and bulky lead-acid storage batteries, large format batteries were used only where absolutely necessary as a means of energy storage. The improved energy density, cycle life, power capability, and durability of lithium ion cells has given us electric and hybrid vehicles with meaningful driving range and performance, grid-tied energy storage systems for integration of renewable energy and load leveling, backup power systems and other applications. This book discusses battery management system (BMS) technology for large format lithium-ion battery packs from a systems perspective. This resource covers the future of BMS, giving us new ways to generate, use, and store energy, and free us from the perils of non-renewable energy sources. This book provides a full update on BMS technology, covering software, hardware, integration, testing, and safety.

Power and telecommunications systems are growing increasingly complex. This increases their vulnerability to lightning-related effects. Due to the high requirements for the reliability of power and telecommunications systems and the associated sensitive equipment, protection against lightning is of paramount importance. Lightning-induced effects are to be quantified in order to assess the risks and design adequate protection. This can be done with the traditional approach, which is based on the transmission-line theory and an electromagnetic-field-to-conductor coupling model, as well as with the advanced numerical techniques, such as the finite difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Interest in the FDTD method is steadily growing because of the availability of software and increased computer capabilities. This book provides an introduction to the FDTD method and its applications to studies of lightning-induced effects in power and telecommunication systems. It also contains background information on lightning, lightning models, and lightning electromagnetics. This book is essential reading for electrical engineers and researchers, who are interested in lightning surge protection studies, as well as for senior undergraduate and graduate students specializing in electrical engineering.

Shale Oil represents a huge additional global fossil fuel resource. However, extracting oil from the shale is no simple task; much still needs to be understood to make the process more cost-effective to increase economic flow rates. Clear and rigorous, Oil Shale Production Process will prove useful for those scientists and engineers already engaged in fossil fuel science and technology as well as scientists, non-scientists, engineers, and non-engineers who wish to gain a general overview or update of the science and technology of fossil fuels. Not only does the book discuss the production processes but also provides methods which should reduce environmental footprint by properly addressing: surface mining and extraction processes, in situ conversion process and hydrotreatment.
Covers production processes technologies such as: surface mining and retorting, in Situ Retoring and processes, direct and indirect retorting and hydrotreatment for shale oil.

Methods which should reduce environmental footprint

Easy-to-read understand overview of the chemistry, engineering, and technology of shale oil "

The last ten years have seen rapid advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology, allowing unprecedented manipulation of the nanoscale structures controlling solar capture, conversion, and storage.Filled with cutting-edge solar energy research and reference materials, the Handbook of Research on Solar Energy Systems and Technologies serves as a one-stop resource for the latest information regarding different topical areas within solar energy. This handbook will emphasize the application of nanotechnology innovations to solar energy technologies, explore current and future developments in third generation solar cells, and provide a detailed economic analysis of solar energy applications.

Natural gas continues to be the fuel of choice for power generation and feedstock for a range of petrochemical industries. This trend is driven by environmental, economic and supply considerations with a balance clearly tilting in favor of natural gas as both fuel and feedstock. Despite the recent global economic uncertainty, the oil and gas industry is expected to continue its growth globally, especially in emerging economies. The expansion in LNG capacity beyond 2011 and 2012 coupled with recently launched and on-stream GTL plants poses real technological and environmental challenges. These important developments coupled with a global concern on green house gas emissions provide a fresh impetus to engage in new and more focused research activities aimed at mitigating or resolving the challenges facing the industry.
Academic researchers and plant engineers in the gas processing industry will benefit from the state of the art papers published in this collection that cover natural gas utilization, sustainability and excellence in gas processing.
Provides state-of-the-art contributions in the area of gas processingCovers solutions to technical and environmental problemsInput from academia and industry

The energy transition initiated in recent years has enabled the growing integration of renewable production into the energy mix. Microgrids make it possible to maximize the efficiency of energy transmission from source to consumer by bringing the latter together geographically and by reducing losses linked to transport. However, the lack of inertia and the micro-grid support system makes it weak, and energy storage is necessary to ensure its proper functioning. Current storage technologies do not make it possible to provide both a large capacity of energy and power at the same time. Hybrid storage is a solution that combines the advantages of several technologies and reduces their disadvantages. Modeling and Control of Static Converters for Hybrid Storage Systems covers the modeling, control theorems, and optimization techniques that solve many scientific problems for researchers in the field of power converter control for renewable energy hybrid storage and places particular emphasis on the modeling and control of static converters for hybrid storage systems. Covering topics ranging from energy storage to power generation, this book is ideal for automation engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, professionals, scientists, academicians, master's and doctoral students, and researchers in the disciplines of electrical and mechanical engineering.

Unconventional energy sources have gained and will continue to gain an increasing share of energy systems around the world. Today, hydrogen is recognized as a non-polluting energy carrier because it does not contribute to global warming if it is produced from renewable sources. Hydrogen is already part of today's chemical industry, but as an energy source, its rare advantages can only be obtained with the help of technologies. Currently, the fuel cell is considered the cleanest sustainable energy. With the development of fuel cells, hydrogen-based energy generation becomes a reality. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology for Stationary Applications is an essential publication that focuses on the advantages of hydrogen as a primary energy center and addresses its use in the sustainable future of stationary applications. While highlighting a broad range of topics including cost expectations, production methods, and social impact, this publication explores all aspects of the implementation and dissemination of fuel cell technology in the hope of establishing a sustainable marketplace for it. This book is ideally designed for fuel cell manufacturers, architects, electrical engineers, civil engineers, environmental engineers, advocates, manufacturers, mechanics, researchers, academicians, and students.

The introduction of Li-ion batteries in 1991 created a tremendous change in the handheld devices landscape. Since then, the energy stored and put to use in palm-sized electronic devices has quadrupled. Devices are continuously getting more power hungry, outpacing battery development. Written by leading engineers in the field, this cutting-edge resource helps professionals overcome this challenge, offering them an insightful overview and in-depth guide to the many varied areas of battery power management for portable devices. Engineers may find the latest details on optimizing charging circuits, developing battery gauges that provide the longest possible run-time while ensuring data protection, and utilizing safety circuits that provide multiple independent levels of protection for highly energetic batteries. This unique book features detailed design examples of whole systems, providing practitioners with the real-world perspective needed to put this knowledge into practice. Readers learn how to perfect their designs, helping to ensure the development of devices that will succeed in the fast-growing portable device marketplace.It is suitable for electrical and power engineers whose work involves the development of portable, industrial, medical, or military devices.