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.

This book examines business model transformation through the study of electrical utilities, an industry at the center of today's efforts to combat climate change. When change comes to the business model of such a mature industry, the pattern is often recognizable. The foundational elements of the industry shift, allowing the innovation of business models by new competitors, while established firms face the threat of disruption. The utility sector, after decades of relative stability, is in the midst of such a transformation today. After providing a historical summary of the dominant business models of the utility sector, Transformation of the Electric Utility Business Model looks at the factors currently impacting the industry. Utilities and policy makers today are facing two long-term issues that will dominate their agendas in the coming decades: rebuilding utility infrastructure to enable the decarbonization of the economy, and managing the risk of catastrophic events that can leave large areas without power for extended periods. Fortunately, with proper planning, many utility investments in decarbonization will also support risk management. However, these investments are often not compatible with current utility business models, requiring creativity and new regulatory frameworks to successfully implement. This book considers the impact of these factors, and then discusses the future. This well-researched, extremely insightful book is essential reading for all those with an interest in business strategy, energy studies and sustainability.

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 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.

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.

As the need for proficient power resources continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important to implement new strategies and technologies in energy distribution to meet consumption needs. The employment of smart grid networks assists in the efficient allocation of energy resources. Smart Grid as a Solution for Renewable and Efficient Energy features emergent research and trends in energy consumption and management, as well as communication techniques utilized to monitor power transmission and usage. Emphasizing developments and challenges occurring in the field, this book is a critical resource for researchers and students concerned with signal processing, power demand management, energy storage procedures, and control techniques within smart grid networks.

Energy autonomy is an emerging concept that is, as yet, poorly identified in France. It can mean taking ownership of certain issues related to energy, its production, or, indeed, becoming self-sufficient, and it can apply equally to individuals, communities and buildings.While there are numerous new developments - renewable energies, smart grids and self-consumption - it is becoming difficult to know what this idea of "autonomy" covers, just as it is difficult to define "independence" and "self-sufficiency", which are often associated with it. However, these three concepts are key to thinking about the energy system and deciding its future. Covering distinct ideas, they are often reduced to economic and productive factors. This ambiguity in their meanings is responsible for the misunderstandings, delusions and obstacles that hamper the implementation of the energy transition.This book deconstructs the common idea of autonomy in favor of a set of more operational concepts. It demonstrates that these ideas are not interchangeable but rather represent practical and constructive tools for action. The world of energy is changing, and therefore we must rethink energy autonomy.

The creation of a flexible, efficient, digitized, dependable and resilient power grid may well be the best route to increasing energy efficiency & security, as well as boosting the potential of renewable & distributed power sources. This book covers smart grids from A-Z, providing a complete treatment of the topic, covering both policy and technology, explaining the most recent innovations supporting its development, and clarifying how the smart grid can support the integration of renewable energy resources. Among the most important topics included are smart metering, renewable energy storage, plug-in hybrids, flexible demand response, strategies for offsetting intermittency issues, micro-grids for off-grid communities, and specific in-depth coverage of wind and solar power integration. The content draws lessons from an international panel of contributors, whose diverse experiences implementing smart grids will help to provide templates for success.
Provides critical information on the technological, design and policy issues that must be taken into account to ensure that the smart grid is implemented successfullyDemonstrates how smart grids can help utilities adhere to increased renewable portfolio standardsProvides examples of successful microgrid/smart metering projects from around the world that can act as templates for developers, operators and investors embarking upon similar projects

The book systematically introduces smart power system design and its infrastructure, platform and operating standards. It focuses on multi-objective optimization and illustrates where the intelligence of the system lies. With abundant project data, this book is a practical guideline for engineers and researchers in electrical engineering, as well as power network designers and managers in administration.