This book outlines the principles of thermoelectric generation and refrigeration from the discovery of the Seebeck and Peltier effects in the nineteenth century through the introduction of semiconductor thermoelements in the mid-twentieth century to the more recent development of nanostructured materials. It is shown that the efficiency of a thermoelectric generator and the coefficient of performance of a thermoelectric refrigerator can be related to a quantity known as the figure of merit. The figure of merit depends on the Seebeck coefficient and the ratio of the electrical to thermal conductivity. It is shown that expressions for these parameters can be derived from the band theory of solids. The conditions for favourable electronic properties are discussed. The methods for selecting materials with a low lattice thermal conductivity are outlined and the ways in which the scattering of phonons can be enhanced are described. The application of these principles is demonstrated for specific materials including the bismuth telluride alloys, bismuth antimony, alloys based on lead telluride, silicon-germanium and materials described as phonon-glass electron-crystals. It is shown that there can be advantages in using the less familiar transverse thermoelectric effects and the transverse thermomagnetic effects. Finally, practical aspects of thermoelectric generation and refrigeration are discussed. The book is aimed at readers who do not have a specialised knowledge of solid state physics.

"Solar Energy, Photovoltaics, and Domestic Hot Water" provides a fundamental understanding of heat and energy conversions and of both solar domestic hot water system types with associated components and photovoltaic/inverter system combinations. It provides the information needed to determine and understand the proper siting requirements, the amount of energy needed (based upon usage), the amount of solar energy available, the methods of comparing collectors for both hot water and photovoltaic situations, and the number of collectors necessary for either hot water or electricity." Solar Energy, Photovoltaics, and Domestic Hot Water" also details the investment and cost savings advantages of using solar energy through a unique compilation of information and explanations not available in other publications or on the internet. This includes comprehensive financial explanations with examples using basic engineering management analysis methods. These examples include present and future worth relative to break-even costs and cash flow analysis and actual quoted systems and worksheets for typical electrical solar PV and DHW demand scenarios allowing you to calculate your own cost estimates and to evaluate your own projects relative to investment payback. "Solar Energy, Photovoltaics, and Domestic Hot Water" will enable readers make informed decisions about the economic practicality of solar generation sources for residential or commercial use based upon location, energy demands, associated conventional fuel costs, solar energy system costs, and tax incentives.
Provides a fundamental understanding of solar DHW and photovoltaic systemsUses clear guidelines to evaluate solar DHW and photovoltaic systems value as a long-term investment vs traditional power and heat generation methods Discusses cost and operating expenses relative to investment and return on capital which will be beneficial to project planners, installers, energy managers, builders and property owners
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"New Approaches to Light Trapping in Solar Cell Devices" discusses in detail the use of photonic and plasmonic effects for light trapping in solar cells. It compares and contrasts texturing, the current method of light-trapping design in solar cells, with emerging approaches employing photonic and plasmonic phenomena. These new light trapping methods reduce the amount of absorber required in a solar cell, promising significant cost reduction and efficiency.

This book highlights potential advantages of photonics and plasmonics and describes design optimization using computer modeling of these approaches. Its discussion of ultimate efficiency possibilities in solar cells is grounded in a review of the Shockley-Queisser analysis; this includes an in-depth examination of recent analyses building on that seminal work.

Natural gas, especially unconventional gas, has an increasingly important role in meeting the world's energy needs. Experts estimate that it has the potential to add anywhere from 60-250% to the global proven gas reserve in the next two decades. To maintain pace with increasing global demand, "Unconventional Gas Reservoirs" provides the necessary bridge into the newer processes, approaches and designs to help identify these more uncommon reservoirs available and how to maximize its unconventional potential.

Loaded with reservoir development and characterization strategies, this book will show you how to: Recognize the challenges and opportunities surrounding unconventional gas reservoirsDistinguish among the various types of unconventional reservoirs, such as shale gas, coalbed methane, and tight gas formationsDrill down and quantify the reservoir s economic potential and other critical considerations
Gain practical insights and tools to efficiently identify, appraise, and develop unconventional gas reservoirsUnderstand various techniques used to analyze reservoir parameters and performance as well as how they were applied to numerous real-world case studiesUpgrade to the latest informationon perspectives and insightswith discussion of key differences used for today s unconventional gas characterization versus original conventional methods that failed in the past "

Security video surveillance systems, such as homeland security and national defence, rely on specific mathematical algorithms in order to run effectively. It is essential for these parameters to be understood in order to design and create a successful system. Video Surveillance Techniques and Technologies presents empirical research and acquired experience on the original solutions and mathematical algorithms for motion detection and object identification problems. Emphasising a wide variety of applications of security systems, this book is an essential tool for graduate students and professionals in the field of signal and image processing applied in static/moving object detection, tracking, and identification.

The new green industrial revolution is driven by a variety of global environmental concerns. In some regions, it is spurred by the scarcity of cheap affordable renewable energy that will also lead to a reduced reliance on fossil fuel in the production of power. In others, it is driven by a need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from power generation. This book provides a comprehensive review of the most popular green "disruptive" technologies in energy production as well as their economic impact. In addition, the book includes a multitude of international case studies where these technologies are currently deployed and their economic impact on the region.

Oil and gas engineers today use three main factors in deciding drilling fluids: cost, performance, and environmental impact, making water-based products a much more attractive option. Water-Based Chemicals and Technology for Drilling, Completion, and Workover Fluids effectively delivers all the background and infrastructure needed for an oil and gas engineer to utilize more water-based products that benefit the whole spectrum of the well's life cycle. Helping to mitigate critical well issues such as formation damage, fluid loss control, and borehole repair, more operators demand to know the full selection of water-based products available to consistently keep a peak well performance. This must-have training guide provides the necessary coverage in the area, broken down by type and use, along with an extensive list of supportive materials such as a chemical index of structural formulas and helpful list of references for further reading. In addition to understanding the types, special additives, and chemical compatibilities of the products available, the reader will also learn proper waste disposal techniques, including management of produced water, a component mandatory to hydraulic fracturing operations. Concise and comprehensive, Water-Based Chemicals and Technology for Drilling, Completion, and Workover Fluids details all the necessary educational content and handy references to elevate your well's performance while lowering your environmental impact.

The book provides the most up-to-date information on testing and development of hydroprocessing catalysts with the aim to improve performance of the conventional and modified catalysts as well as to develop novel catalytic formulations. Besides diverse chemical composition, special attention is devoted to pore size and pore volume distribution of the catalysts. Properties of the catalysts are discussed in terms of their suitability for upgrading heavy feeds. For this purpose atmospheric residue was chosen as the base for defining other heavy feeds which comprise vacuum gas oil, deasphalted oil and vacuum residues in addition to topped heavy crude and bitumen. Attention is paid to deactivation with the aim to extent catalyst life during the operation. Into consideration is taken the loss of activity due to fouling, metal deposition, coke formed as the result of chemical reaction and poisoning by nitrogen bases. Mathematical models were reviewed focussing on those which can simulate performance of the commercial operations. Configurations of hydroprocessing reactors were compared in terms of their capability to upgrade various heavy feeds providing that a suitable catalyst was selected. Strategies for regeneration, utilization and disposal of spent hydroprocesing catalysts were evaluated. Potential of the non-conventional hydroprocessing involving soluble/dispersed catalysts and biocatalysts in comparison with conventional methods were assessed to identify issues which prevent commercial utilization of the former. A separate chapter is devoted to catalytic dewaxing because the structure of dewaxing catalysts is rather different than that of hydroprocessing catalysts, i.e., the objective of catalytic dewaxing is different than that of the conventional hydroprocessing, The relevant information in the scientific literature is complemented with the Patent literature covering the development of catalysts and novel reactor configurations.
Separate chapter was added to distinguish upgrading capabilities of the residues catalytic cracking processes from those employing hydroprocessing. Upper limits on the content of carbon residue and metals in the feeds which can still be upgraded by the former processes differ markedly from those in the feeds which can be upgraded by hydroprocessing. It is necessary that the costs of modifications of catalytic cracking processes to accommodate heavier feeds are compared with that of hydroprocessing methods.
Objective of the short chapter on upgrading by carbon rejecting processes was to identify limits of contaminants in heavy feeds beyond which catalytic upgrading via hydroprocessing becomes uneconomical because of the costs of catalyst inventory and that of reactors and equipment.
- Comprehensive and most recent information on hydroprocessing catalysts for upgrading heavy petroleum feeds.
- Compares conventional, modified and novel catalysts for upgrading a wide range of heavy petroleum feeds.
- Comparison of conventional with non-conventional hydroprocessing, the latter involving soluble/dispersed catalysts and biocatalysts.
- Development and comparison of mathematical models
to simulate performance of catalytic reactors including most problematic feeds.
- Residues upgrading by catalytic cracking in comparison to hydroprocessing.

Blending fuels with hydrogen offers the potential to reduce NOx and CO2 emissions in gas turbines, but doing so introduces potential new problems such as flashback. Flashback can lead to thermal overload and destruction of hardware in the turbine engine, with potentially expensive consequences. The little research on flashback that is available is fragmented. Flashback Mechanisms in Lean Premixed Gas Turbine Combustion by Ali Cemal Benim will address not only the overall issue of the flashback phenomenon, but also the issue of fragmented and incomplete research.

Written specifically for the oil and gas industry, Reliable Maintenance Planning, Estimating, and Scheduling provides maintenance managers and engineers with the tools and techniques to create a manageable maintenance program that will save money and prevent costly facility shutdowns. The ABCs of work identification, planning, prioritization, scheduling, and execution are explained. The objective is to provide the capacity to identify, select and apply maintenance interventions that assure an effective maintenance management, while maximizing equipment performance, value creation and opportune and effective decision making. The book provides a pre- and post- self-assessment that will allow for measure competency improvement. Maintenance Managers and Engineers receive an expert guide for developing detailed actions including repairs, alterations, and preventative maintenance.

One of the most critical requirements for safe and reliable nuclear power plant operations is the availability of competent maintenance personnel. However, just as the nuclear power industry is experiencing a renaissance, it is also experiencing an exodus of seasoned maintenance professionals due to retirement. The perfect guide for engineers just entering the field or experienced maintenance supervisors who need to keep abreast of the latest industry best practices, Nuclear Power Plant Maintenance: Mechanical Systems, Equipment and Safety covers the most common issues faced in day-to-day operations and provides practical, technically proven solutions. The book also explains how to navigate the various maintenance codes, standards and regulations for the nuclear power industry.

Batteries are a necessary part of a low-emission energy system, as they can store renewable electricity and assist the grid. Utility-scale batteries, with capacities of several to hundreds of MWh, are particularly important for condominiums, local grid nodes, and EV charging arrays. However, such batteries are expensive and need to be monitored and managed well to maintain capacity and reliability. Artificial intelligence offers a solution for effective monitoring and management of utility-scale batteries. This book systematically describes AI-based technologies for battery state estimation and modeling for utility-scale Li-ion batteries. Chapters cover utility-scale lithium-ion battery system characteristics, AI-based equivalent modeling, parameter identification, state of charge estimation, battery parameter estimation, offer samples and case studies for utility-scale battery operation, and conclude with a summary and prospect for AI-based battery status monitoring. The book provides practical references for the design and application of large-scale lithium-ion battery systems. AI for Status Monitoring of Utility-Scale Batteries is an invaluable resource for researchers in battery R&D, including battery management systems and related power electronics, battery manufacturers, and advanced students.

Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product. BUILD, CONVERT, OR BUY A STATE-OF-THE-ART ELECTRIC VEHICLEThoroughly revised and expanded, Build Your Own Electric Vehicle, Third Edition, is your go-to guide for converting an internal combustion engine vehicle to electric or building an EV from the ground up. You'll also find out about the wide variety of EVs available for purchase and how they're being built. This new editiondetails all the latest breakthroughs, including AC propulsion and regenerative braking systems, intelligent controllers, batteries, and charging technologies. Filled with updated photos, this cutting-edge resource fully describes each component--motor, battery, controller, charger, and chassis--and provides illustrated, step-by-step instructions on how to assemble all the parts. Exclusive web content features currentsupplier and dealer lists. Custom-built for environmentalists, engineers, students, hobbyists, and mechanics, this hands-on guide puts you in the fast lane toward a cost-effective, reliable green machine. Build Your Own Electric Vehicle, Third Edition, covers: Environmental impact and energy savings The best EV for you--purchase trade-offs, conversion trade-offs, and conversion costs Chassis and design Different types of electric motors and controllers Lithium EV batteries Chargers and electrical systems EV builds and conversions Licensing and insuring your EV Driving and maintenance List of manufacturers and dealers regularly updated on website

Pretreatment of Biomass provides general information, basic data, and knowledge on one of the most promising renewable energy sources- biomass for their pretreatment- which is one of the most essential and critical aspects of biomass-based processes development. The quest to get the environment greener, less polluted, and less hazardous has led to the concept of Biorefineries growing fast globally for developing bio-based processes and products using biomass as the feedstock. Each kind of biomass requires some kind of pretreatment to make it suitable for bioprocess. This book provides state-of-art information on the methods currently available for this.

This book provides data-based scientific information on the most advanced and innovative processing for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic and algal biomass for further processing. Pretreatment of biomass is considered one of the most expensive steps in the overall processing in a biomass-to-biofuel program. With the strong advancement in developing lignocellulose biomass- and algal biomass-based biorefineries, global focus has been on developing pretreatment methods and technologies which could offer technical and economic feasibility. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments on different methods used for the pretreatment of biomass. A separate section is devoted to the methods and technologies of algal biomass due to the increasing global attention of its use.
Provides information on the most advanced and innovative pretreatament processes and technologies for biomassCovers information on lignocellulosic and algal biomass to work on the principles of biorefineryUseful for researchers intending to study scale-upProvides information on integration of processes and technologies for the pretreatment of biomass

This new resource is a practical overview of designing, testing and troubleshooting power electronics in alternative energy systems, providing you with the most important information on how power electronics components such as inverters, controllers and batteries can play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of green energy solutions for both stand-alone and grid-connected applications. You will learn how to choose the right components for diverse systems, from utility-scale wind farms to photovoltaic panels on single residences, how to get the most out of existing systems, and how to solve the tough challenges particular to alternative energy applications. Whether you are a renewables professional who needs to understand more about how power electronics impact energy output, or a power engineer who is interested in learning what new avenues the alternative energy revolution is opening for your work, start here with advice and explanations from the experts, including equations, diagrams and tables designed to help you understand and succeed.

Renewable energy (RE) is a subject of great interest today. It is one of the two main means for implementing climate change mitigation programmes, and presently the only perceived means for replacing the declining global fossil fuel reserves. It also helps fight poverty and assists in the global quest for gender equity by taking clean energy where it is needed most for development. It is perhaps not surprising therefore that there is so much coverage of RE in both the conventional media and the internet by media and tech writers, economists and bloggers, many of who only have a partial understanding of the technology itself. The end result is mostly promotional rhetoric that says little about the true value of the technology, and leads to a confused picture for the serious individual or decision-maker who wants to know what the technology is really capable of doing. This book provides a clear and factual picture of the status of RE and its capabilities today. The need for such a book was first realized by the author when he was engaged in a renewable energy capacity-building project encompassing countries from Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Pacific. The book is largely non-technical in nature; it does however contain enough mention of the science and technology to enable readers to go further with their own investigations should they wish to. The book covers all areas of renewable energy (RE), starting from biomass energy and hydropower and proceeding to wind, solar and geothermal energy before ending with an overview of ocean energy. It begins with a simple introduction to the physical principles of the RE technologies, followed by an enumeration of the requirements for their successful implementation. The last two chapters consider how the technologies are actually being implemented today and their roles in climate change mitigation and poverty alleviation.

Reactor Pressure Vessels (RPVs) contain the fuel and therefore the reaction at the heart of nuclear power plants. They are a life-determining structural component: if they suffer serious damage, the continued operation of the plant is in jeopardy. This book critically reviews irradiation embrittlement, the main degradation mechanism affecting RPV steels, and mitigation routes for managing the RPV lifetime.

Part I reviews RPV design and fabrication in different countries, with an emphasis on the materials required, their important properties, and manufacturing technologies. Part II then considers RVP embrittlement in operational nuclear power plants using different reactors. Chapters are devoted to embrittlement in light-water reactors, including WWER-type reactors and Magnox reactors. Finally, Part III presents techniques for studying embrittlement, including irradiation simulation techniques, microstructural characterisation techniques, and probabilistic fracture mechanics."

Irradiation Embrittlement of Reactor Pressure Vessels (RPVs) in Nuclear Power Plants "provides a thorough review of an issue that is central to the safety of nuclear power generation. The book includes contributions from an international team of experts, and will be a useful resource for nuclear plant operators and managers, relevant regulatory and safety bodies, nuclear metallurgists and other academics in this field
Discusses reactor pressure vessel (RPV) design and the effect irradiation embrittlement can have, the main degradation mechanism affecting RPVsExamines embrittlement processes in RPVs in different reactor types, as well as techniques for studying RPV embrittlement

Current fleets of conventional and nuclear power plants face increasing hostile environmental conditions due to increasingly high temperature operation for improved capacity and efficiency, and the need for long term service. Additional challenges are presented by the requirement to cycle plants to meet peak-load operation. This book presents a comprehensive review of structural materials in conventional and nuclear energy applications. Opening chapters address operational challenges and structural alloy requirements in different types of power plants. The following sections review power plant structural alloys and methods to mitigate critical materials degradation in power plants.

"Advanced Power Generation Systems" examines the full range of advanced multiple output thermodynamic cycles that can enable more sustainable and efficient power production from traditional methods, as well as driving the significant gains available from renewable sources. These advanced cycles can harness the by-products of one power generation effort, such as electricity production, to simultaneously create additional energy outputs, such as heat or refrigeration. Gas turbine-based, and industrial waste heat recovery-based combined, cogeneration, and trigeneration cycles are considered in depth, along with Syngas combustion engines, hybrid SOFC/gas turbine engines, and other thermodynamically efficient and environmentally conscious generation technologies. The uses of solar power, biomass, hydrogen, and fuel cells in advanced power generation are considered, within both hybrid and dedicated systems.

The detailed energy and exergy analysis of each type of system provided by globally recognized author Dr. Ibrahim Dincer will inform effective and efficient design choices, while emphasizing the pivotal role of new methodologies and models for performance assessment of existing systems. This unique resource gathers information from thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and energy system design to provide a single-source guide to solving practical power engineering problems.
The only complete source of info on the whole array of multiple output thermodynamic cycles, covering all the design options for environmentally-conscious combined production of electric power, heat, and refrigerationOffers crucial instruction on realizing more efficiency in traditional power generation systems, and on implementing renewable technologies, including solar, hydrogen, fuel cells, and biomass Each cycle description clarified through schematic diagrams, and linked to sustainable development scenarios through detailed energy, exergy, and efficiency analysesCase studies and examples demonstrate how novel systems and performance assessment methods function in practice