'Written by young theoretical physicists who are experts in the field, this volume is meant both to provide an introduction to the field and to offer a review of the latest developments, not discussed in many other existing books, for senior researchers. It will also appeal to scientists who do not work directly on LQG but are interested in issues at the interface of general relativity and quantum physics.'CERN CourierThis volume presents a snapshot of the state-of-the-art in loop quantum gravity from the perspective of younger leading researchers. It takes the reader from the basics to recent advances, thereby bridging an important gap.The aim is two-fold - to provide a contemporary introduction to the entire field for students and post-docs, and to present an overview of the current status for more senior researchers. The contributions include the latest developments that are not discussed in existing books, particularly recent advances in quantum dynamics both in the Hamiltonian and sum over histories approaches; and applications to cosmology of the early universe and to the quantum aspects of black holes.

This research monograph provides a brief overview of the authors' research in the area of ordered granular media over the last decade. The exposition covers one-dimensional homogeneous and dimer chains in great detail incorporating novel analytical tools and experimental results supporting the analytical and numerical studies. The proposed analytical tools have since been successfully implemented in studying two-dimensional dimers, granular dimers on on-site perturbations, solitary waves in Toda lattices to name a few. The second part of the monograph dwells on weakly coupled homogeneous granular chains from analytical, numerical and experimental perspective exploring the interesting phenomenon of Landau-Zener tunneling in granular media. The final part of the monograph provides a brief introduction to locally resonant acoustic metamaterials incorporating internal rotators and the resulting energy channeling mechanism in unit-cells and in one- and two-dimensional lattices. The monograph provides a comprehensive overview of the research in this interesting domain. However, this exposition is not all exhaustive with regard to equally exciting research by other researchers across the globe, but we provide an exhaustive list of references for the interested readers to further explore in this direction.

Mechanics of Creep Brittle Materials-l was published in 1989 as the proceedings of a Colloquium held in Leicester in the summer of 1988. The Colloquium examined the creep response of a wide range of materials, including metals, engineering ceramics and ice, with the aim of determining similarities in the response of these materials and the way in which their behaviour is modelled. The proceedings were structured so as nature of the Colloquium, with papers to reflect the interdisciplinary grouped together largely on the basis of the phenomena being examined, rather than by class of material. Mechanics of Creep Brittle Materials-2 was held in Leicester in Septem ber 1991 to discuss advances made in our understanding of the response of creep brittle materials since the first Colloquium. The scope of the Colloquium was extended to include mineral salts, concrete and com posite systems. These proceedings are once more structured so that the reader can readily compare the response of different material systems and evaluate the suitability of the range of models presented to the materials he is interested in. In fact a number of papers directly compare the of a range of different materials with the aim of identifying behaviour general strategies for the testing and modelling of creeping materials.

With different intensities, depending on the season, every morning and evening of any weekday there are the same peaks in electricity demand. Peaks can bring about significantly negative environmental and economic impacts. Demand Side Response is a relatively recent solution in Europe which has the potential to reduce peak demand and ease impending capacity shortages. Peak Energy Demand and Demand Side Response presents evidence on a set of Demand Side Response activities, ranging from price-based to incentive-based programmes and policies. Examples are drawn from different programmes for both residential and non-residential sectors of electricity demand, including Time of Use tariffs, Critical Peak Pricing Automated Demand Controllers and Ancillary Services. The book also looks at the actual energy saving impacts of smart meters, the activities which constitute peak demand and the potential opportunities associated with European smart grids and Capacity Markets. This is the first book presenting comprehensive analysis of the impacts, cost benefits and risks associated with Demand Side Response programmes and policies. It should be of interest to students, scholars and policy-makers in the areas of energy, environmental economics and applied economics.

Addressing a field which, until now, has not been sufficiently investigated, Essentials of Natural Gas Microturbines thoroughly examines several natural gas microturbine technologies suitable not only for distributed generation but also for the automotive industry. An invaluable resource for power systems, electrical, and computer science engineers as well as operations researchers, microturbine operators, policy makers, and other industry professionals, the book: Explains the importance of natural gas microturbines and their use in distributed energy resource (DER) systems Discusses the history, development, design, and operation of gas microturbines Introduces the Evolutionary Algorithm for pollutant emissions and fuel consumption minimization Analyzes the power electronics for grid connection of natural gas microturbines Includes actual power quality measurements-graphical representations and numerical data-from a real system Contains 39 color figures Readers benefit from the clarity and practicality of Essentials of Natural Gas Microturbines, ultimately learning new techniques to increase electrical load efficiency, keep the environment cleaner, and improve equipment exploitation based on mathematical results.

Completely revised and updated to reflect current advances in heat exchanger technology, Heat Exchanger Design Handbook, Second Edition includes enhanced figures and thermal effectiveness charts, tables, new chapter, and additional topics--all while keeping the qualities that made the first edition a centerpiece of information for practicing engineers, research, engineers, academicians, designers, and manufacturers involved in heat exchange between two or more fluids. See What's New in the Second Edition: Updated information on pressure vessel codes, manufacturer's association standards A new chapter on heat exchanger installation, operation, and maintenance practices Classification chapter now includes coverage of scrapped surface-, graphite-, coil wound-, microscale-, and printed circuit heat exchangers Thorough revision of fabrication of shell and tube heat exchangers, heat transfer augmentation methods, fouling control concepts and inclusion of recent advances in PHEs New topics like EMbaffle (R), Helixchanger (R), and Twistedtube (R) heat exchanger, feedwater heater, steam surface condenser, rotary regenerators for HVAC applications, CAB brazing and cupro-braze radiators Without proper heat exchanger design, efficiency of cooling/heating system of plants and machineries, industrial processes and energy system can be compromised, and energy wasted. This thoroughly revised handbook offers comprehensive coverage of single-phase heat exchangers-selection, thermal design, mechanical design, corrosion and fouling, FIV, material selection and their fabrication issues, fabrication of heat exchangers, operation, and maintenance of heat exchangers -all in one volume.

Provides an introduction to renewable energy for scientists and engineers, addressing the science and technology of all types of renewable energy in detail, as well as nonrenewables. Includes new chapters covering population dynamics and statistics. Self-study problems have been added for each chapter. Incorporates more worked examples. Completely up-to-date, covering such areas as hydraulic fracturing, integration of renewable energy to power grid, and cost.

Widely used for power generation, gas turbine engines are susceptible to faults due to the harsh working environment. Most engine problems are preceded by a sharp change in measurement deviations compared to a baseline engine, but the trend data of these deviations over time are contaminated with noise and non-Gaussian outliers. Gas Turbine Diagnostics: Signal Processing and Fault Isolation presents signal processing algorithms to improve fault diagnosis in gas turbine engines, particularly jet engines. The algorithms focus on removing noise and outliers while keeping the key signal features that may indicate a fault. The book brings together recent methods in data filtering, trend shift detection, and fault isolation, including several novel approaches proposed by the author. Each method is demonstrated through numerical simulations that can be easily performed by the reader. Coverage includes: Filters for gas turbines with slow data availability Hybrid filters for engines equipped with faster data monitoring systems Nonlinear myriad filters for cases where monitoring of transient data can lead to better fault detection Innovative nonlinear filters for data cleaning developed using optimization methods An edge detector based on gradient and Laplacian calculations A process of automating fault isolation using a bank of Kalman filters, fuzzy logic systems, neural networks, and genetic fuzzy systems when an engine model is available An example of vibration-based diagnostics for turbine blades to complement the performance-based methods Using simple examples, the book describes new research tools to more effectively isolate faults in gas turbine engines. These algorithms may also be useful for condition and health monitoring in other systems where sharp changes in measurement data indicate the onset of a fault.

HVAC Water Chillers and Cooling Towers: Fundamentals, Application, and Operation, Second Edition explores the major improvements in recent years to many chiller and cooling tower components that have resulted in improved performance and lower operating costs. This new edition looks at how climate change and "green" designs have significantly impacted the selection of refrigerants and the application of chilled water systems. It also discusses the expanded use of digital controls and variable frequency drives as well as the re-introduction of some older technologies, especially ammonia-based absorption cooling. The first half of the book focuses on water chillers and the second half addresses cooling towers. In both sections, the author includes the following material: Fundamentals-basic information about systems and equipment, including how they and their various components work Design and Application-equipment sizing, selection, and application; details of piping, control, and water treatment; and special considerations such as noise control, electrical service, fire protection, and energy efficiency Operations and Maintenance-commissioning and programmed maintenance of components and systems, with guidelines and recommended specifications for procurement This up-to-date book provides HVAC designers, building owners, operating and maintenance staff, architects, and mechanical contractors with definitive and practical guidance on the application, design, purchase, operation, and maintenance of water chillers and cooling towers. It offers helpful information for you to use on a daily basis, including checklists and troubleshooting guidelines.

Advances in Industrial Heat Transfer presents the basic principles of industrial heat transfer enhancement. Serving as a reference and guide for future research, this book presents a complete approach, from redesigning equipment to the use of nanofluids in industry. Based on the latest methods of the experiment and their interpretation, this book presents a unified conception of the industrial heat transfer process and procedures which will help decrease global energy consumption. Containing both theoretical and practical results, the book uses text, pictures, graphs, and definitions to illustrate points and highlight concepts.

Following the publication of the author's first book, Boilers for Power and Process by CRC Press in 2009, several requests were made for a reference with even quicker access to information. Boilers: A Practical Reference is the result of those requests, providing a user-friendly encyclopedic format with more than 500 entries and nearly the same number of supporting illustrations. Written for practicing engineers and dealing with practical issues rather than theory, this reference focuses exclusively on water tube boilers found in process industries and power plants. It provides broad explanations for the following topics: A range of boilers and main auxiliaries, as well as steam and gas turbines Traditional firing techniques-grates, oil/gas, and modern systems Industrial, utility, waste heat, MSW and bio-fuel-fired boilers, including supercritical boilers The scientific fundamentals of combustion, heat transfer, fluid flow, and more The basics of fuels, water, ash, high-temperature steels, structurals, refractory, insulation, and more Additional engineering topics like boiler instruments, controls, welding, corrosion, and wear Air pollution, its abatement techniques and their effect on the design of boilers and auxiliaries Emerging technologies such as carbon capture, oxy-fuel combustion, and PFBC This reference covers almost every topic needed by boiler engineers in process and power plants. An encyclopedia by design and a professional reference book by focus and size, this volume is strong on fundamentals and design aspects as well as practical content. The scope and easy-to-navigate presentation of the material plus the numerous illustrations make this a unique reference for busy design, project, operation, and consulting engineers.

Concerns over an unstable energy supply and the adverse environmental impact of carbonaceous fuels have triggered considerable efforts worldwide to find carbon-free or low-carbon alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. Carbon-Neutral Fuels and Energy Carriers emphasizes the vital role of carbon-neutral energy sources, transportation fuels, and associated technologies for establishing a sustainable energy future. Each chapter draws on the insight of world-renowned experts in such diverse fields as photochemistry and electrochemistry, solar and nuclear energy, biofuels and synthetic fuels, carbon sequestration, and alternative fuel vehicles. After an introductory chapter on different energy options in a carbon-constrained world and proposed measures to stabilize atmospheric CO2, the book analyzes the advantages and challenges facing the introduction of hydrogen fuel to the marketplace. It then examines the role of nuclear power in the production of carbon-free energy and fuels as well as the efficient use and storage of renewable energy resources, emphasizing the production of solar fuels from water and CO2. The book also discusses different aspects of bioenergy and biofuels production and use and the potential role of bio-inspired energy systems and industrial processes. The final chapters present a thorough overview and analysis of state-of-the-art fossil fuel decarbonization technologies and clean transportation options. This authoritative work provides the information needed to make more informed choices regarding available clean energy and fuel alternatives. It helps readers to better understand the interconnection between energy and the environment as well as the potential impact of human activities on climate.

Around the world, on average, four coal miners die for each million tons of coal recovered. Improving the safety of mining work while responding to the need for increased coal production, however, is impossible without further development of the physics of mining processes. A relatively new branch of science, it tackles problems that arise during mineral products recovery, particularly safety issues such as rock failures, coal and gas outbursts, and methane explosions. The first book to present a unifying methodology for addressing problems such as outbursts and explosions of methane in coal mining, Physics of Coal and Mining Processes integrates theoretical and experimental research on coal and bearing rocks and examines the anthropogenic processes that occur during deep underground mining. The book summarizes the results of recent and established research, including studies conducted at the Institute of Physics of Mining Processes of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, headed by the author. Key topics covered include rock mass in multi-component compressive stress fields and phase conditions of methane in coal. The book also examines state-of-the-art instrumentation and physical methods of analysis, among them x-ray analysis of coal structures combined with computer simulation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with gas chromatography. Bridging the gap between the academic theory and the practice of coal mining, the book proposes novel methods to predict rock mass condition, control gas-dynamic phenomena, and estimate safe mining loads. A useful reference for scientists, technicians, and engineers working in the coal industry, it also offers an overview of the physics of mining processes for students pursuing careers in the field.

Water, in all its forms, may be the key to an environmentally friendly energy economy. Water is free, there is plenty of it, plus it carries what is generally believed to be the best long-term source of green energy-hydrogen. Water for Energy and Fuel Production explores the many roles of water in the energy and fuel industry. The text not only discusses water's use as a direct source of energy and fuel-such as hydrogen from water dissociation, methane from water-based clathrate molecules, hydroelectric dams, and hydrokinetic energy from tidal waves, off-shore undercurrents, and inland waterways-but also: Describes water's benign application in the production of oil, gas, coal, uranium, biomass, and other raw fuels, and as an energy carrier in the form of hot water and steam Examines water's role as a reactant, reaction medium, and catalyst-as well as steam's role as a reactant-for the conversion of raw fuels to synthetic fuels Explains how supercritical water can be used to convert fossil- and bio-based feedstock to synthetic fuels in the presence and absence of a catalyst Employing illustrative case studies and commercial examples, Water for Energy and Fuel Production demonstrates the versatility of water as a provider of energy and fuel, conveying the message that as energy demand and environmental concerns grow, so should our vigilance in pursuing the role of water in the energy landscape.

Most traditional power systems textbooks focus on high-voltage transmission. However, the majority of power engineers work in urban factories, buildings, or industries where power comes from utility companies or is self-generated. Introduction to Electrical Power and Power Electronics is the first book of its kind to cover the entire scope of electrical power and power electronics systems in one volume-with a focus on topics that are directly relevant in power engineers' daily work. Learn How Electrical Power Is Generated, Distributed, and Utilized Composed of 17 chapters, the book is organized into two parts. The first part introduces aspects of electrical power that most power engineers are involved in during their careers, including the distribution of power to load equipment such as motors via step-down transformers, cables, circuit breakers, relays, and fuses. For engineers working with standalone power plants, it also tackles generators. The book discusses how to design and operate systems for economic use of power and covers the use of batteries in greater depth than typically found in traditional power system texts. Understand How Power Electronics Work in Modern Systems The second part delves into power electronics switches, as well as the DC-DC converters, AC-DC-AC converters, and frequency converters used in variable-frequency motor drives. It also discusses quality-of-power issues in modern power systems with many large power electronics loads. A chapter on power converter cooling presents important interdisciplinary design topics. Draw on the Author's Extensive Industry and Teaching Experience This timely book draws on the author's 30 years of work experience at General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and Westinghouse Electric and 15 years of teaching electrical power at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Designed for a one-semester or two-quarter course in electrical power and power electronics, it is also ideal for a refresher course or as a one-stop reference for industry professionals.

A continuous rise in the consumption of gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum-based fuels will eventually deplete reserves and deteriorate the environment, Alternative Transportation Fuels: Utilisation in Combustion Engines explores the feasibility of using alternative fuels that could pave the way for the sustained operation of the transport sector. It assesses the potential avenues for using different alternative fuels in the transport sector, highlights several types of transport and its effect on the environment, and discusses the conventional and alternative fuels for land transport. * Provides experimental investigations relating to the utilization of alternative fuels in the internal combustion engines * Describes the alternative powered vehicles and potential alternative fuels for rail, marine, and aviation applications * Highlights the potential global warming and climate change on account of utilizing the conventional and alternative fuels The book starts off with coverage of the fuels for the land transport, aviation sector and reports on the experimental investigations relating to the utilisation of alternative fuels in internal combustion engines. It delivers an in-depth analysis of engine combustion, then focuses on fuel quality characterization and a modeling of alternative-fuelled engines, and describes alternative-powered vehicles. Based on the authors' experience at laboratories around the globe, Alternative Transportation Fuels: Utilisation in Combustion Engines presents potential alternative fuels for rail, marine, and aviation applications. It examines potential global warming and climate change that could occur from the use of conventional and alternative fuels. It provides technical guidance on the future set up of refineries and automotive industries.

Energy conversion techniques are key in power electronics and even more so in renewable energy source systems, which require a large number of converters. Renewable Energy Systems: Advanced Conversion Technologies and Applications describes advanced conversion technologies and provides design examples of converters and inverters for renewable energy systems-including wind turbine and solar panel energy systems. Learn Cutting-Edge Techniques for Converters and Inverters Setting the scene, the book begins with a review of the basics of astronomy and Earth physics. It then systematically introduces more than 200 topologies of advanced converters originally developed by the authors, including 150 updated circuits on modern conversion technologies. It also discusses recently published topologies and thoroughly analyzes new converter circuits. Novel approaches include split-capacitor and split-inductor techniques that can be applied in super-lift and other converters. Resolve Historic Problems in Conversion Technologies Along with offering many cutting-edge techniques, the authors resolve some historic problems, such as the accurate determination of the conduction angle of single-phase rectifiers and power factor correction. They also describe a new series-laddered multilevel inverters-that uses few devices to produce more levels, overcoming the drawbacks of the pulse-width-modulation (PWM) inverter and providing great scope for industrial applications. Tap the Knowledge of Pioneers in the Field This book is written by pioneers in advanced conversion technology who have created a large number of converters, including the world-renowned DC/DC Luo-converters and super-lift Luo-converters. Featuring numerous examples and diagrams, it guides readers in designing advanced converters for use in renewable energy systems.

Incorporates Worked-Out Real-World Problems Steam Generators and Waste Heat Boilers: For Process and Plant Engineers focuses on the thermal design and performance aspects of steam generators, HRSGs and fire tube, water tube waste heat boilers including air heaters, and condensing economizers. Over 120 real-life problems are fully worked out which will help plant engineers in evaluating new boilers or making modifications to existing boiler components without assistance from boiler suppliers. The book examines recent trends and developments in boiler design and technology and presents novel ideas for improving boiler efficiency and lowering gas pressure drop. It helps plant engineers understand and evaluate the performance of steam generators and waste heat boilers at any load. Learn How to Independently Evaluate the Thermal Performance of Boilers and Their Components This book begins with basic combustion and boiler efficiency calculations. It then moves on to estimation of furnace exit gas temperature (FEGT), furnace duty, view factors, heat flux, and boiler circulation calculations. It also describes trends in large steam generator designs such as multiple-module; elevated drum design types of boilers such as D, O, and A; and forced circulation steam generators. It illustrates various options to improve boiler efficiency and lower operating costs. The author addresses the importance of flue gas analysis, fire tube versus water tube boilers used in chemical plants, and refineries. In addition, he describes cogeneration systems; heat recovery in sulfur plants, hydrogen plants, and cement plants; and the effect of fouling factor on performance. The book also explains HRSG simulation process and illustrates calculations for complete performance evaluation of boilers and their components. Helps plant engineers make independent evaluations of thermal performance of boilers before purchasing them Provides numerous examples on boiler thermal performance calculations that help plant engineers develop programming codes with ease Follows the metric and SI system, and British units are shown in parentheses wherever possible Includes calculation procedures for the basic sizing and performance evaluation of a complete steam generator or waste heat boiler system and their components with appendices outlining simplified procedures for estimation of heat transfer coefficients Steam Generators and Waste Heat Boilers: For Process and Plant Engineers serves as a source book for plant engineers, consultants, and boiler designers.

Hydrostatic Testing, Corrosion, and Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion: A Field Manual for Control and Prevention teaches industry professionals, managers, and researchers how to combat corrosion failure associated with hydrotesting. It discusses how a test liquid must be selected, how corrosion by bacteria should be controlled, and how to eliminate the risk of leakage. Rather than teaching how hydrotests should be conducted, it helps the reader evaluate the quality of a hydrotest that's already been conducted in terms of oxygen scavenger use, biocide testing, inhibitor addition, and water quality and explains the tasks that top and middle management must ensure are taken with respect to corrosion assessment of hydrotesting. The manual also discusses microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) as the main corrosion mechanism related to post-hydrotesting and offers essential knowledge on combating this corrosion process. In addition to being a manual for top and middle management on how to deal with corrosion, this book also:

This compendium includes a wide range of topics, from energy science and technology, development and utilization of resources to sustainable ecological development. It serves not only as a combination and analysis of the existing theories and findings, but also emphasizes on new investigations and experiments.The book is an invaluable source for professionals, researchers, academicians and engineers. It is also an important tool for authors to re-examine their researches by comparing them to other similar ones shown in other papers.

The proceedings of the 2nd LeCosPA International Symposium, 'Everything about Gravity', collects 78 papers contributed by the symposium's Plenary Session and Parallel Session speakers. Organizers of the Parallel Sessions have in addition prepared summaries for their own sessions. The topics range from quasi-local energy in GR in the presence of gravitational radiations, a gauge theory perspective of gravity, naked black hole firewalls related to the black hole information loss paradox, a new theory of spacetime quantization, relations between the Schwinger effect and the Hawking radiation and Unruh effect, conformal frames in cosmology, surprises in nonrelativistic naturalness, inflation and tensor fluctuations, emergent spacetime for quantum gravity, understanding strongly coupled magnetism through holographic principle, the detections of dark matter, ultra-high energy cosmic neutrinos and cosmic rays, etc. Last but not least, the closing remark delivered by John Ellis raised the following question: Does cosmological inflation require a modification of Einstein's gravity?After 100 years of remarkable success of Einstein's general relativity, the development of a successful quantum theory of gravity has become a major goal in physics in the 21st century. This volume serves as a valuable reference for scientists who are interested in frontier research topics of gravity.

In this new textbook, a number of unusual applications are discussed in addition to the usual topics covered in a course on Statistical Physics. Examples are: statistical mechanics of powders, Peierls instability, graphene, Bose-Einstein condensates in a trap, Casimir effect and the quantum Hall effect. Superfluidity and super-conductivity (including the physics of high-temperature superconductors) have also been discussed extensively.The emphasis on the treatment of these topics is pedagogic, introducing the basic tenets of statistical mechanics, with extensive and thorough discussion of the postulates, ensembles, and the relevant statistics. Many standard examples illustrate the microcanonical, canonical and grand canonical ensembles, as well as the Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac statistics.A special feature of this text is the detailed presentation of the theory of second-order phase transitions and the renormalization group, emphasizing the role of disorder. Non-equilibrium statistical physics is introduced via the Boltzmann transport equation. Additional topics covered here include metastability, glassy systems, the Langevin equation, Brownian motion, and the Fokker-Planck equation.Graduate students will find the presentation readily accessible, since the topics have been treated with great deal of care and attention to detail.

This book provides a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview of the optical properties of graphene. During the past decade, graphene, the most ideal and thinnest of all two-dimensional materials, has become one of the most widely studied materials. Its unique properties hold great promise to revolutionize many electronic, optical and opto-electronic devices. The book contains an introductory tutorial and 13 chapters written by experts in areas ranging from fundamental quantum mechanical properties to opto-electronic device applications of graphene.

Introduction to Ship Engine Room Systems outlines the key systems, machinery and equipment found in a ship's engine room. It explores the basics of their function with overall practical guidance for engine room operation and maintenance, recognising emerging environmental challenges. It covers the following topics: The role and function of the steering and propulsion systems Power generation The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems The water management system Engine room fires and emergency response systems Engine room watch procedures and checklists The book serves as an accessible introductory text for engineering students at HNC, HND, and foundation degree level, marine engineering cadets, and non-engineering marine professionals such as deck officers and cadets who want a general guide to how the engine room functions.