This riveting study shows how the intersection of technology and politics has shaped South African history since the 1960s.

It is impossible to understand South Africa’s energy crisis without knowing this history. Faeeza Ballim’s deeply researched book challenges many prevailing assumptions and beliefs made regarding the crisis.

The book highlights the importance of technology to our understanding of South African history and challenges the idea that the technological state corporations were proxies for the apartheid government. While a part of the broader national modernization project under apartheid, these corporations also set the stage for worker solidarity and trade union organization in the Waterberg and elsewhere in the country.

Faeeza Ballim argues that the state corporations, their technology, and their engineers enjoyed ambivalent relationships with the governments of their time. And in the democratic era, while Eskom has been caught up in the scourge of government corruption, it has retained a degree of organizational autonomy and offered a degree of resistance to those who were attempting further corrupt practices.

The continued use of coal as a means of generating electricity and an increasing demand for cleaner, more efficient energy production has led to advances in power plant technology. Ultra-supercritical coal power plants reviews the engineering, operation, materials and performance of ultra-supercritical coal power plants.
Following a chapter introducing advanced and ultra-supercritical coal power plants, part one goes on to explore the operating environments, materials and engineering of ultra-supercritical coal power plants. Chapters discuss the impacts of steam conditions on plant materials and operation, fuel considerations and burner design, and materials and design for boilers working under supercritical steam conditions. Chapters in part two focus on improving ultra-supercritical coal power plant performance and operability. Ash fouling, deposition and slagging in ultra-supercritical coal power plants are highlighted along with pollution control measures and the estimation, management and extension of the life of ultra-supercritical power plants. Further chapters provide an economic and engineering analysis of a 700 C advanced ultra-supercritical pulverised coal power plant and discuss CO2 capture-ready ultra-supercritical coal power plants.
Ultra-supercritical coal power plants is a comprehensive technical reference for power plant operators and engineers, high-temperature materials scientists, professionals in the power industry who require an understanding of ultra-supercritical coal power plants and researchers and academics interested in the field.
Provides a comprehensive reference on the developments, materials, design and operation of ultra-supercritical power plantConsiders the degradation issues affecting this type of plant, as well as emissions control and CO2 capture technology; improved plant controls critical to improved operation and environmental performanceContains operational assessments for plant safety, plant life management, and plant economics"

The utilisation of biomass is increasingly important for low- or zero-carbon power generation. Developments in conventional power plant fuel flexibility allow for both direct biomass combustion and co-firing with fossil fuels, while the integration of advanced technologies facilitates conversion of a wide range of biomass feedstocks into more readily combustible fuel. Biomass combustion science, technology and engineering reviews the science and technology of biomass combustion, conversion and utilisation.
Part one provides an introduction to biomass supply chains and feedstocks, and outlines the principles of biomass combustion for power generation. Chapters also describe the categorisation and preparation of biomass feedstocks for combustion and gasification. Part two goes on to explore biomass combustion and co-firing, including direct combustion of biomass, biomass co-firing and gasification, fast pyrolysis of biomass for the production of liquids and intermediate pyrolysis technologies. Largescale biomass combustion and biorefineries are then the focus of part three. Following an overview of large-scale biomass combustion plants, key engineering issues and plant operation are discussed, before the book concludes with a chapter looking at the role of biorefineries in increasing the value of the end-products of biomass conversion.
With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Biomass combustion science, technology and engineering provides a clear overview of this important area for all power plant operators, industrial engineers, biomass researchers, process chemists and academics working in this field.
Reviews the science and technology of biomass combustion, conversion and utilisationProvides an introduction to biomass supply chains and feedstocks and outlines the principles of biomass combustion for power generationDescribes the categorisation and preparation of biomass feedstocks for combustion and gasification

Combined cycle power plants are one of the most promising ways of improving fossil-fuel and biomass energy production. The combination of a gas and steam turbine working in tandem to produce power makes this type of plant highly efficient and allows for CO2 capture and sequestration before combustion. This book provides a comprehensive review of the design, engineering and operational issues of a range of advanced combined cycle plants.
After introductory chapters on basic combined cycle power plant and advanced gas turbine design, the book reviews the main types of combined cycle system. Chapters discuss the technology, efficiency and emissions performance of natural gas-fired combined cycle (NGCC) and integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) as well as novel humid air cycle, oxy-combustion turbine cycle systems. The book also reviews pressurised fluidized bed combustion (PFBC), externally fired combined cycle (EFCC), hybrid fuel cell turbine (FC/GT), combined cycle and integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) systems. The final chapter reviews techno-economic analysis of combined cycle systems.
With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Combined cycle systems for near-zero emission power generation is a standard reference for both industry practitioners and academic researchers seeking to improve the efficiency and environmental impact of power plants.
Provides a comprehensive review of the design, engineering and operational issues of a range of advanced combined cycle plantsIntroduces basic combined cycle power plant and advanced gas turbine design and reviews the main types of combined cycle systemsDiscusses the technology, efficiency and emissions performance of natural gas-fired combined cycle (NGCC) systems and integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) systems, as well as novel humid air cycle systems and oxy-combustion turbine cycle systems

Coal- and gas-based power plants currently supply the largest proportion of the world s power generation capacity, and are required to operate to increasingly stringent environmental standards. Higher temperature combustion is therefore being adopted to improve plant efficiency and to maintain net power output given the energy penalty that integration of advanced emissions control systems cause. However, such operating regimes also serve to intensify degradation mechanisms within power plant systems, potentially affecting their reliability and lifespan.
Power plant life management and performance improvement critically reviews the fundamental degradation mechanisms that affect conventional power plant systems and components, as well as examining the operation and maintenance approaches and advanced plant rejuvenation and retrofit options that the industry are applying to ensure overall plant performance improvement and life management.
Part one initially reviews plant operation issues, including fuel flexibility, condition monitoring and performance assessment. Parts two, three and four focus on coal boiler plant, gas turbine plant, and steam boiler and turbine plant respectively, reviewing environmental degradation mechanisms affecting plant components and their mitigation via advances in materials selection and life management approaches, such as repair, refurbishment and upgrade. Finally, part five reviews issues relevant to the performance management and improvement of advanced heat exchangers and power plant welds.
With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Power plant life management and performance improvement is an essential reference for power plant operators, industrial engineers and metallurgists, and researchers interested in this important field.
Provides an overview of the improvements to plant efficiency in coal- and gas-based power plantsCritically reviews the fundamental degradation mechanisms that affect conventional power plant systems and components, noting mitigation routes alongside monitoring and assessment methodsAddresses plant operation issues including fuel flexibility, condition monitoring and performance assessment"

Spiralling fuel costs, frequent power cuts, 'energy wars' with fuel rich countries holding consumers to ransom - these are just some of the issues that are helping to ensure that microgeneration of power, at the individual building level, is becoming a more and more attractive option to 'grid power'.
In this book author Dave Parker describes the many and varied microgeneration options, from wind turbines and solar power to biomass and heatsinks, and even gives advice on how architects and developers can best access the increasingly large amount of government funding to help implement these strategies.
This book can help those in the building and construction industry to really make a difference in the fight against climate change, by explaining how to utilise the technology already within our reach.
* Comprehensive review of the latest technology available
* Shows how to assess/compare/combine the merits of the available systems
* Gives hard information on how to adopt appropriate microgeneration technology for a specific project

The past decade has witnessed dramatic growth in the diversity and complexity of device applications where vacuum is required to support either high voltages or high electric fields. This is particularly true in thespace industry, specifically for the development of space-based pulse power systems.
This book presents an overview of the technological advances that have occurred since the publication of the Editors earlier book "High Voltage Vacuum Insulation: The Physical Basis." In this latest book, contributions from internationally recognized professionals and researchers in the field provide expanded treatment of the practical aspects of the subject. High Voltage Vacuum Insulation: Basic Concepts and Technological Practice provides a modern working manual for this specialized technology that is generic to a wide range of applications. The format makes the text suitable for use as a basis for special topic lecture courses at either the undergraduate or graduate level.
Key Features
* Provides the fundamental physical concepts of the subject
* Focuses on practical applications
* Gives a historical survey of the field
* Includes a detailed account of system design criteria
* Reviews theoretical models developed to explain the pinhole phenomena
* Presents results of a series of experimental investigations on the subject

Understand microgrids and networked microgrid systems Microgrids are interconnected groups of energy sources that operate together, capable of connecting with a larger grid or operating independently as needed and network conditions require. They can be valuable sources of energy for geographically circumscribed areas with highly targeted energy needs, and for remote or rural areas where continuous connection with a larger grid is difficult. Microgrids' controllability makes them especially effective at incorporating renewable energy sources. Microgrids: Theory and Practice introduces readers to the analysis, design, and operation of microgrids and larger networked systems that integrate them. It brings to bear both cutting-edge research into microgrid technology and years of industry experience in designing and operating microgrids. Its discussions of core subjects such as microgrid modeling, control, and optimization make it an essential short treatment, valuable for both academic and industrial study. Readers will acquire the skills needed to address existing problems and meet new ones as this crucial area of power engineering develops. Microgrids: Theory and Practice also features: Incorporation of new cyber-physical system technologies for enabling microgrids as resiliency resources Theoretical treatment of a wide range of subjects including smart programmable microgrids, distributed and asynchronous optimization for microgrid dispatch, and AI-assisted microgrid protection Practical discussion of real-time microgrids simulations, hybrid microgrid design, transition to renewable microgrid networks, and more Microgrids: Theory and Practice is ideal as a textbook for graduate and advanced undergraduate courses in power engineering programs, and a valuable reference for power industry professionals looking to address the challenges posed by microgrids in their work.

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.

The intermittency of renewable energy sources is making increased deployment of storage technology necessary. Technologies are needed with high round-trip efficiency and at low cost to allow renewables to undercut fossil fuels. The cost of lithium batteries has fallen, but producing them comes with a substantial carbon footprint, as well as a cost to the local environment. Compressed air energy storage (CAES) uses excess electricity, particularly from wind farms, to compress air. Re-expansion of the air then drives machinery to recoup the electric power. Prototypes have capacities of several hundred MW. Challenges lie in conserving the thermal energy associated with compressing air and leakage of that heat, materials, power electronics, connection with the power generator, and grid integration. This comprehensive book provides a systematic overview of the current state of CAES technology. After an introduction to motivation and principles, the key components are covered, and then the principal types of systems in the order of technical maturity: diabatic, adiabatic, and isothermal. Experts from industry write about their experiences with existing major systems and prototypes. Economic aspects, power electronics and machinery, as well as special systems for offshore applications, are dealt with. Researchers in academia and industry alike, in particular at energy storage technology manufacturers and utilities, as well as advanced students and energy experts in think tanks will find this work valuable reading.

Microgrids have emerged as a promising solution for accommodating the integration of renewable energy resources. But the intermittency of renewable generation is posing challenges such as voltage/frequency fluctuations, and grid stability issues in grid-connected modes. Model predictive control (MPC) is a method for controlling a process while satisfying a set of constraints. It has been in use for chemical plants and in oil refineries since the 1980s, but in recent years has been deployed for power systems and electronics as well. This concise work for researchers, engineers and graduate students focuses on the use of MPC for distributed renewable power generation in microgrids. Fluctuating outputs from renewable energy sources and variable load demands are covered, as are control design concepts. The authors provide examples and case studies to validate the theory with both simulation and experimental results and review the shortcomings and future developments. Chapters treat power electronic converters and control; modelling and hierarchical control of microgrids; use of MPC for PV and wind power; voltage support; parallel PV-ESS microgrids; secondary restoration capability; and tertiary power flow optimization.

Power electronics converters are devices that change parameters of electric power, such as voltage and frequency, as well as between AC and DC. They are essential parts of both advanced drives, for machines and vehicles, and energy systems to meet required flexibility and efficiency criteria. In energy systems both stationary and mobile, control and converters help ensure reliability and quality of electric power supplies. This reference in two volumes is useful reading for scientists and researchers working with power electronics, drives and energy systems; manufacturers developing power electronics for advanced applications; professionals working in the utilities sector; and for advanced students of subjects related to power electronics. Volume 1 covers converters and control for drives, while Volume 2 addresses clean generation and power grids. The chapters enable the reader to directly apply the knowledge gained to their research and designs. Topics include reliability, WBG power semiconductor devices, converter topology and their fast response, matrix and multilevel converters, nonlinear dynamics, AI and machine learning. Robust modern control is covered as well. A coherent chapter structure and step-by-step explanation provide the reader with the understanding to pursue their research.

Hybrid Technologies for Power Generation addresses the topics related to hybrid technologies by coupling conventional thermal engines with novel technologies, including fuel cells, batteries, thermal storage and electrolysis, and reporting on the most recent advances concerning transport and stationary applications. Potential operating schemes of hybrid power generation systems are covered, highlighting possible combinations of technology and guideline selection according to the energy demands of end-users. Going beyond state-of-the-art technological developments for processes, devices and systems, this book discusses the environmental impact and existing hurdles of moving from a single device to new approaches for efficient energy generation, transfer, conversion, high-density storage and consumption. By describing the practical viability of novel devices coupled to conventional thermal devices, this book has a decisive impact in energy system research, supporting those in the energy research and engineering communities.

Mechanical Design of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters: Generating Electricity from Human Walking provides the state-of-the-art, recent mechanical designs of piezoelectric energy harvesters based on piezoelectric stacks. The book discusses innovative mechanism designs for energy harvesting from multidimensional force excitation, such as human walking, which offers higher energy density. Coverage includes analytical modeling, optimal design, simulation study, prototype fabrication, and experimental investigation. Detailed examples of their analyses and implementations are provided. The book's authors provide a unique perspective on this field, primarily focusing on novel designs for PZT Energy harvesting in biomedical engineering as well as in integrated multi-stage force amplification frame. This book presents force-amplification compliant mechanism design and force direction-transmission mechanism design. It explores new mechanism design approaches using piezoelectric materials and permanent magnets. Readers can expect to learn how to design new mechanisms to realize multidimensional energy harvesting systems.

Nanogrids are small energy grids, powered by various generators often including photovoltaics. For example, a nanogrid might supply a village in a rural area and allow that village to trade its surplus energy. A picogrid is a still smaller energy grid. IRENA defines nanogrids as systems handling up to 5 kW of power while picogrids handle up to 1 kW. Nanogrids and picogrids can play roles in urban, suburban and rural areas, particularly in developing countries, and can help with decarbonising the energy systems and empowering citizens. Electric vehicles (EV) are poised to play important roles and need to be accounted for in emerging and future small grids. This book introduces the principles of nano- and picogrids, then goes on to provide a technical analysis covering connected resources, modelling and performance, power quality and protection. The use of nano- and picogrids in conjunction with EV, charger technologies, the IoT, cloud computing and data sharing is explored. Case studies of real-life projects help readers to understand and apply the concepts for their own projects. Nanogrids and Picogrids and their Integration with Electric Vehicles is a valuable resource for researchers involved with power systems, particularly those with an interest in power supply in rural areas, or anyone with a particular interest in nano- and microgrids. It is also of use to advanced students, and to engineers working in utilities.

Large rural areas in some regions of the world are still grappling with the challenge of electrification. The optimal solution is to provide reliable energy without adding more fossil fuel plants by using distributed renewable generation. Microgrids are part of that solution; they are small networks of electricity users, with a local generator that is attached to a centralized larger grid, but which is also able to function independently. They need to be robust and resilient in order to provide reliable power, including in harsh climates. For remote areas microgrids have the advantage of offering an electricity supply even if there are problems with the larger power grid. This book focuses on the challenges of rural electrification, particularly in poorer regions. It covers low voltage DC distribution system for various applications including charging of electric vehicles (EV). Written by a large team of authors with a wide range of relevant experiences, the book addresses microgrid architectures, converters, energy storage, control, EV integration, business models and economic scheduling, and the role of blockchain technology. The authors have used case studies to provide illustrative examples of the technologies discussed and solutions proposed.

Wind energy is a pillar of the strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and stave off catastrophic climate change, but the market is under tremendous pressure to reduce costs. This results in the need for optimising any new wind turbine to maximise the return on investment and keep the technology profitable and the sector thriving. Optimisation involves selecting the best component out of many, and then optimising the system as a whole. Key components are the nacelles and drive trains, and the verification of their work as a system. Wind Turbine System Design: Volume 1: Nacelles, drive trains and verification is a valuable reference for scientists, engineers and advanced students engaged in the design of wind turbines offering a systematic guide to these components. Chapters written by industry experts cover load calculation and validation, models and simulation, pitch and yaw system concepts and designs, drivetrain concepts and developments, gearboxes, hydraulic systems, lubrication, and validation. The book aims to enable readers to make informed and systematic choices in designing the best turbine for a given situation.

The need to improve the reliability and robustness of power systems and smart grids makes protection of sensitive equipment and power transmission and distribution lines against lightning-related effects a primary concern. Renewable electricity generation capacity has been increasing all over the world, and lightning can cause failures either by hitting the turbines or panels directly or inducing transients on the control systems that lead to equipment failure, malfunction or degradation. This two-volume set assesses how global lightning may respond to global climate change, provides thorough coverage of the lightning phenomenon and its interaction with various objects, and covers methods for the effective protection of structures and systems. It is a valuable reference for researchers in the fields of lightning and power systems, for transmission and distribution line engineers and designers, and is a useful text for related advanced courses. Volume 1 covers fundamentals and modelling of lightning interaction with power systems. This Volume 2 addresses various applications including the application of the Monte Carlo method to lightning protection and insulation coordination practices; lightning interaction with power substations; lightning interaction with power transmission lines; lightning interaction with medium-voltage overhead power distribution systems; lightning interaction with low-voltage overhead power distribution networks; lightning protection of structures and electrical systems inside of buildings; lightning protection of smart grids; lightning protection of wind power systems; lightning protection of photovoltaic systems; measurement of lightning currents and voltages; application of the FDTD method to lightning studies; and software tools for lightning performance assessment.