Also called energy scavenging, energy harvesting captures, stores, and uses "clean" energy sources by employing interfaces, storage devices, and other units. Unlike conventional electric power generation systems, renewable energy harvesting does not use fossil fuels and the generation units can be decentralized, thereby significantly reducing transmission and distribution losses. But advanced technical methods must be developed to increase the efficiency of devices in harvesting energy from environmentally friendly, "green" resources and converting them into electrical energy.

Recognizing this need, Energy Harvesting: Solar, Wind, and Ocean Energy Conversion Systems describes various energy harvesting technologies, different topologies, and many types of power electronic interfaces for stand-alone utilization or grid connection of energy harvesting applications. Along with providing all the necessary concepts and theoretical background, the authors develop simulation models throughout the text to build a practical understanding of system analysis and modeling.

With a focus on solar energy, the first chapter discusses the I V characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) systems, PV models and equivalent circuits, sun tracking systems, maximum power point tracking systems, shading effects, and power electronic interfaces for grid-connected and stand-alone PV systems. It also presents sizing criteria for applications and modern solar energy applications, including residential, vehicular, naval, and space applications. The next chapter reviews different types of wind turbines and electrical machines as well as various power electronic interfaces. After explaining the energy generation technologies, optimal operation principles, and possible utilization techniques of ocean tidal energy harvesting, the book explores near- and offshore approaches for harvesting the kinetic and potential energy of ocean waves. It also describes the required absorber, turbine, and generator types, along with the power electronic interfaces for grid connection and commercialized ocean wave energy conversion applications. The final chapter deals with closed, open, and hybrid-cycle ocean thermal energy conversion systems.

Because of the demand for higher efficiencies, smaller output ripple, and smaller converter size for modern power electronic systems, integrated power electronic converters could soon replace conventional switched-mode power supplies. Synthesized integrated converters and related digital control techniques address problems related to cost, space, flexibility, energy efficiency, and voltage regulation?the key factors in digital power management and implementation.

Meeting the needs of professionals working in power electronics, as well as advanced engineering students, Integrated Power Electronic Converters and Digital Control explores the many benefits associated with integrated converters. This informative text details boost type, buck type, and buck-boost type integrated topologies, as well as other integrated structures. It discusses concepts behind their operation as well specific applications.

Topics discussed include:

• Isolated DC-DC converters such as flyback, forward, push-pull, full-bridge, and half-bridge
• Power factor correction and its application
• Definition of the integrated switched-mode power supplies
• Steady-state analysis of the boost integrated flyback rectifier energy storage converter
• Dynamic analysis of the buck integrated forward converter
• Digital control based on the use of digital signal processors (DSPs)

With innovations in digital control becoming ever more pervasive, system designers continue to introduce products that integrate digital power management and control integrated circuit solutions, both hybrid and pure digital. This detailed assessment of the latest advances in the field will help anyone working in power electronics and related industries stay ahead of the curve.