In this ready reference, top academic researchers, industry players and government officers join forces to develop commercial concepts for the transition from current nuclear or fossil fuel-based energy to renewable energy systems within a limited time span. They take into account the latest science and technology, including an analysis of the feasibility and impact on the environment, economy and society. In so doing, they discuss such complex topics as electrical and gas grids, fossil power plants and energy storage technologies. The contributions also include robust, conceivable and breakthrough technologies that will be viable and implementable by 2020.

The Performance of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Systems: Analysis, Measurement, and Assessment offers a unique overview of the information on the state-of-the-art of analysis, measurement, and assessment of the performance of concentrated solar power (CSP) components and systems in a comprehensive, compact, and complete manner. Following an introductory chapter to CSP systems and the fundamental principles of performance assessment, individual chapters explore the component performance of mirrors and receivers. Further expert-written chapters look at system performance assessment, durability testing, and solar resource forecasting for CSP systems. A final chapter gives an outlook on the actual methods and instruments for performance and durability assessment that are underdevelopment. The Performance of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Systems: Analysis, Measurement, and Assessment is an essential reference text for research and development professionals and engineers working on concentrated solar power systems, as well as for postgraduate students studying CSP. - Presents a unique, single literature source for a complete overview of the performance assessment tools and methods currently used for concentrated solar power (CSP) technology - Written by a team of experts in the field of CSP - Provides information on the state-of-the-art of modeling, measurement, and assessment of the performance of CSP components and systems in a comprehensive, compact, and complete manner

This second edition of Concentrating Solar Power Technology edited by Keith Lovegrove and Wes Stein presents a fully updated comprehensive review of the latest technologies and knowledge, from the fundamental science to systems design, development, and applications. Part one introduces the fundamental principles of CSP systems, including site selection and feasibility analysis, alongside socio-economic and environmental assessments. Part two focuses on technologies including linear Fresnel reflector technology, parabolic-trough, central tower, and parabolic dish CSP systems, and concentrating photovoltaic systems. Thermal energy storage, hybridization with fossil fuel power plants, and the long-term market potential of CSP technology are also explored. Part three goes on to discuss optimization, improvements, and applications, such as absorber materials for solar thermal receivers, design optimization through integrated techno-economic modelling, and heliostat size optimization.With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Concentrating Solar Power Technology, Second Edition is an essential guide for all those involved or interested in the design, production, development, optimization, and application of CSP technology, including renewable energy engineers and consultants, environmental governmental departments, solar thermal equipment manufacturers, researchers, and academics. - Provides a comprehensive review of concentrating solar power (CSP) technology, from the fundamental science to systems design, development and applications - Reviews fundamental principles of CSP systems, including site selection and feasibility analysis and socio-economic and environmental assessments - Includes an overview of the key technologies of parabolic-trough, central tower linear Fresnel reflector, and parabolic dish CSP systems, and concentrating photovoltaic systems

As the world population grows and places more demand on limited fossil fuels, renewable energy becomes more relevant as part of the solution to the impending energy dilemma. Renewable energy is now included in national policies, with goals for it to be a significant percentage of generated energy within the coming decades. A comprehensive overview, Introduction to Renewable Energy explores how we can use the sun, wind, biomass, geothermal resources, and water to generate more sustainable energy. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, the book integrates economic, social, environmental, policy, and engineering issues related to renewable energy. It explains the fundamentals of energy, including the transfer of energy, as well as the limitations of natural resources. Starting with solar power, the text illustrates how energy from the sun is transferred and stored; used for heating, cooling, and lighting; collected and concentrated; and converted into electricity. A chapter describes residential power usage—including underground and off-grid homes—and houses that are designed to use energy more efficiently or to be completely self-sufficient. Other chapters cover wind power; bioenergy, including biofuel; and geothermal heat pumps; as well as hydro, tidal, and ocean energy. Describing storage as a billion-dollar idea, the book discusses the challenges of storing energy and gives an overview of technologies from flywheels to batteries. It also examines institutional issues such as environmental regulations, incentives, infrastructure, and social costs and benefits. Emphasizing the concept of life-cycle cost, the book analyzes the costs associated with different sources of energy. With recommendations for further reading, formulas, case studies, and extensive use of figures and diagrams, this textbook is suitable for undergraduates in Renewable Energy courses as well as for non-specialists seeking an introduction to renewable energy. Pedagogical Features: End-of-chapter problems Numerous case studies More than 150 figures and illustrations A solutions manual is available upon qualifying course adoption

The Energy Problem Energy Resources: Availability, Management, and Environmental Impacts identifies historical increases in demand and a continuing lack of viable management policies for regional and global energy problems. Considering the state and consumption of energy resources on a worldwide level, the authors outline and address three primary issues that they view as growing concerns: the exploitation of current forms of energy, the environmental consequences, and the social and economic ramifications involved. The initial chapters offer an overview of energy management, providing an introduction to energy, energy-related engineering principles, regulations, energy conservation, and sustainability. The book discusses all energy resource forms from fossil fuels to renewable resources. The authors introduce an energy matrix providing an analytical structure that quantitatively can be used to evaluate resource options and their impacts. The concluding chapters provide insight into the driving forces that have shaped energy policy to date and the uncertainties that face future policymakers. The book analyzes various aspects of energy management. It poses concerns and offers solutions, including a proposed approach for developing, organizing, and implementing a national energy plan for the U.S. A Template for Developing an Energy Policy Examines the issues involved with energy management Explores the best options for achieving energy independence Provides quantitative approaches to energy policy development Discusses specific structural and analytical approaches to solving energy management problems The book considers conservation and the development of new, less expensive energy forms, and the impact these can make in slowing growth in demand while fueling efficiency. It analyzes the availability of traditional energy resources and a method of quantifying their energy, economic, and environmental impacts to provide adequate, inexpensive, long-term energy supplies. It also examines the feasibility of solar power, wind, tidal, geothermal, nuclear, and other less traditional sources of energy.

First published in 2013. Desert Energy examines the key technologies being deployed in an effort to tap the potential presented by the world’s deserts for siting large scale solar power applications, and surveys the feasibility of such projects given the remoteness and hostility of these environments. Focusing on large scale photovoltaics and concentrating solar thermal power, the book explains how the systems work, projects that are being planned, the required scales, and the technical difficulties they need to overcome to function effectively. It then moves on to examine the economics of such projects and the social and environmental effects they may have. The book also considers the future for these systems as well as other, less developed technologies which may have a role to play. With reference throughout to built or planned projects, and written in a clear, jargon-free style, this is a must-read for anyone interested in the development of large scale solar applications.

Presenting a comprehensive analysis of the use of alternative sources of energy and technologies to produce fuels and power, this book describes the energy value chain from harvesting the raw material, (i.e solar, wind, biomass or shale gas) followed by analysis of the processing steps into power, fuels and/or chemicals and finally the distribution of the products. Featuring an examination of the techno-economic processes and integration opportunities which can add value to by-products or promote the use of different sources of energy within the same facility, this book looks at the tools that can make this integration possible as well as utilising a real world case study. The case study of the operation of “El hierro” island is used as an example of the current effort towards more efficient use of the resources available. Tackling head on the open challenges of the supply, the variability of the source and its prediction, the description of novel processes that are being developed and evaluated for their transformation as well as how we can distribute them to the consumer and how we can integrate the new chemicals, fuels and power within the current system and infrastructure, the book takes a process based perspective with such an approach able to help us in the use and integration of these sources of energy and novel technologies.

Electronic device usage has increased considerably in the past two decades. System configurations are continuously requiring upgrades; existing systems often become obsolete in a matter of 2–3 years. Green computing is the complete effective management of design, manufacture, use, and disposal, involving as little environmental impact as possible. This book intends to explore new and innovative ways of conserving energy, effective e-waste management, and renewable energy sources to harness and nurture a sustainable eco-friendly environment. This book: • Highlights innovative principles and practices using effective e-waste management and disposal • Explores artificial intelligence based sustainable models • Discovers alternative sources and mechanisms for minimizing environmental hazards • Highlights successful case studies in alternative sources of energy • Presents solid illustrations, mathematical equations, as well as practical in-the-field applications • Serves as a one-stop reference guide to stakeholders in the domain of green computing, e-waste management, renewable energy alternatives, green transformational leadership including theory concepts, practice and case studies • Explores cutting-edge technologies like internet of energy and artificial intelligence, especially the role of machine learning and deep learning in renewable energy and creating a sustainable ecosystem • Explores futuristic trends in renewable energy This book aims to address the increasing interest in reducing the environmental impact of energy as well as its further development and will act as a useful reference for engineers, architects, and technicians interested in and working with energy systems; scientists and engineers in developing countries; industries, manufacturers, inventors, universities, researchers, and interested consultants to explain the foundation to advanced concepts and research trends in the domain of renewable energy and sustainable computing. The content coverage of the book is organized in the form of 11 clear and thorough chapters providing a comprehensive view of the global renewable energy scenario, as well as how science and technology can play a vital role in renewable energy.

IRENA’s latest global cost study shows solar and wind power reaching new price lows. The report highlights cost trends for all major renewable electricity sources.