Recent advances in microfabrication technologies have enabled the development of entirely new classes of small-scale devices with applications in fields ranging from biomedicine, to wireless communication and computing, to reconnaissance, and to augmentation of human function. In many cases, however, what these devices can actually accomplish is limited by the low energy density of their energy storage and conversion systems. This breakthrough book brings together in one place the information necessary to develop the high energy density combustion-based power sources that will enable many of these devices to realize their full potential. Engineers and scientists working in energy-related fields will find: • An overview of the fundamental physics and phenomena of microscale combustion; • Presentations of the latest modeling and simulation techniques for gasphase and catalytic micro-reactors; • The latest results from experiments in small-scale liquid film, microtube, and porous combustors, micro-thrusters, and micro heat engines; • An assessment of the additional research necessary to develop compact and high energy density energy conversion systems that are truly practical.

"Catalytic Microreactors for Portable Power Generation” addresses a problem of high relevance and increased complexity in energy technology. This thesis outlines an investigation into catalytic and gas-phase combustion characteristics in channel-flow, platinum-coated microreactors. The emphasis of the study is on microreactor/microturbine concepts for portable power generation and the fuels of interest are methane and propane. The author carefully describes numerical and experimental techniques, providing a new insight into the complex interactions between chemical kinetics and molecular transport processes, as well as giving the first detailed report of hetero-/homogeneous chemical reaction mechanisms for catalytic propane combustion. The outcome of this work will be widely applied to the industrial design of micro- and mesoscale combustors.

Energiegewinnung im Mikromaßstab -- eine Alternative zu Energiespeichern (Batterien, Akkumulatoren) für mobile elektrische Geräte? Durchaus, wie dieser Band eindrucksvoll zeigt. Die einzelnen Beiträge, verfasst von international anerkannten Fachleuten, befassen sich mit Grundlagen der Energiegewinnung, Strategien und Designfragen bis hin zur konkreten technischen Umsetzung. Ergänzend werden Themen wie die Verarbeitung und Bereitstellung von Brennstoffen, die Steuerung von Stoff- und Wärmeströmen sowie Fragen der Wirtschaftlichkeit und Qualitätssicherung besprochen.

The State Of The Art Of Sensor Networks Written by an international team of recognized experts in sensor networks from prestigious organizations such as Motorola, Fujitsu, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cornell University, and the University of Illinois, Handbook of Sensor Networks: Algorithms and Architectures tackles important challenges and presents the latest trends and innovations in this growing field. Striking a balance between theoretical and practical coverage, this comprehensive reference explores a myriad of possible architectures for future commercial, social, and educational applications, and offers insightful information and analyses of critical issues, including: * Sensor training and security * Embedded operating systems * Signal processing and medium access * Target location, tracking, and sensor localization * Broadcasting, routing, and sensor area coverage * Topology construction and maintenance * Data-centric protocols and data gathering * Time synchronization and calibration * Energy scavenging and power sources With exercises throughout, students, researchers, and professionals in computer science, electrical engineering, and telecommunications will find this an essential read to bring themselves up to date on the key challenges affecting the sensors industry.

This book comprises state-of-the-art advances in energy, combustion, power, propulsion, environment, focusing on the production and utilization of fossil fuels, alternative fuels and biofuels. It is written by internationally renowned experts who provide the latest fundamental and applied research innovations on cleaner energy production as well as utilization for a wide range of devices extending from micro scale energy conversion to hypersonic propulsion using hydrocarbon fuels. The tailored technical tracks and contributions are portrayed in the respective field to highlight different but complementary views on fuels, combustion, power and propulsion and air toxins with special focus on current and future R&D needs and activities. This book will serve as a useful reference for practicing engineers, research engineers and managers in industry and research labs, academic institutions, graduate students, and final year undergraduate students in mechanical, chemical, aerospace, energy, and environmental engineering.

Thermoacoustic Combustion Instability Control: Engineering Applications and Computer Codes provides a unique opportunity for researchers, students and engineers to access recent developments from technical, theoretical and engineering perspectives. The book is a compendium of the most recent advances in theoretical and computational modeling and the thermoacoustic instability phenomena associated with multi-dimensional computing methods and recent developments in signal-processing techniques. These include, but are not restricted to a real-time observer, proper orthogonal decomposition (POD), dynamic mode decomposition, Galerkin expansion, empirical mode decomposition, the Lattice Boltzmann method, and associated numerical and analytical approaches. The fundamental physics of thermoacoustic instability occurs in both macro- and micro-scale combustors. Practical methods for alleviating common problems are presented in the book with an analytical approach to arm readers with the tools they need to apply in their own industrial or research setting. Readers will benefit from practicing the worked examples and the training provided on computer coding for combustion technology to achieve useful results and simulations that advance their knowledge and research. - Focuses on applications of theoretical and numerical modes with computer codes relevant to combustion technology - Includes the most recent modeling and analytical developments motivated by empirical experimental observations in a highly visual way - Provides self-contained chapters that include a comprehensive, introductory section that ensures any readers new to this topic are equipped with required technical terms

This book discusses different aspects of energy consumption and environmental pollution, describing in detail the various pollutants resulting from the utilization of natural resources and their control techniques. It discusses diagnostic techniques in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. It will be useful for engineers, agriculturists, environmentalists, ecologists and policy makers involved in area of pollutants from energy, environmental safety, and health sectors.

This book comprises research studies of novel work on combustion for sustainable energy development. It offers an insight into a few viable novel technologies for improved, efficient and sustainable utilization of combustion-based energy production using both fossil and bio fuels. Special emphasis is placed on micro-scale combustion systems that offer new challenges and opportunities. The book is divided into five sections, with chapters from 3-4 leading experts forming the core of each section. The book should prove useful to a variety of readers, including students, researchers, and professionals.