The Science of Renewable Energy

Post-Oil Energy The Gathering Storm Peak Oil A Malthusian Catastrophe? Weathering the Storm Alternative and Renewable Energy The Bottom Line: The Need for Innovation Discussion Questions References and Recommended Reading Energy Basics Energy Principles of Basic Electricity Battery-Supplied Electricity DC Circuits Ohm's Law Electric Power Electric Energy Series DC Circuit Characteristics Parallel DC Circuits Series-Parallel Circuits Conductors Electromagnetism AC Theory Characteristic Values of AC Voltage and Current Resistance in AC Circuits Inductance Capacitance Inductive and Capacitive Reactance Capacitive Reactance AC Circuit Theory Generators Motors Transformers Power Distribution System Protection Electrical Drawings Discussion and Review Questions References and Recommended Reading Solar Energy Introduction Concentrating Solar Power Linear Concentrators Dish/Engine Systems Power Tower Systems Thermal Energy Storage Photovoltaics Domestic and Industrial Use of Solar Energy Let There Be Natural Light The Bottom Line on Solar Energy Discussion and Review Questions References and Recommended Reading Wind Energy Introduction Air in Motion. Wind Energy Wind Power Basics Wind Turbine Types Turbine Components Wind Energy and Power Calculations Small-Scale Wind Power The Bottom Line on Wind Power Discussion and Review Questions References and Recommended Reading Hydropower Introduction Hydropower Basic Concepts Density and Specific Gravity Force and Pressure Reservoir Stored Energy Hydro Turbines Advanced Hydropower Technology Hydropower Generation: Dissolved Oxygen Concerns Bottom Line on Hydropower Discussion and Review Questions References and Recommended Reading Bioenergy Introduction Biomass Plant Basics Biodiesel Biogas (Methane CH) The Bottom Line Discussion and Review Questions References and Recommended Reading Geothermal Energy Introduction Geothermal Energy: The Basics Energy Conversion Geothermal Power Plant Technologies Enhanced Geothermal Systems Geothermal Heat Pumps The Bottom Line Discussion and Review Questions References and Recommended Reading Ocean Energy Introduction Oceans and Their Margins The Ocean Floor Ocean Tides, Currents, and Waves Coastal Erosion, Transportation, and Deposition Wave Energy Wave Energy Conversion Technology Tidal Energy Tidal Energy Technologies Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion The Bottom Line Discussion and Review Questions References and Recommended Reading Fuel Cells Fuel Cells: The Basics Open Cells vs. Closed Cells Hydrogen Fuel Cells: A Realistic View Discussion and Review Question. References and Recommended Reading Afterward Appendix Glossary Index