Sustainable Power Technologies and Infrastructure

Book description

This book presents an overview of current renewable energy sources, challenges and future trends. Drawing from their longtime expertise and deep knowledge of the field, the authors present a critic and well-structured perspective on sustainable power sources and technologies, including solar, wind, hydrogen and nuclear, both in large and small scale. Using accessible language they provide rigorous technological reviews and analyze the main issues of practical usage. The book addresses current questions in this area, such as: "Is there enough biomass to make a difference in energy needs? Should biomass be used in Energy Generation?"; "How mature is battery technology? Will it finally become cost effective, and will it make a significant difference this next decade?"; "How big a role will small and modular nuclear power generation play in the coming decades?"; "What will be the influence of national tax policies?". No prior technical knowledge is assumed of the reader. It is, therefore, ideal for professionals and students in all areas of energy and power systems, as well as those involved in energy planning, management and policy.

  • Presents a realistic and clear overview of the key sustainable energy technologies that will play important roles in the world’s energy mix and their impact on the current power infrastructure.
  • Discusses key societal and economic topics related to the implementation of sustainable energy sources in a straightforward way.
  • Covers a broad variety of sustainable and renewable energy sources, including hydrogen and bioenergy. It also explores key issues on small modular nuclear facilities, advances in battery technologies, grid integration, off-grid communities and the most recent topics in energy economics and policy.

Table of contents

  1. Cover image
  2. Title page
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Copyright
  5. List of Figures
  6. Preface
    1. Nuclear Power in History
    2. Organization of the Book
  7. Acknowledgments
  8. Chapter 1. Energy and Civilization
    1. Energy in Today’s World
    2. Sources of Energy
    3. Nature’s Methods of Storing Energy
    4. Man’s Interaction with Nature’s Stockpiles and Renewable Energies
    5. Industrial Revolution and Establishment of Energy Empires
    6. Coordinated Strategic Approaches
    7. References
  9. Chapter 2. Sources of Energy
    1. Cosmic History of Energy
    2. Nuclear Energy
    3. Recent Solar Energy
    4. Fossil Fuels
    5. References
  10. Chapter 3. Energy and Sustainability
    1. Politics of Change in the Energy Industry
    2. Cost of Feedstock Resources
    3. Case Study on Investment Decisions and Policy Impacts
    4. Taxes and Social Cost
    5. Diversity as a Means to Produce Market Stability
    6. Environmental Retrospect
    7. Climate Change
    8. Efficiency and Breakthrough Technology
    9. References
  11. Chapter 4. Energy Conversion and Storage
    1. Use of Thermal Energy
    2. The Concept of Work
    3. Early Engine Designs
    4. Turbine-Based Engines
    5. Fuel Cells
    6. Flow Battery Technology
    7. Convection Battery Technology
    8. References
  12. Chapter 5. The New Electric Vehicle Society
    1. Petroleum Fuels: Their Evolution, Specification, and Processing
    2. Alternative Fuels
    3. Adsorbed Natural Gas and Shipping
    4. Vehicular Fuel Conservation and Efficiency
    5. Electric Vehicle Potential
    6. References
  13. Chapter 6. Energy in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
    1. The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Industry
    2. Air Conditioning
    3. Heating
    4. Peak Load Shifting and Storing Heat
    5. The Role of Electrical Power in HVAC to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
    6. Example Calculations
    7. References
  14. Chapter 7. Electrical Grid Power and Strength in Diversity
    1. Production of Electrical Power
    2. Sustainability and Electrical Power
    3. Peak Load Shifting and Grid Storage
    4. Increased Use of Battery Power in Vehicles
    5. The Next Step in Transportation
    6. Increased Use of Electrical Power in Space Heating
    7. Increased Use of Electrical Power for Hot Water Heating
    8. Example Calculations
    9. References
  15. Chapter 8. The Future in Nuclear Power
    1. Energies of Nuclear Processes
    2. Chart of the Nuclides
    3. Nuclear Decay
    4. Conditions for Successful Nuclear Fission
    5. Transmutation
    6. Nuclear Fusion
    7. Radiological Toxicology
    8. Energy Efficiency in the Nuclear Energy Industry
    9. Steam Cycles in Commercial Operation
    10. Generation IV Nuclear Power Plants
    11. Small Modular Nuclear Reactors
    12. Lessons from History
    13. Recycling and Green Chemistry
    14. Discovery and Recovery
    15. Reprocessing: Recovery of Unused Fuel
    16. Waste Generation from Reprocessing
    17. Report to Congress
    18. Example Calculations
    19. References
    20. Recommended Reading
  16. Chapter 9. Options for Remote Locations
    1. Resurgence of Farmhouse and Small-Town Power Networks
    2. Cost of Wind Turbine Systems
    3. Economics of Rural and Small-Town Wind Turbine Systems
    4. Solar Applications
    5. Cogeneration
    6. Third-World Electrification
    7. References
  17. Chapter 10. Strategies and Critical Paths to Sustainability
    1. Taxes and Social Cost
    2. Currency as a Metric for Comparing Alternatives
    3. Levelized Cost Approach
    4. Capital Costs
    5. Case Studies
    6. Costs of Reprocessing
    7. Barrier to Third-World Societies
    8. Domestic Manufacturing Infrastructure
    9. Overcoming Commercialization Barriers
    10. Strategies and Critical Paths
    11. References
  18. Index

Product information

  • Title: Sustainable Power Technologies and Infrastructure
  • Author(s): Galen J. Suppes, Truman S. Storvick
  • Release date: November 2015
  • Publisher(s): Academic Press
  • ISBN: 9780128039281