Alternative and renewable energy sources Books

Book SynopsisIt is becoming increasingly obvious that the United States needs reliable and inexpensive energy to propel the economy and protect national security interests. Game Changers presents five research and development efforts from American universities that offer a cheaper, cleaner, and more secure national energy system.

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Book SynopsisSolar Energy is an authoritative reference on the design of solar energy systems in building projects, with applications, operating principles, and simple tools for the construction, engineering, and design professional. The book simplifies the solar design and engineering process, providing sample documentation and special tools that provide all the information needed for the complete design of a solar energy system for buildings to enable mainstream MEP and design firms, and not just solar energy specialists, to meet the growing demand for solar energy systems in building projects.

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Book SynopsisThis complete resource on the theory and applications of reliability engineering, probabilistic models and risk analysis consolidates all the latest research, presenting the most up-to-date developments in this field.Table of ContentsRemembering Boris Gnedenko xvii List of Contributors xxv Preface xxix Acknowledgements xxxv Part I DEGRADATION ANALYSIS, MULTI-STATE AND CONTINUOUS-STATE SYSTEM RELIABILITY 1 Methods of Solutions of Inhomogeneous Continuous Time Markov Chains for Degradation Process Modeling 3 Yan-Fu Li, Enrico Zio and Yan-Hui Lin 1.1 Introduction 3 1.2 Formalism of ICTMC 4 1.3 Numerical Solution Techniques 5 1.4 Examples 10 1.5 Comparisons of the Methods and Guidelines of Utilization 13 1.6 Conclusion 15 References 15 2 Multistate Degradation and Condition Monitoring for Devices with Multiple Independent Failure Modes 17 Ramin Moghaddass and Ming J. Zuo 2.1 Introduction 17 2.2 Multistate Degradation and Multiple Independent Failure Modes 19 2.3 Parameter Estimation 23 2.4 Important Reliability Measures of a Condition-Monitored Device 25 2.5 Numerical Example 27 2.6 Conclusion 28 Acknowledgements 30 References 30 3 Time Series Regression with Exponential Errors for Accelerated Testing and Degradation Tracking 32 Nozer D. Singpurwalla 3.1 Introduction 32 3.2 Preliminaries: Statement of the Problem 33 3.3 Estimation and Prediction by Least Squares 34 3.4 Estimation and Prediction by MLE 35 3.5 The Bayesian Approach: The Predictive Distribution 37 Acknowledgements 42 References 42 4 Inverse Lz-Transform for a Discrete-State Continuous-Time Markov Process and Its Application to Multi-State System Reliability Analysis 43 Anatoly Lisnianski and Yi Ding 4.1 Introduction 43 4.2 Inverse Lz-Transform: Definitions and Computational Procedure 44 4.3 Application of Inverse Lz-Transform to MSS Reliability Analysis 50 4.4 Numerical Example 52 4.5 Conclusion 57 References 58 5 OntheLz-Transform Application for Availability Assessment of an Aging Multi-State Water Cooling System for Medical Equipment 59 Ilia Frenkel, Anatoly Lisnianski and Lev Khvatskin 5.1 Introduction 59 5.2 Brief Description of the Lz-Transform Method 61 5.3 Multi-state Model of the Water Cooling System for the MRI Equipment 62 5.4 Availability Calculation 75 5.5 Conclusion 76 Acknowledgments 76 References 77 6 Combined Clustering and Lz-Transform Technique to Reduce the Computational Complexity of a Multi-State System Reliability Evaluation 78 Yi Ding 6.1 Introduction 78 6.2 The Lz-Transform for Dynamic Reliability Evaluation for MSS 79 6.3 Clustering Composition Operator in the Lz-Transform 81 6.4 Computational Procedures 83 6.5 Numerical Example 83 6.6 Conclusion 85 References 85 7 Sliding Window Systems with Gaps 87 Gregory Levitin 7.1 Introduction 87 7.2 The Models 89 7.3 Reliability Evaluation Technique 91 7.4 Conclusion 96 References 96 8 Development of Reliability Measures Motivated by Fuzzy Sets for Systems with Multi- or Infinite-States 98 Zhaojun (Steven) Li and Kailash C. Kapur 8.1 Introduction 98 8.2 Models for Components and Systems Using Fuzzy Sets 100 8.3 Fuzzy Reliability for Systems with Continuous or Infinite States 103 8.4 Dynamic Fuzzy Reliability 104 8.5 System Fuzzy Reliability 110 8.6 Examples and Applications 111 8.7 Conclusion 117 References 118 9 Imperatives for Performability Design in the Twenty-First Century 119 Krishna B. Misra 9.1 Introduction 119 9.2 Strategies for Sustainable Development 120 9.3 Reappraisal of the Performance of Products and Systems 124 9.4 Dependability and Environmental Risk are Interdependent 126 9.5 Performability: An Appropriate Measure of Performance 126 9.6 Towards Dependable and Sustainable Designs 129 9.7 Conclusion 130 References 130 Part II NETWORKS AND LARGE-SCALE SYSTEMS 10 Network Reliability Calculations Based on Structural Invariants 135 Ilya B. Gertsbakh and Yoseph Shpungin 10.1 First Invariant: D-Spectrum, Signature 135 10.2 Second Invariant: Importance Spectrum. Birnbaum Importance Measure (BIM) 139 10.3 Example: Reliability of a Road Network 141 10.4 Third Invariant: Border States 142 10.5 Monte Carlo to Approximate the Invariants 144 10.6 Conclusion 146 References 146 11 Performance and Availability Evaluation of IMS-Based Core Networks 148 Kishor S. Trivedi, Fabio Postiglione and Xiaoyan Yin 11.1 Introduction 148 11.2 IMS-Based Core Network Description 149 11.3 Analytic Models for Independent Software Recovery 151 11.4 Analytic Models for Recovery with Dependencies 155 11.5 Redundancy Optimization 158 11.6 Numerical Results 159 11.7 Conclusion 165 References 165 12 Reliability and Probability of First Occurred Failure for Discrete-Time Semi-Markov Systems 167 Stylianos Georgiadis, Nikolaos Limnios and Irene Votsi 12.1 Introduction 167 12.2 Discrete-Time Semi-Markov Model 168 12.3 Reliability and Probability of First Occurred Failure 170 12.4 Nonparametric Estimation of Reliability Measures 172 12.5 Numerical Application 176 12.6 Conclusion 178 References 179 13 Single-Source Epidemic Process in a System of Two Interconnected Networks 180 Ilya B. Gertsbakh and Yoseph Shpungin 13.1 Introduction 180 13.2 Failure Process and the Distribution of the Number of Failed Nodes 181 13.3 Network Failure Probabilities 184 13.4 Example 185 13.5 Conclusion 187 13.A Appendix D: Spectrum (Signature) 188 References 189 Part III MAINTENANCE MODELS 14 Comparisons of Periodic and Random Replacement Policies 193 Xufeng Zhao and Toshio Nakagawa 14.1 Introduction 193 14.2 Four Policies 195 14.3 Comparisons of Optimal Policies 197 14.4 Numerical Examples 1 199 14.5 Comparisons of Policies with Different Replacement Costs 201 14.6 Numerical Examples 2 202 14.7 Conclusion 203 Acknowledgements 204 References 204 15 Random Evolution of Degradation and Occurrences of Words in Random Sequences of Letters 205 Emilio De Santis and Fabio Spizzichino 15.1 Introduction 205 15.2 Waiting Times to Words’ Occurrences 206 15.3 Some Reliability-Maintenance Models 209 15.4 Waiting Times to Occurrences of Words and Stochastic Comparisons for Degradation 213 15.5 Conclusions 216 Acknowledgements 217 References 217 16 Occupancy Times for Markov and Semi-Markov Models in Systems Reliability 218 Alan G. Hawkes, Lirong Cui and Shijia Du 16.1 Introduction 218 16.2 Markov Models for Systems Reliability 220 16.3 Semi-Markov Models 222 16.4 Time Interval Omission 225 16.5 Numerical Examples 226 16.6 Conclusion 229 Acknowledgements 229 References 229 17 A Practice of Imperfect Maintenance Model Selection for Diesel Engines 231 Yu Liu, Hong-Zhong Huang, Shun-Peng Zhu and Yan-Feng Li 17.1 Introduction 231 17.2 Review of Imperfect Maintenance Model Selection Method 233 17.3 Application to Preventive Maintenance Scheduling of Diesel Engines 236 17.4 Conclusion 244 Acknowledgment 245 References 245 18 Reliability of Warm Standby Systems with Imperfect Fault Coverage 246 Rui Peng, Ola Tannous, Liudong Xing and Min Xie 18.1 Introduction 246 18.2 Literature Review 247 18.3 The BDD-Based Approach 250 18.4 Conclusion 253 Acknowledgments 254 References 254 Part IV STATISTICAL INFERENCE IN RELIABILITY 19 On the Validity of the Weibull-Gnedenko Model 259 Vilijandas Bagdonavi¡cius, Mikhail Nikulin and Ruta Levuliene 19.1 Introduction 259 19.2 Integrated Likelihood Ratio Test 261 19.3 Tests based on the Difference of Non-Parametric and Parametric Estimators of the Cumulative Distribution Function 264 19.4 Tests based on Spacings 266 19.5 Chi-Squared Tests 267 19.6 Correlation Test 269 19.7 Power Comparison 269 19.8 Conclusion 272 References 272 20 Statistical Inference for Heavy-Tailed Distributions in Reliability Systems 273 Ilia Vonta and Alex Karagrigoriou 20.1 Introduction 273 20.2 Heavy-Tailed Distributions 274 20.3 Examples of Heavy-Tailed Distributions 277 20.4 Divergence Measures 280 20.5 Hypothesis Testing 284 20.6 Simulations 286 20.7 Conclusion 287 References 287 21 Robust Inference based on Divergences in Reliability Systems 290 Abhik Ghosh, Avijit Maji and Ayanendranath Basu 21.1 Introduction 290 21.2 The Power Divergence (PD) Family 291 21.3 Density Power Divergence (DPD) and Parametric Inference 296 21.4 A Generalized Form: The S-Divergence 301 21.5 Applications 304 21.6 Conclusion 306 References 306 22 COM-Poisson Cure Rate Models and Associated Likelihood-based Inference with Exponential and Weibull Lifetimes 308 N. Balakrishnan and Suvra Pal 22.1 Introduction 308 22.2 Role of Cure Rate Models in Reliability 310 22.3 The COM-Poisson Cure Rate Model 310 22.4 Data and the Likelihood 311 22.5 EM Algorithm 312 22.6 Standard Errors and Asymptotic Confidence Intervals 314 22.7 Exponential Lifetime Distribution 314 22.8 Weibull Lifetime Distribution 322 22.9 Analysis of Cutaneous Melanoma Data 334 22.10 Conclusion 337 22.A1 Appendix A1: E-Step and M-Step Formulas for Exponential Lifetimes 337 22.A2 Appendix A2: E-Step and M-Step Formulas for Weibull Lifetimes 341 22.B1 Appendix B1: Observed Information Matrix for Exponential Lifetimes 344 22.B2 Appendix B2: Observed Information Matrix for Weibull Lifetimes 346 References 347 23 Exponential Expansions for Perturbed Discrete Time Renewal Equations 349 Dmitrii Silvestrov and Mikael Petersson 23.1 Introduction 349 23.2 Asymptotic Results 350 23.3 Proofs 353 23.4 Discrete Time Regenerative Processes 358 23.5 Queuing and Risk Applications 359 References 361 24 On Generalized Extreme Shock Models under Renewal Shock Processes 363 Ji Hwan Cha and Maxim Finkelstein 24.1 Introduction 363 24.2 Generalized Extreme Shock Models 364 24.3 Specific Models 367 24.4 Conclusion 373 Acknowledgements 373 References 373 Part V SYSTEMABILITY, PHYSICS-OF-FAILURE AND RELIABILITY DEMONSTRATION 25 Systemability Theory and its Applications 377 Hoang Pham 25.1 Introduction 377 25.2 Systemability Measures 378 25.3 Systemability Analysis of k-out-of-n Systems 379 25.4 Systemability Function Approximation 380 25.5 Systemability with Loglog Distribution 383 25.6 Sensitivity Analysis 384 25.7 Applications: Red Light Camera Systems 385 25.8 Conclusion 387 References 387 26 Physics-of-Failure based Reliability Engineering 389 Pedro O. Quintero and Michael Pecht 26.1 Introduction 389 26.2 Physics-of-Failure-based Reliability Assessment 393 26.3 Uses of Physics-of-Failure 398 26.4 Conclusion 400 References 400 27 Accelerated Testing: Effect of Variance in Field Environmental Conditions on the Demonstrated Reliability 403 Andre Kleyner 27.1 Introduction 403 27.2 Accelerated Testing and Field Stress Variation 404 27.3 Case Study: Reliability Demonstration Using Temperature Cycling Test 405 27.4 Conclusion 408 References 408 Index 409

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Book SynopsisRecycling carbon-dioxide at the source would not only go a long way towards minimizing the emissions, but would also motivate industry leaders to take the positive approach for CO2 reuse.Table of ContentsPreface xi Acknowledgments xvii Contributors xix 1. Perspectives and State of the Art in Producing Solar Fuels and Chemicals from CO2 1Gabriele Centi and Siglinda Perathoner 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Solar Fuels and Chemicals From CO2 8 1.3 Toward Artificial Leaves 16 1.4 Conclusions 19 Acknowledgments 20 References 20 2. Transformation of Carbon Dioxide to Useable Products Through Free Radical-Induced Reactions 25G. R. Dey 2.1 Introduction 25 2.2 Chemical Reduction of CO2 29 2.3 Conclusions 46 Acknowledgments 46 References 46 3. Synthesis of Useful Compounds from CO2 51Boxun Hu and Steven L. Suib 3.1 Introduction 51 3.2 Photochemical Reduction 53 3.3 Electrochemical Reduction 55 3.4 Electrocatalytic Reduction 57 3.5 CO2 Hydrogenation 71 3.6 CO2 Reforming 84 3.7 Prospects in CO2 Reduction 86 Acknowledgments 86 References 86 4. Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Liquid Fuels 99Muthu Kumaran Gnanamani, Gary Jacobs, Venkat Ramana Rao Pendyala, Wenping Ma, and Burtron H. Davis 4.1 Introduction 99 4.2 Methanation of Carbon Dioxide 100 4.3 Methanol and Higher Alcohol Synthesis by CO2 Hydrogenation 102 4.4 Hydrocarbons Through Modified Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis 105 4.5 Conclusions 114 References 115 5. Direct Synthesis of Organic Carbonates from CO2 and Alcohols Using Heterogeneous Oxide Catalysts 119Yoshinao Nakagawa, Masayoshi Honda, and Keiichi Tomishige 5.1 Introduction 120 5.2 Ceria-Based Catalysts 122 5.3 Zirconia-Based Catalysts 137 5.4 Other Metal Oxide Catalysts 145 5.5 Conclusions and Outlook 145 References 146 6. High-Solar-Efficiency Utilization of CO2: the STEP (Solar Thermal Electrochemical Production) of Energetic Molecules 149Stuart Licht 6.1 Introduction 149 6.2 Solar Thermal Electrochemical Production of Energetic Molecules: an Overview 151 6.3 Demonstrated STEP Processes 165 6.4 STEP Constraints 180 6.5 Conclusions 186 Acknowledgments 186 References 186 7. Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 in Methanol Medium 191M. Murugananthan, S. Kaneco, H. Katsumata, T. Suzuki and M. Kumaravel 7.1 Introduction 191 7.2 Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 in Methanol Medium 193 7.3 Mechanisms of CO2 Reduction in Nonaqueous Protic (CH3OH) Medium 210 7.4 Conclusions 211 References 213 8. Synthetic Fuel Production from the Catalytic Thermochemical Conversion of Carbon Dioxide 215Navadol Laosiripojana, Kajornsak Faungnawakij, and Suttichai Assabumrungrat 8.1 Introduction 215 8.2 General Aspects of CO2 Reforming 218 8.3 Catalyst Selection for CO2 Reforming Reaction 221 8.4 Reactor Technology for Dry Reforming 228 8.5 Conversion of Synthesis Gas to Synthetic Fuels 230 8.6 Conclusions 239 Acknowledgments 240 References 240 9. Fuel Production from Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 with Water Using TiO2-Based Nanocomposites 245Ying Li 9.1 Introduction 245 9.2 CO2 Photoreduction: Principles and Challenges 246 9.3 TiO2-Based Photocatalysts for CO2 Photoreduction: Material Innovations 247 9.4 Photocatalysis Experiments 254 9.5 CO2 Photoreduction Activity 255 9.6 Reaction Mechanism and Factors Influencing Catalytic Activity 259 9.7 Conclusions and Future Research Recommendations 265References 265 10. Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Hydrocarbons Using Carbon-Based AgBr Nanocomposites Under Visible Light 269Mudar Abou Asi, Chun He, Qiong Zhang, Zuocheng Xu, Jingling Yang, Linfei Zhu, Yanling Huang, Ya Xiong, and Dong Shu 10.1 Introduction 269 10.2 Mechanism of Photocatalytic Reduction for CO2 270 10.3 Carbon Dioxide Reduction 271 10.4 AgBr Nanocomposites 274 10.5 Conclusions 283 Acknowledgments 283 References 284 11. Use of Carbon Dioxide in Enhanced Oil Recovery and Carbon Capture and Sequestration 287Suguru Uemura, Shohji Tsushima, and Shuichiro Hirai 11.1 Introduction 287 11.2 Enhanced Oil Recovery 288 11.3 Carbon Capture and Sequestration 294 11.4 Future Tasks 298 11.5 Summary 298 References 298 Index 301

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Book SynopsisSolar PV is now the third most important renewable energy source, after hydro and wind power, in terms of global installed capacity.Table of ContentsList of Contributors xxvii Foreword xxxii Acknowledgments xxxiv About the Companion Website xxxv Part One INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOVOLTAICS 1 1.1 Introduction 3 Angèle Reinders, Wilfried van Sark, and Pierre Verlinden List of Symbols 11 Constants 11 List of Acronyms 11 References 11 Part Two BASIC FUNCTIONAL PRINCIPLES OF PHOTOVOLTAICS 13 2.1 Semiconductor Materials and their Properties 15 Angèle Reinders List of Symbols 19 List of Acronyms 19 References 20 2.2 Doping, Diffusion, and Defects in Solar Cells 21 Pierre J. Verlinden List of Symbols 31 List of Acronyms 31 References 31 2.3 Absorption and Generation 32 Seth Hubbard References 38 2.4 Recombination 39 Seth Hubbard References 46 2.5 Carrier Transport 47 Seth Hubbard References 53 2.6 PN Junctions and the Diode Equation 54 Seth Hubbard Acknowledgments 63 List of Symbols 63 List of Acronyms 65 References 66 Part Three CRYSTALLINE SILICON TECHNOLOGIES 67 3.1 Silicon Materials: Electrical and Optical Properties 69 Andreas Fell List of Symbols 77 List of Acronyms 77 References 78 3.2 Silicon Solar Cell Device Structures 80 Andrew Blakers and Ngwe Zin References 90 3.3 Interdigitated Back Contact Solar Cells 92 Pierre Verlinden 3.4 Heterojunction Silicon Solar Cells 104 Wilfried van Sark List of Symbols 110 List of Acronyms 111 References 112 3.5 Surface Passivation and Emitter Recombination Parameters 114 Bram Hoex List of Symbols 121 List of Acronyms 122 References 122 3.6 Passivated Contacts 125 Martin Hermle List of Symbols 133 List of Acronyms 133 References 134 3.7 Light Management in Silicon Solar Cells 136 Zachary Holman and Mathieu Boccard List of Symbols 147 List of Acronyms 148 References 149 3.8 Numerical Simulation of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells 150 Pietro Altermatt References 158 3.9 Advanced Concepts 160 Martin Green List of Acronyms 166 References 166 Part Four CHALCOGENIDE THIN FILM SOLAR CELLS 167 4.1 Basics of Chalcogenide Thin Film Solar Cells 169 Susanne Siebentritt List of Symbols 176 List of Acronyms 176 References 176 4.2 Cu(In,Ga)Se2 and CdTe Absorber Materials and their Properties 179 Sylvain Marsillac List of Symbols 187 List of Acronyms 187 References 188 4.3 Contacts, Buffers, Substrates, and Interfaces 190 Negar Naghavi List of Acronyms 200 References 200 4.4 CIGS Module Design and Manufacturing 204 William Shafarman List of Acronyms 211 References 211 Part Five THIN FILM SILICON‐BASED PV TECHNOLOGIES 213 5.1 Amorphous and Nanocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells 215 Etienne Moulin, Jan‐Willem Schüttauf, and Christophe Ballif List of Symbols 223 References 224 5.2 Thin Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells on Glass 226 Onno Gabriel, Daniel Amkreutz, Jan Haschke, Bernd Rech, and Rutger Schlatmann Acknowledgments 235 List of Symbols and Acronyms 235 References 236 5.3 Light Management in Crystalline and Thin Film Silicon Solar Cells 238 Franz Haug List of Symbols 244 List of Acronyms 245 References 245 5.4 New Future Concepts 248 Jan‐Willem Schüttauf, Etienne Moulin, and Christophe Ballif List of Symbols 253 References 253 Part Six ORGANIC PHOTOVOLTAICS 255 6.1 Solid‐State Organic Photovoltaics 257 Bernard Kippelen Acknowledgments 265 Acronyms 265 References 265 6.2 Hybrid and Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells 267 Woojun Yoon References 275 6.3 Perovskite Solar Cells 277 Samuel D. Stranks and Henry J. Snaith References 289 6.4 Organic PV Module Design and Manufacturing 292 Veronique S. Gevaerts List of Acronyms 301 References 302 Part Seven CHARACTERIZATION AND MEASUREMENTS METHODS 303 7.1 Methods and Instruments for the Characterization of Solar Cells 305 Halden Field List of Symbols 320 List of Acronyms 320 References 320 7.2 Photoluminescence and Electroluminescence Characterization in Silicon Photovoltaics 322 Thorsten Trupke Acknowledgments 334 List of Symbols 334 List of Acronyms 335 References 335 7.3 Measurement of Carrier Lifetime, Surface Recombination Velocity , and Emitter Recombination Parameters 339 Henner Kampwerth List of Symbols 347 List of Acronyms 348 References 348 7.4 In‐situ Measurements, Process Control, and Defect Monitoring 350 Angus Rockett List of Acronyms 360 References 360 7.5 PV Module Performance Testing and Standards 362 Geoffrey S. Kinsey List of Symbols 368 List of Acronyms 368 References 369 Part Eight III‐Vs AND PV CONCENTRATOR TECHNOLOGIES 371 8.1 III‐V Solar Cells – Materials, Multi‐Junction Cells – Cell Design and Performance 373 Frank Dimroth Acknowledgments 380 List of Acronyms 380 References 380 8.2 New and Future III‐V Cells and Concepts 383 Simon Fafard List of Acronyms and Symbols 393 References 393 8.3 High Concentration PV Systems 396 Karin Hinzer, Christopher E. Valdivia, and John P.D. Cook List of Acronyms 408 References 409 8.4 Operation of CPV Power Plants: Energy Prediction 411 Geoffrey S. Kinsey List of Acronyms 418 References 418 8.5 The Luminescent Solar Concentrator (LSC) 420 Michael Debije List of Symbols 428 List of Acronyms 428 References 429 Part Nine SPACE TECHNOLOGIES 431 9.1 Materials, Cell Structures, and Radiation Effects 433 Rob Walters List of Symbols and Units 442 References 442 9.2 Space PV Systems and Flight Demonstrations 444 Phillip Jenkins Acknowledgments 453 List of Acronyms 453 References 454 9.3 A Vision on Future Developments in Space Photovoltaics 455 David Wilt List of Symbols 461 List of Acronyms 461 References 462 Part Ten PV MODULES AND MANUFACTURING 463 10.1 Manufacturing of Various PV Technologies 465 Alison Lennon and Rhett Evans Acknowledgements 474 List of Abbreviations 474 References 474 10.2 Encapsulant Materials for PV Modules 478 Michael Kempe Acknowledgments 488 List of Symbols 488 List of Acronyms 488 References 489 10.3 Reliability and Durability of PV Modules 491 Sarah Kurtz Acknowledgments 500 References 501 10.4 Advanced Module Concepts 502 Pierre Verlinden List of Symbols 508 List of Acronyms 508 References 509 Part Eleven PV SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 511 11.1 Grid-Connected PV Systems 513 Greg J. Ball Acknowledgments 527 List of Acronyms 528 References 529 11.2 Inverters, Power Optimizers, and Microinverters 530 Chris Deline List of Symbols 537 List of Acronyms 537 References 538 11.3 Stand-Alone and Hybrid PV Systems 539 Matthias Vetter and Georg Bopp References 552 11.4 PV System Monitoring and Characterization 553 Wilfried van Sark, Atse Louwen, Odysseas Tsafarakis, and Panos Moraitis Acknowledgments 561 List of Symbols 561 List of Acronyms 562 References 562 11.5 Energy Prediction and System Modeling 564 Joshua S. Stein List of Symbols and Acronyms 575 References 577 11.6 Building Integrated Photovoltaics 579 Michiel Ritzen, Zeger Vroon, and Chris Geurts List of Acronyms 588 References 588 11.7 Product Integrated Photovoltaics 590 Angèle Reinders and Georgia Apostolou List of Acronym 598 References 598 Part Twelve PV DEPLOYMENT IN DISTRIBUTION GRIDS 601 12.1 PV Systems in Smart Energy Homes: PowerMatching City 603 Albert van den Noort List of Acronyms 610 References 611 12.2 New Future Solutions: Best Practices from European PV Smart Grid Projects 612 Gianluca Fulli and Flavia Gangale List of Acronyms 619 References 619 Part Thirteen SUPPORTING METHODS AND TOOLS 621 13.1 The Economics of PV Systems 623 Matthew Campbell List of Acronyms 633 References 633 13.2 People’s Involvement in Residential PV and their Experiences 634 Barbara van Mierlo References 644 13.3 Life Cycle Assessment of Photovoltaics 646 Vasilis Fthenakis References 656 13.4 List of International Standards Related to PV 658 Pierre Verlinden and Wilfried van Sark Acknowledgements 671 References 671 Index 672

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Book SynopsisOver the past decade, renewables-based technology and sustainability assessment methods have grown tremendously. Renewable energy and products have a significant role in the market today, and the same time sustainability assessment methods have advanced, with a growing standardization of environmental sustainability metrics and consideration of social issues as part of the assessment. Sustainability Assessment of Renewables-Based Products: Methods and Case Studies is an extensive update and sequel to the 2006 title Renewables-Based Technology: Sustainability Assessment. It discusses the impressive evolution and role renewables have taken in our modern society, highlighting the importance of sustainability principles in the design phase of renewable-based technologies, and presenting a wide range of sustainability assessment methods suitable for renewables-based technologies, together with case studies to demonstrate their applications. This book is a valuTable of ContentsList of Contributors xvii Series Editor’s Preface xxiii Preface xxvii 1 The Growing Role of Biomass for Future Resource Supply—Prospects and Pitfalls 1Helmut Haberl 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Global Ecological and Socioeconomic Biomass Flows 3 1.3 Global Biomass Potentials in 2050 5 1.4 Critical Socio-Ecological Feedbacks and Sustainability Issues 9 1.5 Conclusions 12 Acknowledgements 12 References 13 2 The Growing Role of Photovoltaic Solar, Wind and Geothermal Energy as Renewables for Electricity Generation 19W.G.J.H.M. van Sark, J.G. Schepers, and J.D.A.M. van Wees 2.1 General Introduction 19 2.2 Photovoltaic Solar Energy 21 2.3 Wind Energy 24 2.4 Geothermal Energy 28 2.5 Conclusion 33 References 34 3 Assessment of Sustainability within Holistic Process Design 37Alexei Lapkin, Philipp]Maximilian Jacob, Polina Yaseneva, Charles Gordon, and Amy Peace 3.1 Introduction: Holistic Process Design from Unit Operations to Systems Science Methods 37 3.2 Use of Life Cycle Assessment in Holistic Process Design 403.3 A Decision-Tree Methodology for Complex Process Design 41 3.4 Generation of New Synthesis Routes in Bio-Based Supply Chains 45 3.5 Conclusions 47 Acknowledgements 48 References 48 4 A Mass Balance Approach to Link Sustainable Renewable Resources in Chemical Synthesis with Market Demand 51Claudius Kormann and Andreas Kicherer 4.1 Introduction 51 4.2 Renewable Feedstock: Market Drivers, Political Frame 52 4.3 Traceability of Biomass as Feedstock in the Chemical Industry 53 4.4 Standard of Mass Balance in Chemical Synthesis 57 4.5 Sustainability Aspects of Renewable Resources 60 4.6 Discussion 61 4.7 Vision and Summary 62 References 63 5 Early R&D Stage Sustainability Assessment: The 5 Pillar Method 65Akshay D. Patel, John A. Posada, Li Shen, and Martin K. Patel 5.1 Introduction 65 5.2 Methodology 67 5.3 Case Study 73 5.4 Validation Case Study 75 5.5 Critical Review and Outlook 76 5.6 Conclusion 79 References 79 6 Assessing the Sustainability of Land Use: A Systems Approach 81Miguel Brandão 6.1 Introduction 81 6.2 Methodological Issue 1: Consequential Analysis of Land Use Decisions 82 6.3 Methodological Issue 2: Land Use Impacts on Ecosystems 87 6.4 Methodological Issue 3: Land Use Impacts on Climate 89 6.5 Methodological Issue 4: Economic and Social Impact Assessment 90 6.6 Methodological Issue 5: Integrating Environmental and Economic Assessments 92 6.7 Discussion 93 6.8 Conclusions 94 References 94 7 Water Use Analysis 97Francesca Verones, Stephan Pfister, and Markus Berger 7.1 Introduction 97 7.2 Methods and Tools for Assessing the Sustainable Use of Water 98 7.3 Case Study: Water Consumption Analysis of Biofuels and Fossil Fuels 102 7.4 Discussion and Conclusion 105 References 106 8 Material Intensity of Food Production and Consumption 109Lucia Mancini and Michael Lettenmeier 8.1 Introduction 109 8.2 Material Flow Based Approaches for Assessing Sustainable Production and Consumption Systems 110 8.3 MIPS Concept and Methodology 111 8.4 Material Intensity of Food Systems 113 8.5 Results of MIPS for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs 118 8.6 Conclusions 121 References 122 9 Material and Energy Flow Analysis 125Goto Naohiro, Nova Ulhasanah, Hirotsugu Kamahara, Udin Hasanudin, Ryuichi Tachibana, and Koichi Fujie 9.1 Background 125 9.2 Methodology 128 9.3 Case Study 131 9.4 Conclusion 139 Acknowledgements 139 References 139 10 Exergy and Cumulative Exergy Use Analysis 141Sofie Huysman, Thomas Schaubroeck, and Jo Dewulf 10.1 What Is Exergy 141 10.2 Calculation of Exergy 142 10.3 Applications of Exergy 144 10.4 Cumulative Exergy Use Analysis 146 10.5 Conclusions 151 References 152 11 Carbon and Environmental Footprint Methods for Renewables based Products and Transition Pathways to 2050 155Geoffrey P. Hammond 11.1 Introduction 155 11.2 Carbon and Environmental (or Eco) Footprinting 159 11.3 The Relationship between Environmental Footprint Analysis (EFA) and Environmental Life]Cycle Assessment (LCA) 166 11.4 Carbon and Environmental Footprints Associated with Global Biofuel Production 167 11.5 Carbon and Environmental Footprints of Low Carbon Transition Pathways 171 11.6 Concluding Remarks 174 Acknowledgements 175 References 176 12 Tracking Supply and Demand of Biocapacity through Ecological Footprint Accounting 179David Lin, Alessandro Galli, Michael Borucke, Elias Lazarus, Nicole Grunewald, Jon Martindill, David Zimmerman, Serena Mancini, Katsunori Iha, and Mathis Wackernagel 12.1 Summary and Rationale 179 12.2 Methodology 182 12.3 Usage Recommendations 193 12.4 Future Developments 195 References 195 13 Life Cycle Assessment and Sustainability Supporting Decision Making by Business and Policy 201Sala Serenella, Fabrice Mathieux, and Rana Pant 13.1 Life Cycle Assessment: A Systemic Approach to Evaluate Impacts 201 13.2 LCA: Supporting Sustainability Assessment 205 13.3 Role of LCA in Supporting Decisions in Business and Policy Context 206 13.4 Tools and Support to Put LCA into Practice 210 13.5 Conclusion and the Way Forward 211 Acknowledgements 211 References 212 14 Life Cycle Costing 215Andreas Ciroth, Jutta Hildenbrand, and Bengt Steen 14.1 Life Cycle Costing – Definition and Principles 215 14.2 Environmental LCC 216 14.3 Societal LCC 220 14.4 LCC and Renewables 221 14.5 Example Case 222 References 228 15 Social Life Cycle Assessment: Methodologies and Practice 229Alessandra Zamagni, Pauline Feschet, Anna Irene De Luca, Nathalie Iofrida, and Patrizia Buttol 15.1 Introduction 229 15.2 Social Life Cycle Assessment: Scientific Background 230 15.3 Social Life Cycle Assessment in Practice 232 15.4 SLCA and Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment: Methodological Challenges 234 15.5 Conclusions and Outlook 236 References 237 16 Life Cycle Assessment of Solar Technologies 241F. Ardente, M. Cellura, S. Longo, and M. Mistretta 16.1 Introduction 241 16.2 Solar Technologies 242 16.3 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Solar Technologies 245 16.3.1 Solar Thermal Plants 246 16.3.2 Photovoltaic Plants 246 16.3.3 Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Plants and Solar Heating/Cooling Plants 249 16.4 Assessment of Solar Technologies 249 16.5 Conclusions 256 References 256 17 Assessing the Sustainability of Geothermal Utilization 259Ruth Shortall, Gudni Axelsson, and Brynhildur Davidsdottir 17.1 Introduction 259 17.2 Sustainable Geothermal Utilization 260 17.3 Broader Sustainability Assessment of Energy Developments 266 17.4 Sustainability Assessment Framework for Geothermal Power 266 17.5 Conclusion 271 References 271 18 Biofuels from Terrestrial Biomass: Sustainability Assessment of Sugarcane Biorefineries in Brazil 275Otavio Cavalett, Marcos D.B. Watanabe, Alexandre Souza, Mateus F. Chagas, Tassia L. Junqueira, and Antonio Bonomi 18.1 Introduction 275 18.2 The Virtual Sugarcane Biorefinery (VSB) 276 18.3 Methods Used in the VSB 277 18.4 Biorefinery Scenarios Case Study 279 18.5 Final Remarks 286 Acknowledgements 286 References 287 19 Algae as Promising Biofeedstock; Searching for Sustainable Production Processes and Market Applications 289Sue Ellen Taelman, Steven De Meester, and Jo Dewulf 19.1 Introduction 289 19.2 Algae Background 290 19.3 Algal Cultivation and Processing Methods 292 19.4 Algae: Production and Potential Applications 294 19.5 Environmental Sustainability of Algae Production 298 19.6 Conclusions 302 References 303 20 Life Cycle Assessment of Biobased and Fossil Based Succinic Acid 307Marieke Smidt, Jeroen den Hollander, Henk Bosch, Yang Xiang, Maarten van der Graaf, Anne Lambin, and Jean]Pierre Duda 20.1 Production of Succinic Acid 307 20.2 Life Cycle Assessment: Biobased Succinic Acid and Fossil]Based Equivalent 310 20.3 Sensitivity Analysis 316 20.4 Conclusions 319 References 320 21 Biobased Poly Vinylchloride (PVC) 323Rodrigo A.F. Alvarenga, Zdenek Hruska, Alain Wathelet, and Jo Dewulf 21.1 Introduction 323 21.2 Life Cycle Assessment of Biobased PVC 324 21.3 Carbon Footprint of Biobased Product 329 21.4 Environmental Sustainability of Bioethanol Use 330 21.5 Conclusions 331 References 332 22 Evaluation of Wood Cascading 335Karin Höglmeier, Gabriele Weber-Blaschke, and Klaus Richter 22.1 Introduction 335 22.2 Environmental Assessment of Wood Cascading by LCA 338 22.3 Discussion and Conclusion 343 Acknowledgements 345 References 345 23 Time]Dependent Life Cycle Assessment of Bio-Based Packaging Materials 347Maartje N. Sevenster 23.1 Introduction 347 23.2 Methodology 351 23.3 Results 353 23.4 Discussion 357 23.5 Conclusions 358 References 358 24 Conclusions 361Jo Dewulf 24.1 The Importance of Renewables]Based Products and Services 361 24.2 The Need for Sustainability Assessment for Renewables: Even More Than in the Past 362 24.3 The Growing Sustainability Assessment Toolbox 363 24.4 Outlook: Pending Challenges 364 Index

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Book SynopsisWritten by leading experts in the field, Cyanobacteria: An Economic Perspective is a comprehensive edited volume covering all areas of an important field and its application to energy, medicine and agriculture. Issues related to environment, food and energy have presented serious challenge to the stability of nation-states. Increasing global population, dwindling agriculture and industrial production, and inequitable distribution of resources and technologies have further aggravated the problem. The burden placed by increasing population on environment and especially on agricultural productivity is phenomenal. To provide food and fuel to such a massive population, it becomes imperative to find new ways and means to increase the production giving due consideration to biosphere's ability to regenerate resources and provide ecological services. Cyanobacteria are environment friendly resource for commercial production of active biochemicals, drugs and future energy Table of ContentsList of contributors ix Preface xiii About the editors xv Acknowledgements xvii About the book xix Introduction xxi Naveen K. Sharma, Ashwani K. Rai, and Lucas J. Stal About the companion website xxv PART I: BIOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION OF CYANOBACTERIA 1 Chapter 1 Cyanobacteria: biology, ecology and evolution 3 Aharon Oren Chapter 2 Modern classification of cyanobacteria 21 Ji¢§r´©¥ Kom´arek PART II: ECOLOGICAL SERVICES RENDERED BY CYANOBACTERIA 41 Chapter 3 Ecological importance of cyanobacteria 43 Beatriz D´©¥ez and Karolina Ininbergs Chapter 4 Cyanobacteria and carbon sequestration 65 Eduardo Jacob-Lopes, Leila Queiroz Zepka, and Maria Isabel Queiroz Chapter 5 Ecology of cyanobacteria on stone monuments, biodeterioration, and the conservation of cultural heritage 73 Nitin Keshari and Siba Prasad Adhikari PART III: CYANOBACTERIAL PRODUCTS 91 Chapter 6 Therapeutic applications of cyanobacteria with emphasis on their economics 93 Rathinam Raja, Shanmugam Hemaiswarya, Isabel S. Carvalho, and Venkatesan Ganesan Chapter 7 Spirulina: an example of cyanobacteria as nutraceuticals 103 Masayuki Ohmori and Shigeki Ehira Chapter 8 Ultraviolet photoprotective compounds from cyanobacteria in biomedical applications 119 Tanya Soule and Ferran Garcia-Pichel Chapter 9 Cyanobacteria as a ‘‘green’’ option for sustainable agriculture 145 Radha Prasanna, Anjuli Sood, Sachitra Kumar Ratha, and Pawan K. Singh Chapter 10 The economics of cyanobacteria-based biofuel production: challenges and opportunities 167 Naveen K. Sharma and Lucas J. Stal Chapter 11 Cyanobacterial cellulose synthesis in the light of the photanol concept 181 R. Milou Schuurmans, Hans C.P. Matthijs, Lucas J. Stal, and Klaas J. Hellingwerf Chapter 12 Exopolysaccharides from cyanobacteria and their possible industrial applications 197 Giovanni Colica and Roberto De Philippis Chapter 13 Phycocyanins 209 Ruperto Bermejo Chapter 14 Cyanobacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates: an alternative source for plastics 227 Shilalipi Samantaray, Ranjana Bhati, and Nirupama Mallick PART IV: HARMFUL ASPECTS 245 Chapter 15 Costs of harmful blooms of freshwater cyanobacteria 247 David P. Hamilton, Susanna A. Wood, Daniel R. Dietrich, and Jonathan Puddick Chapter 16 Cyanotoxins 257 Jason N. Woodhouse, Melissa Rapadas, and Brett A. Neilan PART V: TOOLS, TECHNIQUES, AND PATENTS 269 Chapter 17 Photobioreactors for cyanobacterial culturing 271 A. Catarina Guedes, Nadpi G. Katkam, Jo˜ao Varela, and Francisco XavierMalcata Chapter 18 Commercial-scale culturing of cyanobacteria: an industrial experience 293 Hiroyuki Takenaka and Yuji Yamaguchi Chapter 19 Engineering cyanobacteria for industrial products 303 Timo H.J. Niedermeyer, Ekaterina Kuchmina, and Annegret Wilde Chapter 20 Cryopreservation of cyanobacteria 319 John G. Day Chapter 21 Patents on cyanobacteria and cyanobacterial products and uses 329 Michael A. Borowitzka Index 339

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Book SynopsisExplore present and future energy needs as well as options for continued use of fossil fuels and alternative energy sources with Dunlap's SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, 2nd Edition. Individual chapters thoroughly investigate each energy approach as the book covers both current energy production and future strategies. The author assumes you are familiar with basic concepts of freshman-level physics and chemistry. This edition emphasizes the complexity of energy issues and need for a multidisciplinary approach to solving energy problems. Quantitative end-of-chapter problems help you practice analyzing information, correlating data from various sources, and interpreting graphical data and interpolate values. You see real problems in producing and using energy as you realize that while exact calculations are important, a broad-based analysis is often most appropriate.Table of ContentsPart I: BACKGROUND. 1. Energy Basics. 2. Past, Present, and Future World Energy Use. Part II: FOSSIL FUELS. 3. Fossil Fuel Resources and Use. 4. Environmental Consequences of Fossil Fuel Use. Part III: NUCLEAR ENERGY. 5. Some Basic Nuclear Physics. 6. Energy from Nuclear Fission. 7. Energy from Nuclear Fusion. Part IV: RENEWABLE ENERGY. 8. Direct Use of Solar Energy. 9. Electricity from Solar Energy. 10. Wind Energy. 11. Hydroelectric Energy. 12. Wave Energy. 13. Tidal Energy. 14. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion and Ocean Salinity Gradient Energy. 15. Geothermal Energy. 16. Biomass Energy. Part V: ENERGY CONSERVATION, ENERGY STORAGE, AND TRANSPORTATION. 17. Energy Conservation. 18. Energy Storage. 19. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). 20. Hydrogen. Part VI: THE FUTURE. 21. Future Prospects and Research and Design Projects. Appendix A: Powers of Ten. Appendix B: Physical Constants. Appendix C: Energy Conversion Factors. Appendix D: Miscellaneous Conversion Factors. Appendix E: Energy Content of Fuels. Appendix F: R-values in Metric and British Units. Appendix G: The Elements. Appendix H: Table of Acronyms.

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Book SynopsisFirst book to examine the connection between plant structure and composition, to resistance to enzymatic deconstruction. This research is essential for the development of better chemical and enzymatic treatments for successful biomass conversion.Trade Review"Biomass Recalcitrance is a must-have.... The compilation covers fundamentals as well as hot topics that will provide new insights and knowledge to many readers." (ChemSusChem, June 2009)Table of Contents1 – Introduction – Michael E. Himmel. 2 - The Biorefinery - Thomas D. Foust, Kelly N. Ibsen, David C. Dayton, J. Richard Hess, Kevin E. Kenney. 3 - Anatomy and Ultra Structure of Maize Cell Walls: An Example Energy Plant - Shi-You Ding and Michael E. Himmel. 4 - Chemistry and Molecular Organization of Plant Cell Walls - Philip J. Harris and Bruce A. Stone. 5 - Cell Wall Synthesis - Debra Mohnen, Maor Bar-Peled, and Chris Somerville. 6 - Structures of Plant Cell Wall Celluloses - Rajai H. Atalla, John W. Brady, James F. Matthews, Shi-You Ding & Michael E. Himmel. 7 - Lignins: A 21st Century Challenge - Laurence B. Davin, Ann M. Patten, Michaël Jourdes, and Norman G. Lewis. 8 - Computational Approaches to Study Cellulose Hydrolysis - Michael F. Crowley and Ross C. Walker. 9 - Mechanisms of Xylose and Xylooligomer Degradation During Acid Pretreatment - Xianghong Qian and Mark R. Nimlos. 10 - Enzymatic Depolymerization of Plant Cell Wall Hemicelluloses - Stephen R. Decker, Matti Siika-aho, and Liisa Viikari. 11 - Aerobic Microbial Cellulase Systems - David B. Wilson. 12 - Cellulase Systems Of Anaerobic Micro-Organisms From The Rumen And Large Intestine - Harry J. Flint. 13 - The Cellulosome: A Natural Bacterial Strategy to Combat Biomass Recalcitrance - Edward A. Bayer, Bernard Henrissat, and Raphael Lamed. 14 - Pretreatments for Enhanced Digestibility of Feedstocks – David K. Johnson and Richard T. Elander. 15 - Understanding the Biomass Decay Community - William S. Adney, Daniel van der Lelie, Alison Berry, and Michael E. Himmel. 16 - New Generation Biomass Conversion: Consolidated Bioprocessing - Y.-H. Percival Zhang and Lee R. Lynd

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Book SynopsisOil and coal have built our civilization, created our wealth, and enriched the lives of billions. Yet, their rising costs to our security, economy, health, and environment now outweigh their benefits. Moreover, that long-awaited energy tipping point—where alternatives work better than oil and coal and compete purely on cost—is no longer decades in the future. It is here and now. And it is the fulcrum of economic transformation. A global clean-energy race has emerged with astounding speed. The ability to operate without fossil fuels will define winners and losers in business—and among nations. In Reinventing Fire, Amory Lovins and Rocky Mountain Institute offer a new vision to revitalize business models, end-run Washington gridlock, and win the clean-energy race—not forced by public policy but led by business for enduring profit. This groundbreaking roadmap reveals market-based solutions across the transportation, building, industry, and electricity sectors. It highlights pathways and competitive strategies for a 158%-bigger 2050 U.S. economy that needs no oil, no coal, no nuclear energy, one-third less natural gas, and no new inventions. This transition would cost $5 trillion less than business-as-usual—without counting fossil fuels’ huge hidden costs. It requires no new federal taxes, subsidies, mandates, or laws. The policy innovations needed to unlock and speed it need no Act of Congress. Whether you care most about profits and jobs, national security, health, or environmental stewardship, Reinventing Fire charts a pragmatic course that makes sense and makes money. With clarity and mastery, Lovins and RMI point out the astounding opportunities for enterprises to create the new energy era. Drawing praise from President Bill Clinton, former National Security Advisor Robert McFarlane, and a host of others, Reinventing Fire has piqued the interest of world leaders, business leaders, and political strategists. The paperback will carry a new preface detailing the response from China and beyond.Trade ReviewBook News- Author Lovins, a government consultant on energy, is co-founder and chief scientist of Rocky Mountain Institute, an independent think-tank on the use of natural resources. In this color illustrated book for business leaders and others, Lovins predicts that if businesses start now to adopt currently available alternative energy technologies at normal rates of return, the US can realistically stop using oil and coal by 2050, for a savings of $5 trillion. The author argues that because the necessary legislation and public policy are already in place for the transition to clean power, the transition can come about through market-based innovation across many different industries. After explaining the true costs of oil and coal, the book focuses on transportation, building design, improvements in industry energy efficiency, and carbon-free electricity generation. The book's reader-friendly layout includes color photos, charts, and case and example boxes on every page, combined with an accessible writing style. While the contributors are all affiliated with Rocky Mountain Institute, the book's content has been reviewed by outside experts as well. A web site offers supporting methodological and technical material.Choice- Energy forms the basis of modern living and is tied to every country's economic, political, social, health, and environmental policies. This well-documented work by energy expert Lovins (cofounder, Rocky Mountain Institute) and RMI staff begins by discussing the growing economic and environmental impact of fossil fuel dependence. Next, separate chapters address four different energy-intensive sectors in the US: transportation, buildings, industry, and electricity. Each chapter includes data on current energy consumption along with ways to change existing patterns (e.g., new designs, renewable sources, more-efficient practices). The concluding chapter ‘Many Choices, One Future,’ looks at the US in 2050: shortened workdays, decreased road traffic, a cleaner atmosphere, and a huge amount of capital formerly wasted on fossil fuels available to address various social challenges. This assumes that the path charted in ‘Reinventing Fire’ is at work. The authors argue that their proposal is economically feasible and would create jobs, positively impact the environment, and enhance the global competitiveness of the US. Among the barriers listed, the resistance of political incumbents and an absence of visionary political leaders committed to these fundamental changes stand out. A must read for anyone who deals with energy, especially decision makers. Summing up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals; general readers.ForeWord Reviews- Reinventing Fire is an engaging and comprehensive introduction to the issues and challenges tied to our nation's energy use. Amory Lovins is a noted authority on energy—especially its efficient use and sustainable supply. In 2009, Time named him among the world's 100 most influential people, and Foreign Policy, one of the 100 top global thinkers. In 1982, Lovins co-founded the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), an independent, nonprofit think tank focused on the ‘efficient and restorative use of resources.’ The team's expertise is evident, as Lovins and fellow RMI researchers outline the current state of energy use, including what they call the nation's "addiction to fossil fuels," and propose an array of transformational solutions. Their long-term view emphasizes smart business strategy over public policy as the route to the ‘new energy era.’ The ‘winners’ in this new era will be those companies, organizations—and even nations—nimble and innovative enough to anticipate and realize the opportunities. Following a review of our energy profile today, the book sets the stage with two contrasting scenarios for energy consumption in 2050, one that is ‘business as usual’ and one that ‘reinvents fire.’ The optimal scenario would reduce overall energy consumption through innovation and efficiency, while increasing use of renewable sources and bringing a multitude of benefits—to the economy and the environment, as well as to our health and national security. The challenges posed by this book are at once inspirational and daunting, but Reinventing Fire makes it clear that facing them with passion and ingenuity is essential to our future prosperity as a people and a nation."Amory and his 'reinventing fire' energy path should be part of the induction packs for all political, financial and business leaders."--John Elkington, The GuardianReinventing Fire shows us that we neither need to freeze in the dark, nor go back to the Stone Age, to ensure a healthy, habitable planet for ourselves and our descendants.--Andy Kerr, Home Power "In crisp and vivid language, Amory Lovins sets out a blueprint for a much-improved future in the generation and use of energy. We can all learn from reading this clear statement from a real expert."--George P. Shultz, former Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury, distinguished fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution, former president of Bechtel"My friend Amory Lovins knows that the most important question of the twenty-first century is the 'how' question-how we turn good ideas into working solutions. Reinventing Fire is a wise, detailed, and comprehensive blueprint for gathering the best existing technologies for energy use and putting them to work right now to create jobs, end our dependence on climate-changing fossil fuels, and unleash the enormous economic potential of the coming energy revolution."--President Bill Clinton"If you wanted to bring America happiness and prosperity, and address unemployment, government gridlock and climate change, and create meaning in a world rife with contradictory views and ideologies, you can do one thing: read Reinventing Fire...and then see to it that it is read by every decision maker in the land. This is a stunning work of enormous dimension. Reinventing Fire outlines an eminently practical path to a durable and meaningful future by reimagining how we use and produce the lifeblood of civilization-energy in its myriad forms."--Paul Hawken, author of Blessed Unrest; co-author, Natural Capitalism"Amory Lovins and his team of extraordinary professionals provide an analytically sound, detailed, compelling plan for transforming our national use of energy-and for saving $5 trillion in the process! Reinventing Fire is a towering work, a page-turning tour de force of compelling wisdom that deserves a permanent place on the desk-nay, in the mind-of whoever holds the chair in the Oval Office."--Robert C. McFarlane, national security advisor to President Reagan; co-founder and co-chair of the United States Energy Security Council"America's business leaders have long waited for a practical vision of how innovation and entrepreneurship can drive the shift from fossil fuels to efficiency and renewables. Now, in Reinventing Fire, that profit-led path is here, clear, and compelling."--Gerald D. Hines, founder and chairman, Hines"Reinventing Fire crackles with fresh perspectives and compelling insights about our energy past, present, and future. Drawing on the logic of economics, physics, geology, national security, and just plain common sense, Lovins and his colleagues blaze a trail toward an energy future that is cleaner, cheaper, and safer. A 'must read' book for business leaders, policymakers, environmentalists, academics, and anyone else who cares about our planet's future and our nation's prosperity."--Dan Esty, Director, Center for Business and the Environment at Yale University, and author of Green to Gold"A compelling call for action. From one of the brightest and most practical thinkers in America-straight from the heart, bold advice to America on how to handle energy, reduce the budget deficit, and create millions of jobs. Amory Lovins has written the definitive prescription for the twenty-first century American economy. Take these prescriptions on energy, and the rest of America will do quite nicely in the years ahead. Ignore these recommendations, and we'll find ourselves in a darkening struggle for our prosperity, our future, and our way of life."--Retired General Wesley K. Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe"A must-read 'new baseline' analysis for innovators and policy makers."--Bill Joy, partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers; co-founder, Sun Microsystems"A brilliant, thorough, innovative plan for a complete and profitable restructuring over the next four decades of how we use and supply energy for transport, electricity, buildings, and industry. RMI's new fire will transform everything we do, and will especially help us see our way out of the massive problems caused by our dependence on oil and coal."--R. James Woolsey, venture partner, Lux Capital; former director of Central Intelligence; chairman, Foundation for Defense of Democracies

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Book SynopsisThis book presents select proceedings of the National Conference on Renewable Energy and Sustainable Environment (NCRESE 2020) and examines a range of reliable energy-efficient harvesting technologies, their applications and utilization of available alternate energy resources. The topics covered include alternate energy technologies, smart grid topologies and their relevant issues, solar thermal and bio-energy systems, electric vehicles and energy storage systems and its control issues. The book also discusses various properties and performance attributes of advance renewable energy techniques and impact on environmental sustainability. The book will be useful for researchers and professionals working in the areas of energy and sustainable environment and the allied fields.Table of ContentsModelling and Simulation of Grid connected Wind Power Plant for Electric Vehicle Charging Station with Solid-oxide fuel cell.- Parameter Computation and Current Control Loop Tuning of Non-Salient PMSM Motor.- Single Object Detection Hardware Accelerator Using xfOpenCV Library.- Impact assessment of cross subsidy surcharge on electricity demand in Short term power market in India.- An Intelligent control technique based DTC of BLDC Motor Using New Multilevel Inverter.- Adaptive Volterra filtered-x logarithmic cost least mean lp-norm control for grid-tied PV Ultracapacitor Battery Fuel cell system.- Electrical Energy Storage Influencing Shift in Grid Balancing Approach.- A New Modular Multilevel Converter Topologyusing Flying Ultra-Capacitor and Cascaded H-bridges.- A review of solar water heating system with the use of phase change material as thermal storage medium.- Compositional variations of tree species in Aravalli and Vindhya-Malwa regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan.

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