Renewable Energy Crash Course

Frontmatter

1. Renewable Energy Basics

Abstract

This chapter explores the basics of power, energy, their units, fossil fuels vs. renewable energy, and provides a short introduction to the various renewable energy technologies available today. The chapter concludes with a case study on some nations that have achieved or are very close to achieving a 100% renewable energy-powered energy profile, which means that they derive most of their energy from renewable energy sources.

Eklas Hossain, Slobodan Petrovic

2. Hydroelectric Power

Abstract

This chapter describes the water cycle and origins of hydro energy. It furthermore discusses the power and energy of water and then describes the large hydropower plants, the types and size of turbines, and other critical performance parameters. Micro hydroelectric plants are discussed next as well as the cost of hydroelectric power. The chapter ends with a case study.

Eklas Hossain, Slobodan Petrovic

3. Wind Power

Abstract

The chapter describes the origins of wind and global patterns, the energy and power from wind, elements of wind turbines, and their types, properties, and components. The environmental impacts of wind turbines, such as noise and impact on birds, are discussed as well. A case study is provided.

Eklas Hossain, Slobodan Petrovic

4. Ocean Power

Abstract

The chapter explores the origins of ocean power, the three types of energy captured from the oceans, the energy from the motion of the waves, the energy from the tides, and from using temperature gradient in oceans. The main onshore and offshore ocean wave technologies are described. Tidal origins, fundamentals, and power-generating plants are described, followed by a discussion on their environmental impact. Finally, the basics of utilizing ocean thermal energy are presented. A case study on wave power is presented.

Eklas Hossain, Slobodan Petrovic

5. Bioenergy

Abstract

This chapter covers the fundamentals of bioenergy and provides a brief overview of the routes for biomass processing. The sunlight conversion in plants and the natural carbon cycle are discussed in the context of using biomass use for electricity generation. Finally, energy crops and the production of transportation fuels from biomass feedstock are described. A case study is presented.

Eklas Hossain, Slobodan Petrovic

6. Geothermal Energy

Abstract

The chapter describes the origins of geothermal energy, the geothermal resource potential, and the best regions for capturing geothermal energy. The geothermal plant technologies and their environmental impact are discussed. A case study is presented.

Eklas Hossain, Slobodan Petrovic

7. Solar Thermal Energy

Abstract

This chapter explains the origins of solar energy and explains the connection between the temperature of the sun and the radiation wavelength. Different systems for harnessing solar thermal energy, such as active and passive solar systems, as well as concentrated systems are discussed. Two case studies are presented.

Eklas Hossain, Slobodan Petrovic

8. Solar Photovoltaics

Abstract

The chapter provides an introduction to solar photovoltaics or generating electricity from sunlight. After the general description of various types of solar cells, a more detailed evaluation of silicon solar cells and modules is given, including their fabrication and performance characteristics. Additional components of photovoltaic systems are described as well. A case study is presented.

Eklas Hossain, Slobodan Petrovic

9. Energy Storage

Abstract

The chapter discusses energy storage devices used in combination with renewable energy systems. The description includes a brief overview of the available energy storage methods and their general classification. It then covers the most important devices such as batteries and fuel cells. A case study is presented.

Eklas Hossain, Slobodan Petrovic

10. Grid Integration of Renewable Energy

Abstract

This chapter presents the analysis of grid integration of renewable energy and discusses the equipment needed for successful grid integration of RE. The communication and control processes are also be discussed, along with a brief overview of grid modernization using renewables. The chapter ends with a case study.

Eklas Hossain, Slobodan Petrovic

11. Economic Aspects of Renewable Energy

Abstract

This chapter deals with the economic analyses of various renewable energy technologies and presents a gradual decline in the costs of renewables over the years. The chapter introduces some basic concepts required to attain an overall idea about the financial breakdown of renewable energy projects. Solar and wind power are given attention in this chapter, with a case study on the economics of a hydropower plant.

Eklas Hossain, Slobodan Petrovic

12. Challenges of Renewable Sources of Energy

Abstract

This chapter explores the potential challenges for further implementation of RE and then continues with challenges that each RE technology must overcome to compete with fossil fuels in terms of cost, reliability, and environmental effects. The possible ways of overcoming the challenges are also proposed. At the end of the chapter, the case study tells the story of a billion-dollar failure that is the Crescent Dunes project in Nevada and the success story of a contemporary project at the Mojave Desert in California.

Eklas Hossain, Slobodan Petrovic

13. Comparative Study of Renewable Sources of Energy

Abstract

This chapter aims to unify all the different types of RESs in a comparative picture that helps readers visualize the contrast among the different RESs. The chapter gives a detailed comparison of seven types of RESs based on several criteria. The chapter ends with a case study.

Eklas Hossain, Slobodan Petrovic

Backmatter