Renewable Energy

Challenges and Solutions

verfasst von: Peter Yang

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik"

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Über dieses Buch

This book empowers college students and young professionals to develop a critical capacity of climate action in the energy transformation, which is necessary to address unprecedented climate crises. It illuminates the monumental challenges and pioneering solutions in accelerating renewable energy technologies, including solar energy, wind power, bioenergy, hydropower, and geothermal energy, as well as energy storage, along with their practical applications.

The book offers the most current insights into innovations in renewable energy and energy storage, which are pivotal in forging a reliable and sustainable future powered exclusively by renewables. Its chapters equip the younger generation with the knowledge and critical skills needed to become well-informed and discerning professionals, ready to meet the demands of future sustainable job markets. Readers are encouraged to actively engage in and contribute to the ongoing revolution in renewable energy and energy storage.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Solar Power

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) power is a modern renewable energy technology consisting of solar PV cells, modules (panels), and arrays (systems, installations). This modular technology is used to generate electric power by converting sunlight (solar energy) into electricity.

Peter Yang

Chapter 2. Solar Thermal Energy

Abstract

Solar thermal energy is a type of renewable energy harnessed from sunlight by solar thermal technologies. Solar thermal technology can be divided into two groups: concentrated solar power generation and solar heat applications.

Peter Yang

Chapter 3. Wind Power

Abstract

Wind power is the use of modern renewable energy generation technology—wind turbines—to harness wind (wind energy) and convert it into usable electrical power. A wind turbine consists of propeller-like blades, rotor shafts, generators, gearboxes, and brake assemblies. The wind turns the blades of the turbine, which are connected to a generator, generating power. Multiple turbines are often grouped together in wind farms to generate a larger amount of power.

Peter Yang

Chapter 4. Hydropower

Abstract

Hydropower is a renewable energy technology that harnesses the energy of flowing water and converts it into electricity. It utilizes the water flowing in rivers, streams and lakes and stored in dammed reservoirs to generate power in hydropower plants. The energy in water (hydro energy) is a direct result of solar energy. Sunlight heats the Earth’s surface, causing water evaporation, cloud formation, and precipitation. This water cycle moves large amounts of water between lower and higher elevations. Water energy can be considered an extended form of solar energy. Solar radiation provides the initial energy for the water cycle, which creates the energy potential in water flows. Similar to wind energy, water energy is based on motion (kinetic energy). When water pushes turbine blades or buckets, the hydro turbine’s generator converts the energy from the rotating blades into mechanical energy in the form of electric power.

Peter Yang

Chapter 5. Bioenergy

Abstract

Bioenergy is an important renewable energy source harnessed from biomass, i.e., plants or other organic materials that result directly or indirectly from photosynthesis. While biomass can be divided into two groups—traditional biomass and modern bioenergy—the energy transition focuses on the latter because bioenergy is produced using various technologies, which make it much more efficient and friendly to the environment and human health than traditional biomass in production and consumption. The R&D of bioenergy technologies recognizes three developmental groups or generations of bioenergy. Each of the three generations uses its own feedstock and has its own benefits.

Peter Yang

Chapter 6. Geothermal Power and Heating

Abstract

Geothermal energy is a renewable heat source inside the Earth that can be used to generate power in geothermal power plants, heat or cool buildings, or conduct many other economic activities.

Peter Yang

Chapter 7. Energy Storage

Abstract

Energy storage refers to the processes, technologies, or equipment with which energy in a particular form is stored for later use. Energy storage also refers to the processes, technologies, equipment, or devices for converting a form of energy (such as power) that is difficult for economic storage into a different form of energy (such as mechanical energy) at a lower cost for later use.

Peter Yang

Backmatter

Titel: Renewable Energy
verfasst von: Peter Yang
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-031-49125-2
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-49124-5
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-49125-2