The World of Energy

Engine of Life

verfasst von: Prof. Dr. Raj Sharma, Prof. Dr. Vishnu Pareek

Verlag: Springer Nature Singapore

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

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Über dieses Buch

This book analyzes the entire spectrum of energy, from conventional sources to various alternative sources. Historically, the Sun has been viewed as the ultimate source of energy on the Earth. All forms of energy – fossil fuels and renewables alike – owe their existence to the Sun. The book also provides a historical perspective on energy policy over the years. It explains the fundamentals of energy and all related aspects using clear and straightforward language, and will serve as a reference guide for all stakeholders including policymakers, academics, students and world citizens in general.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Introduction—Setting the Stage

Abstract

Energy has been front and center on the world stage ever since the Arab Oil Embargo on the West in the early 1970s following the Arab—Israeli Yom Kippur War. The oil embargo threw the West into panic, which was used to cheap oil, with mile long queues at gas stations (petrol pumps) to fill up a tank of gasoline (petrol) as if the end of oil was near.

Raj Sharma, Vishnu Pareek

Chapter 2. Energy Fundamentals in ‘English’—Understanding There Is No Free Lunch

Abstract

Energy is the capacity to do work. From the mundane to the complex, all mechanical action is work. Raising an arm, lifting a glass, walking, riding a bicycle, running a car, flying an airplane, sailing a ship, operating a washing machine, running an air-conditioner, operating a kitchen mixer/grinder, manufacturing products of modern day conveniences, sending a space ship to the moon, launching satellites, and many, many more, are all mechanical actions requiring energy—different kinds of energy, but energy all the same! It is not necessary for energy to do work—it may or may not—but it has the capacity to do work.

Raj Sharma, Vishnu Pareek

Chapter 3. The World of Energy—The Big Picture

Abstract

It all began with fire hundreds of thousands of years ago; and, continues to be so today—control over energy! Man’s discovery of fire, and his affair with it, led to improvements in his life over millennia by way of heating, cooking, and lighting—and this continues to be so even today; directly or indirectly. For fire, three things are essential—something that burns (fuel), oxygen, and a source of ignition—fuel and oxygen (air) were and are supplied by Nature; and, spark by Man. Intensity of fire is determined by the energy given off by the burning fuel (heat of combustion) and its rate of burning which, among other things, depends on fuel-type.

Raj Sharma, Vishnu Pareek

Chapter 4. Primary Energy—The Big Three

Abstract

Coal, Oil and Gas are the big three of ‘energy’; and, for good reason.

Raj Sharma, Vishnu Pareek

Chapter 5. Alternate Energy—Myth and Reality

Abstract

Further, what started as calls for alternate energy in the mid-1970s, metamorphosed over time into calls for renewable energy, clean energy and green energy. Interestingly, the only renewable energy is ‘carbon energy’—in the form of wood (or biomass) over Man’s life-span; and, fossil fuels over Earth’s life-span. Solar energy is just ‘there’—and so is ‘Wind’; because of the Sun.

Raj Sharma, Vishnu Pareek

Chapter 6. The Fossil Fuel Bugbear of Climate Change—A Perspective

Abstract

Climate change is real. Whether it is here and now and man-made, is debatable. Climate change could be natural and normal.

Raj Sharma, Vishnu Pareek

Chapter 7. Wrapping It All Up—What Next?

Abstract

Energy drives life. All life. In all its manifestations. Life requires work. Energy is the capacity to do work. Power is the rate of doing work—how fast. Invention of the steam engine in the Eighteenth Century, fueled by coal enabled Man to do work at a speed and scale never seen before. Industrial revolution had begun and the seeds of modern-day life sown.

Raj Sharma, Vishnu Pareek

8. Correction to: The Fossil Fuel Bugbear of Climate Change—A Perspective

Raj Sharma, Vishnu Pareek

Backmatter

Titel: The World of Energy
verfasst von: Prof. Dr. Raj Sharma
Prof. Dr. Vishnu Pareek
Verlag: Springer Nature Singapore
Electronic ISBN: 978-981-15-6724-7
Print ISBN: 978-981-15-6723-0
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-6724-7