Renewable Energy Sources

Synopsis

Show your love for the "green planet" by increasing your knowledge on the renewable energy sources like wind, solar and hydro energy. By being aware of these alternative uses of energy, you can help campaign against the use of nonrenewable sources, and the damage they cause the environment. Fall in love with this book in either print, hardcover or digital format. Grab a copy today.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Renewable Energy

* Overview of global energy consumption and its environmental impacts.
* Definition and types of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind, biomass).
* Advantages and challenges of renewable energy.

Chapter 2: Solar Energy

* Nature of solar radiation and its conversion into electricity.
* Photovoltaic (PV) cells and their operation.
* Examples: Large-scale solar farms (e.g., California's Desert Sunlight Solar Farm) and off-grid PV systems.

Chapter 3: Wind Energy

* Principles of wind energy conversion.
* Types of wind turbines and their design.
* Examples: Offshore wind farms (e.g., UK's Hornsea Wind Farm) and small-scale wind turbines for residential use.

Chapter 4: Biomass Energy

* Conversion of organic matter into useful energy forms (heat, electricity).
* Technologies for biomass combustion, gasification, and anaerobic digestion.
* Examples: Biomass power plants (e.g., Drax Power Station, UK) and biofuel production.

Chapter 5: Geothermal Energy

* Nature of geothermal resources and their exploitation.
* Technologies for geothermal power generation and direct heat use.
* Examples: Geothermal power plants in Iceland (e.g., Hellisheidi Power Station) and geothermal heating systems for buildings.

Chapter 6: Hydropower

* Types of hydropower systems and their operation.
* Environmental considerations and potential impacts.
* Examples: Large-scale hydropower projects (e.g., Three Gorges Dam, China) and micro-hydropower systems.

Chapter 7: Ocean Energy

* Forms of ocean energy (e.g., wave, tidal, ocean thermal).
* Technologies for ocean energy conversion.
* Examples: Wave energy converters (e.g., Stingray, WaveRoller) and tidal turbines.

Chapter 8: Distributed Generation and Smart Grids

* Concept of distributed energy resources (DERs) and their integration into the grid.
* Technologies for DERs (e.g., rooftop PV, micro-hydro).
* Smart grid systems and their role in managing renewable energy.

Chapter 9: Energy Storage Technologies

* Importance of energy storage for renewable energy systems.
* Types of energy storage technologies (e.g., batteries, pumped hydro).
* Examples: Lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and large-scale pumped storage projects.

Chapter 10: Policy and Economics of Renewable Energy

* Government incentives and policies for renewable energy development.
* Market mechanisms and the economics of renewable energy.
* Case study: Germany's transition to renewable energy (Energiewende).