DeMYSTiFieD fuels your knowledge of tricky subjects like alternative energy If you think a Maglev train is a child's toy, or learning about fusion makes your brain reach critical mass, Alternative Energy DeMYSTiFieD, Second Edition will power up your knowledge of this topic's fundamental concepts and theories at your own pace. This practical guide eases you into this field of science, starting at primitive heating sources such as coal and wood. As you progress, you will master the science behind alternative energies such as evaporative cooling, fuel-cell vehicles, aeroelectric power, and more. You will understand the difference between conventional fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps as well as the benefits of large-scale wind power. Detailed examples make it easy to understand the material, and end-of-chapter quizzes and a final exam help reinforce key ideas. It's a no-brainer! You'll learn about: Passive solar heating Thermal-mass cooling Propulsion with biofuels Electric vehicles Large-scale hydropower Semiconductor lamps Geothermal power Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Alternative Energy DeMYSTiFieD, Second Edition is your shortcut to a working knowledge of this timely topic.

This assembly of essays and articles explores various topics surrounding alternative energy. Readers are presented with diversity of opinion on each topic, including both conservative and liberal points of view in an even balance. Topics include biofuels, nuclear energy, and hydrogen fuel cells, as well as solar, wind, wave, and geothermal power. An array of statistics that illuminate public attitudes about alternative energy is also presented.

As time goes forward, the availability of affordable and accessible petroleum products decreases while the negative environmental impact increases. If we want to sustain our current way of life, which includes massive energy consumption, it is necessary to find alternatives to fossil fuels to prevent fuel shortages and to preserve and repair the environment around us. The Science of Renewable Energy presents a no-nonsense discussion of the importance of renewable energy, while adhering to scientific principles, models, and observations. The text includes in-depth discussions of emerging technologies, including biomass and fuel cells, and major sources of renewable energy, such as ocean, hydro, solar, and wind energy. To provide a fundamental understanding of the basic concepts of renewable energy, the book also offers an extensive discussion on the basics of electricity, since it is applied to and produced from all forms of renewable energy. While emphasizing the technical aspects and practical applications of renewable sources, the text also covers the economic, social, and policy implications of large-scale implementation. The main focus of the book is on methods of obtaining energy from self-replenishing natural processes while limiting pollution of the atmosphere, water, and soil, as this is a critical pathway for the future. Exploring the subject from a scientific perspective highlights the need for renewable energy and helps to evaluate the task at hand. The book is written for a wide range of readers, including students of diverse backgrounds and individuals in the energy industries, and presents the material in a user-friendly manner. Even individuals can have an impact on the quest to develop renewable energy sources. The concepts and guidelines described provide critical scientific rationale for pursuing clean and efficient energy sources as well as the knowledge needed to understand the complex issues involved. Woven with real-life situations, the text presents both the advantages and challenges of the different types of renewable energy.

Concern for the environment and the impacts of pollution have brought about the need to shift from the use and reliance on hydrocarbons to energy-power sources that are pollution neutral or near pollution neutral or renewable. Moreover, the impact of 200 years of industrialization and surging population growth threatens to exceed the future supply of hydrocarbon power sources. Therefore, the implementation of green energy sources is surging. The Science of Green Energy presents technologies and techniques, as well as real-world usage of and operation of today’s green energy-based applications. This practical book is designed to be used as an information source for the general reader, or for a course in energy, chemistry or in renewable energy engineering fields where green energy is becoming a key player. It is intended to fill a wide gap of missing information in published texts dealing with the green energy revolution currently in progress; it specifically provides information involving the many different sources of energy.

This book examines the history of human energy use as well as the latest energy developments in the United States. It provides the opinions and perpsectives of government and business leaders, activists, and ordinary Americans on both sides of the issue.

Earth is home to environments as varied as rain forests and deserts, and is a large, complicated object to study. The interactions of the planet's various components—including the atmosphere, oceans, land, and the rocks and metals of the interior—produce a bewildering array of phenomena. Many of these phenomena strongly impact people's lives, despite the fact that the realm of human society does not generally extend beyond the Earth's surface. Earth Sciences examines the explorers and scientists who venture into the unknown frontiers of this scientific field—and the unexpected things they often uncover. Describing the evolution of main topics in Earth sciences, this book explains the problems researchers are currently investigating as well as the methods they have developed to solve them. Chapters include: Exploring Earth's Depths Origin and Variability of Earth's Magnetic Field Volcanoes and Hotspots Geothermal Energy—A Furnace Beneath the Soil Water Management—Conserving an Essential Resource Predicting Earthquakes.

Renewable Energy Has a Good Side and a Bad Side Evaluate BothAll energy sources affect the environment in which we live. While fossil fuels may essentially do more harm, renewable energy sources can also pose a threat to the environment. Allowing for the various renewable energy sources: solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal, Environmental I

Frontiers of Science is an eight-volume set that explores notable issues at the forefront of scientific research and inquiry. The interdisciplinary set focuses on the methods and imagination of people who push the boundaries of science by investigating subjects not readily observable or shrouded in obscurity. Understanding the science behind scientific advances is critical because new knowledge and theories sometimes seem unbelievable until the underlying methods leading to their discovery become clear. Designed to complement science curricula, the set covers a broad range of complex, relevant topics that will extend the limits of knowledge and satisfy the curiosity of readers. Chemistry investigates the research and discoveries of the explorers and scientists who expanded knowledge related to the field. Often, these men and women found materials that exhibit remarkable or useful properties, some of which cure disease or make up motors or machines. Each chapter of the book covers the evolution of a significant topic related to chemistry and contains an introduction, a conclusion, a chronology, and a list of resources that allow the reader to focus on the topic being considered. The volume includes information on archaeological chemistry chemistry of the brain fuel cells nanotechnology new chemicals and materials "smart" materials The book contains more than 40 color photographs and line illustrations, sidebars, a glossary, the Periodic Table of the Elements, a detailed list of additional print and Internet resources, and an index. Frontiers of Science is essential for high school students, teachers, and general readers who wish to understand the newest areas of scientific research, from groundbreaking issues that are making headlines to those not as well known. Book jacket.

Skyrocketing energy costs and constant reminders of the impacts of conventional energy sources are making homeowners and businesses look at different ways to use energy more efficiently and to generate their own electricity to reduce fuel bills and their carbon footprint. Power From the Wind is the completely revised and updated edition of the go-to guide for individuals and businesses interested in installing small wind energy systems. Written for the layperson, this practical guide provides an accurate and unbiased view of all aspects of small wind energy systems, including: Wind and wind energy system options Ways to assess wind resources at your site Wind turbines and towers Inverters and batteries Installation and maintenance of systems Costs and benefits of installing a wind system. Readers will gain the knowledge they need to make wise decisions during the design, purchase, and installation of small wind energy systems and to communicate effectively with wind system installers, and will be empowered to help make the smartest, most economical choices.