Low-Grade Heat Harvesting


Book Description

Low-Grade Heat Harvesting Harvest a vast untapped reservoir of energy with this essential resource The search for widely available, sustainable energy sources is arguably the defining challenge of the current era. Low-Grade Heat, a term referring to temperatures under 100 degrees Celsius, is an incredibly abundant form of energy in the natural world, but not one which existing sustainable technologies have been able to harvest efficiently and sustainably. The ubiquity of this energy, however, gives it huge potential to address the looming energy crisis. Low-Grade Heat Harvesting surveys existing technologies for utilizing low-grade heat and the related techniques for storing and converting low-grade heat energy. Beginning with the basic thermodynamic principles underlying low-grade heat, it proceeds to work systematically through the major categories of low-grade heat harvesting device, offering a comprehensive overview of the state of the field. Low-Grade Heat Harvesting readers will also find: A focus on emerging technologies Detailed discussion of thermoelectric devices for low-grade heat harvesting, liquid-based thermocells for heat-to-current conversion, and many more Authored by an acknowledged expert in energy storage and conversion Low-Grade Heat Harvesting is ideal for materials scientists, electrochemists, electronics engineers, and anyone else working to address energy needs.




Low-Grade Thermal Energy Harvesting


Book Description

Low-Grade Thermal Energy Harvesting: Advances in Thermoelectrics, Materials, and Emerging Applications provides readers with fundamental and key concepts surrounding low-grade thermal energy conversion while also reviewing the latest research directions. The book covers the most promising and emerging technologies for low-grade heat recovery, harvesting and conversion, including wearable thermoelectrics and organic thermoelectrics. Each chapter includes key materials, principles, design and fabrication strategies for low-grade heat recovery. Special attention on emerging materials such as organic composites, 2D materials and nanomaterials are also included. The book emphasizes materials and device structures that enable the powering of wearable electronics and consumer electronics. The book is suitable for materials scientists and engineers in academia and R&D in manufacturing, industry, energy and electronics. - Introduces key concepts and fundamental principles of low-grade thermal energy harvesting, storage and conversion - Provides an overview on key materials, design principles and fabrication strategies for devices for low energy harvesting applications - Focuses on materials and device designs that enable wearable thermoelectrics and flexible electronics applications




Wind Energy Harvesting


Book Description

This book provides the fundamental concepts required for the development of an efficient small-scale wind turbine. For centuries, engineers and scientists have used wind turbines of all shapes and sizes to harvest wind energy. Large-scale wind turbines have been successful at producing great amounts of power when deployed in sites with vast, open space, such as in fi elds or in offshore waters. For environments with limited space, such as dense urban environments, small-scale wind turbines are an attractive alternative for taking advantage of the ubiquity of wind. However, many of today’s tools for aerodynamic design and analysis were originally developed for large-scale turbines and do not scale down to these smaller devices. Arranged in a systematic and comprehensive manner, complete with supporting examples, Wind Energy Harvesting: Micro- To Small-Scale Turbines is a useful reference for undergraduate and graduate level classes on energy harvesting, sustainable energy, and fl uid dynamics, and an introduction to the field for non-technical readers.




Sustainable Energy from Salinity Gradients


Book Description

Salinity gradient energy, also known as blue energy and osmotic energy, is the energy obtainable from the difference in salt concentration between two feed solutions, typically sea water and river water. It is a large-scale renewable resource that can be harvested and converted to electricity. Efficient extraction of this energy is not straightforward, however. Sustainable Energy from Salinity Gradients provides a comprehensive review of resources, technologies and applications in this area of fast-growing interest. Key technologies covered include pressure retarded osmosis, reverse electrodialysis and accumulator mixing. Environmental and economic aspects are also considered, together with the possible synergies between desalination and salinity gradient energy technologies. Sustainable Energy from Salinity Gradients is an essential text for R&D professionals in the energy & water industry interested in salinity gradient power and researchers in academia from post-graduate level upwards. For more than ten years the Editors have been sharing substantial research activities in the fields of renewable energy and desalination, successfully participating to a number of European Union research projects and contributing to the relevant scientific literature with more than 100 papers and 2 books on Desalination technologies and their coupling with Renewable Energy. They are intensely working in the field of Salinity Gradient Power, carrying out research with specific focus o.n open-loop and closed-loop reverse electrodialysis and pressure retarded osmosis. - Covers applications of pressure retarded osmosis, reverse electrodialysis, and capacitive mixing for salinity gradient power in one convenient volume - Presents the environmental aspects and economics of salinity gradient energy - Explores possible synergies between desalination and salinity gradient energy




Synthetic Membranes and Membrane Separation Processes


Book Description

Synthetic Membranes and Membrane Separation Processes addresses both fundamental and practical aspects of the subject. Topics discussed in the book cover major industrial membrane separation processes, including reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, membrane gas and vapor separation, and pervaporation. Membrane materials, membrane preparation, membrane structure, membrane transport, membrane module and separation design, and applications are discussed for each separation process. Many problem-solving examples are included to help readers understand the fundamental concepts of the theory behind the processes. The book will benefit practitioners and students in chemical engineering, environmental engineering, and materials science.




Advanced Thermoelectric Materials


Book Description

Your guide to advanced thermoelectric materials Written by a distinguished group of contributors, this book provides comprehensive coverage of the most up-to-date information on all aspects of advanced thermoelectric materials — ranging from system biology, diagnostics, imaging, image-guided therapy, therapeutics, biosensors, and translational medicine and personalized medicine, as well as the much broader task of covering most topics of biomedical research.




Nanocolloids


Book Description

Nanocolloids: A Meeting Point for Scientists and Technologists presents an easy-to-read approach to current trends in nanoscale colloid chemistry, which offers relatively simple and economically feasible ways to produce nanomaterials. Nanocolloids have been the subjects of major development in modern technology, with many current and future applications. The book helps scientists and technologists to understand the different aspects of modern nanocolloid science. It outlines the underlying fundamental principles of nanocolloid science and covers applications ranging from emulsions to dispersions and suspensions. You will find details on experimental techniques and methods for the synthesis and characterization of nanocolloids, including the latest developments in nanoemulsions and nanoparticles. - Edited by leading academics with over 10 years' experience in the field of colloid and surfactant science - Each chapter is authored by recognized experts in the field - Outlines the underlying fundamental science behind nanocolloids - Provides comprehensive coverage of current topics and potential applications in nanocolloid science - Presents a multidisciplinary approach to help chemical engineers, chemists, physicists, materials scientists and pharmacologists, form an in-depth understanding of nanocolloid science




Energy Harvesting


Book Description

Also called energy scavenging, energy harvesting captures, stores, and uses "clean" energy sources by employing interfaces, storage devices, and other units. Unlike conventional electric power generation systems, renewable energy harvesting does not use fossil fuels and the generation units can be decentralized, thereby significantly reducing transmission and distribution losses. But advanced technical methods must be developed to increase the efficiency of devices in harvesting energy from environmentally friendly, "green" resources and converting them into electrical energy. Recognizing this need, Energy Harvesting: Solar, Wind, and Ocean Energy Conversion Systems describes various energy harvesting technologies, different topologies, and many types of power electronic interfaces for stand-alone utilization or grid connection of energy harvesting applications. Along with providing all the necessary concepts and theoretical background, the authors develop simulation models throughout the text to build a practical understanding of system analysis and modeling. With a focus on solar energy, the first chapter discusses the I−V characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) systems, PV models and equivalent circuits, sun tracking systems, maximum power point tracking systems, shading effects, and power electronic interfaces for grid-connected and stand-alone PV systems. It also presents sizing criteria for applications and modern solar energy applications, including residential, vehicular, naval, and space applications. The next chapter reviews different types of wind turbines and electrical machines as well as various power electronic interfaces. After explaining the energy generation technologies, optimal operation principles, and possible utilization techniques of ocean tidal energy harvesting, the book explores near- and offshore approaches for harvesting the kinetic and potential energy of ocean waves. It also describes the required absorber, turbine, and generator types, along with the power electronic interfaces for grid connection and commercialized ocean wave energy conversion applications. The final chapter deals with closed, open, and hybrid-cycle ocean thermal energy conversion systems.




Power Generation Technologies for Low-Temperature and Distributed Heat


Book Description

Power Generation Technologies for Low-Temperature and Distributed Heat presents a systematic and detailed analysis of a wide range of power generation systems for low-temperature (lower than 700-800°C) and distributed heat recovery applications. Each technology presented is reviewed by a well-known specialist to provide the reader with an accurate, insightful and up-to-date understanding of the latest research and knowledge in the field. Technologies are introduced before the fundamental concepts and theoretical technical and economic aspects are discussed, as well as the practical performance expectations. Cutting-edge technical progress, key applications, markets, as well as emerging and future trends are also provided, presenting a multifaceted and complete view of the most suitable technologies. A chapter on various options for thermal and electrical energy storage is also included with practical examples, making this a valuable resource for engineers, researchers, policymakers and engineering students in the fields of thermal energy, distributed power generation systems and renewable and clean energy technology systems. Presents a wide range of power generation technologies based on thermomechanical cycles, membrane technology, thermochemical, thermoelectric, photoelectric and electrochemical effects Explains the fundamental concepts and underlying operation principles in each case, and provides theoretical performance expectations and practical technical and economic characteristics Reviews the cutting-edge technical progress, key applications, markets, emerging and future trends, and includes practical examples of all technologies Details advantages and disadvantages of each technology to allow the reader to make informed decisions of their own for different applications




Handbook of Energy Harvesting Power Supplies and Applications


Book Description

This book describes the fundamentals and principles of energy harvesting and provides the necessary theory and background to develop energy harvesting power supplies. It explains the overall system design and gives quantitative assumptions on environmental energy. It explains different system blocks for an energy harvesting power supply and the trade-offs. The text covers in detail different energy transducer technologies such as piezoelectric, electrodynamic, and thermoelectric generators and solar cells from the material to the component level and explains the appropriate power management circuits required in these systems. Furthermore, it describes and compares storage elements such as secondary batteries and supercapacitors to select the most appropriate one for the application. Besides power supplies that use ambient energy, the book presents systems that use electromagnetic fields in the radio frequency range. Finally, it discusses different application fields and presents examples of self-powered electronic systems to illustrate the content of the preceding chapters.