Microalgae could play an important role in the achievement of sustainability goals related to the generation of renewable energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These photosynthetic microorganisms are able to capture CO2 and, therefore, can be used to produce biofuels such as ethanol, methane and green diesel. Other factors, such as their high growth rate, ability to use wastewater as a culture medium and the ability to grow on non-arable land makes them a potentially economical source of biofuel production on a large scale. This monograph introduces the reader to the basic and applied science of microalgal biofuel production. Chapters in the volume give information about bioethanol and biogas production from microalgal sources, the fermentation process, optimization of culture parameters and industrial applications of biomass projects. The book is a useful reference for biotechnology and environmental science graduates and professionals interested in biofuel production.

This book presents information about the application of various flexible AC transmission system devices to wind energy conversion systems. Devices such as unified power flow controllers, superconducting magnetic energy storage and static synchronous compensators are covered in this book. Chapters detail features of the topology and basic control systems of each device. Additionally, case studies are presented where necessary to demonstrate practical applications. This book is a reference for students and technicians studying wind power and AC transmission systems in advanced engineering courses.

Researchers, politicians and lay persons around the world agree that renewable energy technologies will play an increasingly important role in strengthening national economies in the future. The renewable energy industry has the potential to significantly increase power capacity of several countries and subsequently create many jobs. This book examines recent advances in specific renewable energy systems. Readers will learn about theoretical and applied perspectives which are key to addressing the major issues associated with such systems. Chapters cover solar energy systems, thermal energy storage, bioenergy, hydrogen production, geothermal energy and measurement techniques for these energy systems. Students in engineering programs, and engineers working in academia and the renewable energy sector will be able to broaden their understanding of complex renewable energy projects through the comprehensive overview of both the fundamental concepts and the technical issues covered in the text.

Solar Chimney Power Plants: Numerical Investigations and Experimental Validation summarizes the effect of the geometrical parameters of a solar chimney on the airflow behavior inside a solar chimney power plant. Chapters in this experimental handbook are presented in two parts with the goal of equipping readers with the information necessary to study and determine key factors which affect the performance of the solar chimney power plant. In the first part, the authors present a simulation developed by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling software ANSYS Fluent to model the airflow. The adopted CFD models include k-ɛ turbulence model, the DO radiation model and the convection heat flux transfer model. These models have been validated with anterior experimental results. In the second part, the simulated models are then tested with alternate geometric configurations of the solar chimney power plant. The numerical studies allow readers to consider ways to expand on the design optimizing of the solar chimney when constructing a prototype. Geometrical parameters include the height, the diameter of the chimney and the dimensions of the solar collector and their effect on the temperature and air pressure is documented to validate models used for experimental simulations. The handbook also includes a study of an experimental prototype, constructed at ENIS. The researchers have gathered data on the environmental temperature, distribution of the temperature, air velocity and the power output generated by the turbine, the solar radiation and the gap of temperature in the collector of the prototype.

This handbook is a guide to numerical and experimental processes that are used to analyze and improve the efficiency of vertical axis rotors. Chapters present information that is required to optimize the geometrical parameters of rotors or understand how to augment upstream water velocity. <p> The authors of this volume present a numerical model to characterize the water flow around the vertical axis rotors using commercial CFD code in Ansys Fluent®. The software has been used to select adequate parameters and perform computational simulations of spiral Darrieus turbines. The contents of the volume explain the experimental procedure carried out to evaluate the performance of the spiral Darrieus turbine, how to characterize the water flow in the vicinity of the tested turbine, and the method to assess the spiral angle influence on the turbine performance parameters. Results for different spiral angles (ranging from 10° to 40°) are presented. <p> This volume is a useful handbook for engineers involved in power plant design and renewable energy sectors who are studying the computational fluid dynamics of vertical axis turbines (such as Darrieus turbines) that are used in hydropower projects. <p> Key features: <p> - 4 chapters that cover the numerical and experimental analysis of vertical axis rotors and hydrokinetic turbines <p> - Simple structured layout for easy reading (methodology, models and results) <p> - Bibliographic study to introduce the reader to the subject <p> - A wide range of parameters included in experiments <p> - A comprehensive appendix of tables for mechanical parameters, statistical models, rotor parameters and geometric details.

This book is a compilation of innovative work on image processing applications for renewable energy systems. The chapters in the book describe the use of neural networks in multi-direction dynamic, topographical data frameworks which are designed to account for the distinctive contemporary issues faced when managing environmentally friendly power generation systems. The topics covered include uncertainty analysis methods, computing technologies, automated control systems, performance analysis, riverfront analysis through image processing and solar power estimation methods, to name a few. The information is also complemented with a review of problems in the electric power sector in India. This book is beneficial for professionals and researchers who work on hybrid techniques of GIS, remote sensing, image processing and the implementation of these techniques for utilizing renewable energy resources. Engineers who work on advanced algorithms for renewable energy applications will also get an updated perspective about relevant innovations in this industrial sector.

Wind power capacity in the world has been increased by more than 30% over the last decade in countries which have prominent installations. Wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) based on the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) have dominated the wind power generation sector due to the outstanding advantages they provide, including small converter ratings (around 30% of the generator rating) and lower converter costs. &lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; Due to the non-linearity of wind power systems, the DFIG power control setup presents a big challenge especially under conditions of high variance in wind-speed and parameter sensing. To overcome these major problems, an improved IDPC (Indirect Power Control) system based on PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller, has been proposed instead of the conventional power inverters. &lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; This handbook covers information about IDPC based WECS. The book starts with a general introduction to wind power system basics. Subsequent chapters provide additional knowledge about robustness tests and adaptive / intelligent control systems employed in wind energy systems. The new concept of direct and quadrature current control (Ird &amp; Irq) under MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) strategy is also explained along with novel fuzzy logic type control systems. The authors have included detailed diagrams and an appendix of WECS parameters, making this handbook a useful primer for engineering students working towards completing licenses, Masters degrees and Post-graduation programs in advanced wind power energy systems.

Silicon Based Thin Film Solar Cells explains concepts related to technologies for silicon (Si) based photovoltaic applications. Topics in this book focus on ‘new concept’ solar cells. These kinds of cells can make photovoltaic power production an economically viable option in comparison to the bulk crystalline semiconductor technology industry. A transition from bulk crystalline Si solar cells toward thin-film technologies reduces usage of active material and introduces new concepts based on nanotechnologies. Despite its importance, the scientific development and understanding of new solar cells is not very advanced, and educational resources for specialized engineers and scientists are required. This textbook presents the fundamental scientific aspects of Si thin films growth technology, together with a clear understanding of the properties of the material and how this is employed in new generation photovoltaic solar cells. The textbook is a valuable resource for graduate students working on their theses, young researchers and all people approaching problems and fundamental aspects of advanced photovoltaic conversion.

The urgency of exploring alternative energy sources, especially in regions so detrimentally affected by current energy practices on environmental, humanitarian and political levels warrants a crucial effort in raising awareness and activism about renewable energy and sustainable development. Sustainable Solar Energy Systems is a primer on the application of solar energy technology for sustainable development. This handbook starts with an introduction to basic concepts of solar energy, describes the mechanisms and benefits of related technologies, and presents a case study in an Arabian poultry farm. The book also includes details on how to conduct economic feasibility studies of solar power projects. The book is a suitable reference for general readers or students undertaking environmental science or engineering courses with specific modules on solar energy projects. Readers will be able to understand the benefits of solar energy systems in the context of an increasing concern about the use of renewable energy under conditions of global warming and declining fossil fuel reserves.

Considerable effort and money are devoted to developing alternative energy sources, such as wind power, solar power, cellulosic ethanol, and biofuels. This ebook is a collection of research papers on alternative energy sources presented at the Economics of Alternative Energy Sources and Globalization: The Road Ahead Conference that was held in November 2009 in Orlando, Florida. Thirty-three papers were presented by leading experts in the field, with about half being published in the e-book. Several of the papers explored the economics of biofuels produced from corn, sugarcane, and/or forestry materials. Two of the papers addressed the link between biofuel production and U.S. agricultural policy, and how biofuels could reduce U.S. Treasury costs even though biofuels increase food prices. International subsidies promote alternative fuel production (e.g., Brazil). This ebook should be a very useful resource for readers interested in alternative energy research and related economic policy.