Alternative Energy Demystified

About this book

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 ascoal 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.

Contents

Chapter 1. Heating with Wood, Corn, and Coal
Chapter 2. Heating with Oil and Gas
Chapter 3. Heating and Cooling with Electricity
Chapter 4. Passive Solar Heating
Chapter 5. Advanced Indoor Climate Control
Chapter 6. Conventional Propulsion Methods
Chapter 7. Propulsion with Methane, Propane, and Biofuels
Chapter 8. Propulsion with Electricity, Hydrogen, and Fuel Cells
Chapter 9. Advanced Propulsion Methods
Chapter 10. Electricity from Fossil Fuels
Chapter 11. Electricity from Water and Wind
Chapter 12. Electricity from Atoms and the Sun
Chapter 13. Advanced Lighting Systems
Chapter 14. Advanced Electrification Methods

Final Exam Answers to Quiz and Exam Questions
Suggested Additional Reading

Customer Reviews

Biography

Stan Gibilisco is the "father" of the Demystified series, as well as a best-selling Demystified author. He has authored or co-authored dozens of nonfiction books about electronics, general science, mathematics and engineering including Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics, Physics Demystified, Everyday Math Demystified and The TAB Encyclopedia of Electronics for Technicians. He has worked as a technical writer in industry, as a radio broadcast station technician, as a radio-frequency design engineer, and as a magazine editor.