Renewable and Efficient Electric Power Systems (eBook)

A solid, quantitative, practical introduction to a wide range
of renewable energy systems--in a completely updated, new
edition

The second edition of Renewable and Efficient Electric Power
Systems provides a solid, quantitative, practical introduction
to a wide range of renewable energy systems. For each topic,
essential theoretical background is introduced, practical
engineering considerations associated with designing systems and
predicting their performance are provided, and methods for
evaluating the economics of these systems are presented. While the
book focuses on the fastest growing, most promising wind and solar
technologies, new material on tidal and wave power, small-scale
hydroelectric power, geothermal and biomass systems is introduced.
Both supply-side and demand-side technologies are blended in the
final chapter, which introduces the emerging smart grid. As the
fraction of our power generated by renewable resources increases,
the role of demand-side management in helping maintain grid balance
is explored.

Renewable energy systems have become mainstream technologies and
are now, literally, big business. Throughout this edition, more
depth has been provided on the financial analysis of large-scale
conventional and renewable energy projects. While grid-connected
systems dominate the market today, off-grid systems are beginning
to have a significant impact on emerging economies where
electricity is a scarce commodity. Considerable attention is paid
to the economics of all of these systems.

This edition has been completely rewritten, updated, and
reorganized. New material has been presented both in the form of
new topics as well as in greater depth in some areas. The section
on the fundamentals of electric power has been enhanced, making
this edition a much better bridge to the more advanced courses in
power that are returning to many electrical engineering programs.
This includes an introduction to phasor notation, more emphasis on
reactive power as well as real power, more on power converter and
inverter electronics, and more material on generator technologies.
Realizing that many students, as well as professionals, in this
increasingly important field may have modest electrical engineering
backgrounds, early chapters develop the skills and knowledge
necessary to understand these important topics without the need for
supplementary materials.

With numerous completely worked examples throughout, the book
has been designed to encourage self-instruction. The book includes
worked examples for virtually every topic that lends itself to
quantitative analysis. Each chapter ends with a problem set that
provides additional practice. This is an essential resource for a
mixed audience of engineering and other technology-focused
individuals.