Product Description

A Unique Systems Approach to Energy Engineering, Covering Carbon-Based, Nuclear, and Renewable Sources!

Customer Reviews (7)

Student User
During my time as an undergrad at Cornell University, one of my favorite classes has been a renewable energy course taught by one of the authors, Lou Albright, with Energy Systems Engineering as the primary textbook.Apart from being clear, well-written, and well-organized, the book does a great job of blending background information, justification for technologies, discussion of practical issues, and quantitative analysis of systems in a manageable and engaging way.Working through it was very empowering and it played a big role in getting me excited about energy.It's also very accessible as a reference for specific projects.I would highly recommend it to other students interested in learning how to work with and analyze energy systems.

Energy Systems Engineering: Evaluation and Implementation
We have been using Vanek and Albright's text at Virginia Tech for several semesters for a junior/senior level course entitled 'Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Global Society.'Overall, we find the book to be carefully written, providing good breadth as well as depth on some of the major conventional and sustainable energy systems.The students enrolling in our course come from a variety of engineering disciplines and have a range of backgrounds, but the text seems suited to the mix.The examples are helpful for students, and the excercises at the ends of the chapters provide a range of problems for homework assignments, ranging from conceptual to analytical to numerical.Teaching materials available electronically from the publisher include solution spreadsheets and PowerPoint slides of many (but not all) of the figures and tables in the text, facilitating lecture preparation.There are a number of texts available now in the sustainable energy field, but overall, this text provides a good balance of topics relevant to the course we teach.

Excellent as a university text book
I teach a 2nd year course in civil engineering at the University of Waterloo entitled Engineering and Sustainable Development.One module involves sustainable energy systems.I use this book as the reference for this section of the course.The presentation of stationary energy sources and the workings of fossil fuel plants is at precisely the correct level of explanation for undergraduate students with sufficient references provided to allow grad students (or keen undergraduates) to find out more information.

What I find best about the text is the presentation of the material from a systems analysis perspective.Understanding the goals of design is as, if not more important than how to do the design.

The text really is superb with regard to the modern sustainability concept of "triple bottom line."Each section delivers not only the technology but also a means to financially or economically evaluate the costs and benefits of such a technology.

Overall, this is a brilliant book on energy which has vast applications in university teaching.

An excellent resource, even for non-engineers
This book does an excellent job of bridging the gap between dry engineering texts and touchy-feely guides for novices.

The authors treat each topic area with a crisply written and comprehensive walk through that includes history, current state of development, key concepts and important areas of controversy and ongoing development.

These are followed up with well-designed exercises that teach the reader the formulas and equations required to design and evaluate these systems.

As a layman with a good general knowledge of energy systems and their inherent strengths and challenges, I found this book to a nice step up from the treatments I'm used to.The orderly, analytical approach of the trained engineer is compelling, and having the option of proceeding right into the related math a great way to shift my theoretical understanding toward a real working knowledge.

The topic areas covered in this book are critically important for us all to understand, as our race is forced to start implementing some kind of "Plan B" in the era of Peak Oil and Climate Change.This book helps us move from mystique to measurement--a prerequisite if we are to have a hope of getting it right.

ASAEE Recommended Title
As president of the American Society of Alternative Energy Engineers (ASAEE), I can fully endorse the lasting analytical power of this amazing text. Many texts like this, including some we're reviewing that have not yet been published, and slated for late 2009, cover policy, politics, global statistical inference, and multiple regressions of trend analysis for global supply and demand, but NONE come close to balancing the macro and micro in such fine fashion as ESE. This is a WORKING text, not just for policy, but for implementation. Don't let the ups and downs of barrel prices, or the emotion of global warming vs. cooling make you think this text is dated. The models are solid, sound, state of the art, and relevant in a timeless way-- changing the parameters will not change the underlying value of the models, contribution, and need for this text. This is a must for any engineer's library, whether doing policy work, design, or rubber hits the road project or community engineering. Applying an energy metaphor to the text, it's high wattage for low investment, a perpetuity rather than an annuity, green and permanent with frequent use, as well as a cherished place on your shelves, and renewable with the powerful updates, blogs and helpful additions this very ethical author keeps providing-- the gift keeps on giving. Conserve your funds, time and brain power by getting this today-- it will save you muddling through five other texts costing $200 each which only have a piece of the whole picture you'll find herein. The trees didn't give their lives in vain for this one!--Dr. Tom Halstead ... Read more

Product Description
Volume 1: Econometric General Equilibrium Modeling presents an econometric approach to general equilibrium modeling of the impact of economic policies. Earlier approaches were based on the "calibration" of general equilibrium models to a single data point. The obvious disadvantage of calibration is that it requires highly restrictive assumptions about technology and preferences, such as fixed input-output coefficients. These assumptions are contradicted by the massive evidence of energy conservation in response to higher world energy prices, beginning in 1973. The econometric approach to general equilibrium modeling successfully freed economic policy analysis from the straight jacket imposed by calibration.As a consequence of changes in energy prices and new environmental policies, a wealth of historical experience has accumulated over the past two decades. Interpreted within the framework of the neoclassical theory of economic growth, this experience provides essential guidelines for future policy formation. Volume 2: Energy, the Environment, and Economic Growth presents a new econometric general equilibrium model of the United States that captures the dynamic mechanisms underlying growth trends and responses to energy and environmental policies. Jorgenson uses the model to analyze the impacts of environmental regulations on U.S. economic growth and tax policies for controlling U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide. ... Read more

Product Description
This compilation of various patents, papers, descriptions, and diagrams concerning free-energy devices and systems is a visual tool for experimenters and researchers into magnetic motors and other 'over-unity' devices. Includes chapters on the Adams Motor, Hans Coler Generator, cold fusion, superconductors, 'N' machines, space-energy generators, Bedini motor, and the latest in free-energy devices. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

The web rules!
If you have web access, and who doesn't nowadays, this book will be old hat. Everything discussed in this book and more is available on the web, so, unless you want it for your collection it is not a "must-have".

Crazed Fanatics Unite!
Typical of the pro-free energy crowd: Vague descriptions, no proof whatsoever, conspiracy theories, new vocabulary terms leaning on other new vocabulary terms.Most assuredly we all would love for free-energy to be real so that we may stop polluting the earth.However, this book simply puts another nail into the coffin.An unorganized jumble of reprints of reprints of "reports" and fuzzy pictures.Amazing that such garbage even gets printed, let alone gets sold.I know better now.Save your money unless: 1) you are a fanatic or 2) you like to collect this kind of nonsense to prove the foolishness of man.

Let the buyer beware
The Free-Energy Device Handbook is less a handbook for the would be inventor and more a collection of various ideas, patents and whatever else the author could use to fill this 'book.' Inside you will find some theory, historical oddities and many re-printed magazine articles. There are a few designs for devices included but don't expect any kind of instructions, I didn't see any. The cost of return shipping requires keeping this book, it was cheep but why spend more? My advice is this: keep looking for better references and use your own ideas, there aren't any in here!

The Best Book on Free Energy
This is the best, and virtually only, book available on free energy motors. A great book on N-Machines, The Adams Pulse Generator, Magnetic, Ether, Gravity, and other motors, and their concepts, are not generallyknown in the mainstream media. This is the most thorough, and up-to-datecompendium on this fascinating subject! This is a compilation with lots ofpatents, diagrams, and scientific papers. Such devices appear to be veryfeasible. This is the book!

Geek Science for the Drooling True Believers
Geek science.The author is clueless of basic high school level physics.Its possible, although unlikely, that some 10 year old will one day explain the concept of the laws of thermodynamics to this guy.Perpetual motionmachines are garden variety frauds, the only money they make is from thelosers who line up to buy this particular brand of snake oil.

Makesdecent kindling though.

Bon appetite! ... Read more

Product Description
We have all heard the news: oil prices have exceeded $100 a barrel and natural gas rates have exploded by 74% over the past four years. And these costs will continue to rise. So how can the average homeowner lower their energy bill and still maintain a comfortable, healthy, and green house? The answer is: Bruce Harley's 150 Ways to Cut Your Energy Bills Today. Offering eye-opening incentives and easily achievable methods, Harley's uncluttered and organized approach will not only benefit the environment, it will help anyone reduce their heating, cooling, and electrical expenses. Highlighted by numbered tips and techniques for easy reference, the book presents a treasure trove of simple and inexpensive ways for cutting energy costs by up to 20% -- and even 40% in some cases. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Soild starter
This book is a solid starter for sure. Honestly it is worth the $$ if you follow the advice. Note it is short and sweet on a lot of topics.

Essential Reading!
This book is the best value out there. Because it explains in simple, easy to understand terms the most essential aspects that every person who lives in a dwelling should know about the way our choices about energy affect our homes. Get a copy for all your friends and they will thank you for years to come!

Wanna save money? Get this book
With so much emphasis on energy saving and global warming these days, this book is a great reference for the average homeowner. Written in simple terms with easy-to-understand graphics, anyone can easily understand the causes of heat loss and cold air infiltration, and the solutions. Bruce Harley shows once again why he's one of the foremost experts in building science and energy conservation in America.

A superb guidebook from an obviously expert guide

I own about a dozen DIY books on weatherproofing/weathersealing, interior air quality (IAQ), humidity, moisture, and so forth.Harley's "Insulate and Weatherize" was my hands-down favorite purchase in that category. The writing and photos and diagrams were all intelligent and precise, and Harley's knowledge is several notches above the other authors'. He foresaw issues and problems that our top local HVAC consultant was clueless about. Priceless.

"Cut Your Energy" is like his earlier book in all those ways, but with a different emphasis. There is overlap with the earlier book when it comes to things like hunting-and-destroying air leaks, but most of "Cut Your Energy" is new material. I'd already read a lot in this area, so I knew maybe 45% of the stuff in Cut Your Energy. But the other 55% was worth its weight in gold.

This is an oversize book with tons of detailed text, photos, diagrams, lists of resources and contact info, appendices, and -- our favorite -- "energy-saving" myths. [One example: We had assumed that we should seal off the HVAC vents in unused bedrooms and closets to save energy. Not always true, per Harley.]

Unless you're an expert already, I think this is the book to get.

Conservation & Efficiency
Detailed with lots of photographs for the average person. Systematic for doing a thorough tightening up of your home or office. Does not include a HERS energy audit or a Dulley Energy Efficiency Index inventory, but pretty much include most other things. ... Read more

Product Description
Designed to bring an understanding of the technological problems regarding our present society to students with no science background. Covers energy use in human history, its diverse sources, safety aspects, storage conservation and environmental problems. This edition includes the many changes which have taken place in issues involving energy and the environment during the past decade. A variety of current statistical information, numerous new problems and recommended outside reading material has been added. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An excellent summary of issues facing modern societies
This book presents, in clear and easy to understand language, a nearly complete summary of the problems and issues of technology that face a modern society.Issues ranging from alternative energy sources and traffic theory to the problems of feeding the world's growing population are addressed.This book allows one to approach such modern questions as "Should I have airbags in my car?" or "How dangerous is the nuclear power plant in the next town?" from a knowledgeable standpoint.Many worked examples are included.Reference lists and problems are included at the end of each chapter.Although written as a textbook, this is an excellent (and entertaining) resource for the general interested reader.(Disclaimer:I am a former student of one of authors, but never took the class for which this book was written.) ... Read more

Product Description
Heavy water (deuterium oxide) played a sinister role inthe race for nuclear energy during the Second World War. It was a keyfactor in Germany's bid to harness atomic energy primarily as a sourceof electric power; its acute shortage was a factor in Japan's decisionnot to pursue seriously nuclear weaponry; its very existence was anagging thorn in the side of the Allied powers. Books and films havedwelt on the Allies' efforts to deny the Germans heavy water bymilitary means; however a history of heavy water in itself has notbeen written.

This book fills that gap. It concentrates on the circumstances wherebyNorway became the pre-eminent producer of heavy water, and on thescientific role the rare isotope of hydrogren played in the wartimeefforts by the Axis and Allied powers alike. Instead of a purelytechnical treatise on heavy water, the book may better be described asa social history of the subject.

The book covers the discovery and early uses of deuterium before WorldWar Two; its large-scale production by Norsk Hydro in Norway,especially under German control; the French-German race for theNorwegian heavy-water stocks in 1940; its importance for thesubsequent German uranium project, including Allied sabotage andbombing of the Norwegian plants; likewise its lesser role in Alliedprojects, especially, the United States and Canada. The book concludeswith an overall assessment of the importance, or perceived importanceof heavy water for the German program, which alone staked everythingon heavy water in its quest for a nuclear chain reaction. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Another piece of the Atom Bomb Race in Germany
The quality of the writing is very good. The people involved are portrayed as people and as scientists. Insights are given regarding atomic research in France, Germany and the United States. For the researcher studying the German atomic project, a few interesting facts emerge. The author, having had access to Norsk Hydro archives, also tells about internal sabotage by plant workers and the role of the British in their attempts to destroy part or all of the plant. A report is also given about German plans to dismantle the equipment for producing heavy water and moving it out of harm's way to Germany. Then, there is a strange report about the Germans, after securing an 'important' shipment of heavy water, which was designated to be destroyed by the Norwegians at any cost, leave it relatively unguarded on a boat. The saboteurs gain easy access, sink the boat and most of its precious cargo. The key to understanding that episode is to look at the possibility of a feint by the Germans designed to keep attention focused in Norway while a larger, more heavily funded concern, IG Farben, the world's largest chemical cartel, could have simply and quietly duplicated the process, and the required equipment, in Germany. This, I think, is the most important conclusion to be drawn from the book. That, and the fact that IG Farben had part ownership in Norsk Hydro.

The Americans were also looking at heavy water as a moderator for their atomic pile work. Another detail which I think is missed when considering the history of this substance. For the serious researcher, this book adds important details and makes clear the importance of heavy water in atomic research.

a great book at great cost
This is a fantastic book, Mr Dahl is one of the few authors that I've read that doesn't feel the need to "dumb down" his material. The book is well written and chock full of technical detail. My only regret is that I had to get a copy from the library, since the $75 cost(at the time of this review) is far too steep for anything other than a textbook. If the publisher were to lower book's cost to the $20 or below price point I would happily buy a copy to add to my collection.

The thrilling history of a unique scientific substance.
With his newest work of science history, Heavy Water and the Wartime Race for Nuclear Energy, physicist and author Per Dahl pulls off the remarkable feat of delivering both a scholarly work and a nail-biting thriller.*** Late in 1938, Lise Meitner, Otto Hahn, and Fritz Strassman discovered thephenomenon of atomic fission; physicists everywhere realized that if chainreactions could be tamed, fission could lead to a new source of power. Whatwas needed was a substance that could "moderate" the energy ofneutrons emitted in radioactive decay, so that they could be captured byother fissionable nuclei. Heavy water was a prime candidate for the job --its role in world affairs thus forever assured.*** While plenty ofbooks and movies have dealt with Allied efforts to deny heavy water to theGermans in World War II, Dahl's is the first history of the substanceitself -- not as "a purely technical treatise," he writes in thepreface (although there are details and diagrams aplenty), but "asocial history." *** Deuterium, a hydrogen atom whose nucleusincludes one neutron, was discovered before the neutron itself. In 1931,most scientists thought the differing weights of isotopes were due to extraprotons bound to "nuclear electrons." By Thanksgiving of thatyear, Columbia University chemist Harold Urey had identified the spectrallines of what he would later call deuterium in a few cubic centimeters ofconcentrated liquid hydrogen. Not until February 1932, in Cambridge,England, did James Chadwick discover the neutron. *** Deuterium isphysically so different from ordinary hydrogen (roughly twice as massive,for one thing) that chemists eagerly turned their attention to it. Theywondered what differences deuterium instead of ordinary hydrogen might makein the behavior of chemical compounds; what the effects on plants andanimals of water with two deuterium atoms per molecule might be; and evenwhat therapeutic potential this literally heavy water might possess.*** The protean Gilbert Lewis, Urey's mentor at the University of California atBerkeley, was a pioneer in these investigations, and he soon made moreheavy water than Urey himself -- enough that, among many other experiments,he was able to feed two-thirds of a gram of the precious stuff to a mouse.The mouse survived, Lewis reported, but showed "marked signs ofintoxication." *** Concentrating heavy water requires enormousamounts of electricity. In the 1930s, one of the few places in the worldwith power to spare was the Vemork plant of Norway's Norsk Hydro-Elektrisk,which had harnessed a 144-meter-high waterfall to produce fertilizers.Norsk Hydro supplied the world's scientific community with heavy water onlyas a sideline. Inebriated mice aside, what was it good for? *** Nuclear fission supplied the answer. The best candidates for moderators inatomic reactors were heavy water and pure graphite. Dahl relates thefascinating events, including romantic distractions, that persuaded Germanscientists that graphite wouldn't do the job. When, in late 1939, theGermans began ordering heavy water in very large quantities, Norsk Hydromanagement suspected "some kind of deviltry."*** FrédéricJoliot knew perfectly well what kind of deviltry, and with the cooperationof Norsk Hydro, the French managed to spirit the company's entire stock ofheavy water, some 185 kilograms, out of the country under the noses ofwatching German agents. Later, Joliot's assistants smuggled most of it outof Vichy France and used it to convince the British that chain reactionswere practical.*** Meanwhile the Germans had invaded Norway, and theAllies set out to destroy Vemork, a story familiar from the 1965 Hollywoodfilm, Heroes of Telemark, starring Kirk Douglas and Richard Harris. Despitetragic loss of life, the Norwegian underground repeatedly sabotagedVemork's heavy water production until the Germans finally gave up.*** The German attempt to build a reactor was feeble and disorganized -- andtheir effort to build an atomic weapon nonexistent -- but the Allies didn'tknow that. German interest in heavy water was a major factor in the race tobuild the A-bomb. *** Per Dahl masterfully recounts all these eventsand many more. There is wisdom in his judicious treatment of persistenthistorical debates, including the rancorous argument that still rages aboutthe motivations of Hahn, Werner Heisenberg, and the other members of theGerman "Uranium Club." His style is lively, his researchthorough, his organization superb.*** The Institute of PhysicsPublishing company has matched Dahl's efforts by giving Heavy Water and theWartime Race for Nuclear Energy the scholarly apparatus and handsomeproduction it deserves. ... Read more

Product Description
The solution to our current energy dilemma will contain features of both alternate energy sources and alternate use of existing energy sources. In order to help engineers find this solution, Alternative Energy Systems covers a wide range of concepts. They will examine areas involving reat turbomachine and solar energy, CHP applications, and additional alternate energy concepts. All chapters focus on first-order engineering calculations. Alternate energy topics are also equated to topics related to renewable energy resources. Engineers will learn how to apply these concepts to find new solutions. ... Read more

Product Description
This text deals with advanced energy systems that are sensitive to the environment, such as combined-cycle power plants. The text analyzes major advanced power generation technologies, and it gives an outlook to the future of power engineering.Among the features of this book are over 50 solved problems, examples included at the end of each chapter, a state-of-the-art analysis of advanced energy and emerging technologies, and full figures, appendices, and references. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

do not buy.
I'm using this book for a class and I don't like it. Book gives examples but author tends to skip steps without explaining. If I was a instructor, I would get a different book. Plus this book's really expensive. ... Read more

Product Description
When we speak of man, we have a conception of humanity as a whole, and before applying scientific methods to the investigation of his movement, we must accept this as a physical fact. But can any one doubt to-day that all the millions of individuals and all innumerable types and characters constitute an entirety, a unit? Though free to think and act, we are held together, like the stars in the firmament; with ties inseparable. These ties we cannot see, but we can feel them. I cut myself in the finger, and it pains me: this finger is a part of me. I see a friend hurt, and it hurts me, too: my friend and I are one. And now I see stricken down an enemy, a lump of matter which, of all the lumps of matter in the universe, I care least for, and still it grieves me. Does this not prove that each of us is only a part of a whole? ... Read more

Product Description
This volume examines all important aspects of biospheric civilizational energetics. The author uses measurements of energy and power densities and intensities throughout to provide an integrated framework of analysis as all segments of energetics are examined, from planetary energetics (solar radiation and geomorphic processes) and bioenergetics (photosynthesis) to human energetics (metabolism and thermoregulation), traced from hunting-gathering and agricultural societies through modern day industrial civilization. The book concludes with general patterns and trends of energy use today, their impact on the environment and socio-economic considerations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Comprehensive review of population energetics
This book is a comprehensive introduction to energetics.The book takes the view that energy balance calculations are useful predictors of biological population dynamics.There is first a review of the current terrestrial energy provided by the sun and the earth (the earth's core is very hot).This may seem like a simple topic, but there are an enormous number of ways energy reveals itself for measurement, so a third of the book is devoted to this subject.

The middle third considers the energy balance implications of various plant and animal populations.The final third considers the human energy balance.

I would have liked to have seen consideration of power-law distributions of energy consumption by population group, but this omission doesn't subtract from the value of the book. ... Read more

Product Description

It is easy being green!

Teach Yourself Saving Energy in the Home offers you straightforward, achievable cost-cutting and energy saving strategies. It gives you various ways to save energy in the home, even if it's just a rented property, with practical advice on heating, hot and cold water, electricity and appliances, stand-by systems, lighting, cooling systems--even how to manage your teenager's use of energy. There are chapters on how to save energy in your garden and guidelines on how to generate your own power. The book will also offer practical suggestions for "responsible recreation," showing you how leisure interests can impact on the environment. It gives advice on green travel, including what make of car and which fuel to choose, and offers tips for saving energy in your workplace.

Product Description
This work reported in three volumes refers to the German portion of task sharing activities within the International IEA-Project to explore the possibilities of solar thermal energy. The principal objective of the International Small Solar Power System (SSPS) Project in Almeria, Spain, was to examine in detail the feasibility and operability of solar thermal plants using solar irradiation for the generation of electric power. Since 1985 when this goal was reached the facilities are and will be used as platforms for experiments on optimized operations, improvements of subsystems and components, utilizations of heat for operations other than generating electricity, especially for endothermic reactions within chemical processes. The present volumes report on results of German studies dealing with these topics during 1985 and 1986. The temperature regime discussed herein ranges from 600°C well beyond 1000°C. ... Read more

Product Description
Are the combined human resources at GENERAL ENERGY RESOURCES & TECHNLGY CORP productive?There is no absolute answer to this question. This report considers the extent to which the company's labor deployment indicators differ from global benchmarks.In this report we consider forecasts of differences between labor ratios and the resulting return on this human investment compared to global benchmarks; the estimation of such differences is commonly called a "gap analysis."What is the ratio of short-term and long-term assets to employee?What are typical capital-labor ratios?How different are these ratios to companies serving the same link in the value chain? What are the average sales and net profits per employee compared to global benchmarks?These and over 50 other indicators of labor productivity are considered in this report.The report does so by going beyond traditional analyses by considering companies competing in the same or similar industrial classification at a global level.The goal of this report, therefore, is to assist consultants, human resource managers, strategic planners, and corporate officers in gauging estimates of a company's human resource indicators compared to firms competing or participating in the same economic sector, at the global level.This report is not about whether a particular company or industry has performed well or poorly in the past or will do so in the future.With the globalization of markets, greater foreign competition, and the reduction of entry barriers, it becomes all the more important to benchmark a company's human resource indicators against other firms on a worldwide basis.Doing so, however, is not an obvious task.First, one needs to find firms competing in the same sector, but not necessarily competing directly with the company in local markets.These firms should not be perceived, therefore, to be direct competitors to the company in question, but simply those that have been classified by various sources (e.g. EDGAR or similar foreign filings), as competing to serve customers in the same link of the value chain, or broad industrial classification, as identified by SIC, NAICS or similar codes. Second, given the international nature of the task, one needs to control for exchange rate volatility.Finally, one needs use comparable financial standards.This report overcomes these issues and gives full human resources benchmarks vis-a-vis worldwide competitors who are present in the same narrow industrial classification. Benchmarks cover labor-asset ratios, labor-liability ratios, and labor-income ratios.Since our reports are printed on demand, the statistics reported are for the latest quarter and are the most up to date available (4 updates are produced each year). Each report provides over 100 statistics and 40 graphs to the reader.This reports is on GENERAL ENERGY RESOURCES & TECHNLGY CORP, TRANVERSE CITY, USA. ... Read more