Renewable Energy Engineering

This second edition of the textbook provides students with a quantitative and accessible introduction to renewable technologies, including new chapters on energy storage, off-grid systems, microgrids, and community energy. It includes over 60 worked examples and 150 end-of-chapter homework problems, with solutions for instructors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 530 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This second edition of Renewable Energy: An Introduction provides students with a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the renewable technologies at the forefront of efforts to build a sustainable future. Key features include new chapters on essential topics such as energy storage, off-grid systems, microgrids, and community energy; revised chapters on energy and grid fundamentals, wind energy, hydro power, photovoltaic and solar thermal energy, marine energy, and bioenergy; appendices on foundational topics in electrical engineering, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics; discussion of how real-world projects are developed, constructed, and operated; over 60 worked examples linking theory to real-world engineering applications; and over 150 end-of-chapter homework problems, with solutions for instructors. Accompanied online at www.cambridge.org/jenkins2e by extended exercises and datasets, this new edition remains the ideal multi-disciplinary introduction to renewable energy for senior undergraduate and graduate students in engineering and the physical sciences.

Renewable energy is a rapidly growing sector that plays a crucial role in addressing climate change and achieving a sustainable future. This second edition of Renewable Energy: An Introduction provides students with a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the renewable technologies at the forefront of these efforts. The book is designed to be accessible to students from various backgrounds, including engineering, the physical sciences, and environmental studies.

The book is divided into nine chapters, covering key topics in renewable energy. The first chapter provides an overview of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass. It explains the principles behind these sources and their potential for generating electricity and heat.

The second chapter focuses on energy storage, a critical component of renewable energy systems. It discusses different types of energy storage technologies, such as batteries, pumped-storage hydroelectricity, and thermal storage, and their applications in renewable energy systems.

The third chapter explores off-grid systems, which are designed to provide electricity and other services to remote areas without access to the grid. It discusses the design and implementation of off-grid systems, including solar home systems, stand-alone solar power systems, and microgrids.

The fourth chapter examines microgrids, which are small-scale power networks that can operate independently of the main power grid. It discusses the benefits of microgrids, including their resilience, reliability, and ability to provide power during grid outages.

The fifth chapter explores community energy, which involves the generation and distribution of electricity within a community. It discusses the benefits of community energy, including its potential for reducing energy poverty, promoting social cohesion, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The sixth chapter focuses on wind energy, one of the most widely used renewable energy sources. It discusses the principles of wind energy generation, the design and implementation of wind turbines, and the challenges associated with wind energy development.

The seventh chapter examines hydro power, which is generated by harnessing the energy of flowing water. It discusses the different types of hydro power generation, including run-of-river, pumped-storage, and hydroelectric power plants, and their applications in renewable energy systems.

The eighth chapter explores photovoltaic and solar thermal energy, which are generated by converting sunlight into electricity and heat. It discusses the principles of photovoltaic cells and solar thermal collectors, their applications in renewable energy systems, and the challenges associated with their development and implementation.

The ninth chapter examines marine energy, which is generated by harnessing the energy of waves, tides, and currents. It discusses the different types of marine energy generation, including wave power, tidal power, and ocean thermal energy conversion, and their applications in renewable energy systems.

In addition to the chapters, the book includes appendices on foundational topics in electrical engineering, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics. These appendices provide students with a solid understanding of the underlying principles that support renewable energy technologies.

The book also includes over 60 worked examples linking theory to real-world engineering applications. These examples help students understand the practical aspects of renewable energy development and implementation.

Furthermore, the book includes over 150 end-of-chapter homework problems, with solutions for instructors. These problems help students apply the concepts learned in the book and develop their problem-solving skills.

Accompanied online at www.cambridge.org/jenkins2e by extended exercises and datasets, this new edition remains the ideal multi-disciplinary introduction to renewable energy for senior undergraduate and graduate students in engineering and the physical sciences. The online resources include additional examples, case studies, and discussion forums, allowing students to engage with the material and with each other.

In conclusion, Renewable Energy: An Introduction is a comprehensive and accessible textbook that provides students with a solid understanding of the renewable technologies at the heart of efforts to build a sustainable future. The book is well-written, engaging, and informative, and it is accompanied by a wealth of online resources that enhance the learning experience. Whether you are a student, researcher, or professional in the field of renewable energy, this book is an essential resource for your studies and career.

Weight: 1140g
Dimension: 178 x 253 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009295765
Edition number: 2 Revised edition