Clean Energy
Presenting a broad survey of the energy problems facing society over the coming decades and the prospects for their solution, this book emphasizes the importance of developing a strategy for the world's future energy supply.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Clean Energy
Chapter 1: Energy Production and Use
It is generally held that the present production and use of energy pose a serious threat to the global environment, particularly in relation to the emission of greenhouse gases (principally, carbon dioxide, CO 2) and the perceived influence of these gases on the Earth's climate. Accordingly, industrialized countries are examining a whole range of new policies and technology issues to make their energy futures 'sustainable'. That is, to maintain economic growth and cultural traditions whilst providing energy security and environmental protection. Clearly, the world is set to make major changes so as to maintain adequate supplies of Clean Energy.
1.1 A Brief History of Energy Technology
The mastery of energy has always been the key to a better world. Ironically, though, the concept of energy is difficult to grasp; it is an abstract quantity that manifests itself in many forms, e.g. chemical, electrical, mechanical, radiant, nuclear, and thermal energy. In an electrical power station, for example, fossil fuel (chemical energy) is converted via steam to mechanical energy and then, via an alternator, to electrical energy. In an electric vehicle, a battery is used to convert chemical energy into electrical energy, which is then converted to mechanical energy by a motor. The scientific use of the term 'energy' was introduced by Thomas Young (1773 1829), an English physicist, physician, and Egyptologist who also provided the most astute definition to date, namely: 'energy is the ability to do work.' It is commonly understood that 'work' means the application of...
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