Thermo is hard for two reasons. The equations are messy, and the properties are so abstract. Van Ness deals directly and only with the second problem. His discussion of energy functions and energy transformations just as rules between observables is very helpful.

Excellent text for the heat transfer novice, both as a supplement to a class and as a personal teaching tool. The writing is easy to understand, and the chapters are arranged logically. The examples are well chosen and usually demonstrate how the theory and equations can be put to good use.

Introduces students of chemistry, physics, geology, and environmental engineering to a broad range of biological concepts they may not otherwise be exposed to in their training. Based on a graduate-level course designed to teach engineers to be literate in biological concepts and terminology, the text covers a wide range of biology without making it tedious for non-biology majors.

This is an excellent supplement for electrical technology and electrical engineering students taking a first course on circuit analysis. It is a particularly good companion to Boylestad's "Introductory Circuit Analysis", which is a standard circuit analysis text that has insufficient examples on several subjects.

Although the coverage is broad, they develop topics in sufficient depth to expose the fundamental principles, concepts, techniques, methods, and circuits necessary for the reader to understand and design power electronic systems as diverse as a 5 Watt switching converter and a 600 MWatt high-voltage DC transmission terminal.

ENGINEERING REAL SYSTEMS - Very technical book that shows how the architect must be part electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, electrician, physicist, plumber, safety specialist, & transportation engineer in order to design the modern building. To top it all off, you need to be knowledgable of current mechanical and electrical equipment - their specifications and their costs.

The physics & logic behind relevant IEEE standards. So it helps to understand and application of these standards in engineering work. This book enriches and updates background knowledge on application of power equipment. It is ideal for electric power engineering professional and student who wishes to know more about engineering practice.

Clear enough for an electrical engineer to understand the mechanical concepts involved. If you want to replace it you have to understand it first.

Formalizes a system of 253 patterns, ranging in scale from towns down to benches. Patterns 1 through 94 define a town or community; numbers 95 through 204 define (groups of) buildings; & numbers 205-253 define a "buildable building". The individual patterns are themselves evocative & inviting, & cover a myriad of human social & environmental relationships.

RENEWABLE ENERGY - Unlike energy texts that target a general audience, this one aims high, at bright junior or senior engineering or physical science majors.

The material is easy to grasp for anyone with a basic background in math/science; and learning about how this stuff works is fascinating! The chapter on aerodynamics will have you writing computer codes for months. The author's writing style is modern and easy to follow.

Gives you everything you need to build more than 30 thrilling solar energy projects. You'll find complete, easy-to-follow plans, with clear diagrams and schematics, so you know exactly what's involved before you begin.

Starts with a beginner's course in solid state physical devices & leads into the history of solar cell materials & procedures over the years. Next is an in-depth discussion of various types of materials & how they are suited for different applications. It makes logical predictions about the future of some of these materials, & hints at what new techniques scientists are starting to look at today.

Even if you don't have a engineering background this book is understandable, however to make full use of it you should know some chemistry and calculus. The book walks you through the basics of fuel cell concepts and then leads on to more advanced topics such as delivering fuel cell power. It's only drawback is that it doesn't have any exercises.

Offers a very thotough analysis of the need for biomass fuels, their production and use. It is a superb resource with an impressive review of the potential of many crops and resources to serve energy needs.

Nuclear energy can be part of the solution too. Beyond nuclear physics theory, the second half of the book contains a detailed coverage of nuclear reactor physics, look both at past designs and at future designs. The end material covers nuclear physics as it pertains to biological hazards and safety/shielding issues. A complete, self-contained intro to nuclear physics.

POLICY - A very accessible introduction to the problem of global climate change and what can be done.

This is not just a book about oil, it covers energy as a whole. You can quibble with this or that detail, but this is an excellent introduction, the best single book on energy now available for the layman. Roberts has no utopian libertarian illusions about business, but realizes that business is inevitably going to be part of the solutions that emerge.