The perfect primer for anyone wanting to understand what renewable energy means.

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Product Description

Stimulated by recent technological developments and increasing concern over the sustainability and environmental impact of conventional fuel usage, the prospect of producing clean, sustainable power in substantial quantities from renewable energy sources arouses interest world-wide. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the principal types of renewable energy-including solar, thermal photovoltaics, bioenergy, hydro, tidal, wind, wave, and geothermal. In addition, the text explains the underlying physical and technological principles of renewable energy and examines the environmental impact and future prospects of different energy sources. It includes over 350 detailed illustrations, more than fifty tables of data, and a wide range of case studies. Renewable Energy, 2/e is ideal for undergraduate courses in energy, sustainable development, and environmental science.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #33103 in Books
• Published on: 2004-05-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 464 pages

Review
`Review from previous edition It is high time that good textbooks on the subject become available on the market. Renewable Energy: Power for a Sustainable Future, is thus a timely and welcome addition to the existing literature on the subject...Godfrey Boyle and his team of authors have, in my view, managed to produce an outstanding textbook in which a wealth of information, including an extensive amount of data, is presented in a lucid and comprehensible form.' The Journal of Energy Literature, March 1997

`It is readily accessible to readers with a wide range of interests and abilities because the complex scientific explanations are presented separately from the main text ... the authors have presented the questions that must be considered. The book contains a wealth of information and is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in renewable energy technologies and their possible role in our future.' Nicola Pearsall, Chemistry and Industry, October 1996

`...an excellent and timely primer...the book strikes an admirable balance between making the principles underlying the renewables as understandable as possible and endeavouring not to oversimplify important technological and economic aspects.' Resurgence, April 1997

`This book has been produced by a large, expert course team who have carefully researched the area and presented much up to date information. The book is very user-friendly, having many valuable figures, tables and boxes. There are plentiful suggestions for further reading, and students are guided towards key papers in a range of journals.' Paul Phillips, Education in Chemistry, May 1997

`This is an excellent text, covering all the actual and potential sources of renewable energy. The writing is clear and the many excellent diagrams and illustrations complement the written word. Where the treatment is necessarily theoretical the level is appropriate and the argument laid out in separate text. This book will be highly relevant to any undergraduate studying this important field.' Aslib Book Guide, vol.61, no.10, October 1996

About the Author

Godfrey Boyle is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Design and Innovation and co-director of the Energy and Environment Research Unit at the UK Open University.

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Customer Reviews

Comprehensive book on all modern renewable energy sources
I used this book as a primary text for a course on "Energy & the Environment" where we dealt with all current and future methods of energy production and their effect on the environment.

This book is by far the best and easiest to read, whilst still containing accurate and complete information and data (though most of the data is based on the UK). It contains relevant formulas and mathematical information but is not too technical as to leave the reader jumping through numbers.

I've given this book 5 stars, because I couldn't find any flaw in it. It's a MUST have for any one interested in renewable energy.

Excellent Resource
This book is an excellent resource for those interested in a good initial exposure to renewable energy. Concepts are clearly explained, and the colorful graphics add to the overall appeal. Although the book centers on implementation of technologies in Britain, this should not limit its relevance. In fact, many of the technologies that may not be as economically viable in the U.S. and other countries, such as wave and tidal power, receive a thorough treatment in this book.

A great book
It's a fantastic book! Covers all you need to know, albeit focusing a bit too much on the UK!