Renewable Energy, Technology and the Environment

Renewable Energy: Technology and the Environment comprises 106 chapters, with the first focusing on integrated resource planning. The following chapters delve into such topics as electricity from geothermal energy; wave energy prospects and prototypes; renewable energy policies for the nineties and beyond; and renewable energy technologies in developing countries. These topics are followed by discussions on harnessing the tax system to benefit alternative energy; energy-meteorology; development energy and environment; solar energy education; solar hydrogen; sky brightness during twilight; and solar instrumentation used in meteorology. Other chapters cover self-acting system tracking for pyrheliometers; directly coupled turbine-induction generator systems for low-cost micro-hydro power; and the utilization of genetic algorithm for the optimal design of a pneumatic hydro-power device. The remaining chapters present field experiments of a wave power converter with caisson breakwater; technical potentials of renewable energies; and air pollution modification due to energy supply diversification. This book will be of interest to practitioners in the fields of meteorology and environmental studies.