Earthscan Expert – serie

Hundreds of million tonnes of agricultural and food waste are produced each year around the world, most of which is just that, waste. Anaerobic digestion, biogas and the heat and electricity that can be produced from it is still a nascent industry in many countries, yet the benefits of AD spread throughout the community:Gives good financial returns to farmers and eco-entrepreneurs. Helps community leaders meet various policies and legislative targets. Offers an environmentally sensitive waste disposal option. Provides a local heat and power supply, & creates employment opportunities Reduces greenhouse gas emissions, as well as providing an organic fertilizer.Although the process of AD itself is relatively simple there are several system options available to meet the demands of different feedstocks. This book describes, in simple, easy to read language the five common systems of AD; how they work, the impact of scale, the basic requirements, the costs and financial implications, and how to get involved in this rapidly growing green industry.

The market and policy impetus to install increasingly utility-scale solar systems, or solar farms (sometimes known as solar parks or ranches), has seen products and applications develop ahead of the collective industry knowledge and experience. Recently however, the market has matured and investment opportunites for utility-scale solar farms or parks as part of renewable energy policies have made the sector more attractive. This book brings together the latest technical, practical and financial information available to provide an essential guide to solar farms, from design and planning to installation and maintenance.The book builds on the challenges and lessons learned from existing solar farms, that have been developed across the world, including in Europe, the USA, Australia, China and India. Topics covered include system design, system layout, international installation standards, operation and maintenance, grid penetration, planning applications, and skills required for installation, operation and maintenance. Highly illustrated in full colour, the book provides an essential practical guide for all industry professionals involved in or contemplating utility-scale, grid-connected solar systems.

Cooling buildings is a major global energy consumer and the energy requirement is growing year by year. This guide to solar cooling technology explains all you need to know about how solar energy can be converted into cooling energy. It outlines the difference between heat-driven and photovoltaic-driven systems and gives examples of both, making clear in what situations solar cooling technology makes sense. It includes chapters on:• solar thermal collectors• solar cooling technologies• cold distribution • storage components• designing and sizing • installation, operation and maintenance• economic feasibility• potential markets• case studies.Solar Cooling is for engineers, architects, consultancies, solar thermal technology companies, students and anyone who is interested in getting involved with this technology.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the technology behind the pico-solar revolution and offers guidance on how to test and choose quality products. The book also discusses how pioneering companies and initiatives are overcoming challenges to reach scale in the marketplace, from innovative distribution strategies to reach customers in rural India and Tanzania, to product development in Cambodia, product assembly in Mozambique and the introduction of ‘pay as you go’ technology in Kenya.Pico-solar is a new category of solar electric system which has the potential to transform the lives of over 1.6 billion people who live without access to electricity. Pico-solar systems are smaller and more affordable than traditional solar systems and have the power to provide useful amounts of electricity to charge the increasing number of low power consuming appliances from mobile phones, e-readers and parking metres, to LED lights which have the power to light up millions of homes in the same way the mobile phone has connected and empowered communities across the planet.The book explains the important role pico-solar has in reducing reliance on fossil fuels while at the same time tackling world poverty and includes useful recommendations for entrepreneurs, charities and governments who want to participate in developing this exciting and rapidly expanding market.

Energy demand reduction is fast becoming a business activity for all companies and organisations because it can increase profits regardless of the nature of their core activity. The International Energy Agency believes that industry could improve its energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by almost a third using the best available practices and technologies.This guide looks at the many ways available to energy managers to achieve or even exceed this level of performance, including: base-lining consumption planning a monitoring and verification strategy metering (including smart, wireless metering) energy supply management motors and drives compressed air and process controls. Uniquely, it includes a whole chapter on greening data centres. It also looks at topics covered in greater detail in its companion volume, Energy Management in Buildings: insulation, lighting, renewable heating, cooling and HVAC systems. Further chapters examine minimising water use and how to make the financial case, both to prioritise measures for cost effectiveness, and to get management on board.This title is aimed at all professional energy, industry and facilities managers, energy consultants, students, trainees and academics and can be read alongside training for ISO 50001 - Energy Management Systems. It takes the reader from basic concepts to the latest advanced thinking, with principles applicable anywhere in the world and in any climate.

The role of the energy manager has evolved significantly as the task of cutting greenhouse gas emissions from buildings has become increasingly important. Managers are now technical experts, negotiators, construction project managers, procurement specialists, efficiency advocates and often provide energy services to others. This comprehensive book covers how to:• conduct an energy audit• plan a monitoring and verification strategy• make any energy-saving campaign successful• evaluate and make the financial case for energy-saving measures• make use of free energy for lighting and managing heat loss and gain.It also contains special chapters on:• ventilation, heating and cooling• demand management through automated systems• lighting• most requirements of industrial facilities• regulatory requirements in Britain, Europe and the United States• the use of smart meters and monitoring• how to achieve zero energy buildings• the use of renewable energy.For all professional energy, building and facilities managers, energy consultants, students, trainees and academics. It takes the reader from basic concepts to the latest advanced thinking, with principles applicable anywhere in the world and in any climate.

This book is the long awaited guide for anyone interested in renewables at home or work. It sweeps away scores of common misconceptions while clearly illustrating the best in renewable and energy efficiency technologies. A fully illustrated guide to renewable energy for the home and small business, the book provides an expert overview of precisely which sustainable energy technologies are appropriate for wide-spread domestic and small business application. The sections on different renewable energy options provide detailed descriptions of each technology along with case studies, installation diagrams and colour photographs, showing precisely what is possible for the average household. The chapter on how to select the renewable technology most appropriate for ordinary homes and businesses summarizes this analysis in a neat and easy to use table and demonstrates with examples exactly how to assess your local renewable resources. Renewable technologies covered include wood energy, wind power, solar photovoltaics, solar thermal, passive solar, geothermal and air-to-air heat pumps as well as water or hydro based energy systems – plus the all-important subject of energy efficiency. Whilst written to be accessible to a wide audience, the book is targeted at readers who are keen to work with renewable technologies, students, building engineers, architects, planners, householders and home-owners.

Solar electricity – or photovoltaics (PV) – is the world's fastest growing energy technology. It can be used on a wide variety of scales, from single dwellings to utility-scale solar farms providing power for whole communities. It can be integrated into existing electricity grids with relative simplicity, meaning that in times of low solar energy users can continue to draw power from the grid, while power can be fed or sold back into the grid at a profit when their electricity generation exceeds the amount they are using. The falling price of the equipment combined with various incentive schemes around the world have made PV into a lucrative low carbon investment, and as such demand has never been higher for the technology, and for people with the expertise to design and install systems. This Expert handbook provides a clear introduction to solar radiation, before proceeding to cover:electrical basics and PV cells and modulesinvertersdesign of grid-connected PV systemssystem installation and commissioningmaintenance and trouble shootinghealth and safetyeconomics and marketing.Highly illustrated in full colour throughout, this is the ideal guide for electricians, builders and architects, housing and property developers, home owners and DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a clear introduction to grid-connected solar electric technology.

Solar energy is free, abundant and sustainable, with many methods existing to harness it. This guide is the essential introduction to the subject, explaining how the technologies work, how best they should be employed, and the costs and benefits of using them. It provides detailed yet accessible coverage of:passive solar building solar water heating solar space heating other solar thermal applications (such as cooling and desalination) grid-connected photovoltaics stand-alone photovoltaics.It also introduces the reader to larger scale applications such as concentrating solar power. Highly illustrated in full colour, this is the perfect primer for anyone who wants to work with or simply learn more about solar technologies.

One of the best ways to get power to remote, off-grid locations, whether in developed or developing countries, is through the use of solar electric systems. This practical guide describes how to plan, design and install solar electric systems in a manner that is hands-on, graphic and technically complete. Highly illustrated chapters cover:solar energy basicscomponents of solar electric systems (modules, batteries, regulators, inverters and appliances)installation practiceon planning and servicing systemswater pumpingrefrigerationvillage electrification.This is the must-have guide for electric technicians and designers, development workers, and anyone who wants to install their own off-grid system.

Solar Domestic Water Heating is a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of solar domestic water heating systems. As fossil fuel prices continue to rise and awareness of climate change grows, interest in domestic solar water heating is expanding.Solar water heating technology is the most environmentally-friendly way to heat water. This fully-illustrated and easy-to-follow guide shows how domestic solar water heating systems work, the different types of systems, types of collectors, both flat plate and evacuated tube, types of storage tanks and other accessories. It also shows how systems are installed and explains how solar water heating can be integrated into existing water heating systems. Numerous examples from around the world have been included. The ideal guide for plumbers, heating engineers, builders and architects, housing and property developers, home owners and DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a clear introduction to solar water heating technology.

A retro-fit offers many benefits: cutting electricity and heating bills, increasing the resale value of homes, slashing carbon emissions and creating a healthier place to live. This book is the guide to making it happen. It looks at: draught-proofing, insulation and damp ventilation, heating and cooling electrical efficiency and renewable energy water use and re-use materials' life cycles and incorporating nature protection from climate change impacts - modelling energy flows and embodied energy how we can meet the need to cut carbon emissions from dwellings by eighty percent by 2050.Projects can apply to apartment blocks, recent builds and older, solid-walled properties. Enlivened with helpful diagrams and photographs, plus plenty of pointers for further information, it provides a comprehensive resource handbook for any building professional and contractor, students – or any homeowner serious about efficiency (cash and carbon) savings.

Wood Pellet Heating Systems is a comprehensive handbook covering all aspects of wood pellet heating technology. The use of wood pellets as an alternative heating fuel is already well established in several countries and is becoming widespread as fossil fuel prices continue to rise and awareness of climate change grows. Wood pellets are a carbon-neutral technology, convenient to use, and can easily be integrated into existing central heating systems or used in independent space heaters. This fully-illustrated and easy-to-follow guide shows how wood-pellet heating works, the different types of systems – from small living room stove systems to larger central heating systems for institutions – how they are installed, and even how wood pellets are manufactured. Featuring examples from around the world, it has been written for heating engineers and plumbers who are interested in installing systems, home owners and building managers who are considering purchasing a system, advanced DIYers, building engineers and architects, but will be of interest to anyone who requires a clear guide to wood pellet technology.

Cooling buildings is a major global energy consumer and the energy requirement is growing year by year. This guide to solar cooling technology explains all you need to know about how solar energy can be converted into cooling energy. It outlines the difference between heat-driven and photovoltaic-driven systems and gives examples of both, making clear in what situations solar cooling technology makes sense. It includes chapters on:• solar thermal collectors• solar cooling technologies• cold distribution • storage components• designing and sizing • installation, operation and maintenance• economic feasibility• potential markets• case studies.Solar Cooling is for engineers, architects, consultancies, solar thermal technology companies, students and anyone who is interested in getting involved with this technology.

The role of the energy manager has evolved significantly as the task of cutting greenhouse gas emissions from buildings has become increasingly important. Managers are now technical experts, negotiators, construction project managers, procurement specialists, efficiency advocates and often provide energy services to others. This comprehensive book covers how to:• conduct an energy audit• plan a monitoring and verification strategy• make any energy-saving campaign successful• evaluate and make the financial case for energy-saving measures• make use of free energy for lighting and managing heat loss and gain.It also contains special chapters on:• ventilation, heating and cooling• demand management through automated systems• lighting• most requirements of industrial facilities• regulatory requirements in Britain, Europe and the United States• the use of smart meters and monitoring• how to achieve zero energy buildings• the use of renewable energy.For all professional energy, building and facilities managers, energy consultants, students, trainees and academics. It takes the reader from basic concepts to the latest advanced thinking, with principles applicable anywhere in the world and in any climate.

Energy demand reduction is fast becoming a business activity for all companies and organisations because it can increase profits regardless of the nature of their core activity. The International Energy Agency believes that industry could improve its energy efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by almost a third using the best available practices and technologies.This guide looks at the many ways available to energy managers to achieve or even exceed this level of performance, including: base-lining consumption planning a monitoring and verification strategy metering (including smart, wireless metering) energy supply management motors and drives compressed air and process controls. Uniquely, it includes a whole chapter on greening data centres. It also looks at topics covered in greater detail in its companion volume, Energy Management in Buildings: insulation, lighting, renewable heating, cooling and HVAC systems. Further chapters examine minimising water use and how to make the financial case, both to prioritise measures for cost effectiveness, and to get management on board.This title is aimed at all professional energy, industry and facilities managers, energy consultants, students, trainees and academics and can be read alongside training for ISO 50001 - Energy Management Systems. It takes the reader from basic concepts to the latest advanced thinking, with principles applicable anywhere in the world and in any climate.

Hundreds of million tonnes of agricultural and food waste are produced each year around the world, most of which is just that, waste. Anaerobic digestion, biogas and the heat and electricity that can be produced from it is still a nascent industry in many countries, yet the benefits of AD spread throughout the community:Gives good financial returns to farmers and eco-entrepreneurs. Helps community leaders meet various policies and legislative targets. Offers an environmentally sensitive waste disposal option. Provides a local heat and power supply, & creates employment opportunities Reduces greenhouse gas emissions, as well as providing an organic fertilizer.Although the process of AD itself is relatively simple there are several system options available to meet the demands of different feedstocks. This book describes, in simple, easy to read language the five common systems of AD; how they work, the impact of scale, the basic requirements, the costs and financial implications, and how to get involved in this rapidly growing green industry.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the technology behind the pico-solar revolution and offers guidance on how to test and choose quality products. The book also discusses how pioneering companies and initiatives are overcoming challenges to reach scale in the marketplace, from innovative distribution strategies to reach customers in rural India and Tanzania, to product development in Cambodia, product assembly in Mozambique and the introduction of ‘pay as you go’ technology in Kenya.Pico-solar is a new category of solar electric system which has the potential to transform the lives of over 1.6 billion people who live without access to electricity. Pico-solar systems are smaller and more affordable than traditional solar systems and have the power to provide useful amounts of electricity to charge the increasing number of low power consuming appliances from mobile phones, e-readers and parking metres, to LED lights which have the power to light up millions of homes in the same way the mobile phone has connected and empowered communities across the planet.The book explains the important role pico-solar has in reducing reliance on fossil fuels while at the same time tackling world poverty and includes useful recommendations for entrepreneurs, charities and governments who want to participate in developing this exciting and rapidly expanding market.

The market and policy impetus to install increasingly utility-scale solar systems, or solar farms (sometimes known as solar parks or ranches), has seen products and applications develop ahead of the collective industry knowledge and experience. Recently however, the market has matured and investment opportunites for utility-scale solar farms or parks as part of renewable energy policies have made the sector more attractive. This book brings together the latest technical, practical and financial information available to provide an essential guide to solar farms, from design and planning to installation and maintenance.The book builds on the challenges and lessons learned from existing solar farms, that have been developed across the world, including in Europe, the USA, Australia, China and India. Topics covered include system design, system layout, international installation standards, operation and maintenance, grid penetration, planning applications, and skills required for installation, operation and maintenance. Highly illustrated in full colour, the book provides an essential practical guide for all industry professionals involved in or contemplating utility-scale, grid-connected solar systems.

The logical future focus for renewable energy is micro-hydropower, and this book is a guide for professionals and others interested in the broader subject of micro-hydropower.

One of the best ways to get power to remote, off-grid locations, whether in developed or developing countries, is through the use of solar electric systems. This practical guide describes how to plan, design and install solar electric systems in a manner that is hands-on, graphic and technically complete. Highly illustrated chapters cover:solar energy basicscomponents of solar electric systems (modules, batteries, regulators, inverters and appliances)installation practiceon planning and servicing systemswater pumpingrefrigerationvillage electrification.This is the must-have guide for electric technicians and designers, development workers, and anyone who wants to install their own off-grid system.

Solar Domestic Water Heating is a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of solar domestic water heating systems. As fossil fuel prices continue to rise and awareness of climate change grows, interest in domestic solar water heating is expanding.Solar water heating technology is the most environmentally-friendly way to heat water. This fully-illustrated and easy-to-follow guide shows how domestic solar water heating systems work, the different types of systems, types of collectors, both flat plate and evacuated tube, types of storage tanks and other accessories. It also shows how systems are installed and explains how solar water heating can be integrated into existing water heating systems. Numerous examples from around the world have been included. The ideal guide for plumbers, heating engineers, builders and architects, housing and property developers, home owners and DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a clear introduction to solar water heating technology.

Wood Pellet Heating Systems is a comprehensive handbook covering all aspects of wood pellet heating technology. The use of wood pellets as an alternative heating fuel is already well established in several countries and is becoming widespread as fossil fuel prices continue to rise and awareness of climate change grows. Wood pellets are a carbon-neutral technology, convenient to use, and can easily be integrated into existing central heating systems or used in independent space heaters. This fully-illustrated and easy-to-follow guide shows how wood-pellet heating works, the different types of systems – from small living room stove systems to larger central heating systems for institutions – how they are installed, and even how wood pellets are manufactured. Featuring examples from around the world, it has been written for heating engineers and plumbers who are interested in installing systems, home owners and building managers who are considering purchasing a system, advanced DIYers, building engineers and architects, but will be of interest to anyone who requires a clear guide to wood pellet technology.

A retro-fit offers many benefits: cutting electricity and heating bills, increasing the resale value of homes, slashing carbon emissions and creating a healthier place to live. This book is the guide to making it happen. It looks at: draught-proofing, insulation and damp ventilation, heating and cooling electrical efficiency and renewable energy water use and re-use materials' life cycles and incorporating nature protection from climate change impacts - modelling energy flows and embodied energy how we can meet the need to cut carbon emissions from dwellings by eighty percent by 2050.Projects can apply to apartment blocks, recent builds and older, solid-walled properties. Enlivened with helpful diagrams and photographs, plus plenty of pointers for further information, it provides a comprehensive resource handbook for any building professional and contractor, students – or any homeowner serious about efficiency (cash and carbon) savings.

Solar energy is free, abundant and sustainable, with many methods existing to harness it. This guide is the essential introduction to the subject, explaining how the technologies work, how best they should be employed, and the costs and benefits of using them. It provides detailed yet accessible coverage of:passive solar building solar water heating solar space heating other solar thermal applications (such as cooling and desalination) grid-connected photovoltaics stand-alone photovoltaics.It also introduces the reader to larger scale applications such as concentrating solar power. Highly illustrated in full colour, this is the perfect primer for anyone who wants to work with or simply learn more about solar technologies.

Solar electricity – or photovoltaics (PV) – is the world's fastest growing energy technology. It can be used on a wide variety of scales, from single dwellings to utility-scale solar farms providing power for whole communities. It can be integrated into existing electricity grids with relative simplicity, meaning that in times of low solar energy users can continue to draw power from the grid, while power can be fed or sold back into the grid at a profit when their electricity generation exceeds the amount they are using. The falling price of the equipment combined with various incentive schemes around the world have made PV into a lucrative low carbon investment, and as such demand has never been higher for the technology, and for people with the expertise to design and install systems. This Expert handbook provides a clear introduction to solar radiation, before proceeding to cover:electrical basics and PV cells and modulesinvertersdesign of grid-connected PV systemssystem installation and commissioningmaintenance and trouble shootinghealth and safetyeconomics and marketing.Highly illustrated in full colour throughout, this is the ideal guide for electricians, builders and architects, housing and property developers, home owners and DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a clear introduction to grid-connected solar electric technology.