Alternative energy technologies: an introduction with computer simulations

Alternative Energy Technologies
An Introduction with Computer Simulations
Alternative energy sources are becoming increasingly important in a world striving for energy independence, clean air, and a reprieve from global warming. Solar cells, wind power, and biofuels are some of the competing alternative energy sources hoping to gain a foothold in our future energy mix, and the economic advantages of these technologies are continually increasing as costs are reduced and efficiencies increased. Alternative Energy Technologies: An Introduction with Computer Simulations explores the science and engineering behind a number of emerging alternative energy technologies, including polymer solar cells, algae biofuels, and artificial leaves. It also addresses the environmental need for these technologies. However, unlike its predecessors, this book employs simple computer models implemented within spreadsheet environments to simulate different aspects of the alternative energy technologies and therefore teach the subject matter. This unique approach: Provides a dual introduction to alternative energy technologies and computer simulation Elucidates the fundamental behaviors and complex interactions within the alternative energy systems Makes computer simulation straightforward and accessible to readers with no prior programming experience Featuring investigative exercises that deepen understanding and inspire further research, Alternative Energy Technologies: An Introduction with Computer Simulations makes an ideal introductory textbook for undergraduate students and a valuable professional reference for experimental researchers.

Title
Copyright
Contents
Preface
List of Figures
1: Introduction to Alternative Energy Sources
1.1: Global Warming
1.2: Pollution
1.3: Solar Cells
1.4: Wind Power
1.5: Biofuels
1.6: Hydrogen Production and Fuel Cells
2: Introduction to Computer Modeling
2.1: Brief History of Computer Simulations
2.2: Motivation and Applications of Computer Models
2.3: Using Spreadsheets for Simulations
2.4: Typing Equations into Spreadsheets
2.5: Functions Available in Spreadsheets
2.6: Random Numbers
2.7: Plotting Data
2.8: Macros and Scripts
2.9: Interpolation and Extrapolation
2.10: Numerical Integration and Differentiation
2.11: Solving Linear Systems
2.12: Non-linear Equations
2.13: Monte Carlo Simulations
2.14: Exercises
3: Global Warming and Pollution
3.1: Global Warming: Global Energy Balance Model
3.2: Global Warming: Zonal Energy Balance Model
3.3: Global Warming: Radiative Model of a Cloud
3.4: Pollution: Gradient Transport Theory
3.5: Pollution: Gaussian Plume Model
3.6: Pollution: Gaussian Plume Model with Settling of Pollutants
3.7: Pollution: Gaussian Plume Model with Deposition of Pollutants
3.8: Exercises
4: Solar Cells
4.1: Equivalent Circuit of Solar Cells
4.2: Drift-Diffusion Model of Photovoltaics
4.3: Drift-Diffusion Model: Polymer Solar Cells
4.4: Drift-Diffusion Model: Nonuniform Exciton Dissociation
4.5: Monte Carlo Model of Photovoltaics
4.6: Finite-Difference Time-Domain of Solar Cells Optics
4.7: Exercises
5: Wind Power
5.1: Betz Limit
5.2: Blade Element Momentum Model
5.3: Wake Models
5.4: Elastic Deformation of a Wind Turbine Blade
5.5: Exercises
6: Biofuels
6.1: Droop Model
6.2: Photosynthetic Factory of Algae Growth
6.3: Cellular Automata Model of Wood Combustion
6.4: Exercises
7: Hydrogen Production and Fuel Cells
7.1: Photovoltaic and Electrochemical Equivalent Circuit Model
7.2: Simple Electrochemical Model of Fuel Cells
7.3: Continuum Mathematical Model of Fuel Cells
7.4: Fluid Dynamics and the Lattice Boltzmann Model
7.5: Exercises
Index