Direct Energy Conversion

Photovoltaics, the direct conversion of sunlight to electricity, is now the fastest growing technology for electricity generation.

This book aims to collect the latest theoretical and technological ideas in design and construction for different kinds of oceanic wave energy converters including linear electrical generators and drive systems. Advancements in new wave energy converters, linear machine topologies, integrated mathematical modeling, application of high graded magnetic materials, and high-performance control strategies are of great interest. With the ability to generate direct thrust without any mechanical transmission, the linear electrical machines serve as the excellent choice for wave energy generators, free piston engine, industrial applications requiring linear motion, and so on. On the other hand, the special characteristics of linear electrical machines, such as the large air gap length, force ripples, end effects, cogging force, cut open magnetic circuit, half-filled end slot, pose a great challenge to the engineer and scientist. The challenge is not only for designing electrical machines but also for control strategies. The chapters of this book have been structured with theoretical, simulation, and experimental results in such a way that it provides a consistent compilation of fundamental theories, a compendium of current research and development activities as well as new directions to overcome critical limitations.

This book provides an introduction to the working principles of reverse electrodialysis and its practical application in the generation of electricity.

Building on the last edition, (dedicated to exploring alternatives to coal- and oil-based energy conversion methods and published more than ten years ago), Thermodynamics and Heat Power, Eighth Edition updates the status of existing direct energy conversion methods as described in the previous work. Offering a systems approach to the analysis of energy conversion methods, this text focuses on the fundamentals involved in thermodynamics, and further explores concepts in the areas of ideal gas flow, engine analysis, air conditioning, and heat transfer.