Kaltschmitt M., Streicher W., Wiese A. (Eds.) Renewable Energy: Technology, Economics and Environment

Springer, 2007. 596 p. — ISBN:3540709479.This book presents the physical and technical principles of promising ways of utilising renewable energies. In this context, firstly the main characteristics of the available renewable energy streams are outlined. Subsequently, the book presents the technologies of heat provision from passive and active solar systems, ambient air, shallow geothermal energy as well as energy from deep geothermal sources.
In the preceding chapters the book addresses the processes of electricity generation from solar radiation (photovoltaic and solar thermal power plant technologies), wind energy, and hydropower. In addition, a brief discussions of harnessing ocean energies is included.
The authors provide the important data and parameter sets for the major possibilities of renewable energies utilization which allow an economic and environmental assessment. Such an assessment enables us to judge the chances and limits of the multiple options utilising renewable energy sources.
From the reviews: "This translation of a book originally published in German discusses and analyzes the basics of solar, wind, photovoltaic, geothermal, and water-based energy (including ocean energy). … this well-illustrated work is full of valuable information. … Many tables, charts, and drawings are included. Authors Kaltschmit, Streicher, and Wiese are listed in the book as editors; they have compiled a large amount of nearly current technical literature in a well-organized format. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. " (J. C. Comer, Choice, Vol. 45 (6), 2008)Introduction and Structure
Basics of Renewable Energy Supply
Utilisation of Passive Solar Energy
Solar Thermal Heat Utilisation
Solar Thermal Power Plants
Photovoltaic Power Generation
Wind Power Generation
Hydroelectric Power Generation
Utilisation of Ambient Air and Shallow Geothermal Energy
Utilisation of Geothermal EnergyAnnex A: Harnessing Ocean Energy
Annex B: Energetic Use of Biomass
Annex C: Energy Units