Wind power capacity in the world has been increased by more than 30% over the last decade in countries which have prominent installations. Wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) based on the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) have dominated the wind power generation sector due to the outstanding advantages they provide, including small converter ratings (around 30% of the generator rating) and lower converter costs. <p></p> Due to the non-linearity of wind power systems, the DFIG power control setup presents a big challenge especially under conditions of high variance in wind-speed and parameter sensing. To overcome these major problems, an improved IDPC (Indirect Power Control) system based on PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller, has been proposed instead of the conventional power inverters. <p></p> This handbook covers information about IDPC based WECS. The book starts with a general introduction to wind power system basics. Subsequent chapters provide additional knowledge about robustness tests and adaptive / intelligent control systems employed in wind energy systems. The new concept of direct and quadrature current control (Ird & Irq) under MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) strategy is also explained along with novel fuzzy logic type control systems. The authors have included detailed diagrams and an appendix of WECS parameters, making this handbook a useful primer for engineering students working towards completing licenses, Masters degrees and Post-graduation programs in advanced wind power energy systems.

Silicon Based Thin Film Solar Cells explains concepts related to technologies for silicon (Si) based photovoltaic applications. Topics in this book focus on ‘new concept’ solar cells. These kinds of cells can make photovoltaic power production an economically viable option in comparison to the bulk crystalline semiconductor technology industry. A transition from bulk crystalline Si solar cells toward thin-film technologies reduces usage of active material and introduces new concepts based on nanotechnologies. Despite its importance, the scientific development and understanding of new solar cells is not very advanced, and educational resources for specialized engineers and scientists are required. This textbook presents the fundamental scientific aspects of Si thin films growth technology, together with a clear understanding of the properties of the material and how this is employed in new generation photovoltaic solar cells. The textbook is a valuable resource for graduate students working on their theses, young researchers and all people approaching problems and fundamental aspects of advanced photovoltaic conversion.

The urgency of exploring alternative energy sources, especially in regions so detrimentally affected by current energy practices on environmental, humanitarian and political levels warrants a crucial effort in raising awareness and activism about renewable energy and sustainable development. Sustainable Solar Energy Systems is a primer on the application of solar energy technology for sustainable development. This handbook starts with an introduction to basic concepts of solar energy, describes the mechanisms and benefits of related technologies, and presents a case study in an Arabian poultry farm. The book also includes details on how to conduct economic feasibility studies of solar power projects. The book is a suitable reference for general readers or students undertaking environmental science or engineering courses with specific modules on solar energy projects. Readers will be able to understand the benefits of solar energy systems in the context of an increasing concern about the use of renewable energy under conditions of global warming and declining fossil fuel reserves.

Considerable effort and money are devoted to developing alternative energy sources, such as wind power, solar power, cellulosic ethanol, and biofuels. This ebook is a collection of research papers on alternative energy sources presented at the Economics of Alternative Energy Sources and Globalization: The Road Ahead Conference that was held in November 2009 in Orlando, Florida. Thirty-three papers were presented by leading experts in the field, with about half being published in the e-book. Several of the papers explored the economics of biofuels produced from corn, sugarcane, and/or forestry materials. Two of the papers addressed the link between biofuel production and U.S. agricultural policy, and how biofuels could reduce U.S. Treasury costs even though biofuels increase food prices. International subsidies promote alternative fuel production (e.g., Brazil). This ebook should be a very useful resource for readers interested in alternative energy research and related economic policy.

Thermal Cycles of Heat Recovery Power Plants presents information about thermal power plant cycles suitable for waste heat recovery (WHR) in modern power plants. The author covers five thermal power cycles: organic Rankine cycle (ORC), organic flash cycle (OFC), Kalina cycle (KC), steam Rankine cycle (SRC) and steam flash cycle (SFC) with the working fluids of R123, R124, R134a, R245fa, R717 and R407C. The handbook helps the reader to understand the latest power plant technologies suitable for utilizing the waste heat generated by thermal industrial processes. Key Features: - Comprehensive modeling, simulation, analysis and optimization of 5 power cycle types with different working fluids - Clear information about the processes and solutions of thermal power cycles to augment the power generation with improved energy conversion. - Simple, reader friendly presentation - bibliographic references after each chapter for further reading This handbook is suitable for engineering students in degree courses and professionals in training programs who require resources on advanced thermal power plant operation and optimal waste heat recovery processes, respectively. It is also a handy reference for energy conversion efficiency in heat recovery power plants. The book is also of interest to any researchers interested in industrial applications of thermodynamic processes.