Rapid Solidification Processing of molten metals and alloys has proved to be a reliable route for producing new and advanced materials. The Chill-Block Melt Spin (CBMS) technique is important because its simplicity, flexibility and perfection. High quality materials can be produced with lower costs, as compared to other routes, by refining the microstructure and trapping the nucleated (new) metastable phases. Melt-spun ribbons subsequently produced can then be consolidated to produce billets and sheets that can be used in many industries especially high-tech industries such as aerospace and racing automobiles. This book contains several perspectives about CBMS technology and should be a useful review for undergraduate and post-graduate metallurgy students.

This e-book is a short history of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) of inorganic materials and substances. The author considers distinct features of the research work of the most active groups along with their important scientific and practical achievements. The main result of these efforts is the appearance a new field of knowledge on the boundary between combustion science and materials science. The book is written in an original manner which combines the description of the scientific results with interesting stories about various episodes accompanying development of significant fields of science. The book should be of interest to for SHS specialists and representative students and researchers of allied sciences (physical and inorganic chemistry, macroscopic kinetics, materials science and technology of inorganic materials, metallurgy, etc.).

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.

This E-book covers various topics and technologies involving energy systems that represent an effort to reduce environmental pollution and provide grounds for alternative or renewable energy sources. The E-book is a convergence point for state-of-the-art research with preliminary but confirmed results. Topics covered in this e-book include transport, electricity generation, bio-fuels, Homogenous Charge Combustion Ignition research, kinetics, thermodynamics, combustion, (photovoltaic) solar energy, biomass, hydrogen combustion, hydrogen stocking, wind power, wind energy, hydro-electric power plants and fuel cells. The interdisciplinary content combines energy source engineering, fuel technology and environmental chemistry. This E-book serves as a basic source of information on alternative energy for scientists, academics and industrialis ts, by promoting and disseminating knowledge about green energy concerns.

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.

Microalgae could play an important role in the achievement of sustainability goals related to the generation of renewable energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These photosynthetic microorganisms are able to capture CO2 and, therefore, can be used to produce biofuels such as ethanol, methane and green diesel. Other factors, such as their high growth rate, ability to use wastewater as a culture medium and the ability to grow on non-arable land makes them a potentially economical source of biofuel production on a large scale. This monograph introduces the reader to the basic and applied science of microalgal biofuel production. Chapters in the volume give information about bioethanol and biogas production from microalgal sources, the fermentation process, optimization of culture parameters and industrial applications of biomass projects. The book is a useful reference for biotechnology and environmental science graduates and professionals interested in biofuel production.

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.

This book presents information about the application of various flexible AC transmission system devices to wind energy conversion systems. Devices such as unified power flow controllers, superconducting magnetic energy storage and static synchronous compensators are covered in this book. Chapters detail features of the topology and basic control systems of each device. Additionally, case studies are presented where necessary to demonstrate practical applications. This book is a reference for students and technicians studying wind power and AC transmission systems in advanced engineering courses.

Researchers, politicians and lay persons around the world agree that renewable energy technologies will play an increasingly important role in strengthening national economies in the future. The renewable energy industry has the potential to significantly increase power capacity of several countries and subsequently create many jobs. This book examines recent advances in specific renewable energy systems. Readers will learn about theoretical and applied perspectives which are key to addressing the major issues associated with such systems. Chapters cover solar energy systems, thermal energy storage, bioenergy, hydrogen production, geothermal energy and measurement techniques for these energy systems. Students in engineering programs, and engineers working in academia and the renewable energy sector will be able to broaden their understanding of complex renewable energy projects through the comprehensive overview of both the fundamental concepts and the technical issues covered in the text.

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.