Biofuels, Solar and Wind as Renewable Energy Systems

Biofuels, Solar and Wind as Renewable Energy Systems,  sierpień 2008 r. : PWith shortages of fossil energy and heavy biomass energy use occurring in both developed and developing countries, a major focus has developed worldwide on renewable energy systems. Currently, a heavy focus is on biofuels made from crops, crop residues and wood./PPThough it may seem beneficial to use renewable plant materials for biofuel, their use raises many concerns about major environmental problems, including food shortages and serious destruction of vital soil resources. All renewable energy systems need to be investigated because humankind has limited oil, gas and coal reserves remaining. In addition, coal will become increasingly difficult to extract and will greatly increase the global warming threat./PPSerious energy conservation and research on viable renewable energy technologies are needed. This book considers the effectiveness and economics of several renewable energy technologies of current interest, including biofuels, solar and wind./P TOC:PRenewable and Solar Energy Technologies: Energy and Environmental Issues.- Can the Earth Deliver the Biomass-For-Fuel We Demand?.- A Review of the Economic Rewards and Risks Of Ethanol Production.- Subsidies to Ethanol in the United States.- Peak Oil, EROI, Investments, and the Economy in an Uncertain Future.- Wind Power: Benefits and Limitations.- Renewable Diesel.- Complex Systems Thinking and Renewable Energy Systems.- Sugarcane and Ethanol Production and Carbon Dioxide Balances.- Biomass Fuel Cycle Boundaries and Parameters: Current Practice and Proposed Methodology.- Our Food and Fuel Future.- A Framework For Alternative Energy: Net Energy and Multi-Criteria Analysis.- Bio-Ethanol Production In Brazil.- Ethanol Production: Energy and Economic Issues Related To U.S. and Brazilian Sugarcane.- Ethanol Production Using Corn, Switchgrass and Wood; Biodiesel Production Using Soybean.- Developing Energy Crops for Thermal Applications: Optimizing Fuel Quality, Energy Security and GHG Mitigation.- Organic and Sustainable Agriculture and Energy Conservation.- Biofuel Production in Italy and Europe: Benefits and Costs, in the Light of the Present European Union Biofuel Policy.- The Power Density of Ethanol from Brazilian Sugarcane.- A Brief Discussion on Algae for Production: Energy Issues./P