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Books in Physical sciences and engineering

Encyclopedia of the Anthropocene
2nd Edition
Michael I Goldstein + 2 more
English
Encyclopedia of the Anthropocene, Second Edition, Four Volume Set, once again provides a topical-based synthesis of the unprecedented rise of humanity’s ecological footprint, the result of exponential population growth, coupled with run-away consumption of the planet’s finite ecosystem services. This new edition captures our current understanding of the actual effects of human population growth on the world’s resources, whether climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, soil erosion, poor air quality, or undrinkable water.Since publication of the first edition, the Anthropocene has been even more widely debated among scientists, humanists, conservationists, industry leaders, politicians and others over precisely when it began, what to call it, if it should be an official geological epoch, whether it can be contained in time, and how it will affect future generations. Sustainability has been a growing issue for the Earth's ecosystems in the Anthropocene. Humans are now using up the world's natural resources at an unsustainable rate. This is causing huge problems for the natural ecosystems, agricultural systems, and water supplies, especially in the Global South. Climate change research, through field observation and remote sensing, has enabled improved understanding of its effects, allowing us to project future effects and the adaptation measures they require. These are essential topics - all of which are fully covered in the encyclopedia.Given the high degree of public and media attention on these topics, a revised edition is timely. With over 200 concise and focused chapters written by leading scholars in the field, this reference work is uniquely positioned to make this knowledge accessible to a wide, global audience.
From Waste to Energy
Case Studies of Green Technology Implementation
1st Edition
Sergio Nogales Delgado + 1 more
English
From Waste to Energy: Case Studies of Green Technology Implementation offers a detailed exploration of green energy implementation through real-world case studies from around the globe and across various sectors. Emphasizing the transformational impact of practical green technology applications, the book discusses dynamic solutions for converting waste into energy through waste-to-energy projects. In addition, it explores how different countries cooperate to utilize waste-to-energy processes, from waste management to developing international cooperation. Sections address both the economic and practical challenges associated with these technologies, providing a comprehensive assessment needed to evaluate the sustainability of such practices.The book begins with an introduction to waste valorization and explores the various processes and managements of converting waste materials produced by industrial activities into valuable products or energy. Notably, it explores the transformation of agrowaste into biochar, which not only provides a sustainable method of waste management but also acts as a negative carbon technology, significantly contributing to climate change mitigation. In addition to exploring different methods for energy conversion, the book also provides a global perspective through case studies from different countries and regions of the world.
Chemical Looping Deoxygenated Gasification of Biomass
A Renewable and Carbon-Neutral Energy Source
1st Edition
Zhiqiang Sun + 1 more
English
Chemical Looping Deoxygenated Gasification of Biomass: A Renewable and Carbon-Neutral Energy Source explores the emerging technology of chemical looping deoxygenated gasification, which offers a promising pathway for efficient biomass utilization. The book provides valuable insights into advancements, technological breakthroughs, and practical applications of biomass gasification, addressing the challenges of cost-effectiveness, scalability, and environmental impact. Sections provide an introduction to biomass cyclic conversion technology, including sorption-enhanced gasification, conventional chemical looping gasification, and chemical looping deoxygenated gasification, and cover the screening of deoxidizer materials using thermodynamic and machine learning approaches, system modeling, simulation, hydrogen production, carbon dioxide utilization, and the kinetics of biomass gasification. Each chapter provides detailed insights into the principles, methods, and applications of these technologies, all supported by real-world case studies, cost-benefit analyses, and lifecycle assessments. The book provides a thorough understanding of the technology's practical applications and economic viability, making it an essential reference for researchers, scientists, engineers, and professionals working in the bioenergy and biofuels sector.
Design Reliability and Maintainability of Energy Systems
1st Edition
Fausto Pedro Garcia Marquez + 2 more
English
Designing reliable and maintainable energy systems is crucial for ensuring efficiency, longevity, and sustainability in energy production, distribution, and consumption. Reliability focuses on minimizing failures and ensuring continuous operation under varying conditions, while maintainability emphasizes ease of inspection, repair, and upgrades. A well-designed energy system integrates robust components, predictive maintenance strategies, and advanced monitoring technologies to reduce downtime and operational costs. By prioritizing both reliability and maintainability, engineers can develop resilient energy infrastructures that support modern demands while minimizing environmental impact and lifecycle costs.Designing Reliability and Maintainability of Energy Systems is a guide to enhancing the resilience and reliability of modern energy infrastructures. Chapters present fundamental principles of reliability and resilience and new artificial intelligence applications, such as predictive maintenance, advanced analytics, and digital twin technologies for improved efficiency and sustainability in energy systems. Clear chapter objectives, worked problems, and case studies are included to demonstrate real-world applications of these technologies.This book is valuable for researchers, industry professionals, engineers, and advanced undergraduate and graduate students focused on energy grids, power system reliability, and AI-driven solutions for sustainable infrastructure.
Power Electronics for Solar and Wind Energy Conversion Systems
1st Edition
Felix Rojas Lobos + 2 more
English
Power Electronics for Solar and Wind Energy Conversion Systems is a comprehensive compilation of important developments from a holistic viewpoint that considers power electronics, machines, control and mechanical systems. The study of power electronics and its integration in different applications is covered through tutorials, exercises and simulation examples that help identify real-time, solution-based models on the proposed converter and controller designs for renewable energy sources. A comprehensive chapter is devoted to explaining controller design for power electronics systems and power converters design, providing engineers and researchers in all areas of power and renewable engineering the most advanced knowledge needed.
Enzymatic Reactors
Design and Optimization
1st Edition
F. Xavier Malcata
English
Enzymatic Reactors: Design and Optimization delves into the performance analysis of enzyme reactors, starting from the simplest ideal reactors considered individually as single units, then progressing to combinations of multiple units. The book gradually improves the quality of modeling with contributions from nonideal hydrodynamics and mass transfer, eventually addressing interactions with separation and classical control of operation. It helps readers evolve their understanding of reactor concepts and extends their knowledge to overall reactor operation. The book covers three levels of description: macroscopic (ideal), microscopic (nonideal hydrodynamics and mass transfer), and submicroscopic (nonideal mixing).The quality of approximation increases with the complexity of mathematical models and experimental data. It explores ideal reactors, nontrivial flow patterns, multiphasic systems, and the mixing processes essential for optimizing enzyme reactor performance.
Synthetic Polymer Chemistry
1st Edition
Pradip Bhowmik
English
Synthetic Polymer Chemistry provides a comprehensive introduction to polymers and their physical properties, as well as different types of polymerization reactions. The book covers an array of integral topics, from the introduction of polymers and their physical properties, to morphology (crystalline and amorphous phase), and molecular weights measurements and solubility. Different types of polymerization reactions (free radical, cationic, anionic condensation) based on organic reaction mechanisms are also discussed. Users will find this book to be a great resource for students and researchers who want to build a strong foundation of organic chemistry and polymer chemistry.Topics discussed in this resource will provide an important foundation and understanding that helps readers grasp the materials covered in advanced polymer chemistry. It is ideal for courses in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, materials science and engineering, and biomedical engineering.
Biohydrometallurgy of Rare Earth Ores
1st Edition
Hongbo Zhao + 3 more
English
Biohydrometallurgy of Rare Earth Ores offers an in-depth exploration of innovative bioleaching techniques for the extraction of rare earth elements that is critical for various high-tech applications. The book begins with foundational concepts in bioleaching, explaining how microorganisms and their metabolites can facilitate the extraction of REEs from ores. Further sections examine different biological approaches, including the use of native and genetically improved microorganisms, and highlight the role of coordination chemistry in enhancing leaching processes. The text also delves into comparative analyses of chemical versus bioleaching methods, emphasizing the advantages of biological techniques in terms of efficiency and environmental sustainability.Addit... the book addresses the environmental impacts of bioleaching practices, providing a holistic view of the sustainability of these methods while also detailing the recovery processes of REEs from bioleaching solutions and exploring various methods such as inorganic and organic precipitation, biosorption, and the utilization of waste-derived metabolites. It will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and industry professionals interested in the sustainable extraction of rare earth elements.
Renewable Energy and Process Plant's Piping and Equipment Estimating Manual
1st Edition
Kenneth Storm
English
Renewable Energy and Process Plant's Piping and Equipment Estimating Manual is a forward-thinking guide that blends hands-on construction estimating with robust, data-driven strategies. Storm introduces tested techniques for calculating man-hours, helping professionals minimize planning and execution costs while boosting accuracy. The manual thoroughly examines contemporary estimation practices, featuring statistical analysis, real-world data, and advanced Excel modeling to produce reliable, repeatable results. It’s especially relevant for renewable energy projects—including solar, geothermal, and green hydrogen—offering tailored estimating procedures and equipment scopes to handle design variability. This strategic approach empowers estimators to align estimates closely with actual field data.In addition to the foundational principles and labor productivity analysis, the manual is structured across seventeen chapters covering a wide range of plant types and specialties from combined cycle power stations to specialized facilities like pulp and paper, wastewater treatment, and industrial package boilers. Notably, dedicated chapters focus on estimating for renewable energy sectors, delivering practical strategies for equipment installation and construction. With sample estimates and statistical applications, the book serves as an essential reference for construction estimators, engineers, and project managers seeking efficient, error-reducing estimation techniques and comprehensive analytical tools for complex projects.
Progress in Optics
1st Edition
Volume 71
English
Progress in Optics, Volume 71 in this ongoing series, presents the latest release in this renowned serial publication that provides comprehensive, authoritative reviews on significant developments in the field of optical science and engineering. Chapters in this new release include updates on Phased-array lidar, Holographic metasurfaces, The Talbot effect, Space-time optics, Structured Light in Space and Time: Enabling Applications Across Linear, Nonlinear, and Quantum Domains, RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, Metaphotonics Research Team, Weak quantum measurements, and Structured Light.Each volume in this series brings together contributions from leading experts, covering a wide range of topics, including classical optics, quantum optics, nonlinear optics, optical materials, photonics, laser technology, imaging systems, and emerging applications.

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