• Focuses on solar, wind, ocean wave, ocean tidal, and ocean thermal energy harvesting
• Discusses power electronic interfaces for energy harvesting components, including PVs, turbines, and generators
• Covers the technical aspects of renewable energy systems
• Presents simulation models of the systems
• Assesses the environmental impact of generating energy from the ocean
• Explores the design of applications, such as a solar-powered boat, satellite energy system, and unmanned aerial vehicle as well as the Wave Dragon floating offshore converter, Wave Star device, and a magnetohydrodynamics wave energy generator

Also called energy scavenging, energy harvesting captures, stores, and uses "clean" energy sources by employing interfaces, storage devices, and other units. Unlike conventional electric power generation systems, renewable energy harvesting does not use fossil fuels and the generation units can be decentralized, thereby significantly reducing transmission and distribution losses. But advanced technical methods must be developed to increase the efficiency of devices in harvesting energy from environmentally friendly, "green" resources and converting them into electrical energy.

Recognizing this need, Energy Harvesting: Solar, Wind, and Ocean Energy Conversion Systems describes various energy harvesting technologies, different topologies, and many types of power electronic interfaces for stand-alone utilization or grid connection of energy harvesting applications. Along with providing all the necessary concepts and theoretical background, the authors develop simulation models throughout the text to build a practical understanding of system analysis and modeling.

With a focus on solar energy, the first chapter discusses the I-V characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) systems, PV models and equivalent circuits, sun tracking systems, maximum power point tracking systems, shading effects, and power electronic interfaces for grid-connected and stand-alone PV systems. It also presents sizing criteria for applications and modern solar energy applications, including residential, vehicular, naval, and space applications. The next chapter reviews different types of wind turbines and electrical machines as well as various power electronic interfaces. After explaining the energy generation technologies, optimal operation principles, and possible utilization techniques of ocean tidal energy harvesting, the book explores near- and offshore approaches for harvesting the kinetic and potential energy of ocean waves. It also describes the required absorber, turbine, and generator types, along with the power electronic interfaces for grid connection and commercialized ocean wave energy conversion applications. The final chapter deals with closed, open, and hybrid-cycle ocean thermal energy conversion systems.

Solar Energy Harvesting

Introduction

I–V Characteristics of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

PV Models and Equivalent Circuits

Sun Tracking Systems

MPPT Techniques

Shading Effects on PV Cells

Power Electronic Interfaces for PV Systems

Sizing the PV Panel and Battery Pack for Stand-Alone PV Applications

Modern Solar Energy Applications

Wind Energy Harvesting

Introduction

Winds

History of Wind Energy Harvesting

Fundamentals of Wind Energy Harvesting

Wind Turbine Systems

Wind Turbines

Different Electrical Machines in Wind Turbines

Synchronous Generators

Wind Harvesting Research and Development

Tidal Energy Harvesting

Introduction

Categories of Tidal Power and Corresponding Generation Technology

Turbine and Generator’s Control

Tidal Energy Conversion Systems

Grid Connection Interfaces for Tidal Energy Harvesting Applications

Potential Resources

Environmental Impacts

Ocean Wave Energy Harvesting

Introduction to Ocean Wave Energy Harvesting

The Power of Ocean Waves

Wave Energy Harvesting Technologies

Wave Energy Applications

Wave Energy in Future

Ocean Thermal Energy Harvesting

History

Classification of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversions (OTECs)

Technical Obstacles of Closed-Cycle OTEC Systems

Components of an OTEC System

Control of an OTEC Power Plant

Control of a Steam Turbine

Potential Resources

Multipurpose Utilization of OTEC Systems

Impact on Environment

Index

A Summary and References appear at the end of each chapter.