Explore a Major Component of Renewable Energy
Introduction to Bioenergy
takes a look at energy from biomass (thermal energy, power, liquid fuels, and biogas) and envisions a sustainable future fueled by renewable energy. From production to conversion to heat, power, and biofuel, this book breaks down the science of bioenergy and explains the major processes for its production, conversion, and use.Covers Solar Energy, Bioenergy, and Biomass Resources
The book begins with an introduction to solar energy (the source of bioenergy) and then moves on to describe bioenergy, biomass, chemical conversion, and the renewable energy processes involved. The authors cover measurement energy parameters, analysis of data, and the prediction of energy production for different bio products. They also consider the institutional, environmental, and economic concerns surrounding bioenergy.
An all-inclusive resource covering a rapidly-advancing field, this book:
- Explores the impact of climate change and global warming on the production of biomass
- Describes the positive and negative effects of biomass production on ecosystems and biodiversity
- Illustrates the use of biomass for the production of electricity
- Considers the replacement of fossil fuels with biofuels, biofuel production, and emerging technologies
- Addresses institutional and environmental issues relevant to bioenergy
- Discusses factors impacting the economic feasibility of renewable energy systems
Introduction to Bioenergy
defines major processes for the production, conversion, and use of bioenergy. A book suitable for coursework or self-study, this essential work serves students and practicing professionals in the renewable energy, environmental science, agriculture engineering, and biology fields.Introduction
Numbers
Carbon Cycle
Climate Change
Biomass Production
Land Use
Food and Fiber Production
Wood
Sustainable Use
Bioenergy
References
Energy
Introduction
Definitions of Energy and Power
Heat
Thermodynamics
Energy Dilemma in Light of the Laws of Thermodynamics
Use of Fossil Fuels
Nuclear
Finite Resource
Summary
References
Sun
Solar Power
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Energy Balance of the Earth
Earth–Sun Motion
Insolation
Solar Resource
References
Climate Change
Climate Change-A
Greenhouse Effect
Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Global Warming
Information and Comments
Geoengineering
Effect on the Biosphere
References
Plants
Plant Basics
Biomass Resource
Valuable Parts of the Plants
Where Can They Grow
Multi-seasonal
Multipurpose
Perennial Grasses
References
Soil
Formation and Composition
Soil Use, Preparation
Soil Conservation
Sustainability
References
Constraints
Water
Agronomy
Biomass Logistics
Other Constraints
References
Heat and Power
Introduction
Stoves
Heat and Electricity
Biodigestors
References
Biofuels
Ethanol
Biodiesel
Microalgae
Biomethane
Biorefinery
Comments
References
Secondary Uses
Energetics
By-Products
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
References
Institutional Issues
United States
World
Regulations
Environmental Issues
Politics
Incentives
Externalities (social costs/benefits)
Transmission
References
Economics
Introduction
Factors Affecting Economics
Economic Analyses
Life-Cycle Costs
Present Worth and Levelized Costs
Externalities
Project Development
Cost (Value) of Energy, Different Sources
Bioenergy
Summary
The Future
References
Observations
Solid State Electronics
Internet
Geographic Information Systems
Satellites
Examples
Predictions
Science
Authors’ Predictions
On the Down Side
References
Appendix
Biography
Vaughn Nelson has been involved with renewable energy, primarily wind energy, since the early 1970s. Currently, he is retired from West Texas A&M University (WTAMU). He has earned the following degrees: PhD in physics, University of Kansas, EdM, Harvard University, and BSE, Kansas State Teachers College, Emporia. He is the author of three books and four CDs, and has published over 50 articles and reports. In the series Energy and the Environment, Dr. Nelson is the author of Wind Energy (2009, 2nd ed. 2013) and Introduction to Renewable Energy (2011) as well as the 2nd ed. (2015) from CRC Press.
Kenneth Starcher began his college career and involvement with renewables in the same semester at West Texas State University in 1976. It led to a BS in physics/computer science in 1980. He received an MS in engineering technology at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) in 1995. Ken has been the educational funnel for on-site training and public information for students and public workshops for AEI and has been a field worker for projects at the company since 1980. He has served as a consultant for wind companies in the United States and produced wind resources maps for various areas worldwide.
"This book provides an excellent overview of the basic science that describes the source (solar energy) and how this energy is collected and converted to what we call bioenergy. … The latter chapters describe how bioenergy can be utilized by society and meet the growing need for additional energy as the supply of fossil fuels declines in the future."
—R. Nolan Clark, Retired, Director, ARS, USDA, Bushland, Texas, USA
