The use of energy it is argued started about two million years ago when humans started cooking their food using firewood. As humans developed new skills with increased activities, energy interaction and usage emerged. Energy was used not only for domestic functions but also for space applications. With industrialization, humans realized that energy was needed to move machines and do other things as well. In this quest, and without understanding the consequences of using fossil fuels extensively, many problems arose. Researchers in energy embarked on a journey to study different forms of energy. To understand different needs, researchers have tried to come up with ways in which small-scale energy harvesting can be adapted to different needs that do not require heavy-duty energy production.This book attempts to present a number of ideas regarding a few selected small-scale energy harvesting methods and techniques as well as theories and products that may be helpful in improving the quality of life. Some of the new products are still in the prototype stage, while others are already being utilized. Many researchers in small-scale energy harvesting and those aspiring to follow this path of research will find this book not only motivating but also a useful guide in their endeavors.

This book introduces an innovative and high-efficiency technology for mechanical energy harvesting. The book covers the history and development of triboelectric nanogenerators, basic structures, working principles, performance characterization, and potential applications. It is divided into three parts: Part A illustrates the fundamental working modes of triboelectric nanogenerators with their prototype structures and theoretical analysis; Part B and Part C introduce two categories of applications, namely self-powered systems and self-powered active sensors. The book will be an ideal guide to scientists and engineers beginning to study triboelectric nanogenerators or wishing to deepen their knowledge of the field. Readers will be able to place the technical details about this technology in context, and acquire the necessary skills to reproduce the experimental setups for fabrication and measurement.

The transformation of vibrations into electric energy through the use of piezoelectric devices is an exciting and rapidly developing area of research with a widening range of applications constantly materialising. With Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting, world-leading researchers provide a timely and comprehensive coverage of the electromechanical modelling and applications of piezoelectric energy harvesters. They present principal modelling approaches, synthesizing fundamental material related to mechanical, aerospace, civil, electrical and materials engineering disciplines for vibration-based energy harvesting using piezoelectric transduction. Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting provides the first comprehensive treatment of distributed-parameter electromechanical modelling for piezoelectric energy harvesting with extensive case studies including experimental validations, and is the first book to address modelling of various forms of excitation in piezoelectric energy harvesting, ranging from airflow excitation to moving loads, thus ensuring its relevance to engineers in fields as disparate as aerospace engineering and civil engineering. Coverage includes: Analytical and approximate analytical distributed-parameter electromechanical models with illustrative theoretical case studies as well as extensive experimental validations Several problems of piezoelectric energy harvesting ranging from simple harmonic excitation to random vibrations Details of introducing and modelling piezoelectric coupling for various problems Modelling and exploiting nonlinear dynamics for performance enhancement, supported with experimental verifications Applications ranging from moving load excitation of slender bridges to airflow excitation of aeroelastic sections A review of standard nonlinear energy harvesting circuits with modelling aspects.

This book provides an in-depth review of the history, fundamental theory, design strategies, and applications of nanogenerators. Working principles, device mechanisms, material characteristics, types of nanogenerators, and their different uses are fully explored. Top researchers in the field of sustainable technology from different backgrounds and fields contribute their expertise to deliver a must-have practical resource for students, academic researchers, and industry professionals. FEATURES Describes the fundamental aspects and theory of nanogenerators Explores design strategies including material assessment based upon planned application Tailors the introduction and essential concept discussion for the industrial and research community Explores current applications, existing challenges, and the future outlook for the field

This book contains chapters that discuss numerous methods and techniques in energy harvesting. Both theoretical and experimental results are presented from investigations that were carried out in the various chapters. Well-grounding methods and techniques presented in the new areas provide a good head start not only to those with interest in energy harvesting but also to experienced researchers who may want to look at energy harvesting from different angles. The concepts of energy harvesting are well articulated in the introduction of each chapter. It is my sincere hope that the readers of this book will find it a useful fountain of knowledge in energy harvesting.

This book presents basic and advanced concepts for energy harvesting and energy efficiency, as well as related technologies, methods, and their applications. The book provides up-to-date knowledge and discusses the state-of-the-art equipment and methods used for energy harvesting and energy efficiency, combining theory and practical applications. Containing over 200 illustrations and problems and solutions, the book begins with overview chapters on the status quo in this field. Subsequent chapters introduce readers to advanced concepts and methods. In turn, the final part of the book is dedicated to technical strategies, efficient methods and applications in the field of energy efficiency, which also makes it of interest to technicians in industry. The book tackles problems commonly encountered using basic methods of energy harvesting and energy efficiency, and proposes advanced methods to resolve these issues. All the methods proposed have been validated through simulation and experimental results. These “hot topics” will continue to be of interest to scientists and engineers in future decades and will provide challenges to researchers around the globe as issues of climate change and changing energy policies become more pressing. Here, readers will find all the basic and advanced concepts they need. As such, it offers a valuable, comprehensive guide for all students and practicing engineers who wishing to learn about and work in these fields.

Metal Oxide Nanocomposites: Synthesis and Applications summarizes many of the recent research accomplishments in the area of metal oxide-based nanocomposites. This book focussing on the following topics: Nanocomposites preparation and characterization of metal oxide nanocomposites; synthesis of core/shell metal oxide nanocomposites; multilayer thin films; sequential assembly of nanocomposite materials; semiconducting polymer metal oxide nanocomposites; graphene-based metal and metal oxide nanocomposites; carbon nanotube–metal–oxide nanocomposites; silicon mixed oxide nanocomposites; gas semiconducting sensors based on metal oxide nanocomposites; metal9;]organic framework nanocomposite for hydrogen production and nanocomposites application towards photovoltaic and photocatalytic.