This book addresses the societal aspects of harnessing geothermal resources for different uses, such as power production, heating and cooling. It introduces a theoretical framework for a social scientific approach to the field, and presents a preliminary collection of empirical case studies on geothermal energy and society from across the world. By providing a conceptual and methodological framework to the study of geothermal energy and societies, it brings together information and analyses in the field that to date have been sparse and fragmented. The contributors explore the diverse aspects of the relationship between the harnessing of geothermal resources and the societies and local communities in which these developments take place. After introducing geothermal technologies, renewable energy concepts as well as their social and policy context and the regulative and environmental aspects of geothermal energy, the book analyzes and discusses twelve global case studies, and compares the social engagement tools applied with those used in other sectors. Of interest to researchers from a range of disciplines who wish to explore the issues surrounding energy and society, it is also a valuable resource for geothermal experts and postgraduate students wish to study the field in greater detail.

A handbook of sustainable energy, covering entire energy aspects from present status to future alternatives under one umbrella This book takes an interdisciplinary system approach to evaluating energy systems so that readers can gain the necessary technical foundation to perform their own performance evaluations and understand their interactions with socioeconomic indicators. Topics include the current and future availability of primary sources, energy supply chain, conversion between different forms of energy, security of energy supply, and efficient end-use of energy sources. Each chapter provides readers with comprehensive background information, an outline of the current technologies, and potential future developments. The book also examines the global, economic, societal, ethical, and environmental issues associated with currently used energy technologies. Energy for Sustainable Society: From Resources to Users starts with ageneral overview of energy systems, and describes the major elements of energy transformation and supply chain. It then discusses interdisciplinary career opportunities in the energy engineering field. The fundamental concepts of energy conversion, transmission, and load flow in electrical systems are covered, as are conventional and unconventional fossil fuels, and the basics of nuclear power generation and reactor types. Other chapters look at: the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and basic operation of steam turbines, gas turbines, and combined cycle heat engines used in fossil fuel and nuclear power plants; current technologies in hydroelectric power generation; renewable and alternative energy sources; energy security issues; and more. Contains up-to-date information on renewable energy technologies such as grid-tie, net-zero energy, battery backup, and utility-independent micro grids Presents the status of the share of renewable sources in the current and future energy supply mix Provides solved examples, case studies, self-assessment quizzes, and problems to enhance the understanding of readers Includes an exclusive chapter on energy security issues Energy for Sustainable Society gives readers a solid foundation to study energy related subjects and is an ideal book for a first course on energy systems for upper division undergraduate and first year graduate students.

Comprehensively covers geothermal energy systems that utilize ground energy in conjunction with heat pumps to provide sustainable heating and cooling The book describes geothermal energy systems that utilize ground energy in conjunction with heat pumps and related technologies to provide heating and cooling. Also discussed are methods to model and assess such systems, as well as means to determine potential environmental impacts of geothermal energy systems and their thermal interaction. The book presents the most up-to-date information in the area. It provides material on a range of topics, from thermodynamic concepts to more advanced discussions of the renewability and sustainability of geothermal energy systems. Numerous applications of such systems are also provided. Geothermal Energy: Sustainable Heating and Cooling Using the Ground takes a research orientated approach to provide coverage of the state of the art and emerging trends, and includes numerous illustrative examples and case studies. Theory and analysis are emphasized throughout, with detailed descriptions of models available for vertical and horizontal geothermal heat exchangers. Key features: Explains geothermal energy systems that utilize ground energy in conjunction with heat pumps to provide heating and cooling, as well as related technologies such as thermal energy storage. Describes and discusses methods to model and analyze geothermal energy systems, and to determine their potential environmental impacts and thermal interactions. Covers various applications of geothermal energy systems. Takes a research orientated approach to provide coverage of the state of the art and emerging trends. Includes numerous illustrative examples and case studies. The book is key for researchers and practitioners working in geothermal energy, as well as graduate and advanced undergraduate students in departments of mechanical, civil, chemical, energy, environmental, process and industrial engineering.

Given the potential disruption of climate change, understanding energy issues and technologies is more important than ever if societies are to make informed choices on policy. Now in its third edition, Introduction to Energy explores the crucial issues connected to modern energy technology and its uses. Fully updated to respond to the substantial developments in the energy sector, the book expands on the relationships of energy use and climate change; of energy availability and the alleviation of world poverty; and of energy consumption and the sustainability of the lifestyles of people in the industrialized world. Directed at a broad readership, it assumes no prior technical expertise and avoids complex mathematical formulations, continuing to provide a standard for introductory energy courses. It is also a useful supplementary text for programs in public policy, business law and resource economics.

A comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society throughout history, from pre-agricultural foraging societies through today's fossil fuel–driven civilization. "I wait for new Smil books the way some people wait for the next 'Star Wars' movie. In his latest book, Energy and Civilization: A History, he goes deep and broad to explain how innovations in humans' ability to turn energy into heat, light, and motion have been a driving force behind our cultural and economic progress over the past 10,000 years. —Bill Gates, Gates Notes, Best Books of the Year Energy is the only universal currency; it is necessary for getting anything done. The conversion of energy on Earth ranges from terra-forming forces of plate tectonics to cumulative erosive effects of raindrops. Life on Earth depends on the photosynthetic conversion of solar energy into plant biomass. Humans have come to rely on many more energy flows—ranging from fossil fuels to photovoltaic generation of electricity—for their civilized existence. In this monumental history, Vaclav Smil provides a comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society, from pre-agricultural foraging societies through today's fossil fuel–driven civilization. Humans are the only species that can systematically harness energies outside their bodies, using the power of their intellect and an enormous variety of artifacts—from the simplest tools to internal combustion engines and nuclear reactors. The epochal transition to fossil fuels affected everything: agriculture, industry, transportation, weapons, communication, economics, urbanization, quality of life, politics, and the environment. Smil describes humanity's energy eras in panoramic and interdisciplinary fashion, offering readers a magisterial overview. This book is an extensively updated and expanded version of Smil's Energy in World History (1994). Smil has incorporated an enormous amount of new material, reflecting the dramatic developments in energy studies over the last two decades and his own research over that time.

A comprehensive, systematic, analytically unified, and interdisciplinary treatment of energy in nature and society, from solar radiation and photosynthesis to our fossil fueled civilization and its environmental consequences.

Uses global case studies to examine technological solutions to energy-related environmental problems and suggests that social, economic and political solutions may be needed to avoid serious future environmental damage.