This book explores membrane materials as a means of translating natural and renewable resources into a more flexible, dynamic, and reactive architectural skin. It represents the first time that energy-saving design has been addressed systematically in relation to lightweight building systems and tensile membranes. Understanding of the energetic behavior of membranes and foils used as a building envelope is a fundamental theme, as it is the integration of flexible photovoltaics in membranes, as well as the exploitation of water and wind resources. A theoretical, methodological framework for consciously designing the membrane life cycle is presented. The authors cross-cut and combine exploration of climate-based design methodology and life cycle thinking strategies. Both active and passive systems are investigated, referring to alternative productive resources like sun, wind, and water. Case studies are brought forward in the book’s second half, highlighting energy lightness for an increasingly dematerialized architecture and addressing inherent issues. Four main research and development paths are presented, the first two focusing on advancements in façade materials and Photovoltaic systems applicable to membrane architecture, the third referring to fog and dew harvesting and the fourth dealing with the future frontier of flexible transparency and designs for well-being through a passive solar system.

This monograph adresses the challenge of the environmental assessment of leightweight electric vehicles. It poses the question whether the use of lightweight materials in electric vehicles can reduce the vehicles’ environmental impact and compares the environmental performance of a lightweight electric vehicle (LEV) to other types of vehicles. The topical approach focuses on methods from life cycle assessment (LCA), and the book concludes with a comprehensive concept on the environmental assessment of LEVs. The target audience primarily comprises LCA practitioners from research institutes and industry, but it may also be beneficial for graduate students specializing in the field of environmental assessment.

Lightweight Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Design covers the particular automotive design approach required for hybrid/electrical drive vehicles. There is currently huge investment world-wide in electric vehicle propulsion, driven by concern for pollution control and depleting oil resources. The radically different design demands of these new vehicles requires a completely new approach that is covered comprehensively in this book. The book explores the rather dramatic departures in structural configuration necessary for purpose-designed electric vehicle including weight removal in the mechanical systems. It also provides a comprehensive review of the design process in the electric hybrid drive and energy storage systems. Ideal for automotive engineering students and professionals Lightweight Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Design provides a complete introduction to this important new sector of the industry. - Comprehensive coverage of all design aspects of electric/hybrid cars in a single volume - Packed with case studies and applications - In-depth treatment written in a text book style (rather than a theoretical specialist text style)

This multivolume resource is an excellent research tool for developing a working knowledge of basic energy concepts and topics. With energy issues so much in the news, it is important that students get a clear understanding of how energy is produced and how it affects virtually every aspect of our lives. The multivolume set A Student Guide to Energy does just that, with an accessible introduction to the basic concepts and key topics concerning nonrenewable energy sources, future renewable energy programs, and the importance of achieving a sustainable energy program for future generations. A Student Guide to Energy is divided into five separate volumes. Volume 1 highlights our present dependence on nonrenewable energy sources—oil, gas, coal, and nuclear power. Volumes 2, 3, and 4 look at the renewable energy sources that will play a vital role in our future, including solar energy, hydrogen fuel cells, wind and water power, and geothermal energy. The concluding volume focuses on efforts to develop a global sustainable energy system that encompasses energy efficiency, conservation, and a healthy, cleaner environment.

This open access book presents a picture of the current energy challenges on the African continent (and the Sub-Saharan region in particular) and proposes pathways to an accelerated energy transition. Starting with an analysis of the status quo and the outlook for Africa’s energy demand and energy access, it provides an account of the available resources, including hydrocarbons and renewable energy resources, which are playing an increasingly crucial role. It then moves on to analyze the level of investment required to scale-up Africa’s energy systems, shedding light on the key barriers and elaborating on potential solutions. It also provides a suggestion for improving the effectiveness of EU–Africa cooperation. While mainly intended for policymakers and academics, this book also speaks to a broader audience interested in gaining an overview of the challenges and opportunities of the African energy sector today and in the future.

This contributed volume contains the results of the research program “Agreement for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles”, developed in the framework of the Energy Technology Network of the International Energy Agency. The topical focus lies on technology options for the system optimization of hybrid and electric vehicle components and drive train configurations which enhance the energy efficiency of the vehicle. The approach to the topic is genuinely interdisciplinary, covering insights from fields. The target audience primarily comprises researchers and industry experts in the field of automotive engineering, but the book may also be beneficial for graduate students.