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.

Power Generation Technologies for Low-Temperature and Distributed Heat presents a systematic and detailed analysis of a wide range of power generation systems for low-temperature (lower than 700-800°C) and distributed heat recovery applications. Each technology presented is reviewed by a well-known specialist to provide the reader with an accurate, insightful and up-to-date understanding of the latest research and knowledge in the field. Technologies are introduced before the fundamental concepts and theoretical technical and economic aspects are discussed, as well as the practical performance expectations. Cutting-edge technical progress, key applications, markets, as well as emerging and future trends are also provided, presenting a multifaceted and complete view of the most suitable technologies. A chapter on various options for thermal and electrical energy storage is also included with practical examples, making this a valuable resource for engineers, researchers, policymakers and engineering students in the fields of thermal energy, distributed power generation systems and renewable and clean energy technology systems. Presents a wide range of power generation technologies based on thermomechanical cycles, membrane technology, thermochemical, thermoelectric, photoelectric and electrochemical effects Explains the fundamental concepts and underlying operation principles in each case, and provides theoretical performance expectations and practical technical and economic characteristics Reviews the cutting-edge technical progress, key applications, markets, emerging and future trends, and includes practical examples of all technologies Details advantages and disadvantages of each technology to allow the reader to make informed decisions of their own for different applications

Pyroelectric Materials An authoritative and practical discussion of pyroelectric materials and their applications In Pyroelectric Materials: Physics and Applications, the authors deliver a comprehensive exploration of the physics of pyroelectric materials and their applications. With authoritative coverage of a wide variety of critical topics in the field, the authors provide the readers with chapters on dielectric fundamentals, pyroelectricity, pyroelectric materials and their applications such as pyroelectric infrared detectors, pyroelectric energy harvesting, and pyroelectric fusion. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to the fundamentals of dielectrics, including discussions of polarization, dispersion, relaxation, and the molecular theory of induced charges in a dielectric Comprehensive explorations of pyroelectricity, including its history, theory, and a simple model of pyroelectric effect Perfect for researchers and professionals with an interest in pyroelectric materials, the book is also useful for graduate students taking courses involving pyroelectric materials and their applications.

An Introduction to Electronic Materials for Engineers aims to give a basic understanding and comprehensive overview of a wide range of materials, such as conducting materials, semiconductors, magnetic materials, optical materials, dielectric materials, superconductors, thermoelectric materials and ionic materials. The new chapters added into this latest edition include thin film electronic materials, organic electronic materials and nanostructured materials. These chapters aim to reflect the new developments made in electronic materials and nanotechnology research towards the design and fabrication of modern equipment and electronic devices.This book is designed for undergraduate engineering and technology students who have background knowledge of physics and chemistry, as well as for engineers who work on materials processing or application, or electric/electronic engineering.It emphasizes on the synthesis, performance and application of electronic materials and will enable readers to understand and relate to the devices and materials.