Author: Kornelis Blok
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1000214435
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 294
Book Description
This textbook provides an introduction to energy analysis for those students who want to specialise in this challenging field. In comparison to other textbooks, this book provides a balanced treatment of complete energy systems, covering the demand side, the supply side, and the energy markets that connect these. The emphasis is very much on presenting a range of tools and methodologies that will help students find their way in analysing real world problems in energy systems. This new edition has been updated throughout and contains additional content on energy transitions and improvements in the treatment of several energy systems analysis approaches. Featuring learning objectives, further readings and practical exercises in each chapter, Introduction to Energy Analysis will be essential reading for upper-level undergraduate and postgraduate students with a background in the natural sciences and engineering. This book may also be useful for professionals dealing with energy issues, as a first introduction into the field.
Introduction to Energy Analysis
Author: Kornelis Blok
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1000214435
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 294
Book Description
This textbook provides an introduction to energy analysis for those students who want to specialise in this challenging field. In comparison to other textbooks, this book provides a balanced treatment of complete energy systems, covering the demand side, the supply side, and the energy markets that connect these. The emphasis is very much on presenting a range of tools and methodologies that will help students find their way in analysing real world problems in energy systems. This new edition has been updated throughout and contains additional content on energy transitions and improvements in the treatment of several energy systems analysis approaches. Featuring learning objectives, further readings and practical exercises in each chapter, Introduction to Energy Analysis will be essential reading for upper-level undergraduate and postgraduate students with a background in the natural sciences and engineering. This book may also be useful for professionals dealing with energy issues, as a first introduction into the field.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1000214435
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 294
Book Description
This textbook provides an introduction to energy analysis for those students who want to specialise in this challenging field. In comparison to other textbooks, this book provides a balanced treatment of complete energy systems, covering the demand side, the supply side, and the energy markets that connect these. The emphasis is very much on presenting a range of tools and methodologies that will help students find their way in analysing real world problems in energy systems. This new edition has been updated throughout and contains additional content on energy transitions and improvements in the treatment of several energy systems analysis approaches. Featuring learning objectives, further readings and practical exercises in each chapter, Introduction to Energy Analysis will be essential reading for upper-level undergraduate and postgraduate students with a background in the natural sciences and engineering. This book may also be useful for professionals dealing with energy issues, as a first introduction into the field.
Introduction to Renewable Energy
Author: Vaughn C. Nelson
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1439891206
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 376
Book Description
As the world population grows and places more demand on limited fossil fuels, renewable energy becomes more relevant as part of the solution to the impending energy dilemma. Renewable energy is now included in national policies, with goals for it to be a significant percentage of generated energy within the coming decades. A comprehensive overview, Introduction to Renewable Energy explores how we can use the sun, wind, biomass, geothermal resources, and water to generate more sustainable energy. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, the book integrates economic, social, environmental, policy, and engineering issues related to renewable energy. It explains the fundamentals of energy, including the transfer of energy, as well as the limitations of natural resources. Starting with solar power, the text illustrates how energy from the sun is transferred and stored; used for heating, cooling, and lighting; collected and concentrated; and converted into electricity. A chapter describes residential power usage—including underground and off-grid homes—and houses that are designed to use energy more efficiently or to be completely self-sufficient. Other chapters cover wind power; bioenergy, including biofuel; and geothermal heat pumps; as well as hydro, tidal, and ocean energy. Describing storage as a billion-dollar idea, the book discusses the challenges of storing energy and gives an overview of technologies from flywheels to batteries. It also examines institutional issues such as environmental regulations, incentives, infrastructure, and social costs and benefits. Emphasizing the concept of life-cycle cost, the book analyzes the costs associated with different sources of energy. With recommendations for further reading, formulas, case studies, and extensive use of figures and diagrams, this textbook is suitable for undergraduates in Renewable Energy courses as well as for non-specialists seeking an introduction to renewable energy. Pedagogical Features: End-of-chapter problems Numerous case studies More than 150 figures and illustrations A solutions manual is available upon qualifying course adoption
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1439891206
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 376
Book Description
As the world population grows and places more demand on limited fossil fuels, renewable energy becomes more relevant as part of the solution to the impending energy dilemma. Renewable energy is now included in national policies, with goals for it to be a significant percentage of generated energy within the coming decades. A comprehensive overview, Introduction to Renewable Energy explores how we can use the sun, wind, biomass, geothermal resources, and water to generate more sustainable energy. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, the book integrates economic, social, environmental, policy, and engineering issues related to renewable energy. It explains the fundamentals of energy, including the transfer of energy, as well as the limitations of natural resources. Starting with solar power, the text illustrates how energy from the sun is transferred and stored; used for heating, cooling, and lighting; collected and concentrated; and converted into electricity. A chapter describes residential power usage—including underground and off-grid homes—and houses that are designed to use energy more efficiently or to be completely self-sufficient. Other chapters cover wind power; bioenergy, including biofuel; and geothermal heat pumps; as well as hydro, tidal, and ocean energy. Describing storage as a billion-dollar idea, the book discusses the challenges of storing energy and gives an overview of technologies from flywheels to batteries. It also examines institutional issues such as environmental regulations, incentives, infrastructure, and social costs and benefits. Emphasizing the concept of life-cycle cost, the book analyzes the costs associated with different sources of energy. With recommendations for further reading, formulas, case studies, and extensive use of figures and diagrams, this textbook is suitable for undergraduates in Renewable Energy courses as well as for non-specialists seeking an introduction to renewable energy. Pedagogical Features: End-of-chapter problems Numerous case studies More than 150 figures and illustrations A solutions manual is available upon qualifying course adoption
Introduction to Hydro Energy Systems
Author: Hermann-Josef Wagner
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 364220709X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 131
Book Description
The authors have tried to strike a balance between a short book chapter and a very detailed book for subject experts. There are three prime reasons behind for doing so: first, the field is quite interdisciplinary and requires simplified presentation for a person from non-parent discipline. The second reason for this short-version of a full book is that both the authors have seen students and technically oriented people, who were searching for this type of book on hydro energy. The third reason and motivation was considering engineers who are starting their career in hydro energy sector. This book is targeted to present a good starting background and basic understanding for such professionals.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 364220709X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 131
Book Description
The authors have tried to strike a balance between a short book chapter and a very detailed book for subject experts. There are three prime reasons behind for doing so: first, the field is quite interdisciplinary and requires simplified presentation for a person from non-parent discipline. The second reason for this short-version of a full book is that both the authors have seen students and technically oriented people, who were searching for this type of book on hydro energy. The third reason and motivation was considering engineers who are starting their career in hydro energy sector. This book is targeted to present a good starting background and basic understanding for such professionals.
Electric Energy
Author: Mohamed A. El-Sharkawi
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1466504315
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 594
Book Description
The search for renewable energy and smart grids, the societal impact of blackouts, and the environmental impact of generating electricity, along with the new ABET criteria, continue to drive a renewed interest in electric energy as a core subject. Keeping pace with these changes, Electric Energy: An Introduction, Third Edition restructures the traditional introductory electric energy course to better meet the needs of electrical and mechanical engineering students. Now in color, this third edition of a bestselling textbook gives students a wider view of electric energy, without sacrificing depth. Coverage includes energy resources, renewable energy, power plants and their environmental impacts, electric safety, power quality, power market, blackouts, and future power systems. The book also makes the traditional topics of electromechanical conversion, transformers, power electronics, and three-phase systems more relevant to students. Throughout, it emphasizes issues that engineers encounter in their daily work, with numerous examples drawn from real systems and real data. What’s New in This Edition Color illustrations Substation and distribution equipment Updated data on energy resources Expanded coverage of power plants Expanded material on renewable energy Expanded material on electric safety Three-phase system and pulse width modulation for DC/AC converters Induction generator More information on smart grids Additional problems and solutions Combining the fundamentals of traditional energy conversion with contemporary topics in electric energy, this accessible textbook gives students the broad background they need to meet future challenges.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1466504315
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 594
Book Description
The search for renewable energy and smart grids, the societal impact of blackouts, and the environmental impact of generating electricity, along with the new ABET criteria, continue to drive a renewed interest in electric energy as a core subject. Keeping pace with these changes, Electric Energy: An Introduction, Third Edition restructures the traditional introductory electric energy course to better meet the needs of electrical and mechanical engineering students. Now in color, this third edition of a bestselling textbook gives students a wider view of electric energy, without sacrificing depth. Coverage includes energy resources, renewable energy, power plants and their environmental impacts, electric safety, power quality, power market, blackouts, and future power systems. The book also makes the traditional topics of electromechanical conversion, transformers, power electronics, and three-phase systems more relevant to students. Throughout, it emphasizes issues that engineers encounter in their daily work, with numerous examples drawn from real systems and real data. What’s New in This Edition Color illustrations Substation and distribution equipment Updated data on energy resources Expanded coverage of power plants Expanded material on renewable energy Expanded material on electric safety Three-phase system and pulse width modulation for DC/AC converters Induction generator More information on smart grids Additional problems and solutions Combining the fundamentals of traditional energy conversion with contemporary topics in electric energy, this accessible textbook gives students the broad background they need to meet future challenges.
Introduction to Energy, Environment, Sustainability
Author: Paul Gannon
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781465218155
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 180
Book Description
An accessible, comprehensive primer to critical and contemporary issues in science, Introduction to Energy, Environment and Sustainability published by Kendall Hunt, was developed for an entry-level, non-science college audience, and aims to facilitate both new and old courses covering these topics. Originally created to meet Paul Gannon's (Montana State University - Chemical Engineering) new core science course, ECHM 205CS: Energy and Sustainability, the updated edition is now easily adaptable to basic science and engineering courses, in addition to those in the social and political sciences, e.g., law, public administration, business, sociology or economics. Introduction to Energy, Environment and Sustainability is organized into ten sequential chapters and is designed for a single academic term: Chapters 1-3 present an overview of human society and its impacts, as well as energy and environmental sciences and Earth System dynamics. Chapter 4 reviews the basics of combustion (fire), its utility, and its globalized impacts since the Industrial Revolution, focusing on atmospheric greenhouse gas accumulation and anthropogenic global climate destabilization. Chapter 5 discusses non-renewable energy sources (fossil fuels) and related exploration, production and conversion technologies. Chapter 6 covers atomic energy basics and nuclear energy technologies. Chapters 7 and 8 overview renewable energy sources and conversion technologies, and introduce basic concepts of electricity and hydrogen. Chapter 9 considers the complexities and vulnerabilities of modern food and water systems. Chapter 10 concludes with reflections on science, sustainability and globalizing human society. The improved 2nd edition includes updated information on hydraulic fracturing (fracking), climate change and energy use, as well as links to interactive learning opportunities. To facilitate new and existing courses for instructors, the textbook is accompanied website, which includes: Example course syllabi and advertisements, Sample lecture slides from each chapter, Solutions to end-of-chapter quiz and problem sets , Suggested class-room activities/demonstrations and interactive course projects, designed to engage students and communities, Sample quizzes and exams -- P. vii.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781465218155
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 180
Book Description
An accessible, comprehensive primer to critical and contemporary issues in science, Introduction to Energy, Environment and Sustainability published by Kendall Hunt, was developed for an entry-level, non-science college audience, and aims to facilitate both new and old courses covering these topics. Originally created to meet Paul Gannon's (Montana State University - Chemical Engineering) new core science course, ECHM 205CS: Energy and Sustainability, the updated edition is now easily adaptable to basic science and engineering courses, in addition to those in the social and political sciences, e.g., law, public administration, business, sociology or economics. Introduction to Energy, Environment and Sustainability is organized into ten sequential chapters and is designed for a single academic term: Chapters 1-3 present an overview of human society and its impacts, as well as energy and environmental sciences and Earth System dynamics. Chapter 4 reviews the basics of combustion (fire), its utility, and its globalized impacts since the Industrial Revolution, focusing on atmospheric greenhouse gas accumulation and anthropogenic global climate destabilization. Chapter 5 discusses non-renewable energy sources (fossil fuels) and related exploration, production and conversion technologies. Chapter 6 covers atomic energy basics and nuclear energy technologies. Chapters 7 and 8 overview renewable energy sources and conversion technologies, and introduce basic concepts of electricity and hydrogen. Chapter 9 considers the complexities and vulnerabilities of modern food and water systems. Chapter 10 concludes with reflections on science, sustainability and globalizing human society. The improved 2nd edition includes updated information on hydraulic fracturing (fracking), climate change and energy use, as well as links to interactive learning opportunities. To facilitate new and existing courses for instructors, the textbook is accompanied website, which includes: Example course syllabi and advertisements, Sample lecture slides from each chapter, Solutions to end-of-chapter quiz and problem sets , Suggested class-room activities/demonstrations and interactive course projects, designed to engage students and communities, Sample quizzes and exams -- P. vii.
Introduction to Energy
Author: Edward S. Cassedy
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108509835
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 410
Book Description
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.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108509835
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 410
Book Description
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.
Energy Systems
Author: Nick Jenkins
Publisher:
ISBN: 0198813929
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 161
Book Description
Energy supply is foundational to modern society, but damaging to the environment. This book takes a 'systems view', from extraction of primary fuel, through conversion to usable energy, and transportation to point of use. It explores initiatives to generate electricity in an environmentally benign manner, and decarbonise the supply of energy.
Publisher:
ISBN: 0198813929
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 161
Book Description
Energy supply is foundational to modern society, but damaging to the environment. This book takes a 'systems view', from extraction of primary fuel, through conversion to usable energy, and transportation to point of use. It explores initiatives to generate electricity in an environmentally benign manner, and decarbonise the supply of energy.
Introduction to AI Techniques for Renewable Energy System
Author: Suman Lata Tripathi
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000392457
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 423
Book Description
Introduction to AI techniques for Renewable Energy System Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques play an essential role in modeling, analysis, and prediction of the performance and control of renewable energy. The algorithms used to model, control, or predict performances of the energy systems are complicated, involving differential equations, enormous computing power, and time requirements. Instead of complex rules and mathematical routines, AI techniques can learn critical information patterns within a multidimensional information domain. Design, control, and operation of renewable energy systems require a long-term series of meteorological data such as solar radiation, temperature, or wind data. Such long-term measurements are often non-existent for most of the interest locations or, wherever they are available, they suffer from several shortcomings, like inferior quality of data, and in-sufficient long series. The book focuses on AI techniques to overcome these problems. It summarizes commonly used AI methodologies in renewal energy, with a particular emphasis on neural networks, fuzzy logic, and genetic algorithms. It outlines selected AI applications for renewable energy. In particular, it discusses methods using the AI approach for prediction and modeling of solar radiation, seizing, performances, and controls of the solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Features Focuses on a significant area of concern to develop a foundation for the implementation of renewable energy system with intelligent techniques Showcases how researchers working on renewable energy systems can correlate their work with intelligent and machine learning approaches Highlights international standards for intelligent renewable energy systems design, reliability, and maintenance Provides insights on solar cell, biofuels, wind, and other renewable energy systems design and characterization, including the equipment for smart energy systems This book, which includes real-life examples, is aimed at undergraduate and graduate students and academicians studying AI techniques used in renewal energy systems.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000392457
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 423
Book Description
Introduction to AI techniques for Renewable Energy System Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques play an essential role in modeling, analysis, and prediction of the performance and control of renewable energy. The algorithms used to model, control, or predict performances of the energy systems are complicated, involving differential equations, enormous computing power, and time requirements. Instead of complex rules and mathematical routines, AI techniques can learn critical information patterns within a multidimensional information domain. Design, control, and operation of renewable energy systems require a long-term series of meteorological data such as solar radiation, temperature, or wind data. Such long-term measurements are often non-existent for most of the interest locations or, wherever they are available, they suffer from several shortcomings, like inferior quality of data, and in-sufficient long series. The book focuses on AI techniques to overcome these problems. It summarizes commonly used AI methodologies in renewal energy, with a particular emphasis on neural networks, fuzzy logic, and genetic algorithms. It outlines selected AI applications for renewable energy. In particular, it discusses methods using the AI approach for prediction and modeling of solar radiation, seizing, performances, and controls of the solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Features Focuses on a significant area of concern to develop a foundation for the implementation of renewable energy system with intelligent techniques Showcases how researchers working on renewable energy systems can correlate their work with intelligent and machine learning approaches Highlights international standards for intelligent renewable energy systems design, reliability, and maintenance Provides insights on solar cell, biofuels, wind, and other renewable energy systems design and characterization, including the equipment for smart energy systems This book, which includes real-life examples, is aimed at undergraduate and graduate students and academicians studying AI techniques used in renewal energy systems.
Introduction to the Analysis of Electromechanical Systems
Author: Paul C. Krause
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111983001X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 260
Book Description
Discover the analytical foundations of electric machine, power electronics, electric drives, and electric power systems In Introduction to the Analysis of Electromechanical Systems, an accomplished team of engineers delivers an accessible and robust analysis of fundamental topics in electrical systems and electrical machine modeling oriented to their control with power converters. The book begins with an introduction to the electromagnetic variables in rotatory and stationary reference frames before moving onto descriptions of electric machines. The authors discuss direct current, round-rotor permanent-magnet alternating current, and induction machines, as well as brushless direct current and induction motor drives. Synchronous generators and various other aspects of electric power system engineering are covered as well, showing readers how to describe the behavior of electromagnetic variables and how to approach their control with modern power converters. Introduction to the Analysis of Electromechanical Systems presents analysis techniques at an introductory level and at sufficient detail to be useful as a prerequisite for higher level courses. It also offers supplementary materials in the form of online animations and videos to illustrate the concepts contained within. Readers will also enjoy: A thorough introduction to basic system analysis, including phasor analysis, power calculations, elementary magnetic circuits, stationary coupled circuits, and two- and three-phase systems Comprehensive explorations of the basics of electric machine analysis and power electronics, including switching-circuit fundamentals, conversion, and electromagnetic force and torque Practical discussions of power systems, including three-phase transformer connections, synchronous generators, reactive power and power factor correction, and discussions of transient stability Perfect for researchers and industry professionals in the area of power and electric drives, Introduction to the Analysis of Electromechanical Systems will also earn its place in the libraries of senior undergraduate and graduate students and professors in these fields.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111983001X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 260
Book Description
Discover the analytical foundations of electric machine, power electronics, electric drives, and electric power systems In Introduction to the Analysis of Electromechanical Systems, an accomplished team of engineers delivers an accessible and robust analysis of fundamental topics in electrical systems and electrical machine modeling oriented to their control with power converters. The book begins with an introduction to the electromagnetic variables in rotatory and stationary reference frames before moving onto descriptions of electric machines. The authors discuss direct current, round-rotor permanent-magnet alternating current, and induction machines, as well as brushless direct current and induction motor drives. Synchronous generators and various other aspects of electric power system engineering are covered as well, showing readers how to describe the behavior of electromagnetic variables and how to approach their control with modern power converters. Introduction to the Analysis of Electromechanical Systems presents analysis techniques at an introductory level and at sufficient detail to be useful as a prerequisite for higher level courses. It also offers supplementary materials in the form of online animations and videos to illustrate the concepts contained within. Readers will also enjoy: A thorough introduction to basic system analysis, including phasor analysis, power calculations, elementary magnetic circuits, stationary coupled circuits, and two- and three-phase systems Comprehensive explorations of the basics of electric machine analysis and power electronics, including switching-circuit fundamentals, conversion, and electromagnetic force and torque Practical discussions of power systems, including three-phase transformer connections, synchronous generators, reactive power and power factor correction, and discussions of transient stability Perfect for researchers and industry professionals in the area of power and electric drives, Introduction to the Analysis of Electromechanical Systems will also earn its place in the libraries of senior undergraduate and graduate students and professors in these fields.
Energy and Civilization
Author: Vaclav Smil
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262536161
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 564
Book Description
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.
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 0262536161
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 564
Book Description
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.