Advanced Non-Thermal Power Generation Systems

Book excerpt: Generally, sources for power generation are broken down into two categories: thermal and non-thermal. Thermal sources for power generation include combustion, geothermal, solar, nuclear, and waste heat, which essentially provide heat as a means for power generation. This book examines non-thermal (mechanical, electrochemical, nanoscale self-powered, and hybrid) sources of power generation and emphasizes recent advances in distributed power generation systems. Key Features Details recent advances made in wind power, including onshore, offshore, fixed and floating platform, and air wind energy systems, and offers detailed assessments of progress Covers advances in generation of hydropower, exploring dam hydropower, novel wave energy converters, and novel systems and turbines for hydrokinetic energy conversion to power Examines all types of fuel cells and their multi-functional roles, along with hybrid fuel cell systems in complete detail Explores advances in the development of self-powered nanogenerators for use in portable, wearable, and implantable power electronics Focuses on technologies with the best commercial possibilities and provides perspectives on future challenges that need to be solved This book will be of value to all researchers in academia, industry, and government interested in pursuing power generation technologies and seeking a comprehensive understanding of available and emerging non-thermal power generation sources. Readers who are interested in learning about thermal power generation sources can find it in the author’s companion text Advanced Power Generation Systems: Thermal Sources (2023).