Alternative Energy Demystified (Paperback)

by Stan Gibilisco (Author)
Key Phrases: basic passive solar heating, exchange heat pump, simplified functional diagram, United States, Electricity Mechanical, Condenser Feed (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The fast and easy way to get up-to-speed on alternative energy 

Because of current events, geopolitics, and natural disasters, the cost of fuel is front and center in our lives. This book provides a concise look at all forms of energy, including fossil fuels, electric, solar, biodiesel, nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, and renewable fuel cells. You will get explanations, definitions, and analysis of each alternative energy source from a technological point of view.

From the Back Cover
There's no better time -- or easier way -- to LEARN about ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Thinking about heating your home with solar power but don't know how it really works? Wondering what makes hybrid cars run? Alternative Energy Demystified shines the light on the various energy sources and technologies available today.

The book begins by covering a wide range of heat sources, including wood, corn, coal, oil, gas, electricity, and solar heat. Propulsion methods are discussed next, including gasoline, methane, ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, fuel cells, and more. Electricity from fossil fuels, water, wind, atoms, and other sources is also covered. Featuring end-of-chapter quizzes and a final exam, this illuminating guide explains the technical basics of many different forms of energy -- some that may surprise you!

This self-paced guide gives you:

• A thorough overview of the various sources of energy
• To-the-point explanations and detailed illustrations
• A quiz at the end of each chapter to reinforce learning and pinpoint weaknesses
• A final exam at the end of the book
• A time-saving approach to performing better on an exam or at work!

Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Alternative Energy Demystified is your shortcut to a working knowledge of this timely topic.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 322 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional; 1 edition (October 23, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071475540
• ISBN-13: 978-0071475549
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #164,698 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #51 in	Books > Science > Physics > Energy
  #60 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Physics > Energy

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction , January 19, 2007

By	Joseph P. Tillman (Champaign, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book provides a good overview of present and future alternative energy sources. It discusses the fundamentals from wood stoves to nuclear fusion. Note, this is an overview book, NOT a HOW-TO book. You aren't going to get blueprints on building a wind turbine but you will get a brief discussion of the technology and an overview of some very basic design criteria. The material is well laid out and very practical. Because it is something of a technical book, there are a few very simple (junior high level) algebraic equations throughout the text. Most anyone with an interest in the subject will find the book useful and an inexpensive introduction to the subject. The end of chapter quizzes help cement core concepts. The book's title lives up to its claim.