Energy Systems and Sustainability [Paperback]

Godfrey Boyle (Editor), Bob Everett (Editor), Janet Ramage (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0199261792 | ISBN-13: 978-0199261796 | Publication Date: December 4, 2003

Today energy and sustainability are areas of primary concern throughout the world. Energy Systems and Sustainability provides a thorough introduction to the economic, social, environmental, and policy issues raised by current systems of energy use. In addition, it describes the key physical and engineering features of these systems.

The book begins with an introductory account of the present world energy situation. This is followed by chapters explaining basic energy concepts and describing the magnitudes and patterns of human energy needs. The central part of the book deals with the historical evolution and present status of conventional fossil- and nuclear-fueled energy systems. These systems, along with hydropower and traditional biofuels, currently supply the majority of the world's commercial energy. In addition, a section on economics describes the basic methods by which the monetary costs of energy are calculated, and discusses the external costs of energy production. The concluding sections deal with the sustainability problems associated with both fossil and nuclear fuel use, and possible solutions using new technological developments.

Energy Systems and Sustainability is the only text on the market to provide a fresh, contemporary perspective on energy and sustainability for an undergraduate audience. It is ideal for courses in energy, sustainable development, environmental science, and architecture.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'...a valid work set in its own context as an educational device' The Journal of Energy Literature 2003.

`Review from other book by this author It is high time that good textbooks on the subject become available on the market. Renewable Energy: Power for a Sustainable Future, is thus a timely and welcome addition to the existing literature on the subject...Godfrey Boyle and his team of authors have, in my view, managed to produce an outstanding textbook in which a wealth of information, including an extensive amount of data, is presented in a lucid and comprehensible form.'' The Journal of Energy Literature, March 1997

`It is readily accessible to readers with a wide range of interests and abilities because the complex scientific explanations are presented separately from the main text ... the authors have presented the questions that must be considered. The book contains a wealth of information and is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in renewable energy technologies and their possible role in our future.' Nicola Pearsall, Chemistry and Industry, October 1996

`... an excellent and timely primer... the book strikes an admirable balance between making the prinicples underlying the renewables as understandable as possible and endeavouring not to oversimplify important technological and economic aspects.' Resurgence, April 1997

`This book has been produced by a large, expert course team who have carefully researched the area and presented much up to date information ... The book is very user-friendly, having many valuable figures, tables and boxes. There are plentiful suggestions for further reading, and students are guided towards key papers in a range of journals. I will buy this book for my library.' Paul Phillips, Education in Chemistry, May 1997

`This is an excellent text, covering all the actual and potential sources of renewable energy. The writing is clear and the many excellent diagrams and illustrations complement the written word. Where the treatment is necessarily theoretical the level is appropriate and the argument laid out in separate text. This book will be highly relevant to any undergraduate studying this important field.' Aslib Book Guide, October 1996

About the Author

Godfrey Boyle is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Design and Innovation and co-director of the Energy and Environment Research Unit at the UK Open University. Dr Bob Everett is a Lecturer in the Department of Design and Innovation and a member of the Energy and Environment Research Unit at the UK Open University. Dr Janet Ramage is a visiting Lecturer in the Department of Design and Innovation and a member of the Energy and Environment Research Unit at the UK Open University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 640 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (December 4, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199261792
• ISBN-13: 978-0199261796
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #157,086 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #86 in Books > Business & Investing > Industries & Professions > Oil & Energy

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource, September 16, 2007

By 

DTG "dtg9000" (New Haven, CT) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Energy Systems and Sustainability (Paperback)

This book, and its companion "Renewable Energy", are excellent introductory books to the topic of energy. The basics are explained in clear language, the references are up-to-date and the graphics are colorful and very helpful. These two books take a HUGE topic and make it understandable and interesting. I hope that new editions continue to be published.

If I had to make one complaint, it's that it's focused on the UK, which in terms of energy is a relatively small country. But in today's world, that is a minor issue. The book gives you the tools you need evaluate other sources of information.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Overall and Initial Approach, April 5, 2008

By 

Jorge De Rosa Ferreira "Jorge De Rosa" (Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Energy Systems and Sustainability (Paperback)

The author presents an overall about the Renewable Energy Sources (RES). I recommend this book for those ones with no previous experience in this subject. Good book for a fresh start in RES business.

0 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Never got the book., September 16, 2009

By 

Tyler Wight "t" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Energy Systems and Sustainability (Paperback)

I never received my book. And now i have to deal with returns. it sucks. but might be a legit seller.