A revolution is ongoing in the field of small-scale energy solutions, which can enable lower impact on the environment, more robust supply and self-determination. Solar power and other forms of renewable energy sources, which you can implement to generate your own electricity, are growing quickly. Electromobility is transforming the car industry and transportation systems and can also play a role in your energy system. Electricity can be used much more efficiently than before, for example by using LED light, variable speed motor drives and efficient home appliances. Smart controls are available, sometimes with free open source software. All this opens up tremendous opportunities for energy independence, which is the focus of this book. The book introduces the reader to a number of renewable energy sources, to different options for storing electricity and to smart use of electricity, particularly in the context of small isolated systems. This is important because many renewable energy sources are weather- and season-dependent and usually require storage and smart control, in order to obtain a system that is completely independent of the electricity grid. In the book, overall system design is explained, including how to combine different sources in a hybrid system. Different system sizes and architectures are also covered. A number of real cases are described, where homes, businesses and communities have achieved a high level of energy independence or are on their way to achieving it. This book will prove useful in university education in renewable energy at bachelor and master level, and also for companies and private individuals, who want to start or expand activities in the area of renewable energy.
Author(s): Sven Ruin, Göran Sidén
Publisher: CRC Press/Balkema/Taylor & Francis Group
Year: 2020
Language: English
Pages: 211
Tags: Built Environment, Engineering & Technology, Small Power Production Facilities, Renewable Energy Sources
Cover......Page 1
Half Title......Page 2
Title......Page 4
Copyright......Page 5
Dedication......Page 6
Contents......Page 8
1 Introduction......Page 10
2.1 Solar power......Page 15
2.2 Wind power......Page 30
2.3 Hydropower......Page 53
2.4 Geothermal power......Page 68
2.5 Bioenergy......Page 77
2.6 Engine-driven generators......Page 99
2.7 Wave power......Page 104
2.8 Tidal power......Page 113
2.9 Internet websites......Page 121
2.10 References......Page 122
3 Electricity storage......Page 126
3.1 Battery basics......Page 129
3.2 Lead-acid batteries......Page 132
3.4 Lithium-based batteries......Page 135
3.5 More than just a battery......Page 137
3.6 Battery monitoring......Page 139
3.7 Internet websites......Page 140
3.8 References......Page 141
4 Use of energy and electricity......Page 142
4.1 Energy use in different sectors......Page 144
4.2 Electrical power......Page 145
4.3 How we use domestic electricity......Page 147
4.4 Energy labeling and ecodesign......Page 148
4.5 Examples of efficient use of energy in the commercial sector......Page 149
4.7 References......Page 150
5.1 Basic considerations......Page 151
5.2 Hybrid systems......Page 158
5.4 References......Page 170
6.1 Hybrid system with direct methanol fuel cells......Page 171
6.2 Self-sufficient home with pellet-driven CHP......Page 173
6.3 House Unplugged......Page 175
6.4 Home with seasonal storage of hydrogen......Page 177
6.5 Farm with woodcliip-driven CHP and solar PV......Page 180
6.6 Municipal utility company using V2G and solar PV......Page 182
6.7 Samsø - a renewable energy island......Page 184
6.8 El Hierro: self-sufficient island with pumped hydropower......Page 195
6.10 References......Page 203
Index......Page 204
