The Sun, Energy, and Climate Change conveys one central idea – that we can utilize energy without continuing to harm the planet by increasing our reliance on energy from the sun. This accessible guide stresses the sun’s importance as our ultimate energy source by focusing on climate change from an energy perspective and explains the naturally balanced energy transfer from the sun to the earth and society’s consumption of this energy.
This book is for anyone worried about environmental damage from our reliance on fossil fuels and the global fight against climate change. The key message being we do not have to accept the inevitable and can work to prevent the worst.
Author(s): Eklas Hossain
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 415
City: Cham
Preface
Key features of this book:
Acknowledgments
Contents
About the Author
1 The Sun and the Earth
1.1 Introduction
1.2 The Big Bang and the Formation of the Universe
1.3 The Solar System
1.4 The Sun
1.4.1 Formation of the Sun
1.4.2 Structure, Size, and Composition of the Sun
1.4.3 Temperature of the Sun
1.4.4 Layers of the Sun
1.4.4.1 The Four Outer Layers
1.4.4.2 The Three Inner Layers
1.4.5 The Solar Cycle
1.4.5.1 Impact of the Solar Cycle
1.4.6 Movement of the Sun
1.4.7 Solar Radiation
1.5 The Planets and the Moons
1.5.1 The Planets
1.5.2 Formation of the Planets
1.5.3 Moons of the Planets
1.5.4 Our Moon
1.5.4.1 Formation of the Moon
1.5.4.2 Description of the Moon
1.5.4.3 Phases of the Moon
1.5.4.4 Impact of the Moon on Earth
1.6 Eclipse
1.6.1 The Solar Eclipse
1.6.2 The Lunar Eclipse
1.7 Space Rocks
1.8 The Earth
1.8.1 The Earth's Atmosphere
1.8.2 Layers of the Earth
1.8.2.1 The Crust
1.8.2.2 The Mantle
1.8.2.3 The Core
1.8.2.4 Tectonic Plates
1.8.3 Earth's External Geography
1.8.3.1 Latitudes and Longitudes
1.8.3.2 Continents and Oceans
1.8.4 Polar Days and Nights
1.8.5 Aurora
1.8.6 Seasons
1.8.7 Earth's Magnetosphere
1.8.8 The Natural Cycles on Earth
1.8.8.1 The Carbon Cycle
1.8.8.2 The Nitrogen Cycle
1.8.8.3 The Water Cycle
1.9 Relationship Between the Sun and the Earth
1.9.1 The Solar Constant
1.9.2 Peak Sun Hour
1.9.3 Solar Resources
1.10 The Death of the Sun
1.11 Beyond the Solar System
1.12 Conclusion
Key Messages from This Chapter
Key Messages from This Chapter
Exercise
References
2 Energy Sources on Earth
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Energy and Life
2.2.1 Units of Energy
2.2.1.1 Calorie
2.2.1.2 Joule
2.2.1.3 Watt-hour (Wh)
2.2.1.4 British Thermal Unit (BTU)
2.2.1.5 Ton of Oil Equivalent (toe)
2.2.1.6 Therm
2.2.1.7 Ton of Coal Equivalent (tce)
2.2.1.8 Barrel of Oil Equivalent (BOE)
2.3 Conventional Energy Sources
2.3.1 Depletion of Resources
2.3.2 Emission of Harmful Gases
2.4 Greenhouse Gases
2.4.1 Share of Greenhouse Gases
2.4.2 Global Warming Potential (GWP)
2.4.3 Lifetime of Greenhouse Gases
2.4.4 Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions GHGglobal
2.4.5 Impacts of the Greenhouse Gases
2.4.6 Sulfate Can Counter the Greenhouse Effect
2.5 Fossil Fuels
2.5.1 Formation of Fossil Fuels
2.5.1.1 Formation of Coal
2.5.1.2 Formation of Oil and Gas
2.5.1.3 Role of the Sun in Forming Fossil Fuels
2.5.2 Classification of Fossil Fuels
2.5.2.1 Coal
2.5.2.2 Crude Oil
2.5.2.3 Natural Gas
2.5.3 Power to Gas Technology
2.5.4 Fracking
2.5.4.1 Concerns Related to Fracking
2.5.5 Overview of Fossil Fuels
2.5.5.1 Emissions from Fossil Fuels
2.5.5.2 The Socio-Political Aspect of Fossil Fuels
2.5.5.3 How to Make Fossil Fuels Less Harmful?
2.6 Non-conventional Energy Sources
2.6.1 Renewable Energy
2.6.1.1 Types of Renewable Energy
2.6.1.2 Global Share, Growth, and Prospects
2.6.1.3 Benefits of Using Renewable Energy
2.6.1.4 Renewable Energy vs. Sustainable Energy
2.6.2 Nuclear Energy
2.6.2.1 Operation of a Nuclear Power Plant
2.6.2.2 Is Nuclear Energy Renewable?
2.6.2.3 History and Gradual Development
2.6.2.4 Global Share of Nuclear Energy
2.6.2.5 Cost, Space, and Safety Considerations
2.6.2.6 Nuclear Waste and Disaster Management
2.6.2.7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
2.7 Characteristics of an Ideal Energy Source
2.8 The Great Mistake in the History of Energy
2.9 Conclusion
Key Messages from This Chapter
Key Messages from This Chapter
Exercise
References
3 Energy from the Sun
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Electrical Equivalent Circuit of the Sun-Earth Duo
3.3 Solar Energy
3.3.1 Solar Light Energy
3.3.1.1 Working Principle of Solar Cells
3.3.1.2 Solar Module
3.3.1.3 Global Scenario of Solar PV
3.3.1.4 Solar PV in the USA
3.3.1.5 Solar PV and CHP
3.3.1.6 Solar Concentrators
3.3.2 Solar Heat Energy
3.3.2.1 Solar Heating and Cooling
3.3.2.2 Greenhouse
3.3.2.3 Power Tower
3.3.2.4 Parabolic Troughs
3.3.2.5 Other CSP Technologies
3.3.2.6 Global Scenario of CSP
3.3.2.7 CSP in the USA
3.3.3 Emissions from Various Solar Energy Technologies
3.3.4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy
3.4 Wind Energy
3.4.1 Working Principle of Wind Turbine
3.4.2 Wind Turbines
3.4.3 Wind Turbine Location
3.4.4 Wind Speeds
3.4.5 Global Scenario of Wind Power
3.4.5.1 Wind Power in the USA
3.4.6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Energy
3.5 Ocean Energy
3.5.1 Wave Power
3.5.1.1 Formation of Waves
3.5.1.2 Classification of Wave Energy Technologies
3.5.1.3 Oscillating Water Column (OWC)
3.5.1.4 Point Absorber or Linear Generation Buoys
3.5.1.5 Attenuator: The Pelamis
3.5.2 Worldwide Potential for Wave Power
3.5.3 Tidal Power
3.5.3.1 Formation of Tides
3.5.4 Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion
3.5.5 Salinity Gradient Energy
3.5.5.1 Pressure Retarded Osmosis
3.5.5.2 Reversed Electrodialysis (RED)
3.5.6 Obstacles for Ocean Energy
3.5.7 Global Scenario of Ocean Energy
3.5.8 Advantages and Disadvantages of Ocean Energy
3.6 Hydroelectric Power
3.6.1 Working Principle of a Hydroelectric Power Plant
3.6.2 Global Scenario of Hydropower
3.6.2.1 Hydropower in the USA
3.6.3 Electric Truck Hydropower
3.6.4 Is Hydropower Really Renewable?
3.6.5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydropower
3.7 Bioenergy
3.7.1 Bioenergy Sources
3.7.2 Bioenergy Production
3.7.2.1 Direct Combustion
3.7.2.2 Thermochemical Conversion
3.7.2.3 Chemical Conversion
3.7.2.4 Biological Conversion
3.7.2.5 Waste to Energy Conversion
3.7.3 Is Bioenergy Renewable?
3.7.4 Global Scenario of Bioenergy
3.7.4.1 Bioenergy in the USA
3.7.5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Bioenergy
3.8 Correlation among the Energy Sources
3.8.1 Hybrid Renewable Power Plants
3.8.1.1 Solar—Wind Hybrid Power Plant
3.8.1.2 Solar—Hydro Hybrid Power Plant
3.8.1.3 Solar PV—Solar Thermal Hybrid Power Plant
3.8.1.4 Solar—Geothermal Hybrid Power Plant
3.8.1.5 Solar—Tidal Hybrid Power Plant
3.8.1.6 Hydro—Wind Hybrid Power Plant
3.8.1.7 Solar and Storage Hybrid Power Plant
3.8.2 Fossil Fuel and Renewable Energy Hybrid Plant
3.8.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of a Hybrid EnergySource
3.9 Grid Integration of Renewable Energy
3.9.1 Inertia in Power Systems
3.10 Conclusion
Key Messages from This Chapter
Key Messages from This Chapter
Exercise
References
4 Energy Without the Sun
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Sources of Energy at Night
4.3 Lunar Power
4.3.1 Powering Solar PV Using the Moonlight
4.3.2 Wrapping the Moon with Solar Modules
4.3.3 Placing a Nuclear Power Plant on the Moon
4.4 Energy Storage
4.4.1 Types of Energy Storage Systems
4.4.1.1 Pumped Hydro Storage
4.4.1.2 Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES)
4.4.1.3 Battery
4.4.1.4 Fuel Cell
4.4.1.5 Thermal Energy Storage
4.4.1.6 Flywheel
4.4.1.7 Ultracapacitors
4.4.1.8 Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage
4.4.1.9 Hybrid Energy Storage
4.4.2 Comparison of Energy Storage Systems
4.4.3 Applications of Energy Storage Systems
4.4.4 Importance of Energy Storage Systems
4.4.5 Challenges of Energy Storage Systems
4.4.6 Energy Management Systems
4.5 Combined Heat and Power
4.6 Daylight Saving
4.7 Hydrogen Fuel
4.7.1 Production of Hydrogen
4.7.1.1 Steam Reforming
4.7.1.2 Electrolysis of Water
4.7.1.3 Solar-Driven Processes
4.7.1.4 Biological Processes
4.7.2 Different Types of Hydrogen
4.7.3 Storage and Transportation of Hydrogen Fuel
4.7.4 Applications of Hydrogen Fuel
4.7.5 Cost of Hydrogen Fuel
4.7.6 Global Scenario of Hydrogen Fuel
4.7.6.1 Hydrogen Fuel in the USA
4.7.7 The Challenges of Hydrogen Fuel
4.7.8 The Future of Hydrogen Fuel
4.8 Electric Vehicles
4.8.1 Types of Electric Vehicles
4.8.1.1 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)
4.8.1.2 Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)
4.8.1.3 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
4.8.1.4 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)
4.8.2 Energy Sources in Electric Vehicles
4.8.2.1 Battery
4.8.2.2 Ultracapacitors
4.8.2.3 Fuel Cell
4.8.2.4 Flywheel
4.8.2.5 Comparison Among the Energy Sources
4.8.3 Charging Systems of Electric Vehicles
4.8.3.1 AC Charging
4.8.3.2 DC Charging
4.8.3.3 Wireless Charging
4.8.4 Diverse Applications of Electric Vehicles
4.8.4.1 Vehicle to Grid (V2G)
4.8.4.2 Grid to Vehicle (G2V)
4.8.4.3 Vehicle to Home (V2H)
4.8.4.4 Vehicle to Everything (V2X)
4.8.4.5 Second Life of Batteries
4.8.5 Present and Future of Electric Vehicles
4.8.6 Advantages of Electric Vehicles
4.8.7 Limitations of Electric Vehicles and Probable Solutions
4.9 Artificial Sun
4.9.1 Working Principle of the Artificial Sun
4.9.2 Present State of the Artificial Sun
4.10 Artificial Photosynthesis in Artificial Leaf
4.10.1 Solar Fuels
4.11 Geothermal Energy
4.11.1 Geothermal Resources
4.11.1.1 Tectonic Plates
4.11.1.2 Ring of Fire
4.11.2 Geothermal Settings
4.11.3 Geothermal Power
4.11.4 Global Scenario of Geothermal Energy
4.11.4.1 Geothermal Energy in the USA
4.11.5 Geothermal Heat Pumps
4.11.6 Effects of Geothermal Energy
4.11.7 Advantages and Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy
4.12 Conclusion
Key Messages from This Chapter
Key Messages from This Chapter
Exercise
References
5 Environmental Concerns Arising from Human EnergyConsumption
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Impacts of Conventional Energy Sources on the Environment
5.2.1 Global Warming
5.2.2 Wildfires
5.2.2.1 Case Study: The Bootleg Fire in Oregon, USA
5.2.3 Drought
5.2.3.1 Case Study: The Aral Sea
5.2.3.2 Ice Stupa
5.2.4 Heat Waves and Cold Waves
5.2.5 Melting Ice Caps and Glaciers
5.2.6 Increased Rainfall
5.2.7 Sea Level Rise and Flooding
5.2.7.1 Case Study: Kiribati
5.2.7.2 Case Study: Floods in the USA
5.2.8 Poor Air Quality
5.2.8.1 Thermal Inversion
5.2.9 Natural Disasters
5.2.10 Ozone Layer Depletion
5.2.10.1 Relation Between Ozone Layer depletion, Global Warming, and Climate Change
5.2.10.2 Success Story: The Montreal Protocol
5.2.11 Ocean Acidification
5.2.12 Acid Rain
5.2.12.1 Impacts of Acid Rain
5.2.12.2 Prevention of Acid Rain
5.2.12.3 Acid Rain Can Fight Global Warming
5.2.13 Change in the Color of the Sky and Oceans
5.2.14 Disruption to the Ocean Conveyor Belt
5.2.15 Changes in El Niño and La Niña Events
5.2.15.1 What Are El Niño and La Niña?
5.2.15.2 Impact of Climate Change on El Niño and La Niña
5.2.16 Extinction of Species
5.2.17 Climate Change: A Summary
5.2.17.1 Global Climate Change Throughout History
5.3 Impacts of Non-conventional Energy Sourceson the Environment
5.3.1 Non-disposable Waste
5.3.2 Noise Pollution
5.3.3 Threat to Species
5.3.4 Nuclear Accidents
5.4 Comparing the Impacts from Conventional and Non-conventional Energy Sources
5.4.1 Case Study: Comparative Impacts of a Coal-Based Power Plant and a Solar Power Plant
5.5 Impacts of Climate Change on the World Regions
5.6 Population and Climate Change
5.6.1 Increase in Population
5.6.2 Decrease in Population
5.6.3 Correlating Climate Change and Population
5.6.4 Future Trend of Atmospheric CO2 and Population
5.7 Debunking Climate Change Myths
5.8 Mitigation Measures to Combat Climate Change
5.8.1 The Kyoto Protocol
5.8.2 The Paris Climate Agreement
5.8.2.1 What Does the Paris Agreement Say?
5.8.2.2 Limitations of Paris Agreement
5.8.2.3 Analysis of COP26
5.8.3 Carbon Pricing
5.8.3.1 Cap and Trade System
5.8.3.2 Carbon Tax System
5.8.4 Carbon Capture
5.8.4.1 Direct Air Capture
5.8.4.2 Carbon Storage
5.8.4.3 Carbon Utilization
5.9 What Can We Do to Combat Climate Change?
5.9.1 Individual Actions to Fight Climate Change
5.10 Conclusion
Key Messages from This Chapter
Key Messages from This Chapter
Exercise
References
6 Energy Mix Around the World
6.1 Introduction
6.2 The Energy Mix
6.2.1 Factors on Which Energy Mix Depends
6.2.2 Primary Energy vs. Secondary Energy
6.2.3 The Past Energy Mix
6.2.4 The Present Energy Mix
6.2.5 The Future Energy Mix
6.2.6 The US Energy Mix
6.2.7 The Electricity Mix
6.3 The Two Poles
6.3.1 North Pole: The Arctic Circle
6.3.1.1 Location and Geography
6.3.1.2 Climate and Temperature
6.3.1.3 Life in the Arctic Circle
6.3.1.4 Energy Mix
6.3.2 South Pole: Antarctica
6.3.2.1 Location and Geography
6.3.2.2 Climate and Temperature
6.3.2.3 Life in Antarctica
6.3.2.4 Energy Mix
6.3.3 North Pole vs. South Pole
6.4 Utqiagvik, Alaska, USA
6.4.1 Location and Geography
6.4.2 Climate and Temperature
6.4.3 Life in Utqiagvik
6.4.4 Energy Mix
6.5 Mexico City, Mexico
6.5.1 Location and Geography
6.5.2 Climate and Temperature
6.5.3 Life in Mexico City
6.5.4 Energy Mix
6.6 Quito, Ecuador
6.6.1 Location and Geography
6.6.2 Climate and Temperature
6.6.3 Life in Quito
6.6.4 Energy Mix
6.7 Ushuaia, Argentina
6.7.1 Location and Geography
6.7.2 Climate and Temperature
6.7.3 Life in Ushuaia
6.7.4 Energy Mix
6.8 An Overview of Different Places on Earth
6.8.1 Impact of the Altitude
6.8.2 Comparison of Solar Resources in the MentionedPlaces
6.9 Importance of the Diversification of the Energy Mix
6.10 Load Curves and the Penetration of Renewables in theEnergy Mix
6.11 Role of Renewable Energy in the Grid Resilience andReliability
6.12 An Ideal Energy Mix for the Future
6.12.1 Energy Mix Inversion
6.12.2 Why Is Renewable Energy Not Yet Dominating the Energy Mix?
6.12.3 How to Achieve Energy Mix Inversion?
6.12.4 The Merit of Biomass in the Energy Mix
6.12.5 Impacts of an Energy Mix Inversion
6.13 Energy Mix and Climate Change
6.14 Conclusion
Key Messages from This Chapter
Exercise
References
A Information Flow of the Book
Index
