Non Conventional Energy Systems

A clear, practical introduction to renewable and alternative energy technologies for students and practicing engineers. This book covers the principles, engineering, and analysis of solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, ocean, and other non-conventional energy systems. It moves from the basic classification of energy resources through the physics of solar radiation, the design of collectors and wind turbines, biomass and biogas conversion, and on to systems such as MHD generation and ocean thermal energy conversion. Key topics include: Classification of conventional and non-conventional energy sources Solar radiation geometry, flat-plate and concentrating collectors Wind energy systems (HAWT and VAWT, including Darrieus turbines) Biomass, biogas plants, and conversion processes Geothermal, tidal, wave, and OTEC systems Fuel cells, thermionic converters, and MHD generation Environmental considerations and India’s renewable energy scenario Throughout, the emphasis is on building intuition for how these systems work, together with the quantitative tools needed to analyse them. The book is suitable as a course companion and as a lasting reference for anyone working with renewable energy technologies. First Edition, 2024.