Energy Systems And Sustainability

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 fos,sil- 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 fos,sil 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.

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 & 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.