Energy Systems: A Project-Based Approach to Sustainability Thinking for Energy Conversion Systems

Reimagine the future of energy production and use with this innovative and state-of-the-art guide

This multidisciplinary and comprehensive text features an up-to-date summary of salient energy technologies for quick reference by students and practitioners of energy engineering. Uniquely, the book employs a guided self-study approach with theory provided in “bite-sized” chunks, several worked examples, quantitative and qualitative practice problems, 10 real-world mini-projects, and interviews with young energy innovators and engineering students. The book poses many big and pressing questions, asking the reader to “reimagine our future,” particularly with a focus on sustainable energy. These questions are aligned with characteristics of an entrepreneurial mindset, which are emphasized throughout the book.

The book reviews the fundamentals of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and quantum mechanics. Chapters explore the full range of energy conversion technologies, including energy supply and demand, the science of global warming, interpretations of sustainability, chemical fuels, carbon capture and storage, internal and external combustion engines, vapor power and refrigeration plants, nuclear power, solar-electricity, solar-heat, fuel cells, wind energy, water energy, and energy storage. The book ends with a brief investigation into what we can do to decarbonize the transportation, industry, buildings, and electric power sectors.

Energy Systems: A Project-Based Approach to Sustainability Thinking for Energy Conversion Systems offers an accessible overview of this important subject with an innovative, easy-to-use organization. Built to facilitate active learning and representing the latest research and industrial practice, Energy Systems provides readers with tools and information to evaluate energy systems and to reimagine potential energy solutions.

Readers of Energy Systems will also find:

• Organization designed to blend seamlessly with a 14-week course schedule
• A balance of robust theoretical and industry-related knowledge and real-world examples throughout
• Teaching resources including mini-projects, practice problems, remedial appendices, and online study notes

Energy Systems is ideal for students and instructors in courses relating to Energy Conversion Systems, Energy Science, Sustainable/Renewable Energy, and the interrelated Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, and Political aspects. The book will also appeal to practitioners of energy engineering via the numerous state-of-the-art summaries and real-world problems.

Leon Liebenberg is a Teaching Professor at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he leads the Master of Engineering program in energy systems. He is also the principal investigator for a UIUC instructional innovation team, Engagement in Engineering Education (ENGINE). He previously held positions as a Professor at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and a Research Professor at North-West University, South Africa. He has served as an educational consultant and created award-winning pedagogical teaching materials for courses including Energy Conversion Systems, Thermodynamics, and Fluid Mechanics.