G. Lorenzini, C. Biserni and G. Flacco, Southampton, WIT Press, 2010, 224 pp., £85 (hardback), ISBN 978 1-84564-147-4
This is a very well-researched book which presents in detail a wide number of technologies at various stages of maturity, giving examples and application throughout. As the title suggests, this book is divided into two parts: the first relating to solar energy and the second to biomass energy. This book considers at length the problem of generating sustainable and large-scale energy for the future, at competitive costs, and without the production of greenhouse gases.
In Part 1 the physics of the sun, its chemistry, behaviour and impact on the earth in terms of solar radiation are explored in detail, discussing various irradiated surfaces and presenting a diverse range of solar technologies which are currently exploited, or are subject to further research and development work. How the solar energy is utilised through low, medium and high temperature solar technologies is critically appraised, using a number of examples and case studies to demonstrate appropriate applications, complexity, system efficiency, advantages and potential drawbacks for both small (domestic) scale, and national applications. Passive solar energy systems are also discussed, explaining the function and operation of solar, Trombe and water walls, solar greenhouses and roof ponds. Significant attention is paid to Concentrating Solar Power technology, focusing on the areas of the world which are most likely to be able to generate renewable electricity at a competitive price.
In Part 2 a detailed analysis of various biocrops is presented, discussing forestry and agro-forest behaviour, and considering a number of industry wastes which provide biomass fuels: wood, cellulose and paper, and anaerobic digestion processes which generate bio-methane. Various commercial forms of fuel are presented and discussed with examples and case studies given. The discussion then moves to the topic of releasing energy from biomass fuels. Biochemical and thermochemical processes are explained and various technologies and plant for exploiting heat and/or energy from these processes are appraised. Discussions present the state-of-the-art technologies and their applications, presenting advantages and disadvantages, and challenges yet to be overcome. A gathering of all this information in one book is useful, providing the reader with both breadth and depth in the subject matter.
This book interests both professionals and academics. Professionals within the construction and built environment industries would benefit from the open discussions about systems efficiency, advantages and disadvantages, while students and academic staff would also benefit from the detailed presentation of the principles, physics and chemistry of systems operation, research and design. The use of examples and short case studies, which are presented throughout the book, help the reader not only to grasp the size of the sustainable energy problem, but also witness developments which attempt to address this. A useful addition to each part in the book is a list of consulted websites which will allow the reader to investigate case studies and examples further.
This book attempts to discuss some of the environmental impacts of biomass technologies and fuels compared to fossil fuel alternatives. This discussion would perhaps benefit from expansion to compare all types of electricity generating technologies, renewable and non-renewable, in order to set the findings in context. A potential shortcoming to the widespread use of this book amongst students and the non-specialist is the price; a paperback version may be very well received.
© 2011 Gillian Menzies