ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the role of microcomputers in energy planning, analysis, design, control, and management. The range of potential applications of microcomputers in energy work is broad. The application of microcomputers in energy sector planning and analysis reflects a decade of energy planning activities in the developing countries as well as in engineering, design, and project management primarily in the industrialized countries. The US Department of Energy sponsored the development of many models, including nonproprietary electric utility models for general and specific purposes, which are emerging as market-makers. For energy systems to operate economically, they must be designed to provide the greatest energy or work output per unit energy input. The analysis of system components such as pressure vessels, turbines, pumps, electrical controls, and building energy systems are all necessary for determining the optimal design of a complete energy system. Emphasis on solar energy as a substitute for fossil fuels has encouraged the use of microcomputers for design.
