ABSTRACT
The early sections of this chapter concentrate mostly on the basic definitions involved in energy and power; help the reader to recall the basic formulas for calculations of torque, force, power, and energy; and also emphasise the SI units that are used throughout the book. It is a good and short revision of the physical concepts related to energy and power. The chapter then goes on to the “Energy Conversion and Quality of Energy” section in which the main focus is on “fossil fuels” as they are the essential source of electrical and mechanical energy and the heat used in our homes. Fossil fuels provide the majority of the electrical energy produced in the world at the expense of damaging the critical balance of the planet’s climate. This section emphasises the importance of electricity which accounts for 19% of the total final energy consumption today compared to just over 15% in 2000 (international energy agency—IEA). Then, a brief description of electrical power systems and the transmission of electrical power is covered with an emphasis on transmission losses and historical events. The importance of voltage levels in transmission–subtransmission–distribution–utilisation stages in electrical power systems and power grids is explained with simple examples. The role of power grids in meeting the varying public demand for electrical power in varying seasons and times of the day and week is also discussed in this chapter. Then, the various ways of obtaining electrical power from different sources such as coal, gas, nuclear, and renewables are discussed in detail. A special attention is payed to sources of renewable energies such as the solar (photovoltaics) (PVs), wind, waves, and tides. It reminds us that as of 2017, approximately 13.5% of the world’s total primary energy supply (1,894 Mtoe) is produced from renewable energy sources (IEA). However, this number is continually increasing. Solar and wind looks to be the most promising renewable energy resources for renewable electricity production of the future. Types of PV panels and PV systems are another topic covered in this chapter, and finally, a discussion on carbon dioxide pollution with an insight into Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement is held with due respect to climate change which is rather dangerously impairing the critical climate balance of the planet.
