"The present English version is a corrected and enlarged update of the 4th German edition published in early 2005. In contrast to the German edition, all comments and information have been adapted to include the framework conditions outside of Central Europe"--P. vi.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [519]-533) and index.

Introduction and Structure -- Basics of Renewable Energy Supply -- Utilization of Passive Solar Energy -- Solar Thermal heat Utilization -- Solar Thermal Power Plants -- Photovoltaic Power Generation -- Wind Power Generation -- Hydroelectric Power Generation -- Utilisation of Ambient Air and Shallow Geothermal Energy -- Utilisation of Geothermal Energy -- Harnessing Ocean Energy -- Energetic Use of Biomass -- Energy Units.

"This book presents the physical and technical principles of promising ways of utilising renewable energies. In this context, firstly the main characteristics of the available renewable energy streams are outlined. Subsequently, the book presents the technologies of heat provision from passive and active solar systems, ambient air, shallow geothermal energy as well as energy from deep geothermal sources. In the preceding chapters the book addresses the processes of electricity generation from solar radiation (photovoltaic and solar thermal power plant technologies), wind energy, and hydropower. In addition, a brief discussions of harnessing ocean energies is included."--BOOK JACKET.

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