This second edition deals with the development of energy technology from the time of early humans through antiquity, medieval times, and the Industrial Revolution. The author addresses the development of nuclear energy, energy supply and demand, geopolitics of energy, and the various environmental issues associated with energy use in general. This revised edition offers simple updates, as well as completely rewritten material, regarding the last decade in areas including global climate change, oil prices, renewable and alternative fuels, and diversion of civil nuclear energy programs into nuclear weapons proliferation.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Introduction. Energy, Work, And Power. Human Energy. The Energy Balance. Fire. Firewood. Combustion For Home Comfort. Waterwheels. Wind Energy. The Steam Engine. Heat And Thermal Efficiency. Introduction To Electricity. How Electricity Is Generated. Impacts Of Electricity On Society. Electricity From Falling Water. Electricity From Steam. Energy For Transportation. Petroleum And Its Products. Gasoline. The Impact Of The Automobile. Jet Engines And Jet Fuel. Diesel Engines And Diesel Fuel. Atomic Energy. Nuclear Power Plants. The Nuclear Controversy. Energy And The Environment. Acid Rain. Vehicle Emissions And Emissionless Vehicles. Global Climate Change. Fossil Energy: Reserves, Resources, And Geopolitics. Renewable Energy From Biomass. Electricity From Wind. Energy From The Sun. Nuclear Fusion: Bringing The Sun To Earth.