Reviews (4)

Cats *can* be the best teachers
This whimsical look at a usually dead-serious subject (solar energy, not cats) allows the information to sneak in under the "I can't learn that" radar. Cat lovers will especially enjoy the book, but non-cat lovers can also appreciate its charming approach to the subject. My four cats give it sixteen paws up. I give it two thumbs!

Are People as Energy Savy as Cats?
Jim Augustyne takes the Suessian approach to showing the reader our myopia when it comes to the nature of renewable energy, politics, and economics. Solar Energy is nature's way and cats are fundamentally in tune with nature. Even though Augustyne does not use rhyme to make his point, the reason is shown through the fun-house mirror of technologically advanced felines, and their 'natural' instincts and behaviour, optimized for solar utilization. Augustyne has developed an alternate universe of whimsy and pointy satire where kitties rule and our human foibles and blindness to the advantages of solar renewables are entertainingly exposed. The text and drawings unerringly capture feline personality and 'technical' accumen. A real entertainment bargain with a sideways squint at education. For real kids and kids at heart, like engineers, teachers, businessmen, homeowners, and politicians, of all ages.

Fun in the Sun
One of the cleverest, funniest and most informative pieces of science writing to come along in years. Augustyn is equal parts Woody Allen and Stephen Hawking. But make no mistake: "The Return of the Solar Cat Book" is not only a rollicking good read and a visual delight, but an important contribution to the current debate over the nation's energy future. "It's the sun, stupid!" Augustyn is saying. "And here's why -- and how." Should be required reading for Presidents Bush and Putin, Energy Secy. Abraham and Ken Lay. Augustyn is way over the top. I wish I'd thought of "meowium" first.

Teacher Sets Solar Cats Loose in Classroom
I teach Middle School students all about the world in our tiny self-contained rural school. The topic of solar energy comes up in our physics curriculum; political aberrations are often discussed in our current events class; and, needless to say,we often share pet stories, especially reports on kitty capers.
I loved The Return of the Solar Cat Book immediately, and I realized my students were ready to appreciate it too. I took a chance and shared it with my students.It was a great decision. They adore the drawings, the author's wry wit, and the way the
book makes difficult science concepts very accessible.Now we learn and giggle together. I love it. Thank you, Jim Augustyn ... Read more

Book Description

"A highly readable and authoritatively written book with an important message for US industry and government in a world of long-term uncertainty of gasoline price and availability. The author argues persuasively that current low fuel prices and the relative lack of competition in the US auto market are creating an unwillingness by US car companies to innovate and take risks to improve their product. Needed product improvements relate not only to fuel economy, but also to a wide range of technological features." Choice ... Read more

Book Description

This book is an informal, readable introduction to the basic ideas of thermal physics. It is aimed at making the reader feel comfortable with the extremum principles of entropy and free energies. There is a repeating theme: Molecules (spins) do X to maximize their entropy, and molecules (spins) do XX to minimize their free energy. This finally leads to the idea of the Landau-Ginzburg free energy functional. The author illustrates how powerful the idea is by using two examples from phase transitions.

Contents: Introduction to Thermal Physics; All You Need to Know to Read the Rest; Isolated Thermal Systems; Systems in Contact with a Thermal Reservoir; Open Systems, Flexible Systems, and Two More Energy-like Functions; Energy versus Free Energy; Phases and Phase Transitions; Second-Order Phase Transitions; Landau-Ginzburg Free Energy Functional and Applications; Monte Carlo and Finite-Size Scaling. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good review of broad issues.
A good introduction to some of the important issues in electric utility deregulation. Has a short history of the electric utility industry and the laws & regulations that have brought the industry to where it is today. Outlines several of the possible market models that an electric utility market could take as it enters deregulation. Issues identified are still being played out in the California utilities market. Written at a level for the general public outside of the utility industry. ... Read more

Book Description

There are forces at work whenever you throw a ball, run up the stairs, or push your big brotheroff the couch. Want to learn more about the forces around you? Read and find out!

Book Description

Wind and solar energy are pollution-free sources of abundant power. With renewable power generation expected to become more and more profitable with open access to transmission lines and rapid growth around the world, the design, operation, and control of alternative energy resources becomes an essential field of study. Wind and Solar Power Systems provides a comprehensive treatment of this rapidly growing segment of the power industry. It provides the fundamentals of wind and solar power generation, energy conversion and storage, and the operational aspects of power electronics and the quality of power. It covers in detail the design, operation, and control methods applicable to stand-alone as well as grid-connected power systems and discusses the present status of and the on-going research in renewable power around the world.Wind and Solar Power Systems stands as the most modern, complete book available on renewable energy. Electrical, environmental and mechanical engineering professionals along with policy-makers evaluating the renewable energy potential of their regions will find in it the background and the details they need for decision making. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great book!
This book is a lucid, up-to-date and comprehensive reference for theory and practical matters surrounding our two most viable alternate energy sources. Be careful though because the first edition has a few typographical errors, one or two in its derivations.

An excellent, comprehensive text
Very readable, and accessible, even to a non-engineer.

Great reference book....
This is a good reference book on renewable energy sources. It is well organized and easy to follow, even for non-electrical engineers. As an environmental engineer, I have found it an excellent reference. ... Read more

Book Description

* Explains the principles of markets and how to evaluate investment projects under competition.
* With the growth of electricity markets in many countries, this has wide relevance for operators of electricity generation facilities worldwide.
* Ideal for electrical engineers employed in the electric utility industry who have little background in economics and financing.
* Appropriate for utility industry professionals in regions of the world now considering or experiencing electric utility liberalization or deregulation. ... Read more

Book Description

Designed to bring an understanding of the technological problems regarding our present society to students with no science background. Covers energy use in human history, its diverse sources, safety aspects, storage conservation and environmental problems. This edition includes the many changes which have taken place in issues involving energy and the environment during the past decade. A variety of current statistical information, numerous new problems and recommended outside reading material has been added. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent summary of issues facing modern societies
This book presents, in clear and easy to understand language, a nearly complete summary of the problems and issues of technology that face a modern society. Issues ranging from alternative energy sources and traffic theory to the problems of feeding the world's growing population are addressed. This book allows one to approach such modern questions as "Should I have airbags in my car?" or "How dangerous is the nuclear power plant in the next town?" from a knowledgeable standpoint. Many worked examples are included. Reference lists and problems are included at the end of each chapter. Although written as a textbook, this is an excellent (and entertaining) resource for the general interested reader. (Disclaimer: I am a former student of one of authors, but never took the class for which this book was written.) ... Read more

Book Description

This volume contains papers based on the workshop "Energy and Information Transfer in Biological Systems: How Physics Could Enrich Biological Understanding", held in Italy in 2002. The meeting was a forum aimed at evaluating the potential and outlooks of a modern physics approach to understanding and describing biological processes, especially regarding the transition from the microscopic chemical scenario to the macroscopic functional configurations of living matter. In this frame some leading researchers presented and discussed several basic topics, such as the photon interaction with biological systems also from the viewpoint of photon information processes and of possible applications; the influence of electromagnetic fields on the self-organization of biosystems including the nonlinear mechanism for energy transfer and storage; and the influence of the structure of water on the properties of biological matter. ... Read more

Book Description

The vitally important subject of process safety in the hydrocarbon industry is addressed in this book. The coverage is broad and the author has integrated the various aspects so that the book will be readily accessible to readers of diverse backgrounds. A grasp of the material requires only familiarity with physical and organic chemistry (at first-year undergraduate level) and with heat transfer and fluid flow at the same level. The text is complemented by many numerical examples with full solutions. ... Read more

Book Description

The cost of operating a building far exceeds the cost of constructing it, and yet until recently little attention was paid to the impact of solar radiation on the costs of heating, cooling and ventilation. And now that there has been a surge in interest in energy efficiency and solar design, architects and designers need a practical guide to the modelling and application of solar energy data.

There are many different models and techniques available for calculating the distribution of solar radiation on and in buildings, and these algorithms vary considerably in scope, accuracy and complexity. This book demonstrates which of these predictive tools gives the best results in different circumstances, including explaining which models can be best used in different parts of the world.

The author has had over twenty-five years of experience of dealing with solar energy data from four continents and has used that experience in this book to show the development not just of knowledge but also the growing sophistication of the models available to apply it.

*Based on many years of first-hand experience with solar data
*Different models demonstrated and evaluated
*Calculations that can be used anywhere in the world ... Read more

Book Description

Heavy water (deuterium oxide) played a sinister role in the race for nuclear energy during the Second World War. It was a key factor in Germany's bid to harness atomic energy primarily as a source of electric power; its acute shortage was a factor in Japan's decision not to pursue seriously nuclear weaponry; its very existence was a nagging thorn in the side of the Allied powers. Books and films have dwelt on the Allies' efforts to deny the Germans heavy water by military means; however a history of heavy water in itself has not been written.

This book fills that gap. It concentrates on the circumstances whereby Norway became the pre-eminent producer of heavy water, and on the scientific role the rare isotope of hydrogren played in the wartime efforts by the Axis and Allied powers alike. Instead of a purely technical treatise on heavy water, the book may better be described as a social history of the subject.

The book covers the discovery and early uses of deuterium before World War Two; its large-scale production by Norsk Hydro in Norway, especially under German control; the French-German race for the Norwegian heavy-water stocks in 1940; its importance for the subsequent German uranium project, including Allied sabotage and bombing of the Norwegian plants; likewise its lesser role in Allied projects, especially, the United States and Canada. The book concludes with an overall assessment of the importance, or perceived importance of heavy water for the German program, which alone staked everything on heavy water in its quest for a nuclear chain reaction. ... Read more

Book Description

Charging Ahead foretells the world's next great energytransformation: the shift to clean, renewable energy sources. It shows howrenewable energy, energy efficiency, and electric vehicles, when used together,can give us back a clean environment and create a healthy, sustainable economy.In chronicling this extraordinary technological revolution, John J. Bergerprovides a fascinating look at the new industries that will make it possible,and the trillion-dollar benefits Americans can enjoy by choosing pollution-freeenergy and transportation. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Say Goodbye to Fossil Fuels
The writing style was clear and captivating, and the ideas were well supported by a wealth of research. Be sure you understand however that the book is focused on the business of renewable energy and less on the technology and policy aspects. Most of the book is comprised of case stories which follow businesses through their struggle to make renewable energy profitable and competitive with fossil fuels. You will get an intimate portrait of the ups and downs of businesses in the industry and the personalities behind them. Unfortunately, the minutia of each step along a business's road to success or failure can become less than interesting. The book was largely a history of business dealings in the industry and I was looking for something which gave more attention to the prospect of renewables in the future and how renewables can overcome the tiresome use of fossil fuels.

A informative look into renewable energies technology.
A very interesting book.If you are interested in solar,wind,biomass and other clean energy sources then this is the book for you.This book takes you from past to present with insights on the people who are making this field happen.It also tells you about their business strategies and practices.It also gives detailed information about where this particular technology is headed with respects to the dropping manufacturing costs and a host of other things.If you choose only one book on this subject,MAKE SURE IT IS THIS ONE!enjoy. ... Read more

Book Description

An illustrated, playful comparison of how cats and people use solar energy. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very clever
The Solar Cat Book is a great introduction to solar energy using cats as a model system. Augustyn teaches us about solar energy and heat flow mechanics through a series of small stories and jokes. The illustrations and cartoons are not to be missed. Although one of the reviews suggests that children can read this book, I think that it is intended and is more appropriate for adults. It is really a shame that this book is out of print. I think that it should be revived!

This book is a perfect gift for solar cat lovers!
This is a great gift book for anyone who has anything to do with either cats or solar energy. I was very disappointed not to find it amongst Amazon's extensive inventory. ... Read more

Book Description

The essays in this collection of John Gibbons's non-technical writings show both the limiting and liberating influence of government on technological research and development. Gibbons addresses the issues involved in the government's directing as well as supporting technological and scientific advance; he discusses the ways in which government and science join in serving society; and provides a look behind the scenes of the making of science policy. Active in Washington since 1972, when he was appointed to the Office of Energy Conservation by President Nixon, he was the head of the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment from 1979 until 1992, when President Clinton named him Science Advisor. ... Read more

Book Description

Bioenergy Options for a Cleaner Environment describes the biomass resource and its delivery. A panel of international experts describe the range of conversion technologies both commercially available and under development, and explore the technical, environmental and socio-economic barriers and benefits of using biomass in both developed and developing countries.

*Covers a number of perspectives, taking the reader through the whole process from the bioenergy resource through conversion to fuel, to policy issues.
*World class Editor and contributors
*Accessible and useful to those working in agriculture, forestry and planning, as well as energy researchers. ... Read more

Book Description

The electric power industry in the U.S. has undergone dramatic changes in recent years. Tight regulations enacted in the 1970's and then de-regulation in the 90's have transformed it from a technology-driven industry into one driven by public policy requirements and the open-access market. Now, just as the utility companies must change to ensure their survival, engineers and other professionals in the industry must acquire new skills, adopt new attitudes, and accommodate other disciplines. Power System Operations and Electricity Markets provides the information engineers need to understand and meet the challenges of the new competitive environment. Integrating the business and technical aspects of the restructured power industry, it explains, clearly and succinctly, how new methods for power systems operations and energy marketing relate to public policy, regulation, economics, and engineering science. The authors examine the technologies and techniques currently in use and lay the groundwork for the coming era of unbundling, open access, power marketing, self-generation, and regional transmission operations.The rapid, massive changes in the electric power industry and in the economy have rendered most books on the subject obsolete. Based on the authors' years of front-line experience in the industry and in regulatory organizations, Power System Operations and Electricity Markets is current, insightful, and complete with Web links that will help readers stay up to date. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent coverage of the subjects.
This book gives an excellent summary of the issues posed by the changes in the electric industry.

Ouch.
The only interesting part of this book is the table of contents.
Given its scope, the book is well too short to contain any non-trivial information. ... Read more

Book Description

An investigative report prepared for the general reader to explain how the most extraordinary claim made in the basic sciences during the twentieth century was mistakenly dismissed through errors of scientific protocol. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A must for a teacher
I am a teacher. Several months ago I received an e-mail message from a high school student. The girl wrote; ". . . In my chemistry class, I am doing a project on Cold Fusion.. . . I was wondering if you could give me some advice or information?. . ." Beaudette's book is an excellent summary of what has been done in the field of Cold Fusion since 1989. It is a must for any teacher who is interested in the subject.

In addition to summarizing results of many interesting projects the author offers several philosophical observations about scientific methodology and protocols used in various scientific disciplines. Referring to the Cold Fusion controversy he writes: "to discard a well made observation is to violate modern protocol [scientific methodology]. If widely practiced, such a course would quickly undo science. The most interesting and perplexing observations, though accurately measured, would have to be refused by the scientific community because their cause was obscure. Does this mean that any claim of observation must be accepted as worthy of scientific study? Certainly not. It means something quite different. It means that the controversy must center about the quality of the measurements and not about the source or cause of the phenomenon. . . If conflicting data is prohibited from contention, then theories are no longer falsifible. Were it to enable such practice, science would evolve into secular theology."

Beaudette's book has many other interesting observations and quotes, together with the scientific background of major cold fusion researchers. It certainly deserves a place in libraries, especially in high schools and universities. The level is appropriate for an educated layman.

the definitive reference
As a journalist covering cold fusion, I turned again and again to this book to check or confirm facts, data, dates, chronologies, and other details and have found it to be the definitive resource in the field. Written by an engineer and vetted by scientists who participated in cold fusion research, the book is an indispensable guide to anyone interested in the history, data, issues, and future of this subject. Recommended without reservation.

Truth in Science: Future University Required Reading
I have read this book, "Excess Heat". I simply could not lay it down until I had finished it entirely. During the process of reading it, I kept repeating to myself (and my captive wife) how excellent a job "this man" did on setting down in philosophically logical terms the convincing facts and logic of the science of cold fusion. At one point I remarked to my wife that "this man" must have taken Apologetics in college and received an "A" mark, but then I remembered that such courses might not have been offered at our Alma Mater (MIT). I was impressed with the way the heretical errors developed, flourished and were brought out in clear plain logic in the book. I want to humbly congratulate the author on such a masterful account of what has happened in this important field. I predict this book will be required reading in some of the "truly best", finest universities in the future. Historically, it will be recorded that Beaudette wrote the truth at a time when science was a bit confused and not quite willing to accept it right away. Slowly it will gain momentum, understanding and finally acceptance. Congratulations on a book that is very well written with class, authority, and no doubt, with hard work, the old fashion way: a book for all seasons.
Dr. Michael R. Staker, P.E.

Excellent book
This book is a magnum opus on this fascinating field. Together with Fire from Ice : Searching for the Truth Behind the Cold Fusion Furor by Eugene J. Mallove, this is one book you really need to read. Not only because it is highly interesting, and a great work and example of what really good scholarship means, but also because it is very readable, detailed, honest and accurate. It provides a excellent insight about the early days of cold fusion, the confusion, and the later shortsighted, stupid rejection of the entire field by scientific establishment and mainstream media. The latter can be forgiven, they have no knowledge nor interest in the truth, but the scientists are really to blame. As you can see from previous reviews posted here by exceptional great minds like Arthur C. Clarke, prof. Bockris, and others, this is no joke at all. This is pure, honest, cutting edge science. This is the frontier thinking and research that made our age of technology possible. This is the science the world is needing so badly. Mr. Baudette has done a excellent job of presenting the fact and history of this exciting field of science. For people like him, and like Mallove, Clarke, Bockris, Pons & Fleischmann, and many, many others, I personally have the deepest respect. The truth will come out, one day. Let the critics state one desperate non-argument after the other - this is stuff is for real, and it's here to stay, boys and girls! And it's going to change our world for the better - sooner than you think. I wish I could rate this book 6 stars.

Excess Heat: Interesting and informative book
This book is not only informative to the beginnings of Cold Fusion, but the way in which the material is presented is very thorough and well written. The author has composed a book full of detail, leaving all the evidence for the reader to judge for his/herself. Overall, a very well written book that deserves to be read. ... Read more