New Book on Fundamentals of Energy

Energy: Technology and Directions for the Future by John R. Fanchi, Ph.D., presents the fundamentals of energy for scientists and engineers. The book, to be out in January, is a survey of energy sources from Elsevier that will be for use in the 21st century energy mix.

Readers will learn about the history and science of several energy sources as well as the technology and social significance of energy. Included are thermodynamics, electricity distribution, geothermal energy, fossil fuels, solar energy, nuclear energy, alternate energy (wind, water, biomass), energy and society, energy and the environment, sustainable development, the hydrogen economy, and energy forecasting. The approach is designed to present an intellectually rich and interesting text that is also practical. This is accomplished by introducing basic concepts in the context of energy technologies and, where appropriate, in historical context. Scientific concepts are used to solve concrete engineering problems.

The technical level of presentation presumes that readers have completed college-level physics with calculus and mathematics of several variables. The selection of topics is designed to provide the reader with an introduction to the language, concepts and techniques used in all major energy components that are expected in the 21st century. Future energy professionals will need to understand the origin and interactions of these components to thrive in an energy industry that is evolving from one dominated by fossil fuels to a multi-source industry.

Contact Bob Dodd, Elsevier, 200 Wheeler Rd., Burlington, MA 01803, phone: (781) 313-4726, fax: (781) 313-4882, or email: r.dodd@elsevier.com.