Electrical power engineering [electronic resource] : Current state, problems and perspectives / Vasily Y. Ushakov.

Preface; Contents; Abbreviations; 1 Power Engineering as a Basis for Progress of Civilization; 1.1 Main Concepts and Definitions; 1.2 Influence of Power Engineering on the Development of Humanity; Reference; 2 From the History of Electrical Power Engineering; 2.1 Formation of Electrical Engineering as an Independent Engineering Branch (1870-1890); 2.2 Next Stages of Power Engineering-Sustainable Formation and Development; References; 3 The Earth's Energy Resources (Reserves, Short Characteristics); 3.1 Traditional Non-renewable Energy Resources; 3.1.1 Coal; 3.1.2 Oil; 3.1.3 Natural Gas. 3.1.4 Nuclear Energy3.2 Backup Fuel (Subsidiary Mineral Fuel); 3.2.1 Slate Coal; 3.2.2 Bituminous Sandstone; 3.2.3 Gas Hydrate; 3.2.4 Associated Petroleum Gas; 3.2.5 Mine Methane (Coal Methane); 3.2.6 Syngas; References; 4 Electric Power Production; 4.1 Choice of the Electric Power Generation Type; 4.2 Powerful Power Plant Based on Non-renewable Mineral Energy Resources; 4.2.1 Features of the Use of Coal in the Energy Sector; 4.2.2 Improvement of the Furnace Construction and Technology of Coal Firing; 4.2.3 Improving the Quality of Coal Fuel; 4.3 Cogeneration. 4.4 Small-Scale Power Generation: Current State and Prospects4.4.1 Distribution Areas of Small-Scale Power Generation; 4.4.2 Small-Scale Distributed Power Generation Functioning on Organic Fuel; 4.4.2.1 Gas-Turbine Power Installations; 4.4.2.2 Piston Installations; 4.4.2.3 Stirling Engine; 4.4.2.4 Turbo-expander Generators; 4.5 Nuclear Power Engineering; 4.5.1 Current State and Prospects for the Development of Nuclear Power Plants with Uranium Fuel Cycle; 4.5.2 Intermediate and Low-Power Nuclear Stations Including Floating Ones; 4.5.3 Nuclear Power Plants with Fast Neutron Reactors. 4.5.4 Closed Nuclear Fuel CycleReferences; 5 Electric Power Engineering on the Basis of Renewable Energy Sources; 5.1 Necessity of Searching for New Energy Sources; 5.2 Harnessing of Water Flow of Rivers and Energy of Other Streams; 5.2.1 Large-Scale Hydraulic Power Engineering (Base on Traditional Hydroelectric Power Plants); 5.2.2 Mini Hydro Power Plants; 5.3 Bioenergetics; 5.3.1 Biomass; 5.3.2 Peat; 5.4 Wind Power Plants; 5.5 Solar Power Engineering; 5.5.1 Electric Energy Production; 5.5.2 Thermal Energy Production; 5.6 Tidal and Wave Power Plants; 5.6.1 Tidal Power Plants. 5.6.2 Wave Power Plants5.7 Geothermal Power Plants; 5.8 Other Renewable Energy Sources for Electricity Production; 5.8.1 Ocean and Sea Currents Energy; 5.8.2 Thermal Energy of Ocean and Sea Water; 5.8.3 Osmotic Energy; References; 6 Energy Transmission and Distribution; 6.1 Main Stages in the Development of Power Transmission Systems in the XXth and in the First Part of the XXIst Century; 6.2 Main Tendencies in the Development of Power Transmission Systems; 6.3 Technical Problems of the Electric Grid Complex; 6.3.1 Provision of Uninterrupted Electric Grids.

This book provides the short history, current state, main problems and historical perspective for the development of electrical power engineering. The focus of the textbook is on the two most important issues related to meeting of the growing needs of humanity in electricity: "Hunger for energy" and "Ecological infarct". In the book are discussed the methods of their solution: optimization of energy balance, use of renewable energy resources, new methods of electricity production, increase of the efficiency of production, accumulation, transmission, distribution and consumption electricity. The third issue? social and geopolitical threats due to the increasing need for energy? in the textbook is not considered inasmuch it details in non-stop regime discussed in the mass media. Choosing the structure and content of the textbook is based on the ten years of the author experience of giving lectures to Tomsk Polytechnic University students who study according t o the program Electric Power Engineering. This textbook is addresed to students, masters and post-graduates. It can be interesting for everyone who is thinking about the future of our civilization, in general, and meeting of human needs in electric power, in particular.