Preface

Energy engineers and technologists have made efficient and cost effective devices for many years which provide the energy services society wants and expects. From air conditioners to waste fuels, energy engineers and technologists continue to make our lives comfortable and affordable using limited resources in efficient and renewable ways.

Over 300 researchers and practitioners, through 190 entries, provide ready access to the basic principles and applications of energy engineering, as well as advanced applications in the technologies of energy production and use. The global supply of energy is increasingly being stressed to provide for an expanding world population. Energy efficiency, energy conservation through energy management, and use of renewable energy sources are three of the major strategies that in the future will help provide the energy and energy services for the world's population and the world's economy.

This unique reference contains state-of-the-art progress on the most important topics in this field of energy engineering and technology. All entries in the encyclopedia have been written by experts in their specialties, and have been reviewed by subject matter authorities. This distinguished group of experts share a wealth of knowledge on topics such as:

• Energy, energy supplies and energy use
• Renewable and alternative energy sources
• Technical, economic and financial analysis of energy systems
• Energy uses in buildings and industry
• Energy efficiency and energy conservation opportunities and projects
• Commissioning, benchmarking, performance contracting, and measurement and verification
• Environmental regulation and public policy for energy supply and use
• Global climate change and carbon control
• Sustainable buildings and green development
• Hybrid electric and hydrogen fueled vehicles and maglev transportation

The Encyclopedia of Energy Engineering and Technology, Three-Volume Set, is a key reference work for professionals in academia, business, industry and government, as well as students at all levels. It should be regularly consulted for basic and advanced information to guide students, scholars, practitioners, the public, and policy makers. Contributions address a wide spectrum of theoretical and applied topics, concepts, methodologies, strategies, and possible solutions.

The Online Edition is a dynamic resource that will grow as time and knowledge progress. Suggestions for additional content are welcomed by the editor, and new authors should contact me at the e-mail address listed below.

As editor, I would like to thank the people who worked hard to initiate this encyclopedia, and make the project a success. Thanks go to Russell Dekker at Marcel Dekker, and Al Thumann, the Executive Director of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) for getting the project going. I appreciate their confidence in my ability to accomplish this immense project. Part of the purpose of this project is to help provide professional and educational support for new people coming into our area of energy engineering. A profession can only succeed and grow if new people have a resource to learn about a new area, and find this area interesting and exciting for their careers.

Directors Oona Schmidt and Claire Miller were both excellent in helping to organize and specify the work that had to be done to get the encyclopedia started and on track for completion. Editorial Assistants Andrea Cunningham, Lousia Lam, and Marisa Hoheb provided daily help to me, and kept all of the records and contacts with the authors. Their help was invaluable.

Preparation of this modern compendium on energy engineering and technology has only been possible through the commitment and hard work of hundreds of energy engineers from around the globe. I want to thank all of the authors for their outstanding efforts to identify major topics of interest for this project, and to write interesting and educational articles based on their areas of expertise. Many of the authors also served a dual function of both writing their own articles, and reviewing the submissions of other authors. Another important group of people were those on the Editorial Board who helped submit topics, organizational ideas, and lists of potential authors for the encyclopedia. This Board was a great help in getting the actual writing of articles started, as well as many of the Editorial Board members also contributed articles themselves.

I would also like to thank my wife Lynne for her continuing support of all of my projects over the years. And finally, I would like to dedicate this encyclopedia to my grandchildren Hannah and Easton. They are a part of the future that I hope will be using the efficient and sustainable energy resources presented in this encyclopedia.

Barney L. Capehart, Editor
Capehart@ise.ufl.edu

Foreword

The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) is proud to be a sponsor of the Encyclopedia of Energy Engineering and Technology, Three-Volume Set, edited by Dr. Barney L. Capehart. In 2007 AEE is celebrating its 30th anniversary and it is a fitting tribute that the Encyclopedia of Energy Engineering and Technology is published at this time. AEE defined the energy engineering profession and this comprehensive work details the core elements for success in this field.

Dr. Capehart has performed a monumental task of facilitating over 300 researchers and practitioners who have contributed to this three-volume set. These distinguished authorities share a wealth of knowledge on approximately 190 topics. Dr. Capehart, through his training and publications, has significantly impacted the energy engineering profession and has helped make it what it is today.

Global climate change concerns and unstable energy prices have raised the importance of energy engineering. This encyclopedia will be a valuable tool in assisting energy engineers to reach their potential. The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and our network of 8,000 members in 77 countries would like to thank Dr. Barney Capehart and the numerous volunteers who have made this work possible.

Albert Thumann, P.E., CEM
Executive Director
The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)