Energy (R0)

Energy Systems Transition: Digitalization, Decarbonization, Decentralization, and Democratization provides a thorough multidisciplinary overview of the operation of modern green energy systems and examines the role of 4D energy transition in global decarbonization mitigation efforts for meeting long-term climate goals. Contributions present practical aspects and approaches with evidence from applications to real-world energy systems, offering in-depth technical discussions, case studies, and examples to help readers understand the methods, current challenges, and future directions. A hands-on reference to energy distribution systems, it is suitable for researchers and industry practitioners from different branches of engineering, energy, data science, economics, and operation research. 

This book offers a comprehensive approach to energy systems integration (ESI) that optimizes the design and operation of energy systems, maximizing the benefits of all components while minimizing potential negative impacts. By coordinating the production, distribution, and utilization of energy from diverse sources, ESI ensures the most efficient and cost-effective fulfillment of end-users' needs.

The true value of ESI lies in its ability to harmonize interconnected systems, enabling the production and supply of energy in its various forms to achieve reliability, environmental sustainability, and economic viability at appropriate scales. Through the analysis and design of integrated energy systems, often referred to as multi-energy systems (MES), decision-makers and industry professionals gain valuable insights into the optimal strategies required to fulfill these objectives while considering contextual conditions and operational constraints.

The book explores the design, modeling, supervising, and controlling of energy systems but also examines how these approaches can be seamlessly integrated into future MES through innovative and ESI processes.

Through its comprehensive analysis and forward-thinking approach, this book serves as a vital resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to navigate the complexities of energy systems integration and leverage the potential of renewable energy for a sustainable future.

This book is a Primer about energy generation and its use in our industrial society. A majority understand that the energy generation that supports our current way of life also threatens major environmental impact. Though our situation is not imminently apocalyptic, we will have our lives significantly compromised unless we begin to deal with the challenges that our energy generation is causing. With a basic technical understanding of energy, society can make more informed decisions about its generation and use.

The book introduces energy. It describes how it’s generated, where it’s used and considerations for making it sustainable and decarbonized. Today, 80% of energy continues to be from carbon-containing fossil fuels – coal, oil and natural gas . The book sketches how this fossil energy is converted into the work used for electricity, transportation and food.  It describes how sustainable energy from sun and wind is more efficient and potentially cheaper. However, sustainable energy is difficult to store, which is a major unresolved problem in the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy. The book provides the scientific tools to begin to understand such problems and discusses approaches to make the energy system decarbonized. This book does not tell the reader which options to take, rather it provides the literacy to choose.