Energy Books - Page 6

Trading Natural Gas: Cash, Futures, Options and Swaps

Fletcher J. Sturm

Amazon Price: $55.20 List Price: $69.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Pennwell Books Amazon Marketplace: 21 new & used starting at $49.68

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Subjects -> Business & Investing -> Investing -> Commodities
Subjects -> Business & Investing -> Investing -> Futures

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

educational sources for practical trading purposes 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I have not seen any book that describes its domain with such generous detail and is geared for real life trading. The contents may not be enough for those who trade only financial energy instruments, but it is indeed a good course material for the market makers, and hedgers, namely end users and producers. I highly recommend this book to those who are involved in natural gas industry.

A Great Book to Learn Natural Gas Trading 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Even if you do not have a solid understanding of derivatives, this book is really good explaining step by step how the different derivatives are used for hedging natural gas; regardless if you are the producer, trader, or end user. The author gives many examples of how each derivative works. I highly recommend this book if you are starting out as a junior trader, risk products trader, supply planner, etc.

Editorial Review:

This great "how to" book covers the various mechanics of natural gas trading, including the physical (cash) market for natural gas production, transportation, distribution, and consumption. The heart of the text is the definition and demonstration of financial trading tools and techniques. It closes with discussion of more complex structures of trading and the author's philosophy on how a risk management department should function within a natural gas trading company.

Photovoltaics for Professionals: Solar Electric Systems Marketing, Design and Installation

Falk Antony, Christian Dürschner, Karl-Heinz Remmers

Amazon Price: $74.71 List Price: $97.50 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Earthscan Publications Ltd. Amazon Marketplace: 25 new & used starting at $70.92

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

* Provides essential guidance for electricians, technicians, builders, architects and building engineers who want to get involved in this expanding industry.
* Describes the practicalities of marketing, designing and installing photovoltaic systems
* Contains over 100 full-color illustrations, numerous case studies and examples of best practice

The installation of photovoltaic systems has become a new and rapidly expanding field of activity for the building industry as interest in solar energy grows, providing excellent business prospects. Photovoltaics for Professionals describes the practicalities of working with photovoltaics, from marketing and selling photovoltaic products to designing and installing photovoltaic systems (both grid-tied and stand-alone). The book answers all the questions a beginner in the industry would need to ask, as well as serving as an ongoing work of reference. It also provides designers and installers with a practical introduction to designing and installing high quality solar electric systems and gives a comprehensive overview of the major photovoltaic market sectors. Containing over 100 full-color illustrations, figures and photographs, it offers practical step-by-step examples and an abundance of helpful tips. The appendices include essential data on standards, codes and guidelines.

Related titles
Planning and Installing Photovoltaic Systems (2005)
978-1-84407-131-9, and Applied Photovoltaics (2007) 978-1-84407-401-3

A Thousand Barrels a Second: The Coming Oil Break Point and the Challenges Facing an Energy Dependent World

Peter Tertzakian

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 35 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A Reasonable Sense of Urgency 4 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

It feels appropriate to review this book as crude oil futures hit all-time contract highs... The 1980 inflation-adjusted highs for crude (roughly $100 per barrel in today's money) are just around the corner in geopolitical terms.

In the book's title, "A Thousand Barrels a Second" refers to the point at which world oil demand exceeds 86 million barrels per day. (86.4 to be exact--there are 86,400 seconds in one day). The International Energy Agency (IEA) believes the 86 million threshold could be crossed this year.

The "Coming Oil Break Point" refers to the aftermath of crisis and inevitable forced change. Tertzakian explains:

"...the history of energy shows that a time of crisis is always followed by a defining break point, after which government policies, and social and technological forces, begin to rebalance the structure of the world's vast energy complex. Break points are crucial junctures marked by dramatic changes in the way energy is used."

During the break point and the rebalancing phase that follows (which can last for 10 to 20 years), nations struggle for answers, consumers suffer and complain, the economy adapts, and science surges with innovation and discovery. In the era that emerges, lifestyles change, businesses are born, and fortunes are made.

I read the entire book on one leg of a coast-to-coast plane trip, a feat made possible by the clarity and lucidity of Tertzakian's writing. He excels at laying out detailed concepts in ways that are easy for the reader to grasp and understand, and paints a convincing picture of the significant challenges we face.

Tertzakian firmly grounds his argument in history, explaining what he calls the "evolutionary energy cycle" through the lens of past transitions. At one point we journeyed to the ends of the earth for whale oil, just as we do for "rock oil" (the literal meaning of petroleum) today. In the switch from wood to coal, tallow to whale oil, whale oil to kerosene, and so on, predictable aspects of the evolutionary energy cycle begin to emerge.

In addition to outlining the situation we're in, Tertzakian gives a fascinating, though brief, history of the oil industry. He covers the rise of Rockefeller's Standard Oil, its eventual breakup, the curious origins of Saudi Aramco, the British Navy's fateful switch from coal to oil, energy's role in respect to railroads and WWII, and more.

In my opinion, Tertzakian can be classified as an Urgent Simonist.* The word "Urgent" is meant to distinguish from the "Pollyanna" Simonists--those who believe technology will magically solve our energy problems with no real pain or discomfort.

On the emotional subject of peak oil, there are two extremes of debate. At one end you have those who think civilization is doomed no matter what (the viewpoint of cheery websites like dieoff.org). At the other end, you have those who think peak oil will be shaken off like a mild head cold.

Tertzakian helps bridge the gap between these extremes by explaining that yes, the challenge is serious, and gut-wrenching times are ahead... but we will ultimately see our way through. He is "urgent" in pointing out that the sooner we act the better, and pulls no punches in terms of what's at stake.

Perhaps the real power of "A Thousand Barrels A Second" is in showing readers how to think about the big picture, orienting them to the mind-boggling mechanics of energy supply chains.

There are so many steps and processes involved in the discovery, extraction, and distribution of energy that supply chains generally evolve at a glacial pace. Major energy transitions are measured in decades, not years; the scale and scope of the task is breathtaking to behold. Without taking a closer look behind the scenes, it's hard to get an intuitive sense of the time frames and logistical complexities involved. Tertzakian helps readers do that.

In sum, if you truly want to understand the energy issues we face--or at least get a handle on the key elements--I strongly recommend this book. It could also make an excellent gift for those friends and colleagues locked in one of the "extreme" camps, i.e. "what me worry" vs. "we're all going to die." (The book might not change their mind, but it will certainly make them think.)

I too consider myself an Urgent Simonist--we'll make it through, but only with serious pain--and believe that Tertzakian succeeds in his goal of providing "a highly researched and balanced assessment of our energy situation."

*Julian Simon, an influential economist, wrote a book in 1981 called The Ultimate Resource, in which he argued that technology and human ingenuity would always ensure an abundance of raw materials. In 1980, he also made a famous wager that a basket of base metals would fall in price, rather than rise, over a significant period of time. He won the bet. Ever since, those who believe in the power of innovation to overcome doomsday scarcity predictions have been dubbed "Simonists."

Editorial Review:

How the world's dizzying consumption of oil is poised to forever change the world economies and businesses. This is an informed and compelling look at one of the most critical hot-button topics of the day, by a highly credentialed investment analyst and economist.

Heat Pumps: Theory and Service

Lee Miles

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

A fantastic refererence for your HVAC/R library 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

I love the way the author set this book up. You gradually build on what you learn and never really feel that you are being thrown in to hard. The writing is fantastic. Not to difficult in technological terms for the novice and yet levels with the seasoned veteran just right. When you complete a chapter , you are introduced to a " In the field scenario" service call. You imagine yourself at the call working out the problem in the component. You see how to step by step, use the common sense approach to troubleshooting and gain good skills in those procedures. The calls vary from simple to very complex. One thing is for very certain. You will enjoy having this book in your professional HVAC/R library.

Another high-priced clunker from Thomson 1 out of 5 stars.
8 of 11 people found this review helpful.

This book was used in my "Fundamentals of Electricity" course in a technical college air-conditioning (AC) program. It was selected because it was the only text specifically for AC. We used the first third of the book. I'm an older student, have two years of university credits, and have seen a lot of technical and vocational training material. This book is simply awful. I have never had to struggle with a textbook so hard as with this one. Grammatical errors were abundant. The review questions were poorly written. Illustrations were occasionally mis-labeled, out of sequence or just plain wrong. Where the material raised a question, it was often left unanswered, but unasked questions were answered in excruciating detail. I had to use 4 other books to fill gaps left by this one. Most insulting was the price: $108. There are better books that cover basic electricity, some aimed at HVAC. I used Proctor & Mazur's books from ATP to fill some gaps. Additionally, ARI's "Refrigeration and Air Conditioning" has a good treatment, which is clearly written.

Editorial Review:

ALSO AVAILABLE INSTRUCTOR SUPPLEMENTS CALL CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO ORDER Instructor's Guide, ISBN: 0-8273-4957-2

HYDROGEN - Hot Stuff Cool Science 2nd edition: Discover the Future of Energy

Rex A. Ewing

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Finally! An book that bridges the scientific divide 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I got this book and was blown away! I could hardly put it down. I work with an NSF Fuel Cell Research Experience for Undergraduates and am ordering a book for each participant to give them the needed scientific background AND the global context for the significance of fuel cells and related technologies. Rex Ewing is one of those rare and talented authors who can bridge the divide between science and literature and between scientist and layman. Yet the science it thorough, well researched, and not watered down. The world NEEDS more works like this that put technological concepts within reach of the everyone. To address the complex global environmental problems we are facing in the 21st century, it is important that we all take responsibility (not just scientists and policy makers) for educating ourselves to bring about solutions. Read this book for knowledge...and a fun journey too. Who says science has to be boring? Not Mr. Ewing, thank goodness. PHENOMENAL!!

Editorial Review:

Discover the solid science and cutting-edge technologies behind hydrogen energy and fuel cells, and learn how we will use this energy in our homes and buildings, vehicles and public transportation, for electricity in remote areas and for backup power, and much more. Zed, the wise wizard of the Wasserstoff Farm, leads readers through chapters that include an overview of basic chemistry and energy transformation; a look at global warming and the annual U.S. energy consumption; electrolysis and other ways of extracting hydrogen from water; extracting hydrogen from coal, natural gas and biomass; ethanol and methanol production; nuclear energy and hydrogen production; using wind and solar energy for hydrogen production; hydrogen storage; internal combustion engines fueled by hydrogen; and fuel cells for vehicles and buildings.

Experiments With Alternate Currents of High Potential and High Frequency

Nikola Tesla

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Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

A lecture delivered before the Institution of Electrical Engineers, February 1892, in London. Complete with illustrations.

From the introduction:

A short time ago I had the honor to bring before our American Institute of Electrical Engineers some results then arrived at by me in a novel line of work. I need not assure you that the many evidences which I have received that English scientific men and engineers were interested in this work have been for me a great reward and encouragement. I will not dwell upon the experiments already described, except with the view of completing, or more clearly expressing, some ideas advanced by me before, and also with the view of rendering the study here presented self-contained, and my remarks on the subject of this evening's lecture consistent.

This investigation, then, it goes without saying, deals with alternating currents, and, to be more precise, with alternating currents of high potential and high frequency. Just in how much a very high frequency is essential for the production of the results presented is a question which, even with my present experience, would embarrass me to answer. Some of the experiments may be performed with low frequencies; but very high frequencies are desirable, not only on account of the many effects secured by their use, but also as a convenient means of obtaining, in the induction apparatus employed, the high potentials, which in their turn are necessary to the demonstration of most of the experiments here contemplated.

Making Simple Model Steam Engines

Stan Bray

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Models

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Easy Steam Engines 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

Excellent book - especially for the beginning model engineer. All the engines are the "wobbler" type. Boiler plans seem adequate. The last project is a locomotive after the style used in many logging railroads in the United States in the early 1900's.

Editorial Review:

A highly illustrated, step-by-step guide to constructing a range of simple model steam engines, aimed at both beginners and the more experienced.

This book details the construction of a range of simple miniature steam engines and boilers. The projects, each of which can be completed with only a basic workshop, range from a single-acting oscillator to more sophisticated twin-cylinder double-acting engines and a variety of boilers. A final project brings together engine and boiler for a simple steam railway locomotive. These projects are a perfect introduction to model engineering and an enjoyable exercise for the more experienced engineer or those who wish to pass on their hobby to a younger generation.

Stan Bray is an experienced craftsman in engineering and metalworking; among his previous books is Metalworking: Tools and Techniques.

Biodiesel: Growing a New Energy Economy, Second Edition

Greg Pahl

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Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Bioengineering -> Biotechnology

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

For anyone who is trying to keep up with the extremely rapid developments in the biodiesel industry, the second edition of Biodiesel: Growing a New Energy Economy is an invaluable aid. The breathtaking speed with which biodiesel has gained acceptance in the marketplace in the past few years has been exceeded only by the proliferation of biodiesel production facilities around the United States--and the world--only to confront new social and environmental challenges and criticisms.

The international survey of the biodiesel industry has been expanded from 40 to more than 80 countries, reflecting the spectacular growth of the industry around the world. This section also tracks the dramatic shifts in the fortunes of the industry that have taken place in some of these nations. The detailed chapters that cover the industry in the United States have also been substantially rewritten to keep abreast of its many new developments and explosive domestic growth. An expanded section on small-scale, local biodiesel production has been added to better represent this small but growing part of the industry. Another new section has been added to more fully explore the increasingly controversial issues of deforestation and food versus fuel, as well as GMO crops. The second edition concludes with updated views on where the industry is headed in the years to come from some of its key players.

Power Generation Handbook : Selection, Applications, Operation, Maintenance

Philip Kiameh

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

We’ve all lived through long hot summers with power shortages, brownouts, and blackouts. But at last, all the what-to-do and how-to-do it information you’ll need to handle a full range of operation and maintenance tasks at your fingertips. Written by a power industry expert, Power Generation Handbook: Selection, Applications, Operation, Maintenance helps you to gain a thorough understanding of all components, calculations, and subsystems of the various types of gas turbines, steam power plants, co-generation, and combined cycle plants.

Divided into five sections, Power Generation Handbook: Selection, Applications, Operation, Maintenance provides a thorough understanding of co-generation and combined cycle plants. Each of the components such as compressors, gas and steam turbines, heat recovery steam generators, condensers, lubricating systems, transformers, and generators are covered in detail. The selection considerations, operation, maintenance and economics of co-generation plants and combined cycles as well as emission limits, monitoring and governing systems will also be covered thoroughly.

This all-in-one resource gives you step-by-step guidance on how to maximize the efficiency, reliability and longevity of your power generation plant.

International Fuel & Gas Code 2006 (International Fuel Gas Code)

International Code Council

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Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

International fuel gas code 2006 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is exactly what is required by several states to assist with the masters exams and continuing education classes, for master gas fitters licenses.

Editorial Review:

Addresses the design and installation of fuel gas systems and gas-fired appliances through requirements that emphasize performance.