A generic term for liquefied and pressurized gas, ordinarily butane, propane, or a mixture of the two, contained in a cylinder for domestic use.

An apparatus for converting the energy available in the wind to mechanical energy that can be used to power machinery (grain mills, water pumps) and to operate an electrical generator.

The transparent or opaque sphere in an electric light that the electric light transmits through.

The mean wind speed over a specified period of time.

The pressure corresponding to the outlet velocity of a fan; the kinetic energy per unit volume of flowing air.

A type of impulse hydropower turbine where water passes through nozzles and strikes cups arranged on the periphery of a runner, or wheel, which causes the runner to rotate, producing mechanical energy. The runner is fixed on a shaft, and the rotational mo ...

Energy terms

The complex process by which organic matter is decomposed by anaerobic bacteria. The decomposition process produces a gaseous byproduct often called "biogas" primarily composed of methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide.

An electricity supplier rate structure in which the per unit price of electricity decreases as the amount of energy increases. Normally only available to very large consumers.

The heating capacity of a steam boiler; expressed in Btu per hour (Btu/h), or horsepower, or pounds of steam per hour.

The downward facing structural element that is directly opposite the floor.

An enzyme complex, produced by fungi and bacteria, capable of decomposing cellulose into small fragments, primarily glucose.

A long, underground metal or plastic pipe through which air is drawn. As air travels through the pipe it gives up some of its heat to the soil, and enters the house as cooler air.

A unit of heat containing 100,000 British thermal units (Btu).

A generic term for a glazed opening that allows daylight to enter into a building and can be opened for ventilation.

A type of heat pump that transfers heat from outdoor air to indoor air during the heating season, and works in reverse during the cooling season.

These are separate and distinct organizational agencies within the U.S. DOE that market power at federal multipurpose water projects at lowest possible rates to consumers consistent with sound business principles. There are five PMA's: Alaska Power Admini ...

A metric unit of energy or work; the energy produced by a force of one Newton operating through a distance of one meter; 1 Joule per second equals 1 Watt or 0.737 foot-pounds; 1 Btu equals 1,055 Joules.

A mound of dirt next to exterior walls to provide wind protection and insulation.

A type of combustion heating appliance in which the combustion gases are vented to the outside, either with a fan (forced) or by natural convection.