A means to increase the thermal efficiency of a steam electric generating system by increasing temperatures and interposing a device, such as a gas turbine, between the heat source and the conventional steam-turbine generator to convert some of the additi ...

The turning or twisting force generated by an electrical motor in order for it to operate.

A geothermal energy resource that consists of high temperature rocks above 300 F (150 C) that may be fractured and have little or no water. To extract the heat, the rock must first be fractured, then water is injected into the rock and pumped out to extra ...

A family of chemicals composed primarily of carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine whose principal applications are as refrigerants and industrial cleansers and whose principal drawback is the tendency to destroy the Earth's protective ozone layer.

The measure of the instantaneous energy efficiency of room air conditioners; the cooling capacity in Btu/hr divided by the watts of power consumed at a specific outdoor temperature (usually 95 degrees Fahrenheit).

Natural gas (methane) that has been compressed to a higher pressure gaseous state by a compressor; used in CNG vehicles.

A type of heating system where water is heated in a boiler and either moves by natural convection or is pumped to heat exchangers or radiators in rooms; radiant floor systems have a grid of tubing laid out in the floor for distributing heat. The temperatu ...

A fluorescent lamp that has a tubular shape.

To condition/cool air by dessication.

A device used to protect the user of any electrical system or appliance from shock.

Any machine capable of producing power to do work. An electric or hydraulic motor, steam engine or similar drive, acting directly on the deck machinery. Note—In a diesel electric motor is the prime mover.

A type of solar thermal collector where the heat transfer fluid flows through tubes formed in the absorber plate.

A condition that can occur in a solar collector if the working fluid does not circulate when sun is shining on the collector.

Plant-like organisms with cells with distinct nuclei surrounded by nuclear membranes, incapable of photosynthesis. Fungi are decomposers of waste organisms and exist as yeast, mold, or mildew.

The physical measure of the subjective sensation of brightness; measured in lumens.

The process of changing regulatory policies and laws to increase competition among suppliers of commodities and service. The process of deregulating the electric power industry was initiated by the Energy Policy Act of 1992. (See also Restructuring)

The inner coil in a heat pump that, during the cooling mode, absorbs heat from the inside air and boils the liquid refrigerant to a vapor, which cools the house.

The part of a wind energy conversion device blade, or airfoil, that is the last to contact the wind.

The energy liberated in a chemical reaction, as in the combustion of fuels.

The ratio of the coincident, maximum demand or two or more loads to the sum of their noncoincident maximum demand for a given period; the reciprocal of the diversity factor, and is always less than or equal to one.