The thermodynamic cycle that is an ideal standard for comparing performance of heat-engines, steam power plants, steam turbines, and heat pump systems that use a condensable vapor as the working fluid; efficiency is measured as work done divided by sensib ...

Alternating current in which three separate pulses are present, identical in frequency and voltage, but separated 120 degrees in phase.

A graph representing the relationship between the power available from the wind and the wind speed. The power from the wind increases proportionally with the cube of the wind speed.

A motor in which a three phase (or any multiphase) alternating current (i.e. the working current) is supplied to iron-cored coils (or windings) within the stator. As a result, a rotating magnetic field is set up, which induces a magnetizing current in the ...

The process of the absorption of heat from one location and its transfer to another for rejection or recuperation.

A heating system where heat is supplied (radiated) into a room by means of heated surfaces, such as electric resistance elements, hot water (hydronic) radiators, etc.

Any gaseous, liquid, or solid fuel used for indoor space heating.

A heat exchanger for recovering heat from flue gases for heating water or air.

A solar energy conversion device that uses a trough covered with a highly reflective surface to focus sunlight onto a linear absorber containing a working fluid that can be used for medium temperature space or process heat or to operate a steam turbine fo ...

To exceed the design capacity of a device.

A type of water heater that has no storage tank thus eliminating storage tank standby losses. Cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, and either a gas burner or an electric element heats the water only when needed.

A registered trademark of an agency of the state of Nebraska, for an automotive fuel containing a blend of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline.

Classifications of fires developed by the National Fire Protection Association.

A device where sunlight concentrated onto a absorber heats it to a high temperature, and the thermal radiation emitted by the absorber is used as the energy source for a photovoltaic cell that is designed to maximize conversion efficiency at the wavelengt ...

A mathematical representation of the frequency or ratio that specific wind speeds occur within a specified time interval.

Both a noun and a verb to describe the exterior surface of building elements (walls, floors, ceilings, etc.) and furniture, and the process of applying it.

An electrical inverter that inverts direct current electricity to alternating current electricity, and that uses another alternating current source, such as an electric power transmission and distribution network (grid), for voltage and frequency referenc ...

A salt, sodium sulfate decahydrate, that melts at 90 degrees Fahrenheit; a component of eutetic salts that can be used for storing heat.

Energy produced by the conversion of biomass directly to heat or to a liquid or gas that can be converted to energy.

The space within a building or structure that is normally occupied by people, and that may be conditioned (heated, cooled and/or ventilated).