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 ...

This compound of nitrogen and oxygen is formed by the oxidation of nitric oxide (NO) which is produced by the combustion of solid fuels.

Equal to gross generation less electricity consumption of a power plant.

A passive solar heating system in which the sun warms a heat storage element, and the heat is distributed to the interior space by convection, conduction, and radiation.

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.

In reference to a wind energy conversion system, the area of a turbine blade surface that first comes into contact with the wind.

A hydropower plant that is operated at maximum allowable capacity for part of the day and is either shut down for the remainder of the time or operated at minimal capacity level.

The heat that flows from the building interior, through the building envelope to the outside environment.

A seal used to prevent the leakage of fluids, and also maintain the pressure in an enclosure.

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 valve used to mix heated water with cold in a heating system to provide a desired water temperature for end use.

In alternating current, the current goes from zero potential or voltage to a maximum in one direction, back to zero, and then to a maximum potential or voltage in the other direction. The number of complete cycles per second determines the current frequen ...

A wood or gas burning appliance that is primarily used to provide ambiance to a room. Conventional, masonry fireplaces without energy saving features, often take more heat from a space than they put into it.

The process by which materials expel or release gasses.

A type of heating appliance similar to a fireplace, but much more efficient and clean burning. They are made of masonry and have long channels through which combustion gases give up their heat to the heavy mass of the stove, which releases the heat slowly ...

One thousand kilowatts, or 1 million watts; standard measure of electric power plant generating capacity.

The transmission of electricity through power lines.

These lights use an electrically heated filament to produce light in a vacuum or inert gas-filled bulb.

A wood-burning appliance for space and/or water heating and/or cooking.

A measure of the amount of energy lost during the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.