The process of changing from one physical state (solid, liquid, or gas) to another, with a necessary or coincidental input or release of energy.

SMES technology uses the superconducting characteristics of low-temperature materials to produce intense magnetic fields to store energy. SMES has been proposed as a storage option to support large-scale use of photovoltaics and wind as a means to smooth ...

The fine liquid or solid particles contained in combustion gases. The quantity and size of particulates emitted by cars, power and industrial plants, wood stoves, etc are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

A solar absorber surface that has high absorbtance at wavelengths corresponding to that of the solar spectrum and low emittance in the infrared range.

This law states that no device can completely and continuously transform all of the energy supplied to it into useful energy.

A type of solar heating system that circulate warm water from storage through the collectors and exposed piping whenever freezing conditions occur; obviously a not very efficient system when operating in this mode.

A study of the transformation of energy from one form to another, and its practical application. (see Law(s) of Thermodynamics above).

A heat exchanger in which heat is recovered from the products of combustion.

Materials left over from making nuclear energy. Radioactive waste can living organisms if it is not stored safely.

Air that is taken from the outdoors.

Wood, used for fuel, that has been air dried so that it contains 15 to 20 percent moisture content (wet basis).

These fluids can be either water or steam trapped in fractured or porous rocks; they are found from several hundred feet to several miles below the Earth's surface. The temperatures vary from about 90 F to 680 F (32 C to 360 C) but roughly 2/3 range in te ...

A material with high absorbtance and low emittance properties applied to or on solar absorber surfaces.

A solar thermal system that has one tank for storing solar heated water to preheat the water in a conventional water heater.

A construction material made by compressing earth in a form; used traditionally in many areas of the world and widely throughout North Africa and the Middle East.

The load created by moisture in the air, including from outside air infiltration and that from indoor sources such as occupants, plants, cooking, showering, etc.

The complete cycle of stages (evaporation and condensation) of refrigeration or of the refrigerant.

The labels placed on appliances to enable consumers to compare appliance energy efficiency and energy consumption under specified test conditions as required by the Federal Trade Commission.

The pressure equivalent of the velocity of a fluid.

A building element that shades windows, walls, and doors from direct solar radiation and protects these elements from precipitation.