The power available from the rise and fall of ocean tides. A tidal power plant works on the principal of a dam or barrage that captures water in a basin at the peak of a tidal flow, then directs the water through a hydroelectric turbine as the tide ebbs.

For a wind turbine, the ratio of the speed of the tip of a turbine blade for which the power coefficient is at maximum.

The inherent characteristic of a material to inhibit the transfer of energy. In electrical conductors, electrical resistance results in the generation of heat. Electrical resistance is measured in Ohms. The heat transfer resistance properties of insulatio ...

As time increases from zero at the terminals of an inductor, the voltage comes to a particular value on the sine function curve ahead of the current. The voltage reaches its negative peak exactly 90 degrees before the current reaches its negative peak thu ...

A wall with high thermal mass used to store solar energy passively in a solar home. The wall absorbs solar energy and transfers it to the space behind the wall by means of radiation and by convection currents moving through spaces under, in front of, and ...

A region of electrical contact between two different materials.

An apparatus for measuring force or power, especially the power developed by a motor.

The load-carrying ability of an electric power plant during a specific time interval and period when related to the characteristics of the load to be/being supplied; determined by capability, operating power factor, and the portion of the load the station ...

A ratio of the work or useful energy output of a system versus the amount of work or energy inputted into the system as determined by using the same energy equivalents for energy in and out. Is used as a measure of the steady state performance or energy e ...

A type of passive solar heating system where heat is collected in one area for use in another.

A measure of window glazing performance that is the ratio of the total solar heat gain through a specific window to the total solar heat gain through a single sheet of double-strength glass under the same set of conditions; expressed as a number between 0 ...

This represents three layers of glazing in a window with an airspace between the middle glass and the exterior and interior panes.

A chemical compound produced in a reaction between ethanol and isobutylene (a petroleum-derived by-product of the refining process). ETBE has characteristics superior to other ethers: low volatility, low water solubility, high octane value, and a large re ...

An electric motor rated at less than one horse power (hp).

A company that specializes in undertaking energy efficiency measures under a contractual arrangement whereby the ESCo shares the value of energy savings with their customer.

An architectural feature used to shade exterior walls; usually made of a lattice of metal or wood; often covered by vines to provide additional summertime shading.

The structural materials and elements used to construct a wall.

An electromagnetic device that changes the voltage of alternating current electricity. It consists of an induction coil having a primary and secondary winding and a closed iron core.

A popular term used for a length of wood or steel used in or for wall framing.

The sum of the sensible and latent heat in a substance or fluid above a base point, usually 32 degrees Fahrenheit.