A structure used to cool power plant water; water is pumped to the top of the tubular tower and sprayed out into the center, and is cooled by evaporation as it falls, and then is either recycled within the plant or is discharged.

The ratio of heat produced by a fuel for doing work to the available heat in the fuel.

An electrical conductor/cable that carries electricity from a generator to other locations for distribution.

A measure of the ability of a light source to show colors, based on a color rendering index.

The angle between a line from a point on the earth's surface to the center of the solar disc, and a line extending horizontally from the point.

The generation of electric power by a heat engine which converts part of the heat generated by combustion of the fuel into mechanical motion to operate an electric generator.

The process of distilling (purifying) water using solar energy. Water can be placed in an air tight solar collector with a sloped glazing material, and as it heats and evaporates, distilled water condenses on the collector glazing, and runs down where it ...

The heat produced by sources of heat in a building (occupants, appliances, lighting, etc).

In reference to a wind energy conversion device, the ratio of rotor blade surface area to the frontal, swept area that the rotor passes through.

A construction element applied to the outermost surface of an exterior wall.

A curve illustrating the variation or spectral irradiance with wavelength.

The current flowing freely through an external circuit that has no load or resistance; the maximum current possible.

A term used for materials used to absorb and store solar energy.

An interior or exterior movable panel that operates on hinges or slides into place, used to protect windows or provide privacy.

Solar radiation that arrives in a straight line from the sun.

Electromagnetic energy transmitted from the sun (solar radiation). The amount that reaches the earth is equal to one billionth of total solar energy generated, or the equivalent of about 420 trillion kilowatt-hours.

A type of furnace or reactor in which fuel particles are combusted while suspended in a stream of hot gas.

A registered trademark for plastic sheeting material that can be used as a vapor retarder. This plastic is used to make grocery bags. It is a long chain of carbon atoms with 2 hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon atom.

The amount of energy that a building absorbs due to solar energy striking its exterior and conducting to the interior or passing through windows and being absorbed by materials in the building.

A device for transforming the quality and quantity of electrical energy; also an inverter.