Energy is our most valuable natural commodity. The modern world generates power in increasingly large quantities from coal, oil and natural gas. The finite nature of such fossil fuels, combined with an increasing worry about the concomitant greenhouse effect, has led to research into renewable sources of energy, such as wind, sun, tide and waves. These alternatives tak time and money to expolre fully and require a very large capital investment. In the immediate future, therefore, the most direct and cheapest way to tackle the problem is to use existing energy sources more efficiently.

This book concentrates on this theme. It looks at energy conversion, giving an analytical treatment of methods of energy saving and recovery. The means for calculating the financial viability of energy schemes are illustrated through worked examples and case studies.