| A | B |
|---|
| Active Solar System | A solar energy collection system that uses electrical or mechanical components to heat water or heat and cool buildings or produce electricity. |
| Alternative Fuels | Fuels to eventually replace dwindling supplies of fossil fuels, such as biodiesel and hydrogen. |
| Battery | A direct current voltage source made up of one or more units that convert chemical, thermal, nuclear, or solar energy into electrical energy that can be stored until it is needed. |
| Electromagnetic Field | A field of electromagnetic energy produced by electricity flowing through power lines. |
| Electrolysis | Process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen by means of an electric current. |
| Electron | A negatively charged particle. |
| Emissions | Substances discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an automobile engine) |
| Energy Carrier | Moves energy in a usable form from one place to another, like electricity or hydrogen. |
| Energy Conservation | Conserving resources through efficient and prudent use. |
| Fuel Cell | Device that combines hydrogen, or other fuels, and oxygen and produces electricity in the process. |
| Generator | A device used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. |
| Hydrogen | The first and simplest element on the periodic table. It is one of the most common elements in the galaxy. |
| Natural Resources | Naturally occurring materials found within the Earth or its atmosphere. |
| Passive Solar System | A solar energy collection system that does not require electrical or mechanical components; can directly heat water or buildings or reduce solar heat gain or provide lighting. |
| Power Grid | A system of high-tension cables by which electrical power is distributed throughout a region. |
| Power Plant | Any unit that converts some form of energy into electrical energy, such as a hydroelectric or steam-generating station, a diesel-electric engine in a vehicle, or a nuclear power plant. |
| Smart Grid | An electrical power distribution network that can transmit electricity, including two-way, digital communications between producers and consumers. A smart grid includes an intelligent monitoring system that keeps track of all electricity flowing in the system. It also incorporates the use of superconductive transmission lines for less power loss, as well as the capability of integrating alternative sources of electricity such as solar and wind. |
| Steam Reforming | Process in which high-temperature steam separates hydrogen from carbon atoms in methane (CH4). |
| Sustainable Engineering | Engineering that focuses on the development of a sustainable future through renewable energy, wise use of natural resources, recycling, and assessment of environmental impact. |
| Transformer | A device used to increase or decrease voltage supplied to a circuit. |
| Turbine | A machine for producing power in which a wheel or rotor is made to revolve by a fast-moving flow of water, steam, gas. |
