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Chapter 5

Alternative

Power Systems

Several methods of producing electrical power are either in limited
use or in the experimental stage at the present time. Some of these meth-
ods show promise as a possible electrical power production method for
the future. Alternative power systems are discussed in Chapter 5.

IMPORTANT TERMS

Chapter 5 deals with alternative electrical power production sys-
tems. After studying this chapter, you should have an understanding of
the following terms:

Solar cell
Solar energy system
Solar heating
Geothermal power system
Wind energy system
Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) system
Nuclear fusion power system
Magnetic confinement fusion
Fuel cell system
Tidal power system
Coal gasification
Oil shale fuel production
Alternative nuclear power plants
Biomass