Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fragmentation:
The disruption of extensive habitats into isolated and small patches.
Fragmentation has two negative components for biota: (1) the loss of total
habitat area, and (2) the creation of smaller, more isolated patches of habitat
remaining.
Fuel cell:
One or more cells capable of generating an electrical current by converting
the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electrical energy. Fuel cells differ
from conventional electrical cells in that the active materials such as fuel
and oxygen are not contained within the cell but are supplied from outside.
Fuel cell poisoning:
The lowering of a fuel cell's efficiency due to impurities in the
fuel binding to the catalyst.
Fuel cell stack:
Individual fuel cells connected in a series. Fuel cells are stacked to
increase voltage.
Fuel cycle:
The entire set of sequential processes or stages involved in the utilization
of fuel, including extraction, transformation, transportation, and combus-
tion. Emissions generally occur at each stage of the fuel cycle.
Fuel ratio:
The ratio of fixed carbon to volatile matter in coal.
Fuel treatment evaluator (FTE):
A strategic assessment tool capable of aiding the
identification, evaluation, and prioritization of fuel treatment opportunities.
Fuelwood:
Wood and wood products, possibly including coppices, scrubs, branches,
etc., bought or gathered, and used by direct combustion.
Fugitive emissions:
Unintended leaks of gas from the processing, transmission, or
transportation of fossil fuels.
Full sun:
The amount of power density in sunlight received at the Earth's surface at
noon on a clear day (about 1000 watts/square meter).
Fumarole:
A vent or hole in the Earth's surface, usually in a volcanic region, from
which steam, gaseous vapors, or hot gases issue.
G
Gallon:
A volumetric measure equal to 4 quarts (231 cubic inches) used to measure
fuel oil. One gallon equals 3785 liters; 1 barrel equals 42 gallons.
Gas:
A non-solid, non-liquid combustible energy source that includes natural gas,
coke-oven gas, blast-furnace gas, and refinery gas.
Gasification:
A chemical or heat process to convert a solid fuel to a gaseous form.
Gasohol:
A motor vehicle fuel that is a blend of 90% unleaded gasoline and 10%
ethanol (by volume).
Gearbox:
Device that increases the rpm of a low-speed shaft, transferring its energy
to a high-speed shaft in order to provide enough speed to generate electricity.
Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAPs):
Defined by the Financial
Accounting Standards Board (FASB) as the conventions, rules, and pro-
cedures necessary to define accepted accounting practices at a particular
time; includes both broad guidelines and relatively detailed practices and
procedures.
Generation (electricity):
The process of producing electric energy from other forms
of energy; also, the amount of electric energy produced, expressed in watt-
hours (Wh).
