Photovoltaic dictionary/A - B

A[edit | edit source]

ABSORBER PLATE[edit | edit source]

A dark surface that absorbs SOLAR RADIATION and converts it into heat; a component of a FLAT-PLATE SOLAR COLLECTOR.

ABSORPTANCE[edit | edit source]

The ratio between the SOLAR RADIATION absorbed by a surface and the total amount of solar radiation that strikes it.

ABSORPTION AIR CONDITIONER[edit | edit source]

An air conditioner designed to use a SOLAR HEATED liquid. Such a system provides space cooling through use of ABSORBER PLATES, VOLATILE FLUIDS, HEAT EXCHANGERS, and CONDENSERS.

AC[edit | edit source]

Abbreviation for ALTERNATING CURRENT.

F - CA

S - C.A.

ACCELERATOR[edit | edit source]

(impl). A mechanism that controls the speed of a vehicle or other device.

F - accelerateur

S - acelerador

ACCUMULATION[edit | edit source]

(gen) (elec). The action of collecting or gathering. In electricity, the charging of a BATTERY or the storage of electric POWER.

F - accumulation

S - acumulacion

ACCUMULATOR[edit | edit source]

(gen). A CELL, SOLAR POND, THERMAL MASS, or other device to store ENERGY. :F - accumulateur

S - acumulador

AC-DC[edit | edit source]

(elec). Pertaining to a device that will operate on either ALTERNATING CURRENT or DIRECT CURRENT.

F - CA-CC

S - CA-CC

ACETATE[edit | edit source]

(chem) (sol). A compound composed of the SALTS of ACETIC ACID or the acetylation products of acetic acid, such as CELLULOSE acetate. Certain acetates can be used as GLAZING on SOLAR COLLECTORS.

F - acetate

S - acetato

ACETIC ACID[edit | edit source]

(chem). An important raw material in the chemical industry. It is a by-product of the DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION of wood. It can also be obtained by oxidizing ALCOHOL. The chemical make-up of acetic acid is CH₃COOH.

F - acide acetique

S - acido acetico

ACID[edit | edit source]

(bio) (biocon). A compound that dissociates or separates in a water solution to provide hydrogen ions. Acid forms a SALT when mixed with ALKALI, and is important in ANAEROBIC DIGESTION and FERMENTATION.

F - acide

S - acido

ACID DIGESTION[edit | edit source]

(biocon). The "first phase" of BIOGAS production, in which complex molecules are broken down into smaller ones.

F - digestion acide

S - digestion de acido

ACID HYDROLYSIS[edit | edit source]

(chem) (alc). A chemical process that uses ACID to convert STARCH to sugar. This is the "first phase" in ETHANOL production.

F - hydrolysation acide

S - hidrolisis de acido

ACROMETER[edit | edit source]

(gen) (meas). An instrument used to measure the density of gases.

F - acrometre

S - acrometro

ACTINOMETER[edit | edit source]

(sol) (meas). An instrument used to measure DIRECT RADIATION from the sun.

F - actinometre

S - actinometro

ACTIVE DRIED YEAST[edit | edit source]

(alc). YEAST that has been dried, but in which the yeast cells still can be activated.

F - levure seche active

S - levadura activa secada

ACTIVE SOLAR HEATING[edit | edit source]

(sol). Warming an interior space with heat collected mechanically through SOLAR COLLECTORS. The collection and distribution of this warm air requires additional external ENERGY to operate pumps, motors, valves, etc.

F - chauffage solaire actif

S - calefaccion solar activa

ADAPTED SEED[edit | edit source]

(biocon). INOCULUM used during the START-UP of a BIOGAS DIGESTER that has been obtained from another digester with similar FEEDSTOCK composition and operating under similar conditions.

F - germe adapte

S - semilla adaptada

ADOBE[edit | edit source]

(constr) (sol). Sun-dried brick of clay and straw. Also the clay and soil used for making such bricks. Adobe is high in THERMAL MASS and is useful in low-cost building construction.

F - adobe

S - adobe

ADSORPTION[edit | edit source]

(chem). The process through which carbonaceous materials are able to compress and hold on their surfaces large quantities of gas. Also, the physical adhesion of molecules to the surfaces of solids without causing a chemical reaction.

F - adsorption

S - adsorcion

AEOLIAN[edit | edit source]

(wind). (See: EOLIAN)

F - eolien, - ienne

S - eolico

AEROBIC[edit | edit source]

(bio). Pertaining to micro-organisms that require FREE OXYGEN to live.

F - aerobie

S - aerobio

AEROBIC BACTERIA[edit | edit source]

(bio) (biocon). BACTERIA living on FREE OXYGEN that is derived from the air. Aerobic bacteria break down ORGANIC MATTER during COMPOSTING.

F - bacteries aerobies

S - bacteria aerobia

AEROBIC DECOMPOSITION[edit | edit source]

(biocon). (See: AEROBIC BACTERIA)

F - decomposition aerobie

S - descomposicion aerobia

AFFORESTATION[edit | edit source]

(gen). Forest crops established by purposeful planting on land previously not used for tree crops.

F - boisement

S - conversion en bosque

AFTERBURNER[edit | edit source]

(gen). An air pollution abatement device that removes undesirable organic gases through incineration.

F - postcombustion

S - quemador auxiliar

AIR BRAKES[edit | edit source]

(wind) (arc). Longitudinal SHUTTERS that are sometimes incorporated in PATENT SAILS to reduce the speed of SAIL rotation in strong winds.

F - freins d'ailes

S - frenos de aire

AIR DIFFUSER[edit | edit source]

(gen). A device that delivers air into a room to mix with the room air.

F - diffuseur d'air

S - difusor de aire

AIRFOIL[edit | edit source]

(wind). A curved surface designed to create aerodynamic LIFT forces when air flows around it.

F - voilure d'aile

S - plano aerodinamico

AIR-GAS RATIO[edit | edit source]

(chem). The ratio of the air volume to the gas volume. It can be adjusted to change the character of combustion.

F - rapport air-gaz

S - relacion de aire-gas

AIR HEATING SYSTEM[edit | edit source]

(sol). A SOLAR HEATING system, which heats air in a SOLAR COLLECTOR and uses the heated air as the HEAT-TRANSFER MEDIUM to the rest of the system.

F - chauffage d'air, systeme de

S - sistema de calefaccion del aire

AIR-TYPE COLLECTOR[edit | edit source]

(sol). A SOLAR COLLECTOR designed to use air as its HEAT-TRANSFER MEDIUM.

F - capteur a air

S - colector solar tipo aire

AIR VELOCITY[edit | edit source]

(wind). (See: WIND VELOCITY)

F - vitesse d'ecoulement de l'air

S - velocidad del aire

ALBEDO[edit | edit source]

(sol) (meas). The ratio of the amount of light reflected by a surface to the light falling onto it.

F - albedo

S - albedo

ALCOHOL[edit | edit source]

(chem). A class of compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which occurs widely in nature and is used in solvents, antifreezes, chemical manufacture, and as a fuel. Alcohol commonly is obtained by FERMENTATION. (See also: BUTYL ALCOHOL, ETHYL ALCOHOL, and METHYL ALCOHOL)

F - alcool

S - alcohol

ALCOHOL CONDENSER[edit | edit source]

(alc). (See: CONDENSER)

F - condenseur d'alcool

S - condensador de alcohol

ALCOHOL STILL[edit | edit source]

(alc). (See: STILL)

F - alambic de distillation

S - alambique de alcohol

ALCOHOL VAPOR[edit | edit source]

(alc). ALCOHOL in its gaseous state.

F - vapeur d'alcool

S - vapor de alcohol

ALGAE[edit | edit source]

(bio) (biocon) (gen). Fresh and saltwater aquatic plants, usually microscopic in size, but including seaweed. They are valuable in waste treatment, as a protein source for humans, as animal feed, and as a FEEDSTOCK for BIOGAS DIGESTERS.

F - algues

S - algas

ALKALI[edit | edit source]

(chem) (biocon). Any of various BASES, which neutralize ACIDS to form SALTS. Bases are important in maintaining the chemical balance in a BIOGAS DIGESTER.

F - alcali

S - alcali

ALKALINE BATTERY[edit | edit source]

(elec). A BATTERY that uses sodium or potassium hydroxide as an electrolyte, and nickel-oxide flakes and powdered iron or nickel-cadmium for its active plates.

F - accumulateur alcalin

S - pila alcalina

ALKANE[edit | edit source]

(chem). A general name for hydrocarbons of the METHANE series.

F - paraffine

S - alcano

ALTERNATING CURRENT[edit | edit source]

(elec). An electric current that periodically reverses its direction. Generally abbreviated as ac.

F - courant alternatif

S - courriente continua

ALTERNATIVE COMBUSTION ENGINES[edit | edit source]

(auto). Alternatives to the spark ignition and the diesel combustion engines. Among the more developed designs are the GAS TURBINE and STIRLING ENGINES.

F - substituts aux moteurs a combustion

S - motores de combustion alterna

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES[edit | edit source]

(gen). Sources of ENERGY different from those generally employed by a user. The term usually refers to RENEWABLE ENERGY sources such as SOLAR ENERGY, WIND ENERGY, GEOTHERMAL POWER, HYDROPOWER, etc. The use of alternative energy sources is attractive because of the [1] high price and limited availability of petroleum-based fuels; [2] the pollution that is associated with the burning of FOSSIL FUELS; and [3] the expense and dangers of nuclear power.

F - sources d'energie de substitution

S - fuentes alternas de energia

ALTERNATOR[edit | edit source]

(elec). A GENERATOR that changes mechanical ENERGY into electrical energy (ALTERNATING CURRENT) by the rotation of its ROTOR. Alternators are used in motor vehicles to recharge and minimize the drain on the BATTERY. They are also commonly adapted to be driven by WINDMILLS or by STEAM TURBINES and WATER TURBINES.

F - alternateur

S - alternador

ALUMINIZED MYLAR[edit | edit source]

(constr) (sol). A very strong, thin sheet of plastic material coated with aluminum. Used as a reflective surface for SOLAR COOKERS.

F - Mylar aluminise

S - Milar aluminizado

AMBIENT[edit | edit source]

(gen). Referring to undisturbed environmental surroundings, particularly to air and temperature.

F - ambiant

S - ambiente

ANAEROBES[edit | edit source]

(bio). (See: ANAEROBIC BACTERIA)

F - anaerobies

S - anaerobes

ANAEROBIC[edit | edit source]

(bio). Pertaining to micro-organisms that can live in an airless environment.

F - anaerobie

S - anaerobio

ANAEROBIC BACTERIA[edit | edit source]

(bio) (biocon). BACTERIA, known as ANAEROBES, that can live in an airless environment by obtaining oxygen through the DECOMPOSITION of compounds.

F - bacteries anaerobies

S - bacteria anaerobia

ANAEROBIC DIGESTER[edit | edit source]

(biocon). (See: BIOGAS DIGESTER)

F - digesteur anaerobie

S - digestor anaerobio

ANAEROBIC DIGESTION[edit | edit source]

(bio) (biocon). The DECOMPOSITION of ORGANIC MATTER by ANAEROBIC BACTERIA. This process involves ACID-forming BACTERIA and METHANE-forming bacteria.

F - digestion anaerobie

S - digestion anaerobia

ANAEROBIC FERMENTATION[edit | edit source]

(bio) (biocon). (See: ANAEROBIC DIGESTION)

F - fermentation anaerobie

S - fermentacion anaerobia

ANAEROBIC ORGANISMS[edit | edit source]

(bio) (biocon). (See: ANAEROBIC BACTERIA)

F - organismes anaerobies

S - organismos anaerobios

ANCHOR[edit | edit source]

(wind) (impl). A rod or stake driven into the ground, to which GUY WIRES for a WINDMILL TOWER are attached.

F - ancrage

S - ancla

ANDIRON[edit | edit source]

(impl). Raised metal bars placed on a fireplace hearth to support firewood for burning. Andirons allow air to pass under the burning wood for more EFFICIENT combustion.

F - chenets

S - morillo

ANEMOMETER[edit | edit source]

(wind) (meas). An instrument for measuring WIND SPEED.

F - anenometre

S - anemometro

ANGLE OF ATTACK[edit | edit source]

(wind). The angle between the CHORD of an AIRFOIL and the wind. It is considered in WINDMILL ROTOR design.

F - angle d'attaque

S - angulo de ataque

ANGLE OF INCIDENCE[edit | edit source]

(sol). (See: INCIDENT ANGLE)

F - angle incident

S - angulo de incidencia

ANGLE OF REFLECTION[edit | edit source]

(sol). (See: INCIDENT ANGLE)

F - angle de reflexion

S - angulo de reflexion

ANHYDROUS[edit | edit source]

(alc) (biocon). Free from moisture. The term applies to oxides, SALTS, and other substances that do not contain water.

F - anhydre

S - anhidro

ANHYDROUS ALCOHOL[edit | edit source]

(alc). ALCOHOL that is almost completely free from water. Alcohol must be ANHYDROUS to be mixed with gasoline to form GASAHOL. Alcohol and water cannot be separated beyond 199.99 PROOF. At that CONCENTRATION, they form an AZEOTROPE and vaporize at the same temperature.

F - alcool anhydre

S - alcohol etilico anhidro

ANIMAL-DRAWN[edit | edit source]

(ani). (See: ANIMAL-POWERED)

F - animal de trait

S - traccion animal

ANIMAL-POWERED[edit | edit source]

(ani). Driven or impelled by animals.

F - traction animale

S - impulsado por animales

ANIMAL WASTE CONVERSION[edit | edit source]

(biocon). The process of directly burning or obtaining ENERGY PRODUCTS from animal wastes.

F - conversion des dechets animaux

S - conversion de los desechos animales

ANNUAL LOAD FRACTION[edit | edit source]

(sol) (meas). That portion of annual heating that is supplied to a building by SOLAR ENERGY.

F - part de la charge annuelle

S - fraccion de la carga anual

ANNULAR SAIL[edit | edit source]

(wind) (arc). A ring-like SAIL with radial SHUTTERS.

F - aile annulaire

S - aspa circular

ANTICLOCK SAIL[edit | edit source]

(wind) (arc). A SAIL ROTOR that runs counterclockwise when observed from the front of the WINDMILL.

F - aile a rotation positive

S - aspa sinistrorsa

AQUATIC BIOMASS[edit | edit source]

(biocon). BIOMASS grown in fresh or saltwater, including ALGAE, seaweed, etc.

F - biomasse aquatique

S - biomasa acuatica

AQUEDUCT[edit | edit source]

(hydr). A CHANNEL or trough built to convey water For irrigation, to operate a HYDROPOWER plant, or for household use. The water in aqueducts generally flows by means of gravity, although pumps may also be used.

F - aqueduc

S - acueducto

AQUIFER[edit | edit source]

(hydr). Any geological formation containing water, especially one that supplies the water for wells, springs, etc.

F - aquifere

S - acuifera

ARTICULATED WINDMILL[edit | edit source]

(wind) (arc). A WINDMILL constructed to provide maximum EFFICIENCY in winds of various speeds and from different directions.

F - eolienne articulee

S - molino de viento articulado

ASH BOX[edit | edit source]

(heat). A removable box below the [[#GRATE]] in a [[#WOOD STOVE]] or a [[#PRODUCER GAS GENERATOR]] that collects ash residue from combustion.

F - cendrier

S - caja de cenizas

ASYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR[edit | edit source]

(elec) (wind). An electrical GENERATOR that produces ALTERNATING CURRENT, matching an existing POWER source so the two sources can be combined to power one LOAD. These generators are often used with WINDMILLS to provide power to buildings that already receive power from an electric utility.

F - generateur asynchrone

S - generador asincronico

ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE[edit | edit source]

(gen). The pressure exerted by the Earth's atmosphere at any given point, generally measured on a scale based on the pressure of air at sea level.

F - pression atmospherique

S - presion atmosferica

ATRIUM[edit | edit source]

(sol). An unroofed, partially roofed, or fully roofed courtyard or room in a dwelling, which allows sunlight to reach adjoining rooms. It is often used for PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING.

F - atrium

S - atrio

ATTENUATION[edit | edit source]

(alc). The fall in SPECIFIC GRAVITY of the WORT during FERMENTATION. This is caused by the weakening of BACTERIA or FUNGI in a CULTURE.

F - attenuation

S - atenuacion

AUGER[edit | edit source]

(impl) (alc). A rotating, screw-type device that moves material through a tube. In ALCOHOL production, it is used to transfer grains from storage to the grinding site, and from the grinding site to the COOKER.

F - vrille d'alimentation

S - barrena

AUTOMATIC DAMPER[edit | edit source]

(impl). A device that automatically maintains the FLOW of hot or cold air into a room.

F - registre automatique

S - regulador de tiro automatico

AUTOMATIC TRACKING[edit | edit source]

(sol). The use of a device that allows SOLAR COLLECTORS to "track" or follow the sun during the day without manual adjustment.

F - poursuite automatique

S - aparato de seguimiento automatico

AUXILIARY GENERATOR[edit | edit source]

(gen) (elec). A small, engine-driven GENERATOR that supplements a RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER source.

F - generateur auxiliaire

S - generador auxiliar

AVAILABLE ENERGY[edit | edit source]

(gen) (meas). That part of the total ENERGY produced by a system that can be applied usefully. EFFICIENCY is a measure oF available energy.

F - energie disponible

S - energia disponible

AVERAGE WIND SPEED[edit | edit source]

(wind) (meas). The most common WIND VELOCITY over a specified period of time.

F - vitesse moyenne du vent

S - velocidad promedio del viento

AXIS[edit | edit source]

(gen). An imaginary line passing through the center of a body, about which the body rotates. (Plural: axes)

F - axe de rotation

S - axis

AXLE[edit | edit source]

(gen). A supporting member that carries a wheel. It either rotates with the wheel to transmit mechanical POWER, or allows the wheel to rotate freely on it.

F - essieu

S - eje

AZEOTROPE[edit | edit source]

(chem) (alc). The chemical term for two liquids that, at a certain CONCENTRATION, boil at the same temperature. For example, ETHANOL and water cannot be separated further than 199.9 PROOF because at this concentration they form an azeotrope and vaporize together.

F - azeotrope

S - azeotrope

B[edit | edit source]

S LAW[edit | edit source]

(biocon). A law stating that the VAPOR PRESSURE of a liquid is lowered when a non-VOLATILE substance is dissolved in it. The pressure is lowered by an amount proportional to the CONCENTRATION of the solution.

F - loi de von Babo

S - ley de Babo

BACKPUFFING[edit | edit source]

(gen). The emission of smoke through cooking holes or other openings in a wood-burning or CHARCOAL stove. It occurs when poor DRAFT in the CHIMNEY causes air to pass back down into the stove.

F - retour de fumee

S - contracorriente de humo

BACK STAYS[edit | edit source]

(wind) (arc). Support bars across the back of the SAILS of a WINDMILL.

F - galhaubans

S - soporte posterior

BACK WATERING[edit | edit source]

(hydr). The braking effect caused by the immersion in water of the lowest BLADES of an OVERSHOT WATER WHEEL.

F - frein d'immersion

S - remanso

BACTERIA[edit | edit source]

(bio). Any of numerous single-celled micro-organisms occurring in a wide variety of forms, existing either as free-living organisms or as parasites, having a wide range of biochemical properties. Bacteria are necessary for DIGESTION and FERMENTATION. (Singular: bacterium)

F - bacteries

S - bacteria

BACTERIAL DECOMPOSITION[edit | edit source]

(biocon). The chemical breakdown of ORGANIC MATTER by micro-organisms.

F - decomposition bacterienne

S - descomposicion bacteriana

BAFFLE[edit | edit source]

(gen). A metal plate or other artificial obstruction used to check or deflect the FLOW of FLUIDS.

F - deflecteur

S - desviador

BAGASSE[edit | edit source]

(biocon). The fibrous residue remaining after the extraction of the juice from sugar cane. It may be used as a fuel.

F - bagasse

S - bagazo

BANCO[edit | edit source]

(biocon). (See: LORENA STOVE)

F - banco

S - banco

BANKI TURBINE[edit | edit source]

(hydr). A WATER TURBINE with curved BLADES, GUIDE VANES, and a hallow interior. Water passing through it propels the RUNNER both on entering and leaving. This turbine operates well under a wide HEAD range and FLOW rates.

F - turbine de Banki

S - turbina de Banki

BAROMETER[edit | edit source]

(meas). A device used to measure ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE.

F - barometre

S - barometro

BASES[edit | edit source]

(alc) (chem). Compounds that dissociate in water solution to form HYDROXYL ions. Bases react with ACIDS to form SALTS, and can be used to maintain the proper pH (POTENTIAL HYDROGEN) balance in an ALCOHOL STILL.

F - bases

S - bases

BATCH DIGESTION[edit | edit source]

(biocon). A process of BIOGAS production in which the material to be digested is loaded into the DIGESTER at the start of the process. A SEED may also be added at this time. The digester is then sealed and the contents left to FERMENT. At completion, the digested SLUDGE is removed and the tank reloaded. Daily gas production varies during the process. It is slow at the start, increases, and finally declines toward the end of the DIGESTION cycle.

F - digestion a charge initiale

S - digestion por tandas

BATCH DISTILLATION[edit | edit source]

(alc). A batch DISTILLATION process of ALCOHOL production in which the material to be distilled is loaded into a STILL at the start of the process. The entire volume is heated and left to distill. At completion, the distilled MASH is removed and the still reloaded. Daily alcohol production varies during the process. It is slow at the start, increases, and finally declines toward the end of the distillation cycle.

F - distillation a charge initiale

S - destilacion intermitente

BATCH FEED[edit | edit source]

(gen). A DIGESTER or STILL in which ORGANIC MATTER is loaded, allowed to generate gas or FERMENT, and then removed. The digester or still then is cleaned and prepared for a fresh load of BIOMASS.

F - alimentation initiale unique

S - alimentacion por tandas

BATCH-LOADING DIGESTER[edit | edit source]

(biocon). (See: BATCH FEED)

F - digesteur a chargement unique

S - digestor de carga intermitente

BATCH PROCESSING[edit | edit source]

(biocon). (See: BATCH FEED)

F - traitement de charges uniques

S - elaboracion por tandas

Batteries|BATTERY[edit | edit source]

(elec). A group of two or more CELLS or ACCUMULATORS electrically connected in series or parallel. Batteries are used to store electrical ENERGY.

F - batterie

S - bateria

BATTERY CUT-OUT[edit | edit source]

(wind) (impl). An automatic switch that disconnects a BATTERY during its charge if the voltage of the wind charger falls below or rises above that of the battery, within certain limits. A battery cut-out is a battery protection device.

F - coupe-circuit de batterie

S - interruptor de bateria

BEARING[edit | edit source]

(gen). A machine part that supports and guides a shaft, pivot, or wheel that slides, rotates, or oscillates in or on it.

F - palier

S - cojinete

BEARING ANGLE[edit | edit source]

(sol). (See: SOLAR AZIMUTH)

F - azimut

S - marcacion

BEAUFORT SCALE[edit | edit source]

(meas) (wind). A scale of WIND VELOCITIES ranging from 0 to 12 as follows:

Code Number	(mph)	Description
0	less than 1	calm
1	1-3	light air
2	4-7	light breeze
3	8-12	gentle breeze
4	13-18	moderate breeze
5	19-24	fresh breeze
6	25-31	strong breeze
7	32-38	moderate gale; near gale
8	39-46	gale
9	47-54	strong gale
10	55-63	whole gale (or storm)
11	64-74	violent storm
12	over 74	hurricane

F - Beaufort, echelle de

S - escala de Beaufort

BEER COLUMN[edit | edit source]

(alc). (See: STRIPPING COLUMN)

F - colonne a biere

S - columna de cerveza

BERM[edit | edit source]

(constr). A manmade mound or small hill of earth built up against a house to stop the INFILTRATION of hot or cold air.

F - banquette

S - monticulo

BEVEL GEAR[edit | edit source]

(gen). One of a pair of gears used to connect two shafts whose AXES intersect.

F - engrenage conique

S - engranaje biselado

BICYCLE ADAPTER[edit | edit source]

(gen) (impl). A device that can be attached to a bicycle to supply POWER to pump water, generate electricity, etc.

F - adaptateur de bicyclette

S - adaptador de bicicleta

Pedal power|BICYCLE GENERATOR[edit | edit source]

(elec). A small GENERATOR that produces DIRECT CURRENT (dc) electricity through PEDAL POWER.

F - generateur a pedalier

S - generador accionado por bicicleta

BIOCONVERSION[edit | edit source]

(chem) (gen). The conversion of ORGANIC WASTE into ENERGY PRODUCTS through the action of micro-organisms. Chemically, this is the reduction of complex organic compounds into simpler, more stable forms.

F - bioconversion

S - bioconversion

Biofuel|BIOGAS[edit | edit source]

(biocon). The gaseous mixture produced during ANAEROBIC DIGESTION, composed chiefly of METHANE and carbon dioxide.

F - bio-gaz

S - biogas

BIOGAS DIGESTER[edit | edit source]

(biocon). An airtight vessel in which ANAEROBIC DIGESTION takes place and from which METHANE may be drawn off.

F - digesteur de bio-gaz

S - digestor de biogas

BIOGAS GENERATOR[edit | edit source]

(biocon). (See: BIOGAS DIGESTER)

F - generateur de bio-gaz

S - generador de biogas

BIOGAS PLANT[edit | edit source]

(biocon). (See: BIOGAS DIGESTER)

F - reacteur de bio-gaz

S - planta de biogas

BIOLOGICAL ENERGY CONVERSION[edit | edit source]

(biocon). The use of BIOMASS to convert one form of ENERGY into another.

F - conversion biologique de l'energie

S - conversion biologica de energia

BIOMASS[edit | edit source]

(bio). Plants and plant materials, trees, crop residues, wood and bark residues, and animal manures. Any ORGANIC MATTER that can be used in BIOCONVERSION processes.

F - biomasse

S - biomasa

BIOMASS ENERGY[edit | edit source]

(biocon). The ENERGY that is released from BIOMASS when it is eaten, burned, or otherwise used as or converted into fuel.

F - energie de la biomasse

S - energia de biomasa

BIOMASS FEEDSTOCK[edit | edit source]

(biocon). The ORGANIC MATTER used to produce ENERGY PRODUCTS through BIOCONVERSION.

F - biomasse d'alimentation

S - alimento seco de la biomasa

BIOMASS FUELS[edit | edit source]

(biocon). Fuels, such as METHANE, produced from BIOMASS.

F - combustibles de la biomasse

S - combustibles de biomasa

BIOMASS YIELD[edit | edit source]

(biocon) (meas). The amount of BIOMASS that can be produced in a given areA. It usually is expressed in weight units per area measurement per unit of time.

F - production de biomasse

S - produccion de biomasa

BIOMONITORING[edit | edit source]

(biocon (meas). A pollution-control method in which living organisms are used to test the EFFLUENT from a DIGESTER to determine whether it is safe to discharge the effluent into a body of water. It may also be used to test the quality of waters downstream from a digester discharge point.

F - controle biologique

S - biocontrol

BITUMEN[edit | edit source]

(fos). Any naturally-occurring hydrocarbon, especially solid hydrocarbons such as asphalt, wax, pitch, and Gilsonite.

F - bitume

S - bitumen

BLACKBODY[edit | edit source]

(sol). A surface that completely absorbs all SOLAR RADIATION that strikes it.

F - corps noir

S - cuerpo negro

BLADE[edit | edit source]

(hydr) (impl) (wind). [1] The curved surface of certain types of WATER TURBINES (i.e., CROSS-FLOW TURBINES). Water striking the blades causes the turbine to rotate. Some turbines, such as the PELTON WHEEL, have cups instead of blades. [2] A single, extended surface of a WINDMILL ROTOR.

F - [1] aube; [2] pale

S - [1] paleta; [2] aspa

BLADE ANGLE]] [1][edit | edit source]

(wind). The angle of a CHORD of a WINDMILL BLADE with the ROTOR plane of rotation. [2] (hydr). The INCIDENT ANGLE of a TURBINE BLADE.

F - [1] angle de pale; [2] angle d'aube

S - [1] angulo del aspa; [2] angulo de la paleta

BORE HOLE[edit | edit source]

(gen). A deep, vertical hole in the earth. Usually used to describe a well.

F - trou de sondage

S - pozo de sondeo

BRACE SOLAR STEAM COOKER[edit | edit source]

(sol). (See: INSULATED STEAM COOKER)

F - rechaud a vapeur solaire Brace

S - portahornillo de vapor solar Brace

BRAKE[edit | edit source]

(gen). A device used to slow or stop motion, especially by contact friction.

F - frein

S - freno

Brazing|BRAZING[edit | edit source]

(gen). A process by which two pieces of metal are joined using a nonferrous alloy with a lower melting point than either of the two metals being joined.

F - brasage

S - soldadura con laton

BREAST BEAM[edit | edit source]

(wind) (arc). The main lateral beam below the WIND SHAFT.

F - poutrelle maitresse

S - viga de costado

BREAST WHEEL[edit | edit source]

(hydr). A sophisticated type of WATER WHEEL into which water enters below the top of the wheel and is kept in the BUCKETS until being discharged at or near the lowest point on the wheel. Breast wheels generally operate best with HEADS amounting to less than the diameter of the wheel. High breast wheels (where the water enters above the center shaft) can approach 65 percent ENERGY CONVERSION EFFICIENCY. (Syn: breast-shot wheel)

F - roue de poitrine

S - rueda de costado

BREEZE[edit | edit source]

(wind). In general, any light to moderate wind. (See also: BEAUFORT SCALE)

F - brise

S - brisa

S DRIED GRAIN[edit | edit source]

(alc). (See: DISTILLER'S GRAIN).

F - grains secs de brasserie

S - grano seco de destilacion

BREWING MASH[edit | edit source]

(alc). Crushed or ground FEEDSTOCK mixed with warm water in preparation for FERMENTATION during the production of ETHANOL.

F - mout de brassage

S - mosto

BRINE[edit | edit source]

(refrig). A heavy SALT solution used in REFRIGERATION.

F - saumure

S - salmuera

BRIQUETTE[edit | edit source]

(fos). A type of fuel that has been finely ground and compressed in pressure molds. It is usually made from low-grade coal, coke, CHARCOAL, or BIOMASS, and is mixed with a binder such as STARCH, tar, cement, pitch, or asphalt.

F - briquette

S - briqueta

BRITISH THERMAL UNIT[edit | edit source]

(heat) (meas). The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree FAHRENHEIT under stated conditions of temperature and pressure. It is a standard unit for measuring quantity of HEAT ENERGY. Generally abbreviated as BTU.

F - British thermal unit

S - unidad termica britanica

BUBBLE CAP[edit | edit source]

(alc). A perforated cap on the plates of a DISTILLATION COLUMN, used to ensure that the vapor and condensed liquid mix thoroughly.

F - cloche de barbotage

S - casquete de burbujeo

BUBBLE CHAMBER[edit | edit source]

(biocon). A safety device attached to a BIOGAS DIGESTER to ensure that the gas is free of air, since an air and gas mixture would be explosive. The gas is "bubbled" through a container of water before being used or stored. If LIMEWATER is used instead of water, the bubble chamber can also be used to SCRUB the gas. In addition, the bubble chamber serves as a SPARK ARRESTER.

F - chambre a bulles

S - camara de burbujas

BUCKET[edit | edit source]

(hydr). Cup-shaped containers or BLADES attached to a WATER WHEEL.

F - auget

S - cangilon

BUCKET ANGLE[edit | edit source]

(hydr). The INCIDENT ANGLE of BUCKETS on a WATER WHEEL.

F - angle d'auget

S - angulo de los cangilones

BUCKET CHAIN[edit | edit source]

(hydr). A chain loop with BUCKETS attached to it at regular intervals. The chain runs over sprocket wheels. As each bucket passes by a water source, water fills the bucket, providing POWER and propelling the chain further along.

F - noria a godets

S - transportador de cangilones

BUFFER CAPACITY[edit | edit source]

(biocon) (chem). The capacity of a solution to resist pH (POTENTIAL HYDROGEN) changes when small amounts of ACID or ALKALI are added. In the case of DIGESTED SLUDGE, the ammonium and bicarbonate ions are mainly responsible for buffering.

F - pouvoir tampon

S - capacidad amortiguadora

BUTANOL[edit | edit source]

(alc). (See: BUTYL ALCOHOL).

F - butanol

S - butanol

BUTYL ALCOHOL[edit | edit source]

(alc) (chem). An ALCOHOL obtained by the FERMENTATION of sugar or cornstarch. The chemical equivalent of butyl alcohol is C₄H₉OH. (Syn: butanol)

F - alcool butylique

S - alcohol butilico