Renewable energy dictionary/A-B

A[edit | edit source]

ABSORBENT

(refrig). The less volatile of the two working fluids used in an absorption cooling device.

F - absorbant

S - absorbente

ABSORBENT OIL

(refrig). A type of oil used in an absorption cooling device.

F - huile absorbante

S - aceite absorbente

ABSORBER PLATE

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

F - plaque d'absorption

S - placa de absorcion

ABSORPTANCE

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

F - taux d'absorptivite

S - coeficiente de absorcion

ABSORPTION AIR CONDITIONER

(sol). 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.

F - climatiseur a absorption

S - aire acondicionado por absorcion

ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION

(refrig). A cooling system that uses heated liquid to activate the chilling process.

F - refrigeration par absorption

S - refrigeracion por absorcion

AC

(elec). Abbreviation for ALTERNATING CURRENT.

F - CA

S - C.A.

ACCELERATOR

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

F - accelerateur

S - acelerador

ACCUMULATION

(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

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

S - acumulador

AC-DC

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

F - CA-CC

S - CA-CC

ACETATE

(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

(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

(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

(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

(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

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

F - acrometre

S - acrometro

ACTINOMETER

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

F - actinometre

S - actinometro

ACTIVE DRIED YEAST

(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

(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

(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

(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

(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

(wind). (See: EOLIAN)

F - eolien, - ienne

S - eolico

AEROBIC

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

F - aerobie

S - aerobio

AEROBIC BACTERIA

(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

(biocon). (See: AEROBIC BACTERIA)

F - decomposition aerobie

S - descomposicion aerobia

AFFORESTATION

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

F - boisement

S - conversion en bosque

AFTERBURNER

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

F - postcombustion

S - quemador auxiliar

AIR BRAKES

(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

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

F - diffuseur d'air

S - difusor de aire

AIRFOIL

(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

(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

(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

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

F - capteur a air

S - colector solar tipo aire

AIR VELOCITY

(wind). (See: WIND VELOCITY)

F - vitesse d'ecoulement de l'air

S - velocidad del aire

ALBEDO

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

F - albedo

S - albedo

ALCOHOL

(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

(alc). (See: CONDENSER)

F - condenseur d'alcool

S - condensador de alcohol

ALCOHOL STILL

(alc). (See: STILL)

F - alambic de distillation

S - alambique de alcohol

ALCOHOL VAPOR

(alc). ALCOHOL in its gaseous state.

F - vapeur d'alcool

S - vapor de alcohol

ALGAE

(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

(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

(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

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

F - paraffine

S - alcano

ALTERNATING CURRENT

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

F - courant alternatif

S - courriente continua

ALTERNATIVE COMBUSTION ENGINES

(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

(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

(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

(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

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

F - ambiant

S - ambiente

ANAEROBES

(bio). (See: ANAEROBIC BACTERIA)

F - anaerobies

S - anaerobes

ANAEROBIC

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

F - anaerobie

S - anaerobio

ANAEROBIC BACTERIA

(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

(biocon). (See: BIOGAS DIGESTER)

F - digesteur anaerobie

S - digestor anaerobio

ANAEROBIC DIGESTION

(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

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

F - fermentation anaerobie

S - fermentacion anaerobia

ANAEROBIC ORGANISMS

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

F - organismes anaerobies

S - organismos anaerobios

ANCHOR

(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

(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

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

F - anenometre

S - anemometro

ANGLE OF ATTACK

(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

(sol). (See: INCIDENT ANGLE)

F - angle incident

S - angulo de incidencia

ANGLE OF REFLECTION

(sol). (See: INCIDENT ANGLE)

F - angle de reflexion

S - angulo de reflexion

ANHYDROUS

(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

(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

(ani). (See: ANIMAL-POWERED)

F - animal de trait

S - traccion animal

ANIMAL-POWERED

(ani). Driven or impelled by animals.

F - traction animale

S - impulsado por animales

ANIMAL WASTE CONVERSION

(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

(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

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

F - aile annulaire

S - aspa circular

ANTICLOCK SAIL

(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

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

F - biomasse aquatique

S - biomasa acuatica

AQUEDUCT

(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

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

F - aquifere

S - acuifera

ARTICULATED WINDMILL

(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

(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

(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

(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

(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

(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

(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

(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

(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

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

F - generateur auxiliaire

S - generador auxiliar

AVAILABLE ENERGY

(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

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

F - vitesse moyenne du vent

S - velocidad promedio del viento

AXIS

(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

(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

(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

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S LAW

(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

(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

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

F - galhaubans

S - soporte posterior

BACK WATERING

(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

(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

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

F - decomposition bacterienne

S - descomposicion bacteriana

BAFFLE

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

F - deflecteur

S - desviador

BAGASSE

(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

(biocon). (See: LORENA STOVE)

F - banco

S - banco

BANKI TURBINE

(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

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

F - barometre

S - barometro

BASES

(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

(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

(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

(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

(biocon). (See: BATCH FEED)

F - digesteur a chargement unique

S - digestor de carga intermitente

BATCH PROCESSING

(biocon). (See: BATCH FEED)

F - traitement de charges uniques

S - elaboracion por tandas

Batteries|BATTERY

(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

(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

(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

(sol). (See: SOLAR AZIMUTH)

F - azimut

S - marcacion

BEAUFORT SCALE

(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

(alc). (See: STRIPPING COLUMN)

F - colonne a biere

S - columna de cerveza

BERM

(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

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

F - engrenage conique

S - engranaje biselado

BICYCLE ADAPTER

(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

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

F - generateur a pedalier

S - generador accionado por bicicleta

BIOCONVERSION

(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

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

F - bio-gaz

S - biogas

BIOGAS DIGESTER

(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

(biocon). (See: BIOGAS DIGESTER)

F - generateur de bio-gaz

S - generador de biogas

BIOGAS PLANT

(biocon). (See: BIOGAS DIGESTER)

F - reacteur de bio-gaz

S - planta de biogas

BIOLOGICAL ENERGY CONVERSION

(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

(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

(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

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

F - biomasse d'alimentation

S - alimento seco de la biomasa

BIOMASS FUELS

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

F - combustibles de la biomasse

S - combustibles de biomasa

BIOMASS YIELD

(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

(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

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

F - bitume

S - bitumen

BLACKBODY

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

F - corps noir

S - cuerpo negro

BLADE

(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]

(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

(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

(sol). (See: INSULATED STEAM COOKER)

F - rechaud a vapeur solaire Brace

S - portahornillo de vapor solar Brace

BRAKE

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

F - frein

S - freno

Brazing|BRAZING

(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

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

F - poutrelle maitresse

S - viga de costado

BREAST WHEEL

(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

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

F - brise

S - brisa

S DRIED GRAIN

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

F - grains secs de brasserie

S - grano seco de destilacion

BREWING MASH

(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

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

F - saumure

S - salmuera

BRIQUETTE

(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

(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

(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

(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

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

F - auget

S - cangilon

BUCKET ANGLE

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

F - angle d'auget

S - angulo de los cangilones

BUCKET CHAIN

(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

(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

(alc). (See: BUTYL ALCOHOL).

F - butanol

S - butanol

BUTYL ALCOHOL

(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