English Glossary

Weibull scale parameter

adiabatic compressed air energy storage

Amorphous silicon, a thin film PV module semi-conductor material

The part of the solar thermal collector which absorbs solar radiation

A device which releases air, but not fluid, out of a system by absorption

A licence granted by the local environmental authority which permits a certain amount of water to be taken from a stream

alternating current

Africa Climate Change Fund

An apparatus by means of which energy can be stored, such as a rechargeable battery.

(bio.) The third step of anaerobic digestion. Products from fermentation (organic acids, alcohols) are converted into hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and acetic acid (CH3COOH).

air changes per hour

Traditionally considered any chemical compound that, when dissolved in water, gives a solution with a pH less than 7.0.

(bio.) During acidogenesis the hydrolysis products which are relatively small, soluble compounds are diffused inside the bacterial cells through the cell membrane and then are either fermented or anaerobically oxidized. These processes occur by a complex consortium of hydrolytic and non-hydrolytic microorganisms which are the source of energy for the acidifying population.

The power (in watts) used by a device to produce useful work. Term used when necessary to distinguish between apparent power, complex power and its components, and active and reactive power. Also called input power.

anaerobic digestion

Asian Development Bank

A process in which there is no energy added or subtracted from a system by heating or cooling.

Compressed air energy storage is a method of storing energy generated at one time for use at another time, using compressed air. Adiabatic compressed air storage continues to keep the heat produced by compression and returns it to the air when the air is expanded to generate power.

Adaptation Fund