Glossary
Paleoclimate Reconstruction
**Paleoclimate Reconstruction** is the scientific endeavor aimed at understanding Earth's past climates by analyzing geological and biological records. By utilizing data from natural archives such as ice cores, tree rings, sediment layers, and corals, researchers can infer temperature changes,...
Parabolic Trough
A **Parabolic Trough** is a type of solar energy collector that uses a parabolic-shaped reflector to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver tube. This receiver tube, typically positioned along the focal line of the mirror, contains a heat-absorbing fluid that captures the concentrated solar energy....
Paris Agreement
The **Paris Agreement** is a landmark international accord adopted by nearly every nation in 2015 to address climate change and its negative impacts. The Agreement's central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise well below 2...
Pebble Bed Reactor (PBR)
A **Pebble Bed Reactor (PBR)** is an innovative type of nuclear reactor that uses small, spherical fuel elements, often referred to as "pebbles," to generate heat and, subsequently, electricity. These pebbles are typically composed of a uranium dioxide or uranium carbide core encased in a...
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
**Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)** are a group of human-made compounds composed of carbon and fluorine atoms. These powerful greenhouse gases are colorless, odorless, and have a high degree of chemical stability, which allows them to persist in the atmosphere for thousands of years once released. PFCs...
Permafrost
**Permafrost** refers to a layer of soil or rock that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years. Found primarily in polar regions such as the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as in alpine regions, permafrost accounts for roughly 24% of the exposed land surface in the Northern Hemisphere. Its...
Perovskite Solar Cells
**Perovskite Solar Cells** are an innovative type of photovoltaic technology that utilizes a unique class of materials known as perovskites for light absorption and energy conversion. Named after the mineral structure they resemble, perovskites offer a crystalline composition that is highly...
Photovoltaic Cells
**Photovoltaic Cells** are specialized semiconductor devices designed to convert sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. These cells are the fundamental building blocks of solar panels and are pivotal in the generation of renewable energy. By harnessing sunlight,...
Photovoltaic Effect
**Photovoltaic Effect** is the phenomenon through which solar energy is converted directly into electrical energy. This effect occurs when photons, or light particles, strike a semiconductor material, typically silicon, causing the release of electrons. These free electrons then create an...
Photovoltaic Efficiency
**Photovoltaic Efficiency** refers to the ability of a solar cell to convert sunlight into usable electrical energy. This efficiency is a crucial metric in determining the overall performance and effectiveness of a solar panel system. The higher the efficiency, the more electrical output you can...
Photovoltaic Thermal Hybrid Solar Collector (PVT)
A **Photovoltaic Thermal Hybrid Solar Collector (PVT)** is an advanced renewable energy technology that integrates both photovoltaic (PV) and thermal (T) systems within a single unit. This innovative device is designed to optimize the use of solar energy by simultaneously generating electricity...
Pitch System
A **Pitch System** is a structured framework designed to streamline the process of preparing and delivering pitches or presentations, whether for business proposals, project ideas, or investment opportunities. This system encompasses various elements, including research, content creation, design,...
Planetary Albedo
**Planetary Albedo** refers to the measure of reflectivity of a planet's surface, which determines how much sunlight is reflected back into space without being absorbed. On Earth, various surfaces like ice caps, oceans, forests, and deserts contribute to this reflectivity. A planet’s albedo is...
Plasma Confinement
**Plasma Confinement** refers to the methods and technologies employed to maintain and control plasma, a state of matter composed of charged particles, within a specified region for an extended period. The stability and retention of plasma are critical for applications like nuclear fusion, where...
Polar Amplification
**Polar Amplification** refers to the phenomenon where climate change effects are intensified in polar regions compared to the rest of the world. This acceleration in warming is primarily observed in the Arctic and, to a lesser extent, in the Antarctic regions. The warming rate in these areas is...
Polycrystalline Silicon Panels
**Polycrystalline Silicon Panels** are a type of photovoltaic (PV) solar panel made from silicon crystals. These panels are composed of multiple silicon fragments melted together to form the wafers used in the panel. Known for their blue hue and speckled appearance, polycrystalline panels are a...
Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
A **Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)** is a type of nuclear reactor that uses water as both a coolant and a neutron moderator. In a PWR, the reactor core generates heat, and this heat is transferred to the water under high pressure, preventing it from boiling. The pressurized water, which reaches...
Pyrolysis
**Pyrolysis** is a thermochemical process that decomposes organic material at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen. This innovative technology breaks down complex molecules into simpler compounds, resulting in the production of solid char, liquid bio-oil, and combustible gases. The...