In this article, we consider conditions of reduction to Maxwell's equations system – the base model of interaction of solar radiation – to the canonical form, which may take the form of parabolic type equations (for conducting media), hyperbolic type (for dielectrics) or mixed type (for non-ideal dielectrics). Moreover, we give the typical examples of the irreducibility equation for the magnetic and electric fields to the canonical form in connection with the nonlinear medium electrical characteristics dependence of the field’s tension or the spatial coordinates. The analysis of the calculation of the magnetic and electric fields tension in cases of non-uniform conductivity in the approximation of a plane electromagnetic wave is performed.

The paper assesses the prospects of Chernobyl’s exclusion zone lands using for PV solar plants placing and gives the review and tendencies of photovoltaics development in Europe and Ukraine. The analysis of state programs and actions for the prospects of development and increase of renewable power share, in particular photovoltaics, in a country energy balance is described. An assessment of theoretical solar potential of the Chernobyl zone and conditions at which it can be used in solar power engineering is given. Predesigns of annual and seasonal electricity production of PV plant, in case of its installation in the Chernobyl zone, at a design stage are executed with use of the known techniques of program modeling.

Calculations have been performed to determine the heat flow and temperature distribution within the energyactive fence (EAF). The peculiarities of heat transfer in EAF during the summer are considered when implementing two modes: heat-insulating and with heat removal in the presence of ventilation. It is known that the presence of convection in the gaps leads to an intensification of the process of heat transfer through it. The efficiency of the functioning of energy supply systems using alternative energy sources depends on the choice of the design of energy-active fences, which are used as an element of conversion of incoming energy. With the optimal choice of the design of energy-efficient fences, the use of an innovative system allows a 3-fold decrease in energy costs for hot water supply.

The study analyzes the modes of autonomous wind power system using an asynchronous generator with the help of a simulation model. This model allows us to obtain the characteristics of the system (voltage, current at the load, line frequency) for varying loads and variable wind speed at the first stage of research. A simulation model is a part of the block “wind turbine” which provides a mechanical moment applied to the shaft of an electric generator depending of the input wind speed. This simulation model has been developed using SymPowerSystem-Matlab software in accordance with field experiments and adequately reflects the processes occurring in the system.

The availability of electricity and road infrastructure is a major argument in favor of a positive decision on the construction of the wind farm in the exclusion zone, however, wind energy potential of the exclusion zone remains uncertain. The article obtains the preliminary results of wind potential of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone territory assessment on the basis of Institute of Renewable Energy NAS of Ukraine wind data measuring. The data of wind speed measurements at two nearby meteorological stations for the period 1970-2011 was used. The calculation was made for the modern model of wind turbines with capacity of 2 MW Vestas V110-2.0 MW with the height of the rotor axis of 125 m, specially designed for sites with low wind speeds (Low Speed Site).

The problem of interconnection the principal characteristics of Earth climate, combustion process and fuel utilization efficiency has been considered. Atmospheric (free) air serving as an oxidizer in combustion processes is differed by inner availability the water vapor. Absolute content of water vapor is defined by an air temperature and its relative humidity. Humidity impact of atmospheric air on fuel principal heat engineering (power) characteristics has been investigated, namely regarding the theoretical combustion temperature, as well as of low and high combustion value. Reduction of each of mentioned characteristics by growth of air water vapor content has been proved. The thermodynamic analysis of dependence the efficiency of fuel utilization on combustion air parameters has been carried out by varying its temperature and humidity. It has been stated for the first time that an air preheating till 373 K ensuring monotonous enhancement of efficiency and fuel consumption reduction in case of dry combustion air causes the efficiency lowering in case of wet combustion air (oxidizer). Negative influence of combustion air humidification is increased by rise the air temperature and humidity – up to air saturation (dew point reach). Ten main climate zones are highly differed between themselves by temperature and moisture characteristics, thus changing an impact upon combustion process for fossil and alternative fuels. Evaluation of interconnection the climate features and combustion processes has been carried out basing upon energy efficiency and environmental consequences including analysis of greenhouse impact and input of greenhouse gases (CO2) into global warming the climate.

The analysis of hydro geological and geothermic conditions of Chernobyl exclusion zone is carried out. The analysis showed that a geothermal heat pump technology is the most available for this area. Thus a heat groundwater of upper layer of the Earth is low-grade heat source. There is proposed the variant of the reduction of natural gas consumption of the existing boiler, located in the town of Chernobyl, through the use of geothermal heat plant. The productive aquifer is selected; its operational parameters are defined on the basis of field tests. The forecast heat output of one well equipped in the Eocene aquifer, considering the use of geothermal heat pump “water-water” depending on the flow rate will be 0.1-0.5 MW.

The Earth upper layer low-potential heat energy extraction and using technologies are considered in the paper. The decentralized heating schemes with borehole heat exchangers and geothermal heat pumps are described. The ecological and environmental advantages and limitations for common borehole heat exchanger constructions are specified. The promising borehole heat exchanger construction based on ground thermosyphon heat pipes is emphasized. The thermal properties of the ground thermosyphon working fluids and the results of experimental tests are described in the paper. The boreholes heat exchanger construction doesn’t require pump and may be used for decentralized heating facilities with small installed capacity.

The paper substantiates the curves approximation method which describes the hydrogen producing process by microorganisms during fermentation cellulose-containing raw materials depending on hydrogen ion and substrate rates changes. It is shown that raw materials content (corn waste) is higher than 50 g/dm3 causes change in medium pH value and can be described by third-degree polynomial. Rational parameters of hydrogen production fermentation are pH values in range 6–8 under substrate concentration within 40–60 g/dm3.

The study investigates the effect of inhibitors withdrawal on chicken manure methanogenesis. We offer a new approach to the withdrawal of ammonium nitrogen from the liquid phase by adsorption of ammonia from the gas phase by non-volatile sorbent, located directly in the reactor, but being not in contact with the substrate. The efficiency of this method is shown both at the example of solutions which simulate the substrate with a high concentration of inhibitor and directly methane fermentation of chicken manure in semi-continuous mode.

The study shows the results of partial and full gasification of chicken and quail manure. Nutrient content (Phosphorus and Potassium) in carbonized manure is higher than in the fresh. Ashes from complete gasification of manure are considered as fertilizer. The results of study indicate the possibility of disposing of manure by using autothermal partial gasification technology.

There have been considered a power control mode of small hydropower plant operating by a watercourse of a river as a way of effective use of hydropower resources in view of environmental and ecological requirements. Theoretical propositions for selecting design parameters of small hydropower plant according to environmental restrictions on water use for power generation have been developed. Quantitative evaluation of energy performance indicators of small hydropower plant in general and separate hydraulic units as part of the station in particular has been done. There has been determined possible variation of productivity of small hydropower plant in terms of using the averaged distribution parameters of river water flow.

The work analyzes the development of the renewable energy market in the world and Ukraine. Dynamics of constant growth of installed capacities of renewable energy facilities was noted. The options for stimulating the development of renewable energy are considered, and an example of Ukraine is given where the “green” electricity tariff operates, which increases the interest of private investors in this sector. The main plans for the development of renewable energy are shown, which demonstrate a real prospect for the development of this energy sector. Moreover, the substitution possibilities of traditional energy resources for renewable energy sources in the general energy balance of Ukraine were shown.