Digital Commons Network^™

Evaluating Barriers To And Impacts Of Rural Broadband Access, Javier Valentín-Sívico

Doctoral Dissertations

"The lack of adequate broadband infrastructure persists in many rural communities. Beyond funding, additional barriers persist, such as digital literacy and community-level self-efficacy. As a result, the first contribution articulates barriers at the organizational level. This work proposes a framework based on the Theory of Planned Behavior to highlight stakeholder dynamics that have constrained Regional Planning Commissions from advancing broadband infrastructure in rural areas. One approach to address these barriers is to provide stakeholders with analytical tools to evaluate the benefits and costs of various broadband options for their community since there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. To this end, …

Developing A Vr Training Model For Improving Transportation Safety Protocols For Rural Areas, Emmanuel Olumide Adeosun

Masters Theses

"This research evaluated the effectiveness of using simulated virtual reality driving environments to improve transportation safety in rural areas. The transportation accident fatality rate is more than double the national average in rural areas and highlights an important opportunity to address these challenges through improved safety protocols and investments. A review of the literature revealed high frequency scenarios that contributed the most to fatality or injury accidents. Virtual reality driving simulations were created based on these high frequency events using a specified rural roadway identified with the assistance of the Missouri Department of Transportation. Scenarios considered weather-related conditions, such as …

State Level Trends In Renewable Energy Procurement Via Solar Installation Versus Green Electricity, Eric Michael Hanson

Masters Theses

“In the past 5 years, consumer options for procuring renewable energy have increased, ranging from rooftop solar installation to utility green pricing to Community Choice Aggregation. These options vary in terms of costs and benefits to the consumer as well as grid integration implications. However, little is known regarding how the presence of a wide range of options for utility-scale renewable procurement affects demand for distributed residential solar installations. In theory, there are three possible relationships, (1) positive correlation, where utility-scale and distributed resources complement each other to increase overall production, (2) negative correlation, where utility-scale and distributed resources are …

Findings Report: Virtual Workshop On ‘Resilient Supply Of Critical Minerals’, Marek Locmelis, Angela D. Lueking, Michael S. Moats, Kwame Awuah-Offei, Lana Z. Alagha, Mark W. Fitch, Alanna Krolikowski, Shelby Clark

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Executive Summary
On August 2-3, 2021, the Thomas J. O’Keefe Institute for Sustainable Supply of Strategic Minerals at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) hosted the NSF-funded virtual workshop ‘Resilient Supply of Critical Minerals’. The workshop was convened via Zoom and attracted 158 registrants, including 108 registrants from academia (61 students), 30 registrants from government agencies, and 20 registrants from the private sector. Four topical sessions were covered:

A. Mineral Exploration and Source Diversification.
B. Supply Chain and Policy Issues.
C. Improving Mineral Recycling and Reprocessing Technologies.
D. Technological Alternatives to Critical Minerals.

Each topical session was composed …

Concentrated Lunar Resources: Imminent Implications For Governance And Justice, Martin Elvis, Alanna Krolikowski, Tony Milligan

History and Political Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Numerous missions planned for the next decade are likely to target a handful of small sites of interest on the Moon's surface, creating risks of crowding and interference at these locations. The Moon presents finite and scarce areas with rare topography or concentrations of resources of special value. Locations of interest to science, notably for astronomy, include the Peaks of Eternal Light, the coldest of the cold traps and smooth areas on the far side. Regions richest in physical resources could also be uniquely suited to settlement and commerce. Such sites of interest are both few and small. Typically, there …

Infrastructure Systems Modeling Using Data Visualization And Trend Extraction, Jacob Marshal Hale

Doctoral Dissertations

“Current infrastructure systems modeling literature lacks frameworks that integrate data visualization and trend extraction needed for complex systems decision making and planning. Critical infrastructures such as transportation and energy systems contain interdependencies that cannot be properly characterized without considering data visualization and trend extraction.

This dissertation presents two case analyses to showcase the effectiveness and improvements that can be made using these techniques. Case one examines flood management and mitigation of disruption impacts using geospatial characteristics as part of data visualization. Case two incorporates trend analysis and sustainability assessment into energy portfolio transitions.

Four distinct contributions are made in this …

The Implementation Of Energy Sharing Using A System Of Systems Approach, Julia Morgan

Doctoral Dissertations

"There is an increasing demand for renewable energy and consumers need more procurement options to meet their needs. Energy sharing provides a peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace where prosumer electricity is redistributed to fellow energy-sharing community participants. This redistribution of prosumer electricity provides consumers with additional electricity suppliers, while also decreasing the load on the utility company. Though significant progress has been made regarding research and implementation of energy sharing, there is still room for growth when evaluating energy-sharing communities and defining appropriate community coordination based on end-user needs. The first contribution in this work identified nine characteristics of energy-sharing communities as …

Framing Energy And Minerals For Future Pathways, Michelle Michot Foss, Michael S. Moats, Kwame Awuah-Offei

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We present a challenge for Group of Twenty (G20) discussions that entails (1) greater awareness of the role of non-fuel minerals in the global economy overall, but specifically in the energy sector; and (2) the introduction and acceleration of alternative energy sources and technologies. We focus on chemical battery energy storage, given its prominence in all views and outlooks of energy futures, especially for mobility. We present recommendations for G20 discussions and actions on battery materials, and the crucial underlying supply chains for mineral commodities.

Military Applications Of Geological Engineering, Stephen H. Tupper

Doctoral Dissertations

"This work examines the premise that military engineering and geological engineering are intellectually paired and overlapped in practice to a significant extent. Geological engineering is an established, albeit young, academic discipline that enjoys wide industry and civil demand and is supported by many professional organizations. In contrast, military engineering is an ancient, empirically derived training or "OJT" program with practice-based trade-associations that has narrow government-only utility. The premise is formed by decades-long observation of U. S. Army military engineer officers completing a Master of Science degree in geological engineering as a complement to their practice-based training in military engineering at …

The Behavior Of Suas Under Explosive Loading Conditions And Implications For Safe Operating Procedures, Ashok Em Sudhakar

Doctoral Dissertations

"Drones are increasingly being used for tasks previously unimagined and the beneficial uses are evolving. The United States Congress has envisioned the possible uses of drones for both combating and conveying explosive threats and other harmful and destructive activities. Congress' intent is reflected in new laws (2018) and policies (2019).

All civilian available Small Unmanned Aerial Systems sUASs (Drones), weighing less than 55 pounds, in the current market are not designed for operations in explosive environments. This first of a kind research focuses on further understanding of sUASs response to explosive loading and the public policy implications. This research measured …

Arkansas Wood Fuels: A Feasibility Study, Ralph O. Gunderson

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This report presents estimates of quantities and location of logging residues in Arkansas. Six sites are determined as potential fuel use sites for these residues. Estimates of the demand for wood fuel at these sites are made. The supply and demand for wood fuels are studied to determine the feasibility of utilizing logging residue as a fuel at these six locations in Arkansas.

Industrial Low Temperature Waste Heat Utilization, Mehmet Altin

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

In this paper, some common and emerging techniques to better utilize energy in the chemical process industries are discussed. Temperature levels of waste heat available are pointed out. Emerging practices for further economical utilization of waste heat at the available temperatures or at higher temperatures are given with examples of some recent applications.

Templifier Heat Pump, Tony Conigliaro

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The national energy policy rightly addresses having coal assume a major share of the load carried by gas and oil. However, there is a basic strategy which is uniquely capable of solving much of the dilema. That strategy is to shift from our present oil/gas combustion energy economy to a coal - nuclear electric energy economy....

We can see that electric boilers are non competitive from an operating cost standpoint. But there is another way of applying electricity to the creation of useful heat and that is the heat pump. Several years ago, a Westinghouse feasibility study indicated that an …

Industrial Refrigeration Energy Conservation -- Application Data, Thomas L. White

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Refrigeration system efficiency can be improved by reducing the system head, minimizing flows, and increasing component efficiences. This paper discusses application data used for conserving energy and includes actual application.

Cogeneration Of Ethanol From I.C. Engine Powerplants: An Economical And Convenient Method To Supply Process Energy For Ethanol Production, Randall Noon

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

I.C. engine power plants have significant and suitable waste heat for the production of ethanol. Such power plants are often located in conjunction with cattle and grain producing areas, two of the important ingredients for ethanol production. Cogeneration of ethanol from I.C. engines will afford significant production of ethanol without requiring more fuel than is currently used.

Full Food And Fiber Production, James D. Atwood

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Included in the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 is a section which provides priority treatment for essential agricultural users. The applicability and importance of this Act in maintaining a viable agricultural base in this nation is developed.

Ratepayer Financing Of Solar Thermal Electric Commercial Demonstration Projects, Mark D. Jarmie, Jeff V. Conopask

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Commercialization of a new energy supply technology requires demonstration of its feasibility to potential customers at each staqe of development. While small improvements of proven energy supply svstems are usually privately pioneered, larger or more uniaue research projects are often delaved as economic and technical concerns are assuaged through public sector R&D funding. For solar thermal central receivers, even though their technical viability has been tested on a small scale, acceptance by utilities will require full-scale field experiments and commercial-sized demonstration plants.

Wood Fuels In Power Generation, Yildirim Omurtag, Larry Wetzel, Michael Mcevilly

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

In order for wood to be considered a feasible energy source for power generation, it must prove to be economical, meet society's pollution criteria, and provide sufficient energy to meet its regional demand applications or requirements. This report looks at wood's availability, its potential as a fuel source, the different methods of energy conversion, and lastly, submits conclusions and recommendations concerning wood-fueled power generation.

The information and background was supplied and supported by actual application, government publications and documentations, and other sources. The availability report includes living biomass, wood residues, and potential biomass expansion. Once availability was determined, the portion …

Rate Of Return Regulatory Policy -- The Bane Of Electric Utilities?, Charles David Laderoute

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

In the past,rate of return regulation served to the advantage of electric utility stockholders. Today this is no longer the case. Furthermore, owners cannot assume that utility management can or will work totally in their behalf. As a result, this paper presents as its main thesis that utility stockholders should band together into advocacy groups to support their right to a fair rate of return.

Pipeline Gathering System Operations Model, Mark E. Ryan

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A computer model to aid in the analysis of pipeline gathering system operations has been developed. The model simulates the actual daily operation of the gathering system, on a task by task basis, taking into account terrain, climate, and facility breakdowns. The model can be used to project operating requirements for new systems or analyze problems in existing systems.

Managing In An Energy Scarce Environment, John Amos

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Present engineering management principles, operations research techniques, and economic theories were mainly developed dealing with only one scarce resource -- capital. Today, the engineer manager must consider another scarce resource -- energy. In the past, energy was never considered a major factor; i.e., equipment was considered a good investment if labor was reduced, regardless of energy cost. Many other managerial decisions are similar; therefore, the engineer manager must understand why many decisions based on traditional techniques may be misleading. The engineer manager must now utilize more complex engineering management techniques instead of evaluating only one factor or using rules of …

The Price Of Oil, R. W. Clack

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

An examination of major forces in the petroleum market with primary emphasis on the decade of the 1970s. The market force (s) responsible for the factor-of-ten increase in the price of crude oil is isolated, if not identified. The market's "message" is set forth for energy policy planners.

Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells: A Review, Robert D. Engelken, Patrick L. Cole

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Recent developments in the production and study of the properties of amorphous silicon containing hydrogen and fluorine impurities are reviewed. Especially emphasized are the properties of the material in regard to its photovoltaic potential and the roles of hydrogen and fluorine in modifying such properties as band gap and mobility from those of the pure amorphous and crystalline material.

The Regulatory Nemesis, K. Daniel Hinkle

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Energy sources are truly regulated from the bowels of the earth to the flame tip. Local, state and federal governments, whether by design or blind ineptitude, have created a maze of administrative regulations that affect the development of both current and future energy sources. Rather than discuss regulatory horror stories, it is the purpose of this paper to discuss the impacts of this maze of regulations on current and alternate energy sources.

The first section will review 16 federal acts that make up the regulatory nemesis. The second section will review an example of the maze in action on a …

Microprocessor Based Control For Wind Turbines, Mubde Absi, Curtis Dodd

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This paper will discuss the design of a microprocessor based control system for a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). A control philosophy is developed and the reasons for a microprocessor control are discussed.

Entropy Based Analytic Techniques, John O. Dow

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The study of energy supply futures is simplified when the end use of this energy is included in the analyses. The various supply and end use opportunities can be evaluated against a standard basis with the analytic techniques discussed here. A simplified theoretical background for these techniques is given and a wide range of energy supply and end use situations to which the techniques apply is presented.

Photovoltaic Performance With Concentration Theory And Experiment, M. H. Cobble, R. M. Wabrek, E. Lumsdaine

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A model of a photovoltaic cell having a resistance in series with the load, for use with solar concentration, has been analyzed and tested over a range of concentrations.

Use Of Ailerons To Improve Control Of Large Wind Turbines, Melvin H. Snyder, W. H. Wentz Jr., John T. Calhoun

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Studies have been conducted to determine feasibility of using aileron or spoiler controls as alternates to pitch control for large horizontal axis wind turbines. Results of the study show that either ailerons or spoilers can provide control necessary to limit turbine power in high wind conditions. An aileron system is recommended for the present application, based upon the ability of ailerons to provide self-starting and added power at low wind speed conditions.

Modeling As An Aid To Energy Policy And Planning, Paul F. Hultquist, Richard S. Collier, Ellis A. Monash, Bernard H. Burzlaff

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Mathematical modeling as a tool in energy policy and planning is discussed. Examples of coal mine production and natural gas reservoir recovery are used to illustrate the kinds of results obtainable from simple and understandable models.

Solar Energy Teaching Lab With Large Scale Working Model, Jim Pearson, Tom Cook

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

An active solar energy retrofit has been added to an engineering building at John prown University. A new system dependent evaluation procedure incorporating the f-chart method was used for panel selection. The system is designed and instrumented in order to provide various laboaratory experiences and data collection capability. Data collection and system control are provided by a microcomputer.