Engineering Commons^™

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

Umr Minerals Building: An Innovative Approach To The Construction Of Underground Buildings, Bruce H. Green, David A. Summers

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

The original intent of the exercice was to develop a design for a new minerals engineering building which would demonstrate the applicability and feasibility of an underground building complex to our administration and to the Board of Curators. Two major advantages were foreseen for such a building. Not only would it be immensely superior, in terms of energy demand, to the conventional aboveground buildings previously constructed by the University, but it also would have highly significant symbollic and educational effects on the students of the several disciplines comprising the UMR "School of Mines and Metallurgy". It would also serve as …

Determination Of Washability And Flotation Characteristics Of Important Missouri Coal Seams, Hayri Erten

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

Most of the 14 workable coal seams in the State of Missouri are considered to be high in ash and sulfur contents and need beneficiation in order to meet customer and Environmental Protection Agency requirements. If proper beneficiation methods can be designed, more Missouri coal will be mined and used within the state.

The objectives of this research are (1) to draw the washability curves of important Missouri coal seams in order to determine their washability characteristics, and (2) to determine the flotation characteristics of the same seams.

Tests conducted on 20 samples taken from Bevier, Croweburg, Mulky, and Summit …

The Oil Industry And Antitrust Merger Policy, Pauline Weber

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

This paper examines the trends in merger activity in the petroleum industry in light of over-all merger activity and of the Justice Department's merger guidelines. Supreme Court precedents and economic conditions within the petroleum area are discussed. Some conclusions concerning the Justice Department's merger policy are included.

The Energy Conservation And Safety Dilemma, Burns E. Hegler

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

Since the beginning of the energy crisis, efforts to conserve energy often have seemed to be diametrically opposed to the precepts of safety. This is true if conservation is not planned and conducted properly. However, energy and safety can be quite compatible and may work to their mutual advantage if effectively managed.

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage: A Cost And Sizing Study, Haur D. Shaw, J. Derald Morgan, Max Darwin Anderson

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

Two applications for superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) devices in power systems are studied. One is for peak shaving, and the other is for load leveling. Consideration is given to placing these devices near load centers to reduce the line losses. For (SMES) cases studied using smaller size devices at several load centers, the line losses are lowered. However, the efficiency of SMES is proportional to its size, and the capitol cost per MWH is much greater for a smaller size SMES unit when compared to a larger SMES unit. Once the location or locations for SMES have been selected, …

New Trends In Building Design And Planning -- For The Age Of Energy Conservation, C. William Brubaker

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

In response to increasing energy costs, building design and planning are changing. Rational design can achieve many of the goals of energy conservation.

The Arizona Solar Tax Incentives Package, Donald E. Osborn

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

The State of Arizona has enacted into law one of the nation's most comprehensive and consumer oriented set of tax incentives to encourage the use of solar energy devices. The development of these incentives and their required regulations and guidelines are covered.

Solar Technology Inventory For The Mid-American Region, L. Icerman, S. K. Parker

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

A mailed questionnaire and telephone contact procedure was developed to identify solar equipment manufacturers in the Mid-American Solar Energy Center (MASEC) region and to collect information required to characterize the solar equipment manufacturing industry. Special emphasis was placed on assembling data that are useful in evaluating the commercialization status of the solar energy industry from an equipment supplier viewpoint.

Generation For Maximum System Efficiency, Charles A. Gross

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

This paper presents a method for solving for the generation combination that supplies a specific load demand at maximum efficiency in a multigenerator power system. The method accounts for transmission losses using the B constant approach and generating losses using heat rate data. Results are presented for an example test system.

Energy Conservative Electric Lines-Now!, Paul F. Pugh, A. S. Yeranian

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

This paper describes the components of a new energy conservative cable system and new methods to service prove new products without disturbing the existing power system. Methods are presented for attaching a new cable design to an existing system for a trial installation. It describes how field splices and taps are easily made to extend the line without a shutdown or disturbance.

Maxwellian Concepts Of Magnetro-Electrodynamics And The Reality Of Med Energy Producing Devices, Tom Day

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

"We can scarcely avoid the inference that light consists in the transverse undulations of the same medium which is the cause of electric and magnetic phenomena."

The Role Of The Civex Process In The Nuclear Industry, Thomas E. Eaton, Joseph C. Carter

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

The United States is committed to policies which would assure that the international, commercial nuclear industry cannot be exploited as a source of materials for nuclear weapons. The Civex process provides for a proliferation-resistant fast breeder reactor fuel cycle. Nevertheless, the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation involving the commercial nuclear industry is small compared to the risk associated with certain research facilities and military activities.

A Strategy For The Practical Utilization Of Thorium Fuel Cycles, Paul R. Kasten

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

There has been increasing interest in the utilization of thorium fuel cycles in nuclear power reactors for the past few years because of economic, fuel utilization, and pro- 1 iteration resistance factors. Also, it appears desirable to maintain the ratio of thermal reactors to fast reactors at a high value in the long term because of economic and proliferation resistance features. The analysis performed here concludes that the practical, early utilization of thorium fuel cycles in power reactors requires commercialization of HTGRs operating first on stowaway fuel cycles, followed by thorium fuel recycle. In the longer term, thorium utilization involves …

Toward A Methodology For Evaluation Of Solar Systems, William P. Moran, Gene E. Kouba, Bruce V. Ketcham

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

The shortcomings and inconsistences of the typical return-on-capital evaluation are detailed. Generalizations of evaluation objectives and performance measures and data gathering objectives are given.

Direct Energy Conversions Of Solar Energy, A. A. Rahman

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

In this paper, the design concepts of three direct energy converters were explained. The converters selected were thermoelectric, thermionic and magnetohydrodynamic converters. Discussions and analysis of the material limitations of these converters with possible improvements to make these devices suitable for domestic or public use was also explained.

Mississippi County Community College -- A Photovoltaic Demonstration Project, William M. Woodsmall Jr.

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

An overall view of the integration of all systems involved in the world's largest photovoltaic demonstration project.

Mississippi County Community College in Blytheville is presently being planned using a 240 KW ± photovoltaic collection field for its energy source. Systems include the collectors, thermal, process control, storage (both thermal and electrical) power conditioning, and the building itself.

On The Thermodynamics Of Direct Energy Conversions, A. A. Rahman

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

In this work, a generalized thermodynamic analysis was developed for direct energy converters that operate as heat engines. Examples for various converters as thermoelectric, MHD and Nernst generators were solved. The possibilities of utilizing these concepts on designing generators to convert heat or solar energy directly into electricity were also discussed.

Low Btu Producer Gas -- A Fuel Of The Past And A Fuel Of The Future, Lee Carter

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

A prime purpose of this paper is to give conscious emphasis to an important type of coal gasification, one that does not demand hundreds of millions of dollars to launch an experimental program but instead is essentially ready to use after a reasonable and straightforward engineering check-out of the local coal sources and the prospective gas demand.

That type of coal gasification results in low Btu producer gas. This paper deals with its history, its technology and its economics. In the light of that information, the future of low Btu producer gas in America then is assessed.

Long Term Stability Of Linearized Thermistor Circuits, Gene E. Kouba

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

The long term accuracy and stability of linearized thermistor circuits used for temperature measurements in a solar home monitoring project are being evaluated by periodic calibration.

Methane Production From Livestock Wastes By Anaerobic Digestion, Panos Kokoropoulos, Harlan H. Bengtson

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

Increasing interest is being shown in anaerobic digestion as a process for both waste treatment and energy production. In this paper an experimental procedure for investigation of anaerobic digestion of livestock wastes is described, and data from experimental work is presented and analyzed. A model of anaerobic digestion is developed which includes conversion of soluble COD to volatile suspended solids by growth of microorganisms and solubilization of volatile suspended solids to soluble COD by enzymes. This model is used for the analysis of the experimental data.

Ambient Air Quality As Related To Energy Conversion Facilities, Economic Activity And Population, Walter P. Page

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

The paper examines the relationships between ambient air quality and energy conversion facilities, economic activity and population. Additional results are presented from investigation of the relationship between ambient air quality and total emissions from four source categories.

Some Problems With Economic Models Involving Air Pollution, John Hoag, J. David Reed

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

In this paper we consider how economic models have interfaced with environmental problems in three areas: optimal air quality standards, pollution control policy and growth with pollution. The focus is on what has been done and what should be done.