Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

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.

Comparison Of Stirred And Immobilized Cell Reactors For Ethanol Production, Oliver C. Sitton, J. L. Gaddy

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

Biomass can be converted to sugars by hydrolysis with enzymes or mineral acids. These sugars can be converted into a number of chemical intermediates in biological reactors. Biological reactions are generally slow and selection of the most efficient reactor is important in these applications.

Immobilized cell reactors allow high cell densities and high throughput by attaching microorganisms to a fixed support. This paper compares the rate of production of ethanol from glucose by Saccharomyces Cerevisiae in a packed column and a stirred reactor.

Continuous stirred reactor studies showed a washout rate of .27 hr^-1. The optimum rate of …

Stabilization Of Uranium Mill Trailings, N. H. Tibbs, D L. Rath, E. E. Otto, L. F. Alsup

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

Large volumes of uranium mill tailings are being generated, requiring comprehensive long-term management programs to reduce health and environmental risks. Management programs are available which provide adequate secure long-term storage, but research on innovative concepts is necessary to develop improved, more efficient methods.

Energy Is Not Just Flipping The Switch Any More, Alfred L. Ransome

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

The energy industry -- or basically the mining industry -- is becoming more complex and costly. It is imperative that the facts pertaining to the mineral industry be disseminated to the layman; the best method in the long term is by way of science and economics in the schools -- kindergarten through high school. The Mineral Information Committee of the Colorado Section of the SME-AIME in cooperation with the Metro State College, Denver is embarking on such a program, and the newly developed magazine, "RESOURCES", is the vehicle for spreading the message through the classroom.

Effective Utilization Of Energy From Biomass Residues In Agricultural Applications, Harry W. Parker

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

Biomass is one of the more attractive alternative energy sources. Use of existing biomass residues within the farm and ranch economy can be accomplished with a minimum of organizational problems since the producer, processor, and consumer may be the same person or organization. The major task is to provide potential agricultural biomass users with accurate cost estimates for the energy made available from the biomass, and contemporary technology for its utilization.

Specific examples are given with regard to powering irrigation well engines with cotton gin trash via a producer gas generator, and conversion of harvested mesquite wood to digestible energy …

Concentration Of Solar Energy Using A Cassegrain Type Solar Furnace, M. H. Cobble, W. C. Hull

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

A solar furnace consisting of a paraboloid of revolution that tracks the sun, and a hyperboloid of revolution reflector that has a focus in common with the paraboloid is analyzed using a three-dimensional ray trace to determine the image shape and size, and for the concentration to be obtained for various eccentricities e of the hyperboloid when used with an 84 foot diameter paraboloid (radar dish).

The Solar Connection -- Promise Or Peril?, Paul S. Strong

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

During the past decade important progress has been made in understanding the sun-earth environmental system. Modern observations of solar activity document changes in solar output over time scales ranging from seconds to decades, and evidence for longer term variations have been found in historical records. It follows that the sun cannot be considered to be a totally non-variable energy source. Continued research progress into solar-terrestrial interactions will hopefully provide an understanding of sun-weather/climate relationships resulting in energy conservation through more efficient energy utilization of our planet's atmospheric energy system.

Commercially Available Vacuum Tube Solar Collectors, Stanley J. Ring

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

Efficiencies on the order of 50 percent with high differential temperature (150° C) have been advertised with the current distribution of commercially available evacuated tube collectors. Product specifications and, where possible, experimental data have been gathered and presented. The paper also develops a mathematical model for evaluation of these collectors. Results conclude that, although performance is high, collector expense limits the cost effectiveness to necessary high-temperature, high-volume applications. These include both residential cooling and industrial processing.

Computer Modeling Of A Solar Hot Water Collector System, Michael F. Bregar, William E. Stewart Jr.

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

Computer modeling of a solar collector system can facilitate the selection of design paths and produce the optimal orientation and layout of the system for its intended location and seasonal usage patterns. Application of economic criteria to modeling also enables the analysis of alternate designs in terms of their installed and operating costs, as well as allowing calculation of payback periods for the various system configurations.

This program was intended to aid in the design of solar hot water collector systems. Design parameters of the system are used as inputs to the program. System configuration and design can then be …

Assessment Of Residential Energy Use: Some Results And Methodologies, Gunar E. Liepins

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

This paper addresses the problem of determining residential energy use. Specifically, it discusses some of the estimation methods, selected results, and potential errors in the estimates.

To Light Or Not To Light? -- That Is The Energy Question, J. Byron Nelson, Burns E. Hegler

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

The controversy over lighting levels has existed for some time. Interest in methods of lighting has been heightened by the energy crisis. It has been estimated that lighting consumes approximately five percent of the nation's energy, therefore lighting is a relatively small energy user when compared to transportation and industrial processes which consume the bulk of the nation's energy. However, any saving that will make a contribution to the energy crisis should be considered. Consequently, this paper shows how energy for lighting may be reduced without sacrificing the present quality of lighting and in some cases, actually improve the lighting …

Wood As An Energy Source In The Tennessee Valley Region, Richard L. Doub

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

TVA has been working with wood energy production systems for only a short time, but we have been involved with forest development for many years, and our experience has led us to believe in the viability of using wood for energy production. Commercial forests of the Tennessee Valley region (125 watershed counties, plus another 76 counties where TVA provides Power) occupy some 30.5 million acres. The annual total tree growth from these lands is about 2.3 billion cubic feet of wood-equivalent to 38 million tons of coal in heat value. Conventional forest products now consume some 580 million cubic feet …

Gasification Of Municipal Solid Waste In A Fluidized Bed Reactor, Craig W. Mosley, Radon Tolman

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

Results of pilot plant municipal solid waste gasification studies conducted at the Adolph Coors Company, Golden, Colorado, are presented. The nominal one ton per hour, 150 psig, fluidized bed gasification system was operated during 1973- 1974 using steam and air as oxidants and fluidizing media. These studies show the feasibility of a one-stage, air blown, fluid bed MSW conversion system.