Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons^™

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.

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 …

Correlation Of Bus Ridership With The Trend Of Gasoline Price In A Major Metropolitan Area, Andrew D. Jones, Braja M. Das

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

A case study of the public bus ridership for the city of El Paso (Texas) for the years 1978, 1979, and 1980 has been presented. This has been correlated with increasing trend of the price of gasoline. Although the study presented is for a short duration, it reflects a general trend of slow but definitely encouraging public awareness for the conservation of energy.

Agri-Fuel Potentials Of Butanol/Acetone Production: An Alternative To Ethanol For A Gasoline Substitute, Randall Noon

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

Butanol and acetone can be produced via a fermentation process similar to ethanol. Whereas ethanol fuels require strict observance of federal and state alcohol laws, butanol and acetone are not so regulated. These and other advantages may make the production of butanol/acetone fuels an alternative choice for a gasoline substitute.

Double Envelope House Design, Construction And Operation, James A. Ray

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

The double envelope concept of house construction has received recent interest due to claims of performance not backed by analytical or operational data along with questions in code compliance and building costs associated with the construction. This paper provides a compilation of information from around the country including problems and successes and initial review of technical data associated with instrumented projects. Specific information from the Midwest is based on three houses in the St. Louis area which include designs for passive cooling and heating with alternative energy sources for backup.

Limitations Of Underground Building As An Energy Alternative, A. M. Hanna, N. Evans

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

Building underground offers a potential for a reduction in heating and cooling loads, in comparison to a similar above ground structure. The resulting energy savings over the life of the structure will be beneficial, both in terms of dollars, and in conservation of resources. However, this mode of construction is subject to technical and economic limitations. The limitations, as well as the potential energy saving processes of underground construction, are discussed with special emphasis placed on the soil properties, structural design and construction techniques... which may unfavourably affect the potential energy savings.

Energy Management In Institutional Facilities, Raj Kumar

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

Insitutional buildings present a challenge for energy conservation because their operation is year-round, seven-day-a-week, twenty-four per day. In this paper, the author examines year-round heat rejection sources and shows how an energy reclaim system that reuses cooling system waste heat for preheating service hot water proves effective for successful energy management.

A Review Of Ashrae Standard 100: Energy Conservation In Existing Buildings, Albert W. Black Iii

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

The ASHRAE 100 Series of Standards, Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings, has been through two open reviews and is presently being edited prior to publication. The draft standards are discussed in this paper and compared with ASHRAE Standard 90, Energy Conservation in New Building Design.

Surface Heating Greenhouses With Waste Heat, P. N. Walker, H. J. Rand

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

Surface heating of greenhouses is done by applying waste heated water on the outside of the greenhouse at the ridge and allowing this water to flow in a thin layer over the roof and sidewall surfaces. The water is then collected in gutters and returned to its source. The main advantages of this heating system over others for heating greenhouses with waste heat are its low capital costs and the fact that it can utilize wastes at quite low temperatures. This system can make effective use of water at temperatures as low or perhaps lower than the temperature to be …

10 Kw Per Capita, Harry A. Brown

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

The rate of energy use in the U.S. is discussed. Possible savings in the principal areas of use are considered. The conclusion is that significant reductions could be made in five to ten years without new technology, but are not likely under present conditions.

Energy For An Older Home: A Solar Retrofit, Eugene Warren

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

Our hundred year-old house was retrofitted with a solar system designed to produce hot water and to heat space. Installation was relatively simple and the system requires little maintenance. Its estimated payback period is eight years.

Economics, Politics And The Future Supply Of Energy Sources, Raphael Shen

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

High degree forward linkages created by oil and natural gas consumption was sufficient "justification" to regulate energy prices. The "welfare triangle" was artificially enlarged, and the economy as a whole indeed reaped benefits therefrom. It was workable, then. But the economy has since been experiencing macroeconomic dislocations. To avoid future payments of current policy mistakes, to ensure continued and steady economic growth, and to assure future energy adequacy/ abundance, enhanced investment incentives are rational imperatives that merit serious consideration.

Stabilization Of Oil Shale Waste Piles, Stephen Utter

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

An oil shale industry will produce tremendous amounts of solid waste that must be disposed of by methods that are both environmentally safe and economically sound. A program of laboratory and field tests was conducted to determine the physical and chemical properties of retorted oil shale waste -- information needed for designing commercial-scale waste disposal systems.

Technological Status And Legal/Regulatory Aspects Of Low-Head Hydroelectric Power Development In Missouri, Charles Darwin Morris, Gordon E. Weiss

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

This paper will present the broad overview of hardware availability, systems design and 1egal/regulatory constraints presently connected with the development of small hydropower systems in water rich areas such as southeastern Missouri. There is great interest being evidenced today on the part of major federal agencies and some power companies in regard to the feasibility of utilization of the power potential inherent in small streams. The topic is of particular interest to Missourians because of the vast number of small streams present in Missouri.

Energy And Economic Development, Steven Skeet Chang

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

The paper sets out to examine the impact of energy crisis on the world economy in general and the less developed countries (LDCs) in particular. To clearly and fully understand the economic problems confronting LDCs in the era of energy shortage, it is necessary to formulate a general structural theory of economic development. A more comprehensive multidimensional indicator of economic development should also be constructed to measure the industrialization of the LDCs under study.

The Gloom Gets Doomier, David A. Summers

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

This paper reviews the likely sources of energy in the year 1990. Economic conditions, difficult to forecast, affect short-term consumption, while technological breakthroughs, equally impossible to predict, will control long-term production of energy. For the ten-year period, however, commitments to construction, or feasibility studies, must already be in hand. This allows a prediction of the energy supply for that year, and such a prediction is made. Because this indicates that only about 1 percent growth in supply can occur over this time period, against a requirement for at least 2 percent, the forecast is doomier than it was in earlier …

Energetics Of Moving Magnetic Waves, Tom Day

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

Magnetism has had a certain and specific appeal of human inquiry for at least the past forty centuries of civilization. History is full of adventures into the unknowns about this natural phenomenon. Recent findings hint of a hidden physical world concerning magnetism which prompts continued exploration. Curvilinear motion on a continuous basis can be detected within a magnetic field consisting of large, slow moving spiral wave patterns. This paper presents a procedure whereby the reader can establish his or her own findings about the power and energy of magnetic conductance. Avenues of basic research are explored and discussed.

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 …