Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

Sizing Of Air-Conditioning Systems -- The New Methodology, Harry J. Sauer Jr., Ronald Hunter Howell

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

Accurate cooling load calculations for sizing air-conditioning equipment are more important today than ever. Properly sized equipment saves energy. This paper briefly describes a new method developed by ASHRAE for such calculations .

Design And Operational Characteristics Of A Retrofit Solar Heating System, D. J. Wetteroff, Bassem F. Armaly

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

The construction and the operation of a retrofit solar assisted space heating system are described. Performance characteristics of each component were measured and used to estimate the contribution of solar energy to the yearly space heating energy requirements.

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.

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 …

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.

University Of Missouri--Rolla Wood Energy Research, Yildirim Omurtag, V. J. Flanigan, Nathan E. Welch

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

The overall objective of this project is to conduct a research and development program which will lead to the early commercialization of wood gasification technology to process wood residues typical of those found in the Ozark region.

Energy Recovery From Organic Residues By Fluidized-Bed Combustion, V. F. Batson, L. G. Gale, W. L. Hurt, J. W. Stallings, C. M. Young

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

The merits and drawbacks of energy recovery from organic residues by means of fluidized-bed combustion are discussed. A series of analytical laboratory tests are suggested as a means of analyzing potential fuels for combustion. Finally, a number of potential fuels are described, along with problems which may be encountered in the commercial application of energy recovery from the sample fuels.

An Analysis Of Investments In Residential Energy Conservation In Southeast Missouri, Ralph Gunderson

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

This study examines the economic feasibility of residential solar heating. Climatic and economic variables used in this report represent those of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. An annual cost model is used to determine the conditions under which solar heating achieves a reduced annual cost of heating relative to gas and electric heating systems.

Combining Solar Heating With A Wood Burning Furnace, Kenneth Bechtold, William E. Stewart Jr.

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

The objective is to minimize the use of high-cost heating fuels in rural areas with the assistance of a wood burning furnace and a solar collector.

It was discovered that when the output of a wood burning furnace can be diverted into a solar storage battery, more useful heat can be supplied to a house with little extra inconvenience to the homeowner. The total amortized system of the wood burning furnace combined with the solar system will be less than if the systems were operated independently.

A Solar-Cooling Pool Assisted Heat Pump System, Walter J. Schaetzle

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

A swimming pool is used in parallel with a water-source heat pump for both cooling and heating. For cooling, the pool is used as a spray pond (cooling tower); and for heating, the pool is used as a solar collector, and thermal energy storage. Both theoretical studies and experimental work have been done on this system. A full scale system is almost complete and has been used during the summer for cooling. Economically, on both an operating basis and a capital basis, the system appears feasible.

The Impact Of Public Transportation Policy To Affect Energy Conservation (A Case Study), Ali A. Selim, John T. Kretzer, Braja M. Das

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

In order that public transportation policies relating to energy conservation might be identified, correlated, and assessed, a mail survey of local, regional, state, and federal appointed and elected officials was made. This survey also included contacting members of the regional business community. Although the responses received did not constitute the complete survey mailing, they did provide insight to the individual policymaker's perception of what public policy is now in effect and how it was enacted, particularly those pertinent to energy conservation in the transportation sector.

Energy Aspects Of Rural School Bus Transportation, Kirk R. Hastain, Frank A. Gerig

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

In an effort to determine the effect of rural school bus transportation on energy consumption, a study was made of a rural school district in Central Missouri. The school district's bus system was studied, records of fuel and maintenance costs were analyzed, and discussion held with supervisor and bus drivers. An effort was made to recommend ways by which energy could be conserved, without jeopardizing the welfare of the students.

Multimodal Analysis Of The Western Coal Transportation System, Kenneth Ebeling, Kam Li

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

Points raised in the coal slurry pipeline issue imply a need for an analysis of the multimodal alternatives within the context of the existing western transportation system. In reporting the initial results of the first study of its kind, this paper includes a brief description of the data base and computer routines used to construct a base case and ideal case senerios of the western coal transportation issues.

Transporting Coal In Containers Through Pipeline -- A Feasibility Study, Henry Liu

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

A preliminary assessment of the feasibility of transporting coal in containers suspended in water moving through pipes - the concept of hydraulic capsule (container) pipelining (HCP) - is presented. The assessment includes technical (engineering), environmental, social and economic considerations. A tentative conclusion reached is that HCP transportation of coal is technically feasible (although it needs further research and development works), socially and environmentally beneficial, and economically justifiable in a number of situations.

Principles Of Design Of A Solar Heated House, Alex Stefanovic, Chaman Kashkari

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

This paper explains the principles of design of a solar heating system for a house in Akron, Ohio area. The house is a standard one family, two story house, such as Ryan Home's Brockington model. It has, approximately, 2,000 square feet of living area, a full basement, and an attached two car garage. The solar heating system is designed to provide as much of the heating needs as is economically feasible.

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.

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.

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.

Innovations In Heat Pumps, Ronald Hunter Howell, Harry J. Sauer Jr.

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

The status of the residential heat pump industry is reviewed. Some potential improvements in energy efficiency, operational reliability, and initial cost are described and delineated. These possible innovations include two-speed or variable speed compressors, reliable defrost initiation and termination, improved system components, modifications to the basic thermodynamic cycle, add-on-heat pumps, solar assisted heat pumps, annual cycle energy system, chemical heat pumps, and gas fired heat pumps.

Burning Wood As A Supplement To Solid Waste, Andrew R. Banta, William P. Smith

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

The University of Kansas at Lawrence uses natural gas and oil to generate steam for heating and other campus needs. The projected price increase of these fuels has led to a study of burning solid waste and wood. This study discusses the technical and economic considerations of burning wood. Topics included are sources and availability, collection and transportation, preparation and burning, and environmental effects. It is concluded that sufficient wood is available; truck transport is the only feasible option; drying some wood is desirable; and that the burning can be done separately or directly with the solid waste.

Oil Shale Energy And The Environment, Stephen Utter

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

Shale oil can be produced from oil shale by true In situ, modified in situ, and surface retorting methods. Both modified in situ and surface methods require mining of the oil shale. The environmental Implications of an oil shale mining industry are reviewed and the impacts upon land use, air and water quality, and ecological systems discussed. The Bureau's mining environmental research program is described and the results to date summarized.