Digital Commons Network^™

Steam Raising With Low-Btu Gas Generators And Potential For Other Applications, Robert Owen Williams, John R. Goss, Brian C. Horsfield, Robert Hodam

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

A pilot plant gas producer was installed at a Walnut processing plant to recover usable energy from cracked walnut shell. The shell was converted to a low-Btu fuel gas (producer gas) and this was used to replace natural gas in a steam boiler. Longterm continuous operation of the producer has yet to be achieved due to mechanical inadequacies of the fuel feed and grate systems. These problems are a result of special fuel characteristics of walnut shell, which are being further investigated on a laboratory scale gasifier. It is expected that component changes and/or fuel preparation can facilitate satisfactory long …

Household Energy Availability And Use -- A Systems Theory Formulation, Charles Geiger, Milton E. Harvey

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

Systems theory provides an excellent perspective, as well as methodology, for analyzing energy problems of availability and use. The linear systems format is applied here to a system which focuses on household energy, energy independence, and energy conservation. Z-transform analysis can be used to simplify the mathematical operations required in this model.

Economic Incentives In The Exploration, Extraction And Refining Of Crude Oil, Angelos Pagoulatos, David Debertin, Emilio Pagoulatos

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

A simultaneous econometric model consisting of 37 stochastic equations and 3 identities which captures the decisions affecting the supply of new discoveries, the size of proven reserves, the production out of reserves, the demands and supplies of refined products and the imports of crude oil and refined products, is estimated. Simulation with the econometric model analyzed the effect of alternative pricing policies on domestic oil production, consumption and imports.

Development Of Industrial Owned, Small Hydroelectric Facilities, John S. Krikorian Jr.

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

A methodology is discussed for determining the economic feasibility of reclaiming industrial owned, small hydroelectric facilities. A cash flow computer model provides the means for coping with many of the diverse inputs that occur at different sites. A detailed case study is presented. Some institutional factors that aid or hinder development are discussed.

Appropriate Technology And The Energy Crisis, James P. Bosscher

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

The proposal is to initially outline the cognative aspects - the knowledge needs - necessary to generate a technological base which will be fitting, germane, and appropriate over against the society it must seek to serve.

It is proposed, secondly, to indicate the value -- laden and sensitive aspects -- the elements of care and concern - so vital in creating a technology which will be thoughtfully supportive and, insofar with respect to the people served.

Finally, the paper would seek to apply the appropriate technological concepts; both the knowing and the caring aspects, to the expanding and very real …

Theoretical And Empirical Approaches To The Analysis Of Opec, Albert L. Danielsen

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

Formal theoretical models of world oil price determination have been developed in recent years. In addition, some empirical estimates of expected future prices have been proposed. This paper explains how exhaustible resource and cartel theory are integrated into the opitmal control framework. Some empirical studies in the optimal control tradition are surveyed and evaluated.

Attainability And Nonattainability Under Anti-Pollution Laws, J. David Reed, John H. Hoag

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

The central issue with which this paper deals is the effectiveness of alternative air pollution control standards presently in use in the United States. More specifically, an analysis and comparison of effluent air standards versus ambient air standards will be performed. The question of effectiveness will be in the context of how well the alternative pollution control measures achieve society's expectations as goals when the standards are imposed. Society's views are assumed to be reflected through a regional (state) planner. The analysis is performed through the use of optimal control techniques. Initially the effluent air standards model will be examined. …

The Energy Needs Of The Developing Countries, Vaman Rao

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

The energy needs of the developing countries are enormous. They will grow with the passage of time as the pace of economic development accelerates and those countries enter the industrial epoch. The sheer physical non-availability of coal and petroleum to most of them makes it obligatory to choose an unconventional resource as an energy-base. The nuclear fission is the only option now available which is feasible, less-expensive and plentiful. Solar and fusion may be the ultimate sources in the steady state, when appropriate technologies are developed.

The Impact Of Changing Net Returns On Minimum Energy Requirements For Grain Farms, James B. Kliebenstein, Robert M. Finley, Douglas C. Farthing

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

With sources of energy more restricted and higher priced, optimal combinations of enterprises must logically be considered on the basis of energy efficiency. One method of ascertaining this efficiency is to optimize solutions for given levels of income on the basis of energy used (e.g., the objective function was in terms of energy kilocalories). In general, soybeans were most feasible at lower levels of income regardless of farm size and labor circumstance. As income levels increased, double-cropping (wheat soybeans) was first substituted and finally corn at highest income levels.

4th Annual Umr-Dnr Conference On Energy -- Entire Proceedings, University Of Missouri--Rolla

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

No abstract provided.

The National Program For Solar Energy, Keith Davidson, Richard J. Gariboldi, John J. Purcell

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

On October 26, 1974, the Solar Energy Research Development and Demonstration Act was signed into law authorizing a vigorous federal program of research development and demonstration to establish solar energy as a viable energy resource. Solar heating and cooling of buildings represents a midterm help in an attempt to be less dependent on oil and natural gas. Many other solar programs are underway in the development of solar energy.

Heat Pumps Without Supplemental Heat, Carl W. Glaser

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

Through the past few years, fuel used to generate electricity has climbed steadily in cost resulting in a new and much higher level of acceptance for the air to air heat pump system. Manufacturers have improved the product tremendously and have established a level of reliability approaching that of the conventional air conditioner. The fact that heat pumps reduce the cost of heating by 30% to 50% over conventional electric resistance heating and that natural gas is not available in many parts of the country has resulted in more and more heat pumps being installed in homes. While the benefits …

Countdown For Energy Research, Development And Demonstration In America, Tom Day

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

The energy research business is rapidly developing an appreciation of time elements which indicate that in order for "a system” to compete with the big five prime fuels for the generation of electric energy, 1982 is going to be a critical year whereby RD & D efforts must provide on-line results.

Design Optimization For Solar Array Of Multiple Collector Types, Jerry O. Bradley, David Posner, C. E. Bingham

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

Methodology is presented for optimizing solar arrays used for heating fluids from ambient to elevated temperatures. The optimal array consists of the appropriate combination of available collector types which delivers the most energy per dollar invested in the array. An example optimization is presented and verified using computer simulation of numerous combinations of collector types.

Coal Gasification And Its Alternatives, Robert L. Huffman

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

This paper presents the importance and need for coal gasification to the homeowner in light of the available alternatives. The status of coal gasification and announced projects are outlined citing the regulatory and financial problems which have caused unnecessary and unreasonable delays. Present energy systems are compared showing the efficiency and cost advantages of natural gas to the consumer over electricity. Energy projections stress the importance of coal and nuclear energy for the future. In this regard, utilization of U.S. coal resources for coal gasification and electric power generation are compared. These comparisons show that synthetic gas from coal is …

Life Cycle Costing Of Energy Systems, William R. Baker

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

Determination of true costs of ownership and the proper evaluation of savings are extremely important with regard to the purchase of energy efficient systems. It is the purpose of the following paper to discuss the application of the life cycle costing process as applied to the evaluation of capital expenditures.

The Operator’S Guide For Minimizing Energy Costs, Charles Dare, Frank A. Gerig

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

The consumption of petroleum by transportation activities is increasing despite the finite limits on its supply. This paper concentrates on the motor vehicle driver, his driving habits, and guides to reduced fuel consumption which would enable the individual to curtail wasteful practices with respect to vehicle operation.

Reducing Electrical Power Demand For Industries, Burns E. Hegler, J. Byron Nelson, Rene O. Harrell

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

A typical industry has an electric power demand that is in excess of its needs. This condition places an unnecessary burden upon the industry and contributes to the current energy crisis. Reduction of demand may be accomplished by a number of methods of control that are examined and evaluated. Standard techniques of engineering analyses and engineering economy have been used to study and analyze an industry selected as an example.

Emerson Electric -- Application And Results Of An Electric Energy Audit, Bruce E. Jacobs, Yildirim Omurtag

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

The objective of the study was to examine the electrical usage of an Emerson division located in the Northeast, provide a method of managing the usage and make recommendations for conservation. Both past and present usage were examined in an attempt to determine if potential savings might be realized by a reduction in energy and peak demand. Discussion will include an electrical energy tracking mechanism, ratios and indicators, use of rate consultants, state sales tax exemption clauses, and sample calculations of cost improvements on demand charges.

A Survey Of Energy Information Systems And Its Implications For Industrial Energy Management, Yildirim Omurtag, Henry Sineath, Henry Allen Wiebe

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

There is a need for state governments to prepare better strategic plans dealing with the use of their energy resources. These plans must be based on reliable information concerning energy resources and usage if they are to make a contribution to sound energy management. This paper presents the results of a survey which was conducted during 1976 and 1977 to determine the availablility of comprehensive energy information systems for planning and controlling the state-wide energy related activities in the United States.

Barriers And Incentives To The Commercialization Of Solar Heating And Cooling Of Buildings, Dennis R. Costello, David M. Posner

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

This paper reviews potential barriers to the widespread use of solar heating and cooling systems in residential and commercial buildings. Although solar systems have been technologically proven and are used to a limited extent today, economic, institutional, and legal barriers may slow future commercialization. Consideration of incentives which might reduce these barriers raises the question of how to evaluate alternative policy question options.

Forest Residues As An Alternate Energy Source, John G. Riley, Norman Smith

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

Forest residues, in combination with more intensified timber production systems have potential as a substantial source of fuel wood. The extent and availability of this resource is discussed, with particular reference to the energetics and economics of existing and proposed harvesting systems. Utilization of residue wood fuels is considered and recent developments in small scale automatic wood chip burning heating systems for residential and commercial use are described.

Large And Small Applications Of Energy Farming, Oliver C. Sitton, E. A. Kobylinski, J. L. Gaddy

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

The collection of solar energy by photosynthesis and the subsequent conversion of crop matter to natural gas can be practiced in farm scale applications or very large installations. This paper discusses the design and economics of these systems.

Economic Optimization Of Heatpump Assisted Solar Heating In Illinois, Ali Shams, Edward A. Mass

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

This study undertakes the task of determing the optimal mix of solar and heat pump forms of heating. By installing a solar heating system a homeowner is considered to be an energy producer and thus to apply the least cost methods used by firms in the competitive market for any given level of fuel conservation. The study will examine the simulated performances of air and liquid circulating systems in conjunction with heat pumps, in parallel as well as combined fashion. Optimization is achieved by equating the present value of the cost of solar and heat pump heating systems at margin.

A Strategy For Utilizing Nuclear Power, Edward J. Martens

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

One of our national goals is to achieve independence in the area of energy supplies in the next few years. We believe that attaining this goal will require extensive utilization of nuclear power in conventional fission reactors. We propose that the best way to develop our nuclear resource is through government ownership of the reactors. We argue that this will minimize the risks associated with the nuclear power option and clear the way for its exploitation.

Comparison Of Nuclear And Coal Power Plants Using Net Energy Analysis, Nicholas Tsoulfanidis, Gazendra Suwal

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

Net Energy Analysis has been used to compare coal and nuclear power plants. Net Energy Analysis is a method by which a system is studied in terms of the energy needed to construct and operate every unit or item associated with that system, its effects to the environment and the energy produced by the system. The results of the comparison are expressed as the ratio of the total energy output divided by the total energy input.

Attitudes Towards Quality In The Design And Construction Of Nuclear Power Plants, Daniel L. Babcock, Larry G. Harmon

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

Adequate regulation of construction (and operation) of nuclear power plants has become a matter of growing national concern. Published statements by individuals speaking from two viewpoints, those of the regulatory agencies and the nuclear power industry, suggest divergent attitudes. Nineteen statements from these two points of view were evaluated for agreement or disagreement by 38 knowledgeable persons from both industry and government (of 50 solicited in a mail survey). Survey results showed a general appreciation of the need for some level of regulation and also for the possibility of over-regulation. Differences existed within as well as between the two groups, …

Consumers’ Attitude Toward Energy Conservation In A Middle-Size City, Mangi Agarwal, Dan Johnson

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

This study explores the attitude of household consumers toward conservation in their electrical usage. It examines whether a time-of-day pricing structure will influence their response to shifting their electrical usage from peak to non-peak hours. It also attempts to measure their perceived elasticity of electricity consumption.

Land Use And Energy Utilization For The St. Louis Smsa, Norval D. Wallace, Alfred Kahn

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

The sensitivity of energy consumption to the residential patterns of the population growth in the St. Louis region between 1970 and 1995 is investigated. Methodology is presented for computing transportation and residential energy consumption, making maximum use of local data in a manner which is intimately tied to land use. Results of energy computations for a 1995 land use plan developed by East-West Gateway Coordinating Council and four alternatives are presented. The results are put into perspective with other related energy conservation measures.

Energy Savings At No Cost, J. E. Mosimann

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

A case history of how a large manufacturer of sophisticated electron devices embarked on an energy conservation program which resulted in an overall reduction of 38 percent in annual energy used. Greatest savings of energy were realized from the projects that required essentially no capital dollars to incorporate.