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Technoeconomic Aspects Of Photovoltaic Electric Power Systems (Peps), Jerry O. Bradley, Dennis R. Costello

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

The economic feasibility of central photovoltaic power plants is investigated from the perspective of an electric power utility company. The maximum acceptable price of the system is established, as a function of conventional fuel costs. Factors which would enhance the economic attractiveness of the system are analyzed. These include: increases in conventional fuel costs, decreases in photovoltaic system costs and subsidies to attract utility companies

Energy Crisis And Food Crisis: The Role Of U.S. Agriculture, Dan Dvoskin, Earl O. Heady

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

An interregional linear programming model of U.S. agricultural production is used to analyze the economic ramifications of high energy prices and high agricultural exports by 1985. The study explains some of the changes that can be expected to take place if energy prices were to reach a level twice as high as 1974 energy prices. It also examines the response of agriculture to increased agricultural exports and the role of agriculture in the U.S. foreign trade.

Manpower Programs For Engineers And Technologists In Future Energy Systems, Burns E. Hegler

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

Technically competent personnel are required for the success of future energy programs. To determine this country's educational ability to provide such personnel, a study has been made of the present status and future plans for their education and training. The plans of energy-related governmental, educational, and other organizations have been reviewed, and the uncertainty of objectives, alternative goals, and problems of implementation have been considered. Although the results point to some problem areas, they indicate that the country's educational institutions can provide the manpower for future energy systems once the goals are established. Some conclusions and general recommendations are proposed.

Training Programs For Energy Management In Developing Countries, J. Byron Nelson, Burns E. Hegler, J. Derald Morgan

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

This paper discusses some of the general inter-related energy, management, and economic problems in developing countries as well as a common project methodology that can be used to formulate and implement development strategies according to the needs of any particular country. Because the development of human resources, especially managerial skills, is critically needed, the characteristics of managers in developing countries, the problems they face, and their training needs are discussed. Finally an example of a specific training program is outlined.

Human Resources In Electrical Energy Conservation, Tom Day

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

With America's increasing inability to produce, secure and conserve its own energy resources, many social and technical changes will have to take place in order to shift the tide of events from an increasing dependence upon foreign imports of energy stocks. The first change which must take place is within us: To be aware of the need and impetus to conserve energy of all forms so that we may buy time in which to properly assess where we are going, how we are going to achieve energy independence and once we get there, how it will be managed. Electrical energy …

The Energy Dilemma Of Puerto Rico, Juan A. Bonnet Jr., Fernando L. Perez

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

The energy problems of the island of Puerto Rico are discussed in this paper. The conflict between the need to increase the industrial activity and the need to reduce the almost complete dependency on imported fuel oil is analyzed. Conservation measures and activities to promote the development of our alternate energy sources are discussed. The case of PuertoJlico presents what can happen to a country that depends almost exclusively in foreign oil for its energy production.

Energy Status In Puerto Rico: An Assessment Of The Petroleum Situation, Juan J. Rigau

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

This paper covers selected aspects of the energy status in Puerto Rico, with particular consideration to the relation between energy and economic development. A historical perspective of the development of the petroleum-petrochemical sector is given with consideration to policy aspects and current efforts to reinstate past comparative advantages with the Gulf Coast.

On The Need For A National Energy Policy, Robert A. Weatherup, Roy G. Weatherup

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

This article is primarily about the energy shortage and possible ways of dealing with it. The article started out to be a technical article for a scientific or engineering journal. However, as time went along and as the article developed, it became obvious that there is a need for a broad, accurate, "big picture" discussion of our energy problem in a form which includes legal and political considerations.

Forecasting As An Aid To Establishing A National Energy Policy, Yildirim Omurtag, Thomas J. Murray

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

This paper points out the importance of obtaining accurate estimates of short and long range energy needs for effective planning. Among the forecasting methods discussed are time series analysis, causal methods, and qualitative methods. Each method is further classified according to its forms and analyzed with respect to its applicability to energy related quantities. Included among the qualitative approaches is the Delphi method which is proposed for energy forecasting to aid in formulating a dynamic national energy policy. After a brief illustration of the essential features of the Delphi process, its possible use in formulating a national energy policy is …

When Being Morally Responsible Isn't Simple, Richard H. Bube

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

Human nature craves simple solutions for complex problans. The energy problan - like many other ethical problems - does not yield to simple solutions.

Household Recycling -- A Potential Community Service Opportunity For Concerned Engineers, James P. Bosscher

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

Initially, the multiple societal and environmental dividends of and imperatives for source-separation, household recycling for a concerned community are delineated and evaluated.

Next, three proven models for the establishment of a separation- based community recycling enterprise are described and contrasted. They are (a) The all-volunteer effort,(b)the non-profit corporation, and(c)the municipal operation.

Finally, a series of low-cost, "battle-tested" recycling devices constructed from "junk" and "off-the-shelf" components to aid in the implementation of a community presented and plans provided.

Innovative Wind Turbines, Richard E. Walters, Jerome B. Fanucci, John L. Loth, William Squire, Paul G. Migliore, Reazul Huq

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

This research is concerned with the initial investigation of two innovative concepts in wind energy conversion turbines. The first concept is a vortex concentrator, a device which creates a strong vortex in the ambient wind. The energy per unit area in the vortex region is much higher than for the undisturbed wind, allowing the energy to be more efficiently converted to more useful forms. The second concept is a vertical axis wind turbine which uses straight blades composed of airfoil shapes having high efficiency. This would be attained by using circulation controlled (c.c.) airfoils for the blades; these airfoils contain …

Solar Energy For Drying Shelled Corn And Hay, Mylo A. Hellickson, William H. Peterson, David P. Yexley

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

Investigations of selected types of low-cost, low-temperature rise solar collectors for drying shelled corn and chopped hay were performed in 1974 and 1975. The results indicate that bare plate, solar collectors can be an economically feasible means of providing supplemental heat for agricultural drying operations in South Dakota.

Application Of Solar Energy Collectors To Grain Drying, Gene C. Shove

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

Flat plate solar energy collectors utilizing air as the energy transfer medium can be constructed on the side walls of grain drying bins or incorporated into the walls and roofs of farm buildings adjacent to grain drying bins. Farm buildings provide large flat areas capable of capturing considerable solar energy with relatively simple collectors. Experimental solar grain drying installations now in use are providing design, construction, and operational information.

"Home Winterization For Poor Elderly" -- A Model Of Value Clarification In The Energy Crisis, Clayton L. Smith

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

The main intention of this paper will be to demonstrate a practical and proven model for helping those who suffer because of the energy crisis now. It will illustrate with the aid of audio—visuals what is being done for the poor elderly in this area to help them practice energy conservation. Last year, for example, nearly three hundred U.M.R. students directed by a V.I.S.T.A. worker (Volunteers in Service To America) winterized nearly fifty homes. Engineering students were able to demonstrate their skills and at the same experience an intergenerational ministry.

The poor elderly are those persons in our society today …

Current High-Level Waste Solidification Technology, W. F. Bonner, W. A. Ross

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

Technology has been developed in the U.S. and abroad for solidification of high-level waste from nuclear power production. Several processes have been demonstrated with actual radioactive waste and are now being prepared for use in the commercial nuclear industry. Conversion of the waste to a glass form is favored because of its high degree of nondispersibility and safety.

Utilization Of Fission Products In Thermal Systems, Harold D. Hollis, Gary S. Stewart

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

The Army is investigating the use of solidified fission product wastes as a heat source for thermal utility systems on military installations. A boiler system has been conceptually designed, thermal and radiological requirements are still being investigated. The application of nuclear waste as a heat source affects the entire scope of nuclear waste management offering both benefits and problems which must be examined thoroughly before final conclusions can be drawn.

De Facto Limits To Growth: Federal Environmental Policy And Domestic Energy Development In The United States, Richard H. K. Vietor

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

This paper argues that public environmental policy, since 1969, has imposed de facto limits on the growth of America's economy. A plethora of regulations, in response to widespread public resistance to industrial growth, has already circumscribed energy developments to the point of inertia. These national policies reflect changed public values, the implications of which should be acknowledged and evaluated by corporate and governmental energy planners and by the energy consumer as well.

Nuclear Safeguards, Jay O. Hunze

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

Nuclear safeguards Is an Important Issue which bears on the potential usage of nuclear energy as a viable electric power source and an understanding of the Issues and problems Is necessary to resolve this Issue. ERDA has a comprehensive and coordinated program directed toward providing the necessary base, both informational and hardware related, to resolve these issues.

The National Waste Terminal Storage Program, C. D. Zerby

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

The National Waste Terminal Storage (NWTS) program has been established to provide facilities (federal repositories) in various deep geologic formations at multiple locations in the USA which will safely dispose of the commercial radioactive waste that must be delivered to a federal repository for terminal storage. This paper presents an overview of the NWTS program and describes the stepwise approach that is being taken in meeting the objective of the program.

The Effect Of Aec/Nrc Regulation On The Development Of Nuclear Steam Power, David L. Bodde

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

Changing regulatory requirements were an important influence on the technological development of the Nuclear Steam Supply System. Manufacturers felt this influence primarily through increased requirements for information processing rather than through technical changes in the hardware. Regulatory change was driven by: the rapid growth of nuclear plant size; delays in critical safety research; public uncertainty regarding how safe nuclear plants should be; the extreme consequences of a nuclear accident; and strong pressure for the rapid commercialization of nuclear power.

A Detailed Analysis Of The Environmental Effects Of Energy Utilization In The U.S. Economy, H. J. Plass Jr.

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

The total environmental social cost resulting from the consumption of . various fuel's used in the U.S. economy is analyzed by means of an equilibrium model including flows of energy, labor, goods, services, undesirable effects attributable to pollution, and pollution control services. The present mix of fuels, and three alternative fuel mixes more strongly dependent on coal, are analyzed by means of the model.

Geophysical Approaches To Coal Exploration, Gerald B. Rupert

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

The exploration for minerals by geophysical means has been confined largely to the search for hydrocarbons and metallics while applications to coal exploration are somewhat limited. However, the surface reflection seismic technique has been successfully applied not only to delineating coal deposits but also as a tool in mine exploitation. Furthermore, channel waves generated underground have demonstrated potential in detecting the presence of faults in advance of the coal face and Vibroisis* experiments have been conducted whereby abandoned underground workings have been detected by surface seismic arrays. Examples of all of the preceeding are presented and discussed.

Process Energy Evaluations And Optimization In International Projects, Marshall E. Findley

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

A discussion is presented of some of the factors which enter into the economic evaluations and optimizations of energy consuming or producing processes with special emphasis on international projects with multiple national and financial interests involved. In such analyses the objectives and the prices of energy and other factors used have an important effect.

Toward Establishing A National Energy Policy, J. L. Gaddy

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

Coal must become the predominant energy source for this nation for the next 50- 100 years and petroleum must be conserved for petrochemicals. Coal gasification and liquefaction are wasteful processes that will lead tounnecessarily rapid depletion of coal reserves. Generation of electricity with coal is a more economical means of using coal for energy and this technology is already available. This paper discusses the advantages of a coal-electric energy economy and how such an economy.can be implemented.

Economics Of Underground Distribution Cables, M. Mohajery

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

The economics of the primary underground distribution cables are considered. Single-phase circuits are examined using different distribution system options. Within each option, the present worth of the total cost of the cable installation is optimized. If more than one option can be utilized, the appropriate costs are compared and the most economical option is selected.

Economic Analysis Of Wind Generation And Energy Storage For Electric Utility Systems, B. W. Jones, P. M. Moretti

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

If wind generators are being evaluated as part of a larger electric utility generation system, the economic analysis should consider all of their effects upon the make-up and operation of the rest of the system. The introduction of wind generators changes the characteristics of the effective load seen by the rest of the system and consequently shifts the optimal mix of base, swinging, and peaking capacity and their operation. Storage systems used in conjunction with wind generators must also be evaluated. The storage can also be evaluated by determining its effect upon load characteristics. It is shown that the storage …

Economic Aspects Of Imposed Air Standards, John H. Hoag, J. David Reed

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

Due to concern for the state of the environment, the federal government passed laws forcing industry to accomodate the wishes of environmentalists. In particular the Clean Air Standards Act imposed a measure of air pollution and dictated an upper bound on the amount of allowable air pollution in terms of this standard. This paper attempts to investigate the impact of such a law in the context of a two firm world. In the model each firm produces output and pollution so as to maximize profit. The pollution of all firms together is the variable which comes under constraint of the …

Human Resources For Energy Systems: Alternative Strategies Of Allocation, Curtis H. Adams, Burns E. Hegler

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

The choice of strategies in establishing manpower policy for energy is critical for the attairment of energy goals. Three alternative strategies are considered with the tradeoffs of each evaluated.

City Club Of Portland Bulletin Vol. 57, No. 19 (1976-10-8), City Club Of Portland (Portland, Or.)

City Club of Portland

No abstract provided.