Digital Commons Network^™

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.

A Solar Energy System For Space Heating And Space Cooling, Thomas J. Mcnamara

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

To help reduce natural gas and electrical operating costs, a retrofit space heating and space cooling solar energy system is integrated into the existing conventional heating and air handling systems serving the exhibit spaces. This installation would not only provide substantial energy cost savings to the Museum, but it would also provide a means of showing and explaining the operation of an actual working solar energy system to the large number of daily visitors to the Museum. This report explains the design, operation and performance of this solar energy system.

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.

A Methodology For Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Energy Conservation Programs, Herbert M. Eckerlin

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

With increasing federal emphasis on energy and its conservation, programs to conserve energy are being proposed at all levels of industry, commerce, and government. Many of these programs promise results that can never be realized. This paper describes an operational methodology for estimating and measuring energy savings for these energy conservation programs. The assumptions and qualifications which form the basis of the methodology are discussed, and some techniques for interfacing the methodology with a company's energy conservation program are presented.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

Economic Restraints On Reduced Energy Use In Agriculture, Lowell D. Hill

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

Many of the popular suggestions for improving energy use under mechanized agriculture would result in a reduction in total food supply or they are in conflict with economic decisions. This paper examines several of these suggestions and identifies the economic limits to their implementation. The choice of food products or techniques of production must be evaluated in the context of all uses of energy. Only a market system is capable of permitting every consumer to express his preferences for the infinite array of foods and energy uses.

Cost Effectiveness Of Bio-Gas Systems For Dairy Farms, J. C. Oppenlander, E. A. Cassell, R. N. Downer

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

Considerable attention has recently been focused on the development of farm management practices that utilize the total resource potential of animal wastes. In addition to the fertilizer value of manure, energy in the form of bio-gas can be generated from manure wastes by an anaerobic digestion process. The purpose of this economic analysis was to evaluate the feasibility of producing energy from the anaerobic digestion of dairy-cow manure. Anaerobic digestion systems were rationally designed for several farm management practices on Vermont dairy farms. These designs were sized to accommodate dairy herds of 20, 50, 100, and 200 cows for both …

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.

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.

Energy Consumption Of Household Consumer Products, Michael G. Scott, Blaine N. Ouimette

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

This article describes the energy consuming characteristics of the U.S. household both in quantative and qualitative terms. Alternative household definitions for energy consuming household consumer products are used to illustrate and assess the potential consequences of mandatory energy efficiency and labeling standards.

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.

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 …

Federal Automobile Fuel Economy Standards -- A Status Report, Stanley R. Scheiner

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

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) was enacted into law in December 197 5 and is an important part of our national energy program. A section of the EPCA is concerned with "Improving Automotive Efficiency and delegates various rulemaking responsibilities to the Department of Transportation relating to both passenger automobiles and nonpassenger automobiles. The scope of this paper is limited to a discussion of passenger automobile fuel economy standards for model years 1981 and beyond. A review of the background and rationale for the rulemaking to date and plans for the future are included.

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.

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 …

Recovery Of Oil From Oil Shale -- An Overall Technological Perspective, Abu Ahmad, Sayeed Hasan

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

The hydrocarbon content of oil shale can be converted into liquid oil which is a possible energy resource for the future. Different aspects of shale oil recovery is briefly discussed. The technology of modified in situ oil shale retorting, which is receiving increasing attention for commercialization, is discussed in a little more detail.

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.

Systematic Implementation Of Local, State And Federal Regulations To Control Transportation And Land Use Can Reduce Energy Required For Transportation, J. Larry Josey, J. Edwin Clark

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

Petroleum is available in limited amounts and the Transportation industry is currently using a giant share of the petroleum based fuel used in America. Ways are explored in this paper to reduce the amount of fuel needed to maintain mobility. Regulations on Transportation and Land Use are shown to be potential tools for fuel savings.

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.

The Current Status Of The Canadian Coal Industry, Philip S. Martin

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

Mineable reserves of coal are known to exist right across Canada and some 30 mines are currently operating in five provinces, plus one small mine in the Yukon. Total production in 1977 will a- mount to some 30 million short tons with a value of approximately $700 million, which will be a new record tonnage.

Residential Energy Design, Charles E. Dorgan

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

As a result of the escalating cost of energy for residential heating systems, it is increasingly important that a careful analysis be made of construction methods and equipment installed in new homes. It is the purpose of the following paoer to discuss cost effectiveness procedures that should be adopted by the residential home construction industry.

Building Energy Standards And Codes, Charles E. Dorgan

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

Review steps that can be taken to reduce energy consumption, such as (1) increase energy costs, (2) allocate and limit users, (3) energy codes, (4) voluntary energy standards, and/or (5) change in life style. A dicussion of the types of energy standards/codes and what they accomplish is the main part of the paper -- this includes performance, budget, and prescriptive standards.

The Impact Of A Continuing Energy Crisis: Changing Attitudes And Behaviors Regarding Thermostat Setback, John W. Frazier, Milton E. Harvey

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

A sample of Akron, Ohio SMSA households are utilized to examine thermostat setback as an energy conservation strategy. Socio-economic differences between adopting households are evaluated using discriminant analysis. The results constitute the bases on which our recommendations for future increased use of the thermostat setback strategy are made.

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 …

The Opec Oil-Pricing Policies, Vaman Rao

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

The capital-theoretic model suggested for determining the price- quantity combinations does not hold in the case of most natural resources, including petroleum, since the inelastic demand function would vitiate the optimal solution. The specification of a dynamic demand function, with necessary, attributes, no doubt, results in a valid optimal solution in period t, but that could be achieved only at the cost of sub-optimal solution in other periods. If the OPEC starts behaving as a discriminating monopoly, instead of as a pure monopoly, the optimal solution is assured in all markets and in all time periods.

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.