Engineering Commons^™

Comparative Residential Energy Consumption And Fuel Costs With Various Types Of Systems: Oil-, Gas-, Electric-Furnaces And Heat Pumps, Ronald Hunter Howell, Harry J. Sauer Jr.

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

The electric air-to-air heat pump for residential heating offers an economic alternative to systems traditionally used extensively for home heating, such as, oil or gas fired furnaces and electric resistance heat. This simulation analysis showed that using 1976 mid- Missouri fuel costs, an oil fired furnace was the least expensive to operate of the three traditional type residential heating units. LP gas heating was 19% higher than oil heat while electric resistance heating was 26% higher in cost than oil. The typical air-to- air heat pumps showed a 29% reduction in the heating bill when compared to an oil furnace.

Biomass As An Energy Mechanism, E. C. Clausen, Oliver C. Sitton, Efton Park, J. L. Gaddy

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

Laboratory studies at the University of Missouri-Rolla have demonstrated the feasibility of producing methane by anaerobic digestion of various crop materials, such as grasses and corn stalks. These studies indicate that about 6.0 scf of methane are produced per pound of crop material destroyed. Preliminary design and economic studies of a large methane plant show that the reactors represent the largest cost item and that efforts should be concentrated on defining reaction kinetics and reactor design. This paper discusses various approaches to reactor design. A process to produce 50 M5CFD of methane is described, and the design and economics are …

The Forgotten Fundamentals Of The Energy Crisis, Albert A. Bartlett

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

Papers at an energy conference may tend to deal with details. The details are important, but only if they relate to the national or global picture. We know that an energy crisis has motivated us to look at all manner of detail in regard to our own particular uses of energy. We hear political leaders of the United States speaking of "energy self-sufficiency" and of "Project Independence". We have the vague feeling that arctic oil from Alaska will relieve the energy crisis, and we are told that the United States is in good shape in the long run because of …

World Oil Supplies And The Next 25 Years, J. A. Eyer

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

Petroleum must become a more efficiently used commodity while alternative energy sources are developed, but it will remain in high demand as long as the world wide availability is assured, regardless of the influence of the O.P.E.C. nations. The availability of petroleum on a country-by-country survey shows clearly that there are large known recoverable reserves as well as large potential for discovering added reserves. However, the highly industrialized nations do not have adequate petroleum supplies and this will probably not change as long as petroleum remains as the primary energy source.

Frontmatter -- 3rd Annual Conference On Energy 1976, University Of Missouri--Rolla

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

No abstract provided.

Devonianohio Shale Productive Potential, W. M. Hennington

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

The Devonian - Ohio Shale has tremendous producible hydrocarbon reserves that can currently be located and produced by slightly modified exploration, development and bore hole stimulation techniques. Drill site selection utilizing depositional structural relationships to locate the natural compaction fracture reservoir could improve productivity. The Devonian - Ohio Shale is significantly different from the Western Oil Shale since it has primary oil and gas production. This hydrocarbon source could substantially contribute to short term energy needs and the Self Help Energy Program.

Seismic Reflection Profiling -- In Mining And Civil Engineering, John B. Farr

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

A new high resolution seismic reflection technique with an accuracy of a few feet has been developed for shallow mining and civil engineering applications. Very small dynamite charges generate high frequency seismic waves with insignificant surface effects. Special detectors in shallow boreholes are used in conjunction with a high sample rate digital recorder to produce seismic cross sections having frequencies as high as 800 Hz and resolutions 10 times better than heretofore obtained using conventional oil exploration techniques.

Hydraulic Container Pipelining -- A Future Transportation System To Conserve Energy, Henry Liu, Donald L. Gibson

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

Hydraulic container pipelining (HOP) is a new concept in freight transport which has far-reaching implications for a world plagued with pollution and energy shortage. Compared with other modes of freight transport, such as trucking and railroads, HCP consumes less energy and causes less pollution and damage to the environment, based on the same amount of cargoes transported over the same distance. The concept holds great promise for the future.

The Design Of Passive Solar Heating Systems, Gordon L. Moore

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

The many facets of passive design are spelled out in a series of design choices. Starting with the surrounding elements and their effects on the building's energy uses, the procedure moves inward through the envelope, finally considering the thermal dynamics of the structure and its construction materials.

Utilization Of Waste Heat From Electric Power Generation, David A. Barclay, J. L. Gaddy

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

Waste heat from the generation of electricity in this country could supply all of our space heating needs and could make us energy independent. District heating seems to be the best means of recovering sizable quantities of this energy. Economic projectionsshow that district heating would be economical at today's energy prices, in most cases.

Minimizing Transportation Cost With Computerized Routing, James K. Byers, Kaye Grau

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

A computer model has been developed to assist in the routing of transportation vehicles. The model is being used to design some of the bus routes for schools and delivery routes for companies. The results of two applications are presented.

An Analysis Of Optimum Loading Conditions For P-N Junction Solar Cells, R. C. Durbin, J. A. Counsil

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

An analysis of the voltage-current characteristics of a p-n junction solar cell yields an expression for the load resistance at which maximum power transfer occurs. Variations in the parameters which affect the maximum power transfer point are discussed. A means of matching the load to the internal solar cell resistance is explained. Application of the matching system to Electrolysis Cells is discussed.

Rail Transportation Systems That Help Us Meet Our Energy Requirements, Alvin J. Hurt Jr.

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

In direct relation with Economics of Energy, Energy and Power Systems, and Energy Management is transportation of potential energy. Within the scope of the United States energy movement, the railroads play and will continue to play a vital role, since coal is our major energy source for the present as well as for the future.

The only way these huge amounts of coal can be moved over our railroad network is through the establishment of a "System's Approach to transportation and handling of bulk material.

This paper will discuss these existing systems as well as expected improvements.

Application Of Special Fluidized Bed Techniques To Coal Gasification, Gary Kent Patterson

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

The properties of fluidized beds can be drastically altered by the insertion of various types of internal structures. These include screens of all types and orientations, baffles both horizontal and vertical, and heat transfer surfaces. Experimental studies of certain of these internals have been carried out at UMR with the aim of improving the quality of the fluid bed. By improved quality is usually meant smoother, better controlled fluidization, minimized slugging, improved gas-solid contacting, increased or smoothed heat or electrical conduction, and control of the solids movement pattern.

What has been learned at UMR, particularly with difficult to fluidize materials, …

Computer Aided Design Of A Continuous Duty Energy System, Andrew H. P. Swift Jr.

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

In many areas of the United States, the average monthly solar and wind energy density profiles complement each other, which suggests utilization of a power system that employs both solar and wind energy. This paper addresses the problem of identifying these areas from weather data, developing a computer-aided method for the design of such combined solar and wind systems, and examines the economics of combined systems as compared to solar or wind only systems.

The Tradeoffs Between Energy Conversion Stages, Environmental Effects, And Technical Efficiency, Angelos Pagoulatos

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

From analyzing the physical constraints in managing exhaustible and nonrenewable energy resources it follows that decisions concerning how far to convert a given energy resource should be made within an economic framework. The tradeoffs between conversion stages, environmental effects, technical efficiency and uses satisfied by energy resources are then determined. In light of the direct and opportunity costs stemming from increased conversion stages, the intertemporal allocative decisions for exhaustible and nonrenewable energy resources are derived.

Coal Chemistry: Aspects Of Analysis, Structure, Reactions, Conversion, And Byproducts, Stanley E. Manahan

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

An understanding of the chemistry of coal is essential for the most efficient and environmentally acceptable utilization of this important energy resource.. This is particularly true where coal conversion processes are involved. Far from being a simple carbonaceous rock, coal is a complex and variable chemical system. This paper outlines the basic principles of coal chemistry which can be helpful to geologists, engineers, chemists, and others involved with the utilization of coal.

The Demand And Supply Of World Petroleum And Its Consequences For Agricultural Economic Development, Amalia Vellianitis-Fidas

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

The concerns related to the increase cost of petroleum in 1974 and 1975 centered around the enormous transfer of funds needed to pay for petroleum imports by most countries. Although this transfer is successfully taking place in the developed countries, it is taking place with serious long run external financial consequences for the less developed countries. In addition, these countries' continued agricultural development will probably depend on finding new paths to agricultural efficiency that are not as dependent on high-priced fuels.

Remote Sensing As A Tool In Assessing The Impact Of Topographical Alterations On The Microclimate, R. A. Sutherland, J. F. Bartholic

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

Results and analyses of remotely sensed data taken from a NASA aircraft are reported. The study uses continuous data taken in the 8-14ym region of the infrared spectrum which is directly related to surface temperature. The analysis is concentrated on the micrometeorological effects of lakes and hills during near freezing conditions. The impetus for the study is an economic one since proper selection of a site for certain freeze susceptible crops, such as citrus, can result in huge savings of energy and resources.

The Status Of And Need For New Coal Gasification Technology, Jimmie R. Bowden

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

Movement toward a domestic coal-based energy policy has been barely perceptible since the Arab oil embargo of 1973-4. Rapidly declining supplies of natural gas for small businesses and residential uses can be supplemented by coal gasification or replacement of gas by coal as a power generating fuel. At this time it probably is the better choice to use coal to generate power instead of gas. Second generation coal gasification processes under development with ERDA financial help will not change this balance in the next 10 years if at all.

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.