Engineering Commons^™

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.

Manufacturers' Responses To Fuel Supply Problems, Evelyn R. Rosenthal

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

The progress of energy conservation in industry was investigated with the aim of identifying barriers to strong energy conservation efforts. One of these barriers proved to be fuel supply problems as exemplified by the natural gas shortage of 1976-77.

Dilemmas In Decision-Making Towards The Resolution Of The Energy Crisis, Rao J. Tatikonda, Mark R. Bomball, Lakshmi U. Tatikonda

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

This paper discusses various solution approaches to solve our aggravating energy problem. It presents various dilemmas faced by the energy policy-makers of the United States, for each of the solution approaches. The factors involved are economic, environmental, technological, sociological, psychological, ethical, political,institutional, international, regulatory, managerial, futuristic, and systems-oriented. An approach to help the Congress and the President to formulate and implement an effective National Energy Plan is discussed.

Energy Conservation In Buildings -- The Missouri Plan, Jack Whittier, Bill Jurkiewicz, Weston Fisher

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

In 1974, approximately 23 percent (256.5 trillion Btu's) of Missouri energy was consumed in the residential sector. In 1980, this figure is projected to be 246.6 trillion Btu's (21 percent) (ref. 1). The reduction reflects already implemented conservation activities and the increased use of electric heating at higher end point efficiency. Estimates suggest that energy savings of nearly 50 percent could be achieved in this sector, primarily by upgrading the thermal efficiency of building structures and changing user behavior patterns. This given potential, the reduction of energy consumption in this sector has become a major target of the Missouri Energy …

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.

Overview And Impact Of Ashrae Standard 90 -- An Energy Standard For New Buildings, Edward A. Kriege

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

This talk is an introduction to ASHRAE Standard 90. It is a brief review of the purpose, history, content and inpact of the document.

Quantification Of Energy Resource Consumption, William J. Coad

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

This paper addresses the fundamental issue of energy conservation in exploring the question - what is to be conserved? Following a brief chronology of the situation leading to the present day concerns regarding the energy intensity of our economy, the role of the engineering community is addressing solutions is discussed. The conclusion developed is that the engineering disciplines must assume the lead in channeling energy conservation efforts toward the salient goal of reducing excessive use of energy resource matter.

The Political Economy Of Opec, Loring Allen

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

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a part of the hard reality of the present and future energy position of the U. S. It burst upon the world scene in 1973 in response to long years of shabby treatment by the oil companies and oil-importing countries. Through cooperation in the exercise of their sovereignty over oil deposits, OPEC members have extracted increasing revenues through restricting production and raising price. Although serving its own interests, OPEC benefits also the rest of the world, even though its presence portends a shift in the world balance of power.

Solar Heated Animal Shelters, Joan M. Wood

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

Modern day agricultural methods have made todays farmers dependent upon fossil fuels to maintain their productivity. This paper addresses one aspect of the problem -- the heating of animal shelters. In particular, the solar heating of a broiler grow-out house, where temperatures of up to 95°F must be maintained, is discussed.

A detailed analysis of a solar heated broiler grow-out house that has been operating for over a year will be presented. The solar system provided 47% of the heat required to grow 22,000 chickens. The system utilizes a 3,200 ft.2 integrated rock absorption and storage collector. An economic analysis …

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.

A Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Feeding Power Into The Utility Grid, G. C. Thomann, M. Jong, M. H. Snyder

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

A small horizontal axis wind turbine, with about a 2 kW power output, was constructed to convert wind energy into AC power to be fed into the utility grid. The machine is intended to model operation of the larger wind generators now being built. The variable pitch rotor is 18 ft in diameter and has a GA(W)-1 blade airfoil. The rotor is fabricated from sitka spruce mounted on a commercial propeller/hub system. Rotor speeds of from 75 to 150 rpm are used in operation. A chain drive and helical gear drive system steps up rotor speed to 1800 - 3600 …

Airfoil Data For Use Of Wind Turbine Designers, Melvin H. Snyder

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

This paper reviews design procedures for wind-axis turbine rotors. An "on-design" routine for rotor blade design is presented as well as an "off-design" performance calculation program. Resulting from this review are analyses of desirable characteristics of airfoil sections and of types of data which rotor designers need. Included in the paper are airfoil characteristics for candidate blade sections including 360 degree data for GA(W)-1 and GA(W)-2 airfoils.

Economics And Net Energy Analysis: Is A New Analytical Technique Needed For Energy Decision Making?, William J. Kruvant

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

The paper attempts to evaluate the claims of Net Energy Analysis (NEA) against those of economics in a reasonably comprehensive way. The principal problems of NEA concern system boundaries, aggregation across fuels, valuing external effects, valuing human labor and valuing time. These problems seriously limit the contribution Net Energy Analysis can make to allocation decisions, and allocation Is the central problem of energy policy.

Volunteers In Energy Conservation -- Potential And Problems, Clayton L. Smith

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

The social and political implications of the energy crisis, while complex in nature and understanding, seem to urgently proclaim that the time for action is now. This paper is based on the premise that individual responsibility is essential. The people must act. Political decisions must be made. The people must debate what social climates are to be promoted and by what new energy systems. The key to solving the energy crisis is America's people, and particularly with its youth. With people come the potential and of course, the problems. The approach of this paper will be threefold.

An Overview Of Potential Impacts Of Changing Petroleum Energy Prices On Grain Farms, Jean-Paul Chavas, James B. Kliebenstein

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

Since the early 1970s world fossil fuel energy prices have risen dramatically. Assuming there is no significant breakthrough in en- ergy technology, the world will see further increases in energy prices. These changes will likely lead to economic adjustments in U. S. agriculture. A firm level linear programming model is used to evaluate what some of these adjustments could be on a Missouri grain farm. To obtain expected energy price affects on production mixes, energy prices are changed parametrically. Potential crop adjustments are from corn to single-crop soybeans to wheat as energy prices increase. Fertilization adjustments are from chemical to …

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.

Low Head Power Generation With Bulb Turbines, J. L. Carson, R. S. Samuelson

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

Because of uncertainties, delays, and high costs associated with alternative electric energy sources, many agencies responsible for generation of electrical power are investigating means of replacing or supplementing their existing hydroelectric facilities. In the head range between 10 and 60 feet, the bulb-type generating unit, in which the generator is enclosed in a metal capsule within the water passage, has many advantages, including higher efficiency and lower cost, over other types of turbines. Two of the municipalities in the United States which have recently conducted feasibility studies for installing bulb turbines in their systems are the City of Idaho Falls, …

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.

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, …