Engineering Commons^™

University Of Missouri--Rolla Wood Energy Research, Yildirim Omurtag, V. J. Flanigan, Nathan E. Welch

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

The overall objective of this project is to conduct a research and development program which will lead to the early commercialization of wood gasification technology to process wood residues typical of those found in the Ozark region.

Innovations In Heat Pumps, Ronald Hunter Howell, Harry J. Sauer Jr.

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

The status of the residential heat pump industry is reviewed. Some potential improvements in energy efficiency, operational reliability, and initial cost are described and delineated. These possible innovations include two-speed or variable speed compressors, reliable defrost initiation and termination, improved system components, modifications to the basic thermodynamic cycle, add-on-heat pumps, solar assisted heat pumps, annual cycle energy system, chemical heat pumps, and gas fired heat pumps.

Sizing Of Air-Conditioning Systems -- The New Methodology, Harry J. Sauer Jr., Ronald Hunter Howell

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

Accurate cooling load calculations for sizing air-conditioning equipment are more important today than ever. Properly sized equipment saves energy. This paper briefly describes a new method developed by ASHRAE for such calculations .

Design And Operational Characteristics Of A Retrofit Solar Heating System, D. J. Wetteroff, Bassem F. Armaly

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

The construction and the operation of a retrofit solar assisted space heating system are described. Performance characteristics of each component were measured and used to estimate the contribution of solar energy to the yearly space heating energy requirements.

Increased Aluminum Use And Its Impact On The Life-Cycle Energy Cost Of Automobiles, Yildirim Omurtag

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

This paper examines the life-cycle of a passenger automobile including ore refining, manufacture of components, assembly, driving and recycling to provide a general computerized model to be used in evaluating the impact of various material substitution rates and recycling policies on the total system energy consumption. The emphasis is on the use of increased aluminum to replace iron and steel.

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 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.

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, …

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.

Heat Recovery Devices For Building Hvac Systems, Ronald H. Howell, Harry J. Sauer Jr.

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

The opportunities and advantages of air-to-air heat recovery are described. The five basic types (rotary regenerative, coil loop run around, open run-around, heat pipe, and plate type) are described and their typical performance is presented. The potential savings in operating costs as well as initial equipment costs for common applications are presented.

A Systems Study Of Our Energy Problems, S. C. Lee

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

The diminishing supply of petroleum and natural gas has induced many concerned citizens as well as many interest groups to study energy problems. Based on different sources of information and various degrees of economical consideration, conflicting conclusions have been reached. To help resolve this situation, a systems study was conducted. The available statistics on the supply and demand of energy were examined. The resources of nuclear energy, fossil fuel, and renewable energy sources were analyzed. Considerations were weighted equally on energy content, resource availability, existing technology, and consumer economics as well as on the impact of ecology and sociology. The …

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.

3rd Annual Umr-Mec Conference On Energy -- Entire Proceedings, University Of Missouri--Rolla

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

No abstract provided.

Front Matter, University Of Missouri--Rolla

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

No abstract provided.

Opening Remarks, Raymond L. Bisplinghoff

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

You are all extended the very warmest welcome to the University of Missouri-Rolla. This four day conference on energy, the second of its kind, is filled with papers and activities that should find some interest for almost everyone involved in energy activities. All of us on this campus want you to have a rewarding four days and to enjoy yourselves as well. It goes without saying that we stand ready to aid you in every way that is possible. I want to commend the organizers, particularly Dr. Derald Morgan, for his hard and dedicated work in putting the conference together.

Energy Conservation In Uniroyal, Inc., John C. Madigan

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

In the last year, rapid developments have led to the establishment of industry conservation goals and monitoring by the Department of Commerce and the Federal Energy Administration via the various industry associations.

Since 1972, Uniroyal has progressed more than half way toward the 1980 goal of 15% established for the rubber and chemical industries. This paper will describe details of the program with emphasis on new input, such as the computerized tracking method now in use.

Plant studies have provided an assessment of "base" loads vs. process loads, important when considering unit energy consumption. These vary, particularly with the climate …

The Energy Conservation Implications Of Master Metering Of Electric Service In Apartments, Gordon Gross

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

A study has been made of the difference in electricity usage between residents of "Electricity included" apartments and those tenants who pay individual "light bills." The factors which influence owners' and builders' choices of metering service are discussed in detail.

Data taken from over 100 apartment buildings or complexes in 10 major U.S. metropolitan areas and from over 50 major electric power companies are used as the basis for the reported results. Contractors estimates of the costs to convert building service from master to individual meter and some bases for these costs are presented.

The energy conservation potential which might …

Energy Conservation Program At Ralston Purina, George A. Bossman

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

While the food industry as a whole uses only about 5 per cent of total manufacturing energy, we at Ralston Purina Company recognize our dependence upon energy and the importance of a strong energy management program. Last year, as part of this program, we established and implemented an energy conservation program designed to identify opportunities for conservation.

The major thrust of this program has been directed at manufacturing facilities where usages can be traced, wastes detected, and appropriate action taken. These are separate from a general overall corporate effort to make employees more energy conscious in every phase of their …

Solar Assisted Power Systems, A. G. Potter

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

Except for hydroelectric power, solar electric generation has not been widely used in the past to assist power system generation because of its relatively high cost. This situation has now started to change with the advent of the energy crisis as exemplified by decreasing natural gas supplies and increasing fossil fuel prices. One possible response to this situation which appears to have a relatively good chance for economic success is the utilization of wind and solar thermal energy for space and water heating loads served by natural gas or electric power. Unfortunately, a large portion of the energy collected in …

Wind Energy Concentrators, John L. Loth

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

This paper presents two alternatives to the shrouded propeller wind energy concentrator. Their operation is based on generating a low pressure area, with high local wind velocity, around the windmill rotor.

The two types of wind energy concentrators considered are: (1) the "obstruction type" concentrator where a vertical cylinder or vertical flat surface is used to produce high local velocities around two counter-rotating vertical axis rotors, and (2) the "vortex type" concentrator where a horizontal vortex is generated by a vertical high lift wing of finite span. The high local wind kinetic energy inside the vortex is harnessed by a …

Energy From Agriculture, E. C. Clausen, D. L. Million, Efton Park, J. L. Gaddy

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

During the past few years, the demand for energy and petrochemicals has grown at a pace so rapid that our reserves of fossil fuels, once considered inexhaustible, are now being quickly depleted. To help lessen this impending problem, alternative sources of energy must be rapidly developed.

Of the many new sources of energy being studied, solar energy, undisputedly, is the most inexhaustible. Energy from the sun, incident upon the earth's surface, exceeds by nearly three orders of magnitude the total energy consumption today. Furthermore, it is not subject to nationalistic boundaries and its use would be compatible with our environmental …

Energy Management In The Food Store, Paul Adams

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

Food store refrigeration is vital to the food distribution system and consumes much of the energy used in a supermarket. The manufacturers of food store display equipment have worked long and hard to develop new ideas in supermarket energy conservation. Hussmann's studies have uncovered a number of facts invaluable to anyone concerned with energy conservation in the supermarket.

The first fact is to realize that supermarkets are different from any other retail stores. They consume more energy each year per sq. ft. of store - or per customer - or per dollar sales than other retail stores and most commercial …

Osmo - Power. Osmotic Work; Energy Production From Osmosis Of Fresh Water/Sea-Water Systems, H. H. G. Jellinek

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

It is imperative that new and ecologically acceptable energy sources are made available. Solar energy is a source which seems to be inexhaustible and free of pollution hazards. One vast source, which can be considered to be a solar energy source consists of the system fresh water/sea water. Fresh water is continually removed by the hydrological cycle where water evaporates from the ocean due to solar radiation and is eventually precipitated again in the form of fresh water feeding various rivers. Fresh water and ocean (salt) water mix when rivers flow into the oceans. The different chemical potentials are equalized …

Lean Burning Spark-Ignition Engines -- An Overview, J. A. Alic

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

Means of improving the thermal efficiency of spark-ignition internal combustion engines through fuel-lean combustion at part-load are discussed. For purposes of comparison and evaluation, lean-burning engines are classified as modified conventional engines, stratified charge engines, and engines using alternative fuels. Particular attention is given to automobile applications because of their importance for conservation of fuels.

Efficiency In The Use Of Energy Has Been Effected Through Industrial Use Of Subsurface Space, Truman Stauffer Sr.

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

Our Nation, with its high standard of living made possible by industrialization, draws heavily on energy producing natural resources. Self reliance mandates the use of every measure of conservation in order to extend the yet finite supply of energy to meet our national needs. Efficiency in the use of energy has been and can increasingly be effected through industrial use of subsurface space. The use of mined rooms for industry and warehousing utilizes the natural stable underground temperature and the low coefficient of heat transfer existing naturally in the lithosperic materials of the subsurface environment. The small amount of energy …

A Vehicle For Improving Energy Management For Business And Industry, Herbert M. Eckerlin, Albert S. Boyers

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

A new technical assistance program focusing on the area of energy management has been developed by North Carolina State University for business and industry. This paper describes the operation of the program and presents some typical recommendations made to industry. The impact of the energy crisis on small industry is discussed and future plans for addressing this problem are presented.

Planned Reduction In Electrical Energy Use In Nashville - Davidson County, Tennessee: A Preliminary Assessment, Barry D. Lichter, William F. Flanagan, Robert S. Goodrich, James K. Sebenius, C. Paul Beach

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

An assessment was carried out of the impacts of the various alternative strategies designed to reduce the rate of electrical energy use in the Nashville-Davidson County area, in the light of a potential crisis in supply. Seven strategies were identified among the major categories of voluntary reduction, price regulation, and mandatory reduction. Thirty-three sub-sectors were identified among residential, commercial and industrial users, and the consequences of imposing the strategies were assessed using a cross-impact matrix. The value of the methodology as an aid to public policy formulation lies in its possible extension to allow direct participation of various affected publics.

Alternative Approaches To Energy Modeling, Alan S. Cohen, Kenneth W. Costello

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

The effects of government and private sector energy policies are varied and interrelated. Before implementing research and development programs, new technologies, environmental and price regulations, import quotas, and other energy-related policies, the consequences of these programs must be identified and quantified on a regional basis. To evaluate the regional impacts of energy policies, we need to consider production costs, transportation costs, and the location of reserves, as well as the demands for energy and nonenergy goods. Developing techniques for analyzing these factors was the objective of many previous research efforts. The strengths and weaknesses of the resulting models are discussed …

Ways To Reduce Peak Electrical Demand In South Louisiana, S. J. Gold, M. D. Bakewell, G. E. Guidry, E. F. Lewis, L. J. Naquin, B. P. Whitney

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

This study analyses alternatives for coping with the peak electrical demand of hot summer afternoons. Economic and Political aspects, as well as technical feasibility, are included. It is concluded that South Louisiana may indeed be able to trim peak demand to 5% below what is anticipated by 1980 , thus making one of the coal fired stations scheduled then unnecessary. However, the contingencies (Natural Gas Shortage, Another Oil Embargo) would make a coal-fired station very desirable.