Engineering Commons^™

Mississippi County Community College -- A Photovoltaic Demonstration Project, William M. Woodsmall Jr.

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

An overall view of the integration of all systems involved in the world's largest photovoltaic demonstration project.

Mississippi County Community College in Blytheville is presently being planned using a 240 KW ± photovoltaic collection field for its energy source. Systems include the collectors, thermal, process control, storage (both thermal and electrical) power conditioning, and the building itself.

On The Thermodynamics Of Direct Energy Conversions, A. A. Rahman

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

In this work, a generalized thermodynamic analysis was developed for direct energy converters that operate as heat engines. Examples for various converters as thermoelectric, MHD and Nernst generators were solved. The possibilities of utilizing these concepts on designing generators to convert heat or solar energy directly into electricity were also discussed.

Low Btu Producer Gas -- A Fuel Of The Past And A Fuel Of The Future, Lee Carter

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

A prime purpose of this paper is to give conscious emphasis to an important type of coal gasification, one that does not demand hundreds of millions of dollars to launch an experimental program but instead is essentially ready to use after a reasonable and straightforward engineering check-out of the local coal sources and the prospective gas demand.

That type of coal gasification results in low Btu producer gas. This paper deals with its history, its technology and its economics. In the light of that information, the future of low Btu producer gas in America then is assessed.

Long Term Stability Of Linearized Thermistor Circuits, Gene E. Kouba

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

The long term accuracy and stability of linearized thermistor circuits used for temperature measurements in a solar home monitoring project are being evaluated by periodic calibration.

Methane Production From Livestock Wastes By Anaerobic Digestion, Panos Kokoropoulos, Harlan H. Bengtson

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

Increasing interest is being shown in anaerobic digestion as a process for both waste treatment and energy production. In this paper an experimental procedure for investigation of anaerobic digestion of livestock wastes is described, and data from experimental work is presented and analyzed. A model of anaerobic digestion is developed which includes conversion of soluble COD to volatile suspended solids by growth of microorganisms and solubilization of volatile suspended solids to soluble COD by enzymes. This model is used for the analysis of the experimental data.

Ambient Air Quality As Related To Energy Conversion Facilities, Economic Activity And Population, Walter P. Page

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

The paper examines the relationships between ambient air quality and energy conversion facilities, economic activity and population. Additional results are presented from investigation of the relationship between ambient air quality and total emissions from four source categories.

Some Problems With Economic Models Involving Air Pollution, John Hoag, J. David Reed

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

In this paper we consider how economic models have interfaced with environmental problems in three areas: optimal air quality standards, pollution control policy and growth with pollution. The focus is on what has been done and what should be done.

Stabilization Of Uranium Mill Trailings, N. H. Tibbs, D L. Rath, E. E. Otto, L. F. Alsup

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

Large volumes of uranium mill tailings are being generated, requiring comprehensive long-term management programs to reduce health and environmental risks. Management programs are available which provide adequate secure long-term storage, but research on innovative concepts is necessary to develop improved, more efficient methods.

Energy Is Not Just Flipping The Switch Any More, Alfred L. Ransome

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

The energy industry -- or basically the mining industry -- is becoming more complex and costly. It is imperative that the facts pertaining to the mineral industry be disseminated to the layman; the best method in the long term is by way of science and economics in the schools -- kindergarten through high school. The Mineral Information Committee of the Colorado Section of the SME-AIME in cooperation with the Metro State College, Denver is embarking on such a program, and the newly developed magazine, "RESOURCES", is the vehicle for spreading the message through the classroom.

Effective Utilization Of Energy From Biomass Residues In Agricultural Applications, Harry W. Parker

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

Biomass is one of the more attractive alternative energy sources. Use of existing biomass residues within the farm and ranch economy can be accomplished with a minimum of organizational problems since the producer, processor, and consumer may be the same person or organization. The major task is to provide potential agricultural biomass users with accurate cost estimates for the energy made available from the biomass, and contemporary technology for its utilization.

Specific examples are given with regard to powering irrigation well engines with cotton gin trash via a producer gas generator, and conversion of harvested mesquite wood to digestible energy …

Concentration Of Solar Energy Using A Cassegrain Type Solar Furnace, M. H. Cobble, W. C. Hull

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

A solar furnace consisting of a paraboloid of revolution that tracks the sun, and a hyperboloid of revolution reflector that has a focus in common with the paraboloid is analyzed using a three-dimensional ray trace to determine the image shape and size, and for the concentration to be obtained for various eccentricities e of the hyperboloid when used with an 84 foot diameter paraboloid (radar dish).

The Solar Connection -- Promise Or Peril?, Paul S. Strong

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

During the past decade important progress has been made in understanding the sun-earth environmental system. Modern observations of solar activity document changes in solar output over time scales ranging from seconds to decades, and evidence for longer term variations have been found in historical records. It follows that the sun cannot be considered to be a totally non-variable energy source. Continued research progress into solar-terrestrial interactions will hopefully provide an understanding of sun-weather/climate relationships resulting in energy conservation through more efficient energy utilization of our planet's atmospheric energy system.

Commercially Available Vacuum Tube Solar Collectors, Stanley J. Ring

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

Efficiencies on the order of 50 percent with high differential temperature (150° C) have been advertised with the current distribution of commercially available evacuated tube collectors. Product specifications and, where possible, experimental data have been gathered and presented. The paper also develops a mathematical model for evaluation of these collectors. Results conclude that, although performance is high, collector expense limits the cost effectiveness to necessary high-temperature, high-volume applications. These include both residential cooling and industrial processing.

Computer Modeling Of A Solar Hot Water Collector System, Michael F. Bregar, William E. Stewart Jr.

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

Computer modeling of a solar collector system can facilitate the selection of design paths and produce the optimal orientation and layout of the system for its intended location and seasonal usage patterns. Application of economic criteria to modeling also enables the analysis of alternate designs in terms of their installed and operating costs, as well as allowing calculation of payback periods for the various system configurations.

This program was intended to aid in the design of solar hot water collector systems. Design parameters of the system are used as inputs to the program. System configuration and design can then be …

Assessment Of Residential Energy Use: Some Results And Methodologies, Gunar E. Liepins

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

This paper addresses the problem of determining residential energy use. Specifically, it discusses some of the estimation methods, selected results, and potential errors in the estimates.

To Light Or Not To Light? -- That Is The Energy Question, J. Byron Nelson, Burns E. Hegler

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

The controversy over lighting levels has existed for some time. Interest in methods of lighting has been heightened by the energy crisis. It has been estimated that lighting consumes approximately five percent of the nation's energy, therefore lighting is a relatively small energy user when compared to transportation and industrial processes which consume the bulk of the nation's energy. However, any saving that will make a contribution to the energy crisis should be considered. Consequently, this paper shows how energy for lighting may be reduced without sacrificing the present quality of lighting and in some cases, actually improve the lighting …

Wood As An Energy Source In The Tennessee Valley Region, Richard L. Doub

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

TVA has been working with wood energy production systems for only a short time, but we have been involved with forest development for many years, and our experience has led us to believe in the viability of using wood for energy production. Commercial forests of the Tennessee Valley region (125 watershed counties, plus another 76 counties where TVA provides Power) occupy some 30.5 million acres. The annual total tree growth from these lands is about 2.3 billion cubic feet of wood-equivalent to 38 million tons of coal in heat value. Conventional forest products now consume some 580 million cubic feet …

Gasification Of Municipal Solid Waste In A Fluidized Bed Reactor, Craig W. Mosley, Radon Tolman

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

Results of pilot plant municipal solid waste gasification studies conducted at the Adolph Coors Company, Golden, Colorado, are presented. The nominal one ton per hour, 150 psig, fluidized bed gasification system was operated during 1973- 1974 using steam and air as oxidants and fluidizing media. These studies show the feasibility of a one-stage, air blown, fluid bed MSW conversion system.

Energy Recovery From Organic Residues By Fluidized-Bed Combustion, V. F. Batson, L. G. Gale, W. L. Hurt, J. W. Stallings, C. M. Young

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

The merits and drawbacks of energy recovery from organic residues by means of fluidized-bed combustion are discussed. A series of analytical laboratory tests are suggested as a means of analyzing potential fuels for combustion. Finally, a number of potential fuels are described, along with problems which may be encountered in the commercial application of energy recovery from the sample fuels.

Burning Wood As A Supplement To Solid Waste, Andrew R. Banta, William P. Smith

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

The University of Kansas at Lawrence uses natural gas and oil to generate steam for heating and other campus needs. The projected price increase of these fuels has led to a study of burning solid waste and wood. This study discusses the technical and economic considerations of burning wood. Topics included are sources and availability, collection and transportation, preparation and burning, and environmental effects. It is concluded that sufficient wood is available; truck transport is the only feasible option; drying some wood is desirable; and that the burning can be done separately or directly with the solid waste.

An Analysis Of Investments In Residential Energy Conservation In Southeast Missouri, Ralph Gunderson

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

This study examines the economic feasibility of residential solar heating. Climatic and economic variables used in this report represent those of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. An annual cost model is used to determine the conditions under which solar heating achieves a reduced annual cost of heating relative to gas and electric heating systems.

Combining Solar Heating With A Wood Burning Furnace, Kenneth Bechtold, William E. Stewart Jr.

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

The objective is to minimize the use of high-cost heating fuels in rural areas with the assistance of a wood burning furnace and a solar collector.

It was discovered that when the output of a wood burning furnace can be diverted into a solar storage battery, more useful heat can be supplied to a house with little extra inconvenience to the homeowner. The total amortized system of the wood burning furnace combined with the solar system will be less than if the systems were operated independently.

Energy Evaluation And Component Characterization Data In A Residential Solar Monitoring Program, Gene E. Kouba, William P. Moran, Bruce V. Ketcham

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

The initial phase of performance analysis, data acquisition system development and short term component characterization of a two year residential solar energy monitoring program are presented. The purpose of the monitoring program is to accumulate both short and long term performance data which would be useful in optimizing system operation, determining possible improvements to the system configuration, validating simulation methods for predicting performance, and estimating the economics of the system.

Industrial Energy Conservation Through Boiler Operation Efficiency Improvement, Dupree Maples, G. D. Whitehouse

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

A method of determining the minimum amount of oxygen in the flue gas which results in the most efficient combustion is discussed. Results of field test are presented. The magnitude of the stack gas losses is dependent on the stack gas composition determined by the fuel and quantity of excess air and the stack temperature.

Carrying Water To Newcastle, Lloyd Lore Wartes

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

Western coals, now being shipped by unit trains to eastern and southern markets, contain from 13% to 32% moisture. Drying of these coals at the mine would reduce the cost of coal to the utilities from 10% to 16% IF the railroads do not materially increase rates on higher BTU coal.

The spontaneous combustion of dry coal can be inhibited, and the savings per unit train should range from $1,375,000 to $4,129,000 per year according to the various minimum tonnage rates. The shipment of dried coal will reduce the tonnages being shipped by 15%, or increase the railroad carrying capacity …

A Solar-Cooling Pool Assisted Heat Pump System, Walter J. Schaetzle

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

A swimming pool is used in parallel with a water-source heat pump for both cooling and heating. For cooling, the pool is used as a spray pond (cooling tower); and for heating, the pool is used as a solar collector, and thermal energy storage. Both theoretical studies and experimental work have been done on this system. A full scale system is almost complete and has been used during the summer for cooling. Economically, on both an operating basis and a capital basis, the system appears feasible.

Oil Shale Energy And The Environment, Stephen Utter

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

Shale oil can be produced from oil shale by true In situ, modified in situ, and surface retorting methods. Both modified in situ and surface methods require mining of the oil shale. The environmental Implications of an oil shale mining industry are reviewed and the impacts upon land use, air and water quality, and ecological systems discussed. The Bureau's mining environmental research program is described and the results to date summarized.

The Impact Of Public Transportation Policy To Affect Energy Conservation (A Case Study), Ali A. Selim, John T. Kretzer, Braja M. Das

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

In order that public transportation policies relating to energy conservation might be identified, correlated, and assessed, a mail survey of local, regional, state, and federal appointed and elected officials was made. This survey also included contacting members of the regional business community. Although the responses received did not constitute the complete survey mailing, they did provide insight to the individual policymaker's perception of what public policy is now in effect and how it was enacted, particularly those pertinent to energy conservation in the transportation sector.

Effective Use Of Bottom Ash As A Geotechnical Material, Braja M. Das, Ali A. Selim, Tom W. Pfeifle

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

Some geotechnical properties of bottom ash produced from the burning of North Dakota lignite in a power plant are presented. These properties include grain size distribution, maximum and minimum void ratios, maximum dry density of compaction and optimum moisture content from standard Proctor tests, angle of friction, one-dimensional compressibility, and coefficient of permeability. The geotechnical properties of this bottom ash, as determined from laboratory tests, appear to be comparable to those generally obtained from poorly graded sands and indicate that bottom ash can be used for such works as backfill of retaining structures, construction of highway embankments, and fill material …

Energy Aspects Of Rural School Bus Transportation, Kirk R. Hastain, Frank A. Gerig

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

In an effort to determine the effect of rural school bus transportation on energy consumption, a study was made of a rural school district in Central Missouri. The school district's bus system was studied, records of fuel and maintenance costs were analyzed, and discussion held with supervisor and bus drivers. An effort was made to recommend ways by which energy could be conserved, without jeopardizing the welfare of the students.