Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Economics Of Underground Distribution Cables, M. Mohajery

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

The economics of the primary underground distribution cables are considered. Single-phase circuits are examined using different distribution system options. Within each option, the present worth of the total cost of the cable installation is optimized. If more than one option can be utilized, the appropriate costs are compared and the most economical option is selected.

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.

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.

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 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.

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, …

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

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

Application Of Solar Energy Collectors To Grain Drying, Gene C. Shove

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

Flat plate solar energy collectors utilizing air as the energy transfer medium can be constructed on the side walls of grain drying bins or incorporated into the walls and roofs of farm buildings adjacent to grain drying bins. Farm buildings provide large flat areas capable of capturing considerable solar energy with relatively simple collectors. Experimental solar grain drying installations now in use are providing design, construction, and operational information.

Innovative Wind Turbines, Richard E. Walters, Jerome B. Fanucci, John L. Loth, William Squire, Paul G. Migliore, Reazul Huq

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

This research is concerned with the initial investigation of two innovative concepts in wind energy conversion turbines. The first concept is a vortex concentrator, a device which creates a strong vortex in the ambient wind. The energy per unit area in the vortex region is much higher than for the undisturbed wind, allowing the energy to be more efficiently converted to more useful forms. The second concept is a vertical axis wind turbine which uses straight blades composed of airfoil shapes having high efficiency. This would be attained by using circulation controlled (c.c.) airfoils for the blades; these airfoils contain …

Solar Energy For Drying Shelled Corn And Hay, Mylo A. Hellickson, William H. Peterson, David P. Yexley

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

Investigations of selected types of low-cost, low-temperature rise solar collectors for drying shelled corn and chopped hay were performed in 1974 and 1975. The results indicate that bare plate, solar collectors can be an economically feasible means of providing supplemental heat for agricultural drying operations in South Dakota.

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.

Household Recycling -- A Potential Community Service Opportunity For Concerned Engineers, James P. Bosscher

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

Initially, the multiple societal and environmental dividends of and imperatives for source-separation, household recycling for a concerned community are delineated and evaluated.

Next, three proven models for the establishment of a separation- based community recycling enterprise are described and contrasted. They are (a) The all-volunteer effort,(b)the non-profit corporation, and(c)the municipal operation.

Finally, a series of low-cost, "battle-tested" recycling devices constructed from "junk" and "off-the-shelf" components to aid in the implementation of a community presented and plans provided.

Nuclear Safeguards, Jay O. Hunze

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

Nuclear safeguards Is an Important Issue which bears on the potential usage of nuclear energy as a viable electric power source and an understanding of the Issues and problems Is necessary to resolve this Issue. ERDA has a comprehensive and coordinated program directed toward providing the necessary base, both informational and hardware related, to resolve these issues.

Current High-Level Waste Solidification Technology, W. F. Bonner, W. A. Ross

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

Technology has been developed in the U.S. and abroad for solidification of high-level waste from nuclear power production. Several processes have been demonstrated with actual radioactive waste and are now being prepared for use in the commercial nuclear industry. Conversion of the waste to a glass form is favored because of its high degree of nondispersibility and safety.

The National Waste Terminal Storage Program, C. D. Zerby

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

The National Waste Terminal Storage (NWTS) program has been established to provide facilities (federal repositories) in various deep geologic formations at multiple locations in the USA which will safely dispose of the commercial radioactive waste that must be delivered to a federal repository for terminal storage. This paper presents an overview of the NWTS program and describes the stepwise approach that is being taken in meeting the objective of the program.

Economic Aspects Of Imposed Air Standards, John H. Hoag, J. David Reed

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

Due to concern for the state of the environment, the federal government passed laws forcing industry to accomodate the wishes of environmentalists. In particular the Clean Air Standards Act imposed a measure of air pollution and dictated an upper bound on the amount of allowable air pollution in terms of this standard. This paper attempts to investigate the impact of such a law in the context of a two firm world. In the model each firm produces output and pollution so as to maximize profit. The pollution of all firms together is the variable which comes under constraint of the …

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.

Geophysical Approaches To Coal Exploration, Gerald B. Rupert

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

The exploration for minerals by geophysical means has been confined largely to the search for hydrocarbons and metallics while applications to coal exploration are somewhat limited. However, the surface reflection seismic technique has been successfully applied not only to delineating coal deposits but also as a tool in mine exploitation. Furthermore, channel waves generated underground have demonstrated potential in detecting the presence of faults in advance of the coal face and Vibroisis* experiments have been conducted whereby abandoned underground workings have been detected by surface seismic arrays. Examples of all of the preceeding are presented and discussed.

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 …

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.

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.

Human Resources For Energy Systems: Alternative Strategies Of Allocation, Curtis H. Adams, Burns E. Hegler

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

The choice of strategies in establishing manpower policy for energy is critical for the attairment of energy goals. Three alternative strategies are considered with the tradeoffs of each evaluated.

Economic Analysis Of Wind Generation And Energy Storage For Electric Utility Systems, B. W. Jones, P. M. Moretti

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

If wind generators are being evaluated as part of a larger electric utility generation system, the economic analysis should consider all of their effects upon the make-up and operation of the rest of the system. The introduction of wind generators changes the characteristics of the effective load seen by the rest of the system and consequently shifts the optimal mix of base, swinging, and peaking capacity and their operation. Storage systems used in conjunction with wind generators must also be evaluated. The storage can also be evaluated by determining its effect upon load characteristics. It is shown that the storage …

"Home Winterization For Poor Elderly" -- A Model Of Value Clarification In The Energy Crisis, Clayton L. Smith

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

The main intention of this paper will be to demonstrate a practical and proven model for helping those who suffer because of the energy crisis now. It will illustrate with the aid of audio—visuals what is being done for the poor elderly in this area to help them practice energy conservation. Last year, for example, nearly three hundred U.M.R. students directed by a V.I.S.T.A. worker (Volunteers in Service To America) winterized nearly fifty homes. Engineering students were able to demonstrate their skills and at the same experience an intergenerational ministry.

The poor elderly are those persons in our society today …

Resource Recovery From Solid Waste: The Story Of Union Electric's Solid Waste Utilization System, David L. Klumb, Paul R. Brendel

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

This paper covers the design and development of a comprehensive resource recovery system capable of serving the solid waste disposal needs of the Greater St. Louis area comprising 11,500km² (4500 sq. mi.). This 7.2 x 10⁶ kg (8000 ton) per day operation will convert solid waste into milled fuel for cofiring with pulverized coal in utility boilers, and will recover magnetic and non-magnetic metals, all in an environmentally acceptable manner. Scheduled for operation in 1979, the system will be built and operated as a private enterprise venture of Union Colliery Company, a subsidiary of Union Electric Company.