Chemical Engineering Commons^™

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.

Sample Design For Electricity Pricing Experiments: Anticipated Precision For A Time-Of-Day Pricing Experiment, Dennis J. Aigner

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

The primary goal of a pricing experiment is basically the same as that for an experiment in direct load control: To discover the effects of time-of-day pricing on the shape of the daily load curve for a particular customer or class of customers. For the pricing experiment, it is also of interest to know how those effects are related to the pricing structure itself.

In this paper, we consider two alternative models of kwh consumption for residential customers as the basis for calculating an optimal experimental design, and compare them in terms of the levels of precision of estimation (for …

On Energy Strategies And Pecuniary Calculation, Herman E. Daly

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

No abstract provided.

Feasibility Of Integrated Ocean Thermal Gradient-Nuclear Plants For The Production Of Electrical Power, Frank Ferrer, Donald Sasscer

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

A study was made of the feasibility of integrating an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) electrical power plant with a nuclear power plant. The integration was such that the waste heat of the nuclear plant was used to augment the thermal efficiency of the OTEC plant. The study was performed for three shore line sites of Puerto Rico where deep cold water is found between 2 and 10 miles from shore.

Energy - Minerals - Environment: How Now Brown Cow?, Bobby G. Wixson

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

Energy, technical, social, political, economic, and environmental problems are all people related problems which will continue to increase along with the world's population. With the growing demands for more energy and minerals along with the constraints of protecting the environment, new approaches must be considered to these complex problems.

Energy sources, modifications, alternatives, and new developments must be considered for the present as short term resources (next 25- 30 years) and in the future as long range research necessary to develop and implement new technology (25 years on). Major energy sources and their environmental considerations are generally classified as:

I. …

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.

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 …

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.

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.

The Impact Of Direct Coupling Of Solar Cell Arrays To Electric Power Networks, Adel H. Eltimsahy, Fernando L. Alvarado, Thomas W. Boyd

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

This paper has to do with a preliminary investigation of the economic impact of solar cells when directly coupled to a conventional three-phase power network in the Toledo area.

A correlation is established between power system demand curves and solar insolation data in the Toledo area using computer simulation. The correlation studies determine how successfully solar cell/inverter systems can alleviate the power system demand during peak hours. They also show how much solar cell area will be needed to cause a significant impact on the power generating system.

Using computer simulation the initial cost of the solar cell/inverter is compared …

Choosing Alternative Energy Systems Under Conditions Of Uncertainty, Dennis Costello

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

A methodology for simulating the decision process of an investor deciding between alternative energy systems is presented. The approach assumes the investor bases his decision on cost (or rate of return) and risk. Risk is treated directly in the model and not reduced to a certainty equivalent. The rate of return-risk characteristics of many system combinations allows them to be eliminated as viable choices to the investor without reference to his personal attitude toward risk.