Power and Energy Commons^™

Assessing Environmental Costs Of Energy Procurement, Ronald G. Alderfer

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

This paper describes an ecological approach to the assessment of environmental impact and associated costs of all major phases of energy procurement. The approach is based on identification of services performed and benefits offered by natural and man-modified ecosystems and requires that energy procurement activities be analyzed in terms of their impact on these services and benefits. A thorough cost assessment (including quantitative and qualitative factors) of alternate energy plans will aid both the selection of the most desirable alternate and the reduction of unforeseen costs and problems during and after construction .

Regulatory Effectiveness In The Electric Utility Industry: An Empirical Analysis, Michael A. Zimmer

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

An established result in the theory of the regulated firm is that an effective rate-of-return constraint induces the firm to employ larger proportions of capital inputs to noncapital inputs than would be the case in the absence of the regulatory constraint. This overcapitalization, often referred to as the Averch-Johnson effect, has been the subject of several recent empirical studies of the electric utility industry. The present study adds to this body of literature. It seeks to test for the effectiveness of utility regulation in the context of a cost minimization model which includes the allowed rate of return as an …

Barriers And Incentives To The Commercialization Of Solar Heating And Cooling Of Buildings, Dennis R. Costello, David M. Posner

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

This paper reviews potential barriers to the widespread use of solar heating and cooling systems in residential and commercial buildings. Although solar systems have been technologically proven and are used to a limited extent today, economic, institutional, and legal barriers may slow future commercialization. Consideration of incentives which might reduce these barriers raises the question of how to evaluate alternative policy question options.

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.

Emerson Electric -- Application And Results Of An Electric Energy Audit, Bruce E. Jacobs, Yildirim Omurtag

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

The objective of the study was to examine the electrical usage of an Emerson division located in the Northeast, provide a method of managing the usage and make recommendations for conservation. Both past and present usage were examined in an attempt to determine if potential savings might be realized by a reduction in energy and peak demand. Discussion will include an electrical energy tracking mechanism, ratios and indicators, use of rate consultants, state sales tax exemption clauses, and sample calculations of cost improvements on demand charges.

Economic Optimization Of Heatpump Assisted Solar Heating In Illinois, Ali Shams, Edward A. Mass

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

This study undertakes the task of determing the optimal mix of solar and heat pump forms of heating. By installing a solar heating system a homeowner is considered to be an energy producer and thus to apply the least cost methods used by firms in the competitive market for any given level of fuel conservation. The study will examine the simulated performances of air and liquid circulating systems in conjunction with heat pumps, in parallel as well as combined fashion. Optimization is achieved by equating the present value of the cost of solar and heat pump heating systems at margin.

Consumers’ Attitude Toward Energy Conservation In A Middle-Size City, Mangi Agarwal, Dan Johnson

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

This study explores the attitude of household consumers toward conservation in their electrical usage. It examines whether a time-of-day pricing structure will influence their response to shifting their electrical usage from peak to non-peak hours. It also attempts to measure their perceived elasticity of electricity consumption.

Heat Pumps Without Supplemental Heat, Carl W. Glaser

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

Through the past few years, fuel used to generate electricity has climbed steadily in cost resulting in a new and much higher level of acceptance for the air to air heat pump system. Manufacturers have improved the product tremendously and have established a level of reliability approaching that of the conventional air conditioner. The fact that heat pumps reduce the cost of heating by 30% to 50% over conventional electric resistance heating and that natural gas is not available in many parts of the country has resulted in more and more heat pumps being installed in homes. While the benefits …

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.

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.

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 …

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.

Improving Energy Efficiency By Federal Regulation, Barry Hyman, Burns E. Hegler

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

This paper examines the scope and nature of federal activities devoted to improving the efficiency of energy utilization in buildings, consumer products, motor vehicles, and industrial processes and equipment. Several forms of regulation are identified and their characteristics are explored. It is postulated that consistency of an overall policy of energy efficiency regulation can be ascertained from the examination of a regulatory policy matrix.

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.

Reducing Electrical Power Demand For Industries, Burns E. Hegler, J. Byron Nelson, Rene O. Harrell

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

A typical industry has an electric power demand that is in excess of its needs. This condition places an unnecessary burden upon the industry and contributes to the current energy crisis. Reduction of demand may be accomplished by a number of methods of control that are examined and evaluated. Standard techniques of engineering analyses and engineering economy have been used to study and analyze an industry selected as an example.

The National Program For Solar Energy, Keith Davidson, Richard J. Gariboldi, John J. Purcell

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

On October 26, 1974, the Solar Energy Research Development and Demonstration Act was signed into law authorizing a vigorous federal program of research development and demonstration to establish solar energy as a viable energy resource. Solar heating and cooling of buildings represents a midterm help in an attempt to be less dependent on oil and natural gas. Many other solar programs are underway in the development of solar energy.

Estimating Hourly Solar Radiation For One-Axis Tracking Focusing Collectors, Carl E. Bingham, David M. Posner, Jerry O. Bradley

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

Performance simulations of focusing parabolic collectors are hampered by a limited amount of useful insolation data. Hourly values of total radiation on a horizontal surface are the most common data available from the National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration. This paper develops a method to convert this total horizontal radiation to direct radiation on the surface of the tracking collector.

Agricultural Crop Drying And Space Heating Using A Solar Energy Intensifier, M. A. Hellickson, W. H. Peterson, S. E. Saienga, J. L. Julson

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

A solar energy-intensifier-thermal energy storage system was developed and tested under actual climatic conditions in South Dakota. Performance characteristics of the system are presented for its use in drying shelled corn and for agricultural space heating. Comparisons between solar and conventional drying between solar supplemented and conventional heating are reported.

Optimal Fuel Supply Control For Electrical Energy Systems -- A Real Time Computer Technique, J. Derald Morgan, Richard Thomas Smith

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

The techniques of linear-integer programming are applied to the problem of supplying coal to power plants. A heuristic technique for optimizing the supply of coal to power companies is created. The optimization minimizes the purchase, transportation, and demurrage costs of coal subject to power system operations, power plant demands, coal purchase supply, power plant coal handling operations, and transport options. A procedure for calculation and analysis of cost sensitivity of optimal solutions to input data perturbations is presented which utilizes the optimizing technique.

The nature of the constraint set developed allows for the inclusion of loading and unloading operations in …

Training Programs For Energy Management In Developing Countries, J. Byron Nelson, Burns E. Hegler, J. Derald Morgan

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

This paper discusses some of the general inter-related energy, management, and economic problems in developing countries as well as a common project methodology that can be used to formulate and implement development strategies according to the needs of any particular country. Because the development of human resources, especially managerial skills, is critically needed, the characteristics of managers in developing countries, the problems they face, and their training needs are discussed. Finally an example of a specific training program is outlined.