Nuclear Engineering Commons^™

The Role Of The Civex Process In The Nuclear Industry, Thomas E. Eaton, Joseph C. Carter

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

The United States is committed to policies which would assure that the international, commercial nuclear industry cannot be exploited as a source of materials for nuclear weapons. The Civex process provides for a proliferation-resistant fast breeder reactor fuel cycle. Nevertheless, the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation involving the commercial nuclear industry is small compared to the risk associated with certain research facilities and military activities.

A Strategy For The Practical Utilization Of Thorium Fuel Cycles, Paul R. Kasten

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

There has been increasing interest in the utilization of thorium fuel cycles in nuclear power reactors for the past few years because of economic, fuel utilization, and pro- 1 iteration resistance factors. Also, it appears desirable to maintain the ratio of thermal reactors to fast reactors at a high value in the long term because of economic and proliferation resistance features. The analysis performed here concludes that the practical, early utilization of thorium fuel cycles in power reactors requires commercialization of HTGRs operating first on stowaway fuel cycles, followed by thorium fuel recycle. In the longer term, thorium utilization involves …

The Environmental Effects Of Uranium Exploration And Mining, Nicholas H. Tibbs, David L. Rath, Thomas K. Donovan

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

Uranium exploration and mining is increasing as the Nation's demand for energy grows. The environmental impacts associated with this exploration and mining are not severe and compare favorably with impacts from the production of other energy resources.

Dissolution Of Kansas Evaporites, The Radioactive Waste Disposal Problem, Barbara J. Smith

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

The radioactive waste repository at Lyons, Kansas, focused attention on the problem of evaporite dissolution. More study is needed in the determination of the mechanisms responsible for deterioration. Also recent water use policies have been questioned with the need pointed out for increased effectiveness in planning. Good water planning has to take into account the role of evaporite dissolution in water quality.

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.

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.

The Energy Crisis: The Challenge For Nuclear Regulation, Richard T. Kennedy

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

Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is indeed a pleasure for me to be with you again this year for your annual conference and to see so many familiar faces. Your theme -- "The Energy Crisis: Where Do We Go From Here?" -- is particularly pertinent. And, I am especially honored to be lead-off speaker on a subject of such importance to all Americans.

When I spoke to you last year, I discussed the joint efforts by the NRC and the States to reduce the overlap and duplication in reactor regulation. Today, I want to bring all of you up …

A Strategy For Utilizing Nuclear Power, Edward J. Martens

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

One of our national goals is to achieve independence in the area of energy supplies in the next few years. We believe that attaining this goal will require extensive utilization of nuclear power in conventional fission reactors. We propose that the best way to develop our nuclear resource is through government ownership of the reactors. We argue that this will minimize the risks associated with the nuclear power option and clear the way for its exploitation.

Comparison Of Nuclear And Coal Power Plants Using Net Energy Analysis, Nicholas Tsoulfanidis, Gazendra Suwal

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

Net Energy Analysis has been used to compare coal and nuclear power plants. Net Energy Analysis is a method by which a system is studied in terms of the energy needed to construct and operate every unit or item associated with that system, its effects to the environment and the energy produced by the system. The results of the comparison are expressed as the ratio of the total energy output divided by the total energy input.

Attitudes Towards Quality In The Design And Construction Of Nuclear Power Plants, Daniel L. Babcock, Larry G. Harmon

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

Adequate regulation of construction (and operation) of nuclear power plants has become a matter of growing national concern. Published statements by individuals speaking from two viewpoints, those of the regulatory agencies and the nuclear power industry, suggest divergent attitudes. Nineteen statements from these two points of view were evaluated for agreement or disagreement by 38 knowledgeable persons from both industry and government (of 50 solicited in a mail survey). Survey results showed a general appreciation of the need for some level of regulation and also for the possibility of over-regulation. Differences existed within as well as between the two groups, …

Plutonium Assessment Modeling -- Government Policy, Non-Proliferation, And The Government Fence, Harold A. Kurstedt Jr., Joel A. Nachlas

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

Assessment modeling for the evaluation of plutonium as an energy resource is stressed, and generic mathematical model forms are outlined. Representative necessary objective functions are developed. Constraints and assumptions are listed. An example involving present-day light water reactor technology is demonstrated. Technical, environmental, and political implications are drawn. Specific new directions for analysis are suggested. The position of the boundary of government control and responsibility -- the government exclusion fence -- is shown to be a critical, but overlooked, constraint. Existing governmental uranium stockpiles may be an unmentioned, though important, constraint.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

Energy Conservation At Monsanto, Ray E. Doerr

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

We at Monsanto want to thank you for the opportunity to tell you about our energy conservation program. We are proud of our accomplishments to date, and are very optimistic regarding plans for the future in energy conservation.

Through our five operating companies and supported by corporate departments, Monsanto directs the conservation efforts at 50 locations in the United States.

We also have a very active conservation program in Canada and Europe.

Oil Shale R & D -- A Bureau Of Mines Program, Steve Utter

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

Energy is one of our basic natural resources. Oil constitutes an important part of this resource but domestic production is dropping while imports are rising. Today, oil represents about one-half of the total energy consumed in this country, and demand is expected to grow at the rate of about 2 percent per year during the next 10 years. Increased reliance on imports can be reduced by synthetic fuels produced from the oil shale deposits of the Green River Formation in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. These deposits are so enormous (600 billion barrels in high- grade shale alone), that any limitations …

Inexpensive Inertial Energy Storage Utilizing Homopolar Motor-Generators, W. F. Weldon, H. H. Woodson, H. G. Rylander, M. D. Driga

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

The pulsed power demands of the current generation of controlled thermonuclear fusion experiments have prompted a great interest in reliable, low cost, pulsed power systems. The Energy Storage Group at the University of Texas at Austin was created in response to this need and has worked for the past three years in developing inertial energy storage systems. 0.5 and 5 megajoule homopolar motor-generators have been designed, built and tested at the University of Texas and design studies have been completed for several systems ranging in size up to 63 gigajoules. The performance of the two laboratory machines and the potential …

Storage Of Spent Fuel From Light Water Reactors, W. C. Wolkenhauer

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

The effects of possible inadequate nuclear fuel reprocessing capability upon a public utility, Washington Public Power Supply System, are studied. The possible alternatives for storing spent fuel are reviewed.

The Design And Application Of Induction Motors For Efficient Energy Utilization, Paul K. Lindhorst

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

The various means for increasing electric motor efficiency and power factor are presented from the design and application points of view. Various design options are explored using computer aided design procedures. Motor characteristics are reviewed with the intent of maximizing efficiency through proper application. A thorough study of the economics of higher efficiency motors is presented showing payback to the user in terms of energy cost savings and payback of the increased energy required to produce the higher efficiency motors.

Self-Consistency In Estimating Future Electrical Energy Consumption, W. D. Devine Jr., C. C. Calligan, O. D. Osborne

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

A socio economic computer simulation model for the State of Oregon is described. The Oregon State Simulation Model (OSSIM) includes a thirty-seven sector model of electrical energy consumption. Coupling between this model and the OSSIM ensures self-consistent scenarios of socio economic phenomena which underlie energy consumption. One of the purposes of this effort is to help state-level decision makers understand the determinants of electricity consumption within a context of changing economic conditions.

Evaluating The Total Cost Of An On-Site Solar Energy System, Dennis Costello, Jerry Bradley

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

A methodology for evaluating the total or life-cycle cost of an on-site solar energy system is presented. The costs represent after-tax or effective costs realized by the owner of the energy system. The methodology addresses: (1) capital costs; (2) fuel costs; (3) maintenance and operating costs; (4) property taxes; (5) the tax benefits of depreciation; and (6) the investment tax credit. The model was developed for evaluating solar energy systems located at the point where the energy is demanded. However, the methodology also has applicability to many other types of energy systems.