Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Keyword
-
- Renewable energy (3)
- Energy resilience (2)
- Jet planes--Fuel (2)
- Köppen-Geiger (2)
- Photovoltaics (2)
-
- Water resources (2)
- #afcec (1)
- #climate (1)
- Airplanes--Air refueling (1)
- Airplanes--Fuel systems (1)
- Ammonia-Oxidizing (1)
- Antioxidants (1)
- Artificial neural networks (1)
- Austere environments (1)
- Autooxidation (1)
- Biodiesel (1)
- Biofuels (1)
- Biomass--Combustion (1)
- C-17 (Jet transport)--Fuel consumption--Mathematical models (1)
- CFD modeling (1)
- Chlorinated Aliphatics (1)
- Climate Classification (1)
- Co-products (1)
- Coal--Transportation--Ohio (1)
- Data envelopment analysis (1)
- Derivative securities (1)
- Diesel fuels (1)
- Electric power transmission--Security measures (1)
- Electronics in military engineering (1)
- Energy access (1)
- Publication Type
Articles 1 - 24 of 24
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Application Of Machine Learning To Predict The Performance Of An Emipg Reactor Using Data From Numerical Simulations, Owen Sedej, Eric G. Mbonimpa, Trevor Sleight, Jeremy Slagley
Application Of Machine Learning To Predict The Performance Of An Emipg Reactor Using Data From Numerical Simulations, Owen Sedej, Eric G. Mbonimpa, Trevor Sleight, Jeremy Slagley
Faculty Publications
Microwave-driven plasma gasification technology has the potential to produce clean energy from municipal and industrial solid wastes. It can generate temperatures above 2000 K (as high as 30,000 K) in a reactor, leading to complete combustion and reduction of toxic byproducts. Characterizing complex processes inside such a system is however challenging. In previous studies, simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) produced reproducible results, but the simulations are tedious and involve assumptions. In this study, we propose machine-learning models that can be used in tandem with CFD, to accelerate high-fidelity fluid simulation, improve turbulence modeling, and enhance reduced-order models. A two-dimensional …
Conversion From Coal To Natural Gas At Wright Patterson Air Force Base: An Analysis And Case Study, Tyler A. Ferry
Conversion From Coal To Natural Gas At Wright Patterson Air Force Base: An Analysis And Case Study, Tyler A. Ferry
Theses and Dissertations
Over the last 20 years, natural gas has replaced coal as the preferred fossil fuel for heat and power generation across the United States, due to its increased prevalence, lower cost, and reduced environmental impacts. While most conversion decisions are driven by cost savings, proponents of energy transitions often cite emissions reductions as a tangential benefit. Over the same time, climate change and its impact on the environment and society have come to the forefront of scientific inquiry. One example of the transition from coal to natural gas can be found in Dayton, Ohio. Wright Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) …
The Traded Water Footprint Of Global Energy From 2010 To 2018, Christopher M. Chini, Rebecca A. M. Peer
The Traded Water Footprint Of Global Energy From 2010 To 2018, Christopher M. Chini, Rebecca A. M. Peer
Faculty Publications
The energy-water nexus describes the requirement of water-for-energy and energy-for-water. The consumption of water in the production and generation of energy resources is also deemed virtual water. Pairing the virtual water estimates for energy with international trade data creates a virtual water trade network, facilitating analysis of global water resources management. In this database, we identify the virtual water footprints for the trade of eleven different energy commodities including fossil fuels, biomass, and electricity. Additionally, we provide the necessary scripts for downloading and pairing trade data with the virtual water footprints to create a virtual water trade network. The resulting …
An Integrated Assessment Of The Global Virtual Water Trade Network Of Energy, Rebecca A. M. Peer, Christopher M. Chini
An Integrated Assessment Of The Global Virtual Water Trade Network Of Energy, Rebecca A. M. Peer, Christopher M. Chini
Faculty Publications
The global trade of energy allows for the distribution of the world's collective energy resources and, therefore, an increase in energy access. However, this network of trade also generates a network of virtually traded resources that have been used to produce energy commodities. An integrated database of energy trade water footprints is necessary to capture interrelated energy and water concerns of a globalized economy,and is also motivated by current climate and population trends. Here, we quantify and present the virtual water embedded in energy trade across the globe from 2012 to 2018, building on previous water footprinting and energy virtual …
Effects Of Temperature And Antioxidants On The Oxidation Of Biodiesel Derived From Waste Vegetable Oil, Randy L. Maglinao, Torrey J. Wagner, Keegan Duff
Effects Of Temperature And Antioxidants On The Oxidation Of Biodiesel Derived From Waste Vegetable Oil, Randy L. Maglinao, Torrey J. Wagner, Keegan Duff
Faculty Publications
Biodiesel offers several environmental benefits and improvements to some fuel performance properties, but its poor oxidative stability has been a major concern. Currently, the accepted practice to improve biodiesel oxidative stability is the addition of antioxidants; numerous antioxidants have been studied but their effectiveness in inhibiting biodiesel oxidation is difficult to predict due to variation with resonance stability, solubility, reactivity, and volatility. To improve prediction efforts, this study explored the Rapid Small-Scale Oxidation Test (RSSOT) as a means to investigate how biodiesel oxidation is affected by antioxidant concentration and temperature, and compared its results with the oxidative stability index test. …
Analyzing The Efficiency Of Horizontal Photovoltaic Cells In Various Climate Regions, Parker A. Hines, Torrey J. Wagner, Clay M. Koschnick, Steven J. Schuldt
Analyzing The Efficiency Of Horizontal Photovoltaic Cells In Various Climate Regions, Parker A. Hines, Torrey J. Wagner, Clay M. Koschnick, Steven J. Schuldt
Faculty Publications
This research presents the development of linear regression models to predict horizontal photovoltaic power output. We collected a dataset from 14 global Department of Defense (DoD) installations over a timeframe of one year using an experimental apparatus, resulting in 24,179 usable data points. We developed a linear model to predict power output, which incorporated site-specific weather and geographical characteristics, along with Köppen-Geiger climate classifications in order to determine the effect of adding climate to the model. After performing a Wald test between the full model and a reduced model without Köppen-Geiger climate variables, it was determined that including Köppen-Geiger climate …
Using Wind And Hydro Power To Sustain The Off-Grid Power Supply For A 50' Cruising Sailboat, Keisha Meyer, Torrey J. Wagner, Jada Williams
Using Wind And Hydro Power To Sustain The Off-Grid Power Supply For A 50' Cruising Sailboat, Keisha Meyer, Torrey J. Wagner, Jada Williams
Faculty Publications
Cruising sailboats operate with a power requirement modest enough to operate mostly or completely on renewable energy technology sources. Cruisers without renewable energy systems use the vessel’s diesel engine to charge the boat’s batteries; if the systems are operated at anchor, this dramatically decreases the time before the engine needs major overhaul. System users estimate a diesel engine can run approximately 8,000 hours underway before needing major overhaul, whereas operating 500 hours at anchor produces similar wear and tear on engine pistons. Although renewable energy systems have a high initial capital cost, these systems can provide the vessel’s electrical system …
Austere Location Wind Turbine Energy System Analysis, Lukas Cowen, Douglas S. Dudis, Torrey J. Wagner
Austere Location Wind Turbine Energy System Analysis, Lukas Cowen, Douglas S. Dudis, Torrey J. Wagner
Faculty Publications
One promising technology to combat an energy shortage in austere locations is wind energy. In combination with battery storage and generator backup, we explore the feasibility of using a hybrid energy system to reduce the volume of diesel fuel required. Modeling the energy demands in austere locations will enable missions in remote settings to optimize their energy costs, increased their energy resiliency and assure their supply. For a modeled time-series energy requirement that varied between 2.4 MW and 5.1 MW, the optimal wind system size was 9.9 MW of installed wind power paired with a 741 kWh battery. Assuming an …
Analyzing The Efficiency Of Horizontal Photovoltaic Cells At Air Force Installations In Various Climate Regions, Parker A. Hines
Analyzing The Efficiency Of Horizontal Photovoltaic Cells At Air Force Installations In Various Climate Regions, Parker A. Hines
Theses and Dissertations
The U.S. Air Force relies heavily on electrically powered facilities to ensure mission-critical capabilities can be carried out. Without a resilient electrical system in place, the U.S. Air Force could be without power for extended periods, resulting in severe implications. Installing a photovoltaic array on an installation is one strategy to improve energy resiliency. The amount of power a photovoltaic array can produce is reliant on its geographical location, position and weather characteristics. This research presents the development of novel linear regression models based upon 14 case studies from global Department of Defense (DoD) installations to predict horizontal photovoltaic power …
Modeling Power Output Of Horizontal Solar Panels Using Multivariate Linear Regression And Random Forest Machine Learning, Christil K. Pasion
Modeling Power Output Of Horizontal Solar Panels Using Multivariate Linear Regression And Random Forest Machine Learning, Christil K. Pasion
Theses and Dissertations
United States Air Force energy resiliency goals are aimed to increase renewable energy implementation among its facilities. Researchers at the Air Force Institute of Technology designed, manufactured, and distributed 37 photovoltaic test systems to Air Force installations around the world. This research uses two types of modeling techniques, multivariate linear regression and random forest machine learning, to determine which technique will better predict power output for horizontal solar panels. Many previous solar panel prediction studies use solar irradiation data as an input. This study does not use irradiation as an input and aims to predict power output with input variables …
36% Reduction In Fuel Resupply Using A Hybrid Generator & Battery System For An Austere Location, David J. Chester [*], Torrey J. Wagner, Douglas S. Dudis
36% Reduction In Fuel Resupply Using A Hybrid Generator & Battery System For An Austere Location, David J. Chester [*], Torrey J. Wagner, Douglas S. Dudis
Faculty Publications
The DOD energy policy is to increase energy security resiliency, and mitigate costs in the use and management of energy[1] Forward operating bases (FOBs) are remote, austere base camps that support an operationally defined mission with a limited or no ability to draw from an energy grid and have historically relied on diesel-powered generators for the primary production of energy.[2] Generators are sized to meet a theoretical peak demand, but steady state loads are far below this peak, resulting in under-loaded generators.[3] Under-loaded diesel generators decrease efficiency and increase the need for maintenance, affecting the lifespan of …
A Method To Determine The Viability Of Photovoltaic Systems In Various Climate Regions, Joseph A. Applebee
A Method To Determine The Viability Of Photovoltaic Systems In Various Climate Regions, Joseph A. Applebee
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study is to manufacture and disseminate 37 photovoltaic test systems which will be located at various United States Air Force installations worldwide. The Air Force's goals in renewable energy are to determine the potential for systems to aid in promoting resiliency for an installation's energy demands. The test systems are designed to collect climate and power production data from each test site and associated photovoltaic cells. The overall goal of the test system data collection is to determine the correlation between power output of photovoltaic panels and the associated geographic region climate classification. This study does …
Measuring Leak Rates From Abandoned Natural Gas Wells In Western Pennsylvania, John Bradshaw, Jeremy M. Slagley, Nicole Iannacchione, Matthew Lees
Measuring Leak Rates From Abandoned Natural Gas Wells In Western Pennsylvania, John Bradshaw, Jeremy M. Slagley, Nicole Iannacchione, Matthew Lees
Faculty Publications
The proliferation of unconventional natural gas drilling has brought considerable recent attention to the possible impacts that this new technology may have on greenhouse gas emissions. In Pennsylvania, estimates of these possible impacts are very difficult to accurately assess in large part due to the highly uncertain contribution from legacy abandoned and orphaned gas (AOG) wells. This paper outlines our work in establishing a methodology for measuring the methane leak rate from AOG wells in Western Pennsylvania. The theory and methodology of an enclosure method for measuring the methane mass leak rate from one AOG natural gas well is described. …
Upward Flow Constructed Wetland For Treatment Of Water Contaminated With Chlorinated Aliphatics, Michael Shelley, Abinash Agrawal, Ke Qin, Garrett Struckhoff, Carl Enfield, James Waldron, Christina Powell
Upward Flow Constructed Wetland For Treatment Of Water Contaminated With Chlorinated Aliphatics, Michael Shelley, Abinash Agrawal, Ke Qin, Garrett Struckhoff, Carl Enfield, James Waldron, Christina Powell
AFIT Patents
An improved upward flow constructed wetland cell for treatment of water contaminated with chlorinated aliphatics is disclosed. The improvements include adding ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms to the methane-oxidizing microorganisms already present in an oxygenated root zone and adding improved pore-water sample chambers for measuring the performance of the constructed wetland cell.
Environmental Life Cycle Assessment Of Coal-Biomass To Liquid Jet Fuel Compared To Petroleum-Derived Jp-8 Jet Fuel, Wayne C. Kinsel
Environmental Life Cycle Assessment Of Coal-Biomass To Liquid Jet Fuel Compared To Petroleum-Derived Jp-8 Jet Fuel, Wayne C. Kinsel
Theses and Dissertations
The United States (U.S.) imported 57% of the petroleum products that it consumed in 2008. The Department of Defense (DOD) and in particular, the United States Air Force (USAF), consumes a large amount of oil to support the mission of defending the U.S. According to the USAF energy policy, by 2016, the Air Force (AF) must be prepared to cost competitively acquire 50% of its domestic aviation fuel requirement via an alternative fuel blend in which the alternative component is derived from domestic sources produced in a manner that is “greener” than fuels produced from conventional petroleum. This study employed …
Fuel Savings Opportunities From Air Refueling, Murat Toydas
Fuel Savings Opportunities From Air Refueling, Murat Toydas
Theses and Dissertations
Fuel is a critical strategic asset for military aviation operations, yet is increasingly expensive. Air refueling offers both the opportunity to extend aircraft range and the potential to save fuel by enabling a transport aircraft to depart with less fuel in exchange for additional cargo. We evaluate the practicality of air refueling in terms of fuel savings versus distance and cargo quantity, by introducing two non-linear optimization models that examine the tradeoff between departure fuel weight and loaded cargo for given origin, destination, and tanker base positions and freight quantities to be moved. We use various numerical example scenarios to …
Fuel Efficiency Assessment With Dea, Evren Kiymaz
Fuel Efficiency Assessment With Dea, Evren Kiymaz
Theses and Dissertations
In this study, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is used to calculate Air Mobility Command (AMC) airlift fuel efficiency for C-17 aircraft. Fuel is a strategic asset for the United States Air Force and suitable alternatives are not yet feasible or available in the quantity required. The Air Force is pursuing several initiatives to conserve energy and operate more efficiently while sustaining the same level of effectiveness and safety. In order to manage these initiatives, it must measure how well it is doing. To measure airlift efficiency, the AMC Fuel Efficiency Office established a 7 factor weighted Fuel Efficiency Index (FEI). …
Security Vulnerability Trends Related To Electric Power Supplied At Military Installations, Peter A. Sabatowski
Security Vulnerability Trends Related To Electric Power Supplied At Military Installations, Peter A. Sabatowski
Theses and Dissertations
The United States (U.S.) electric grid is considered one of the greatest inventions of the twentieth century, yet it become apparent over the past few decades that it is not without its own set of problems. The deregulation of the U.S. electric system in the late 1990s eliminated monopolies and resulted in the nation's generation, transmission, and distribution systems becoming separate entities owned and operated by multiple companies. This created a market economy in which many electric companies failed to plan for the future, did not invest in maintenance and upgrades, and began to push the aggregate system to its …
Forecasting Usaf Jp-8 Fuel Needs, Omer Saglam
Forecasting Usaf Jp-8 Fuel Needs, Omer Saglam
Theses and Dissertations
Oil is still one of the strategic energy resources for both the U.S. and the USAF today. Accurate oil prediction is important for the U.S. in order to improve the national strategy and the related budget concerns. Today, the U.S. is roughly importing 58% of its petroleum products. Moreover, in Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 the USAF total energy costs exceeded $6.9 billion. Aviation fuel accounted for approximately 81% of the total AF energy costs. Fluctuations in oil prices have huge impacts on the USAF’s JP-8 budgetary calculations. In order to handle this problem, the need for accurate forecasts arises. In …
An Evaluation Of Solar Air Heating At United States Air Force Installations, David S. Brown
An Evaluation Of Solar Air Heating At United States Air Force Installations, David S. Brown
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to evaluate the use of solar air heating at U.S. Air Force installations. Specifically, this thesis analyzed Unglazed Transpired Collector (UTC) technology, more commonly known as SolarWalls®. This thesis sought to determine if UTC systems are an economically and environmentally viable technology which Air Force energy managers should include in their portfolio of alternative energy options. This research question was answered through the use of case studies and life-cycle cost analysis. Case studies were performed at various U.S. military installations which have already utilized UTC systems to provide a consolidated source of lessons learned. …
Jet Fuel Hedging Strategies For The Department Of Defense Through Use Of Financial Derivatives, William T. Gibson
Jet Fuel Hedging Strategies For The Department Of Defense Through Use Of Financial Derivatives, William T. Gibson
Theses and Dissertations
The primary purpose of this research is to assess the practicality of utilizing some of the financial derivative products available on the market today in an effort to mitigate monetary losses due to the increasing price of jet fuel, thereby increasing stability in the DOD budget. The scope of this research will focus on the use of futures and call option contracts. Domestic jet fuel expenditure data was collected for Fiscal Years 1996 to 2007 and cross-referenced with the contract process of the previously mentioned financial hedging instruments during the same period of time. Results from the ex post facto …
Waste Vegetable Oil As An Alternative Fuel For Diesel Vehicles, Harvey S. Gaber
Waste Vegetable Oil As An Alternative Fuel For Diesel Vehicles, Harvey S. Gaber
Theses and Dissertations
Alternative fuels have become a hot topic in the news as the cost of oil remains volatile. Questions of whether acquiring alternative fuels are worth the cost, logistics, and political implications are being asked. A possible solution may be currently thrown away by Wright Patterson Air Force Base’s (WPAFB) dining establishments in the form of Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO). This study researched the benefits and costs of pursuing the installation of a WVO to Straight Vegetable Oil fuel processing center and using the fuel to power some of the base’s diesel vehicles. A pilot program was fielded utilizing the Wright …
A Metagenomic Analysis Of Microbial Contamination In Aviation Fuels, Jerrod P. Mccomb
A Metagenomic Analysis Of Microbial Contamination In Aviation Fuels, Jerrod P. Mccomb
Theses and Dissertations
Microbial contamination in aviation fuel arises due to the impracticality of keeping fuel tanks sterile and the inevitable presence of water from condensation. Microbial contaminants in aviation fuels are a concern because of their potential to degrade the fuel, accelerate corrosion within the fuel tank, and threaten flight safety. This research aids in mitigating those problems by comprehensively characterizing the microbial communities affecting aviation fuels. Advances in molecular biological techniques have allowed for the identification of microorganisms which were not identified by the traditional culture-based methodologies used in previous studies. This study employed a molecular method known as 16S rDNA …
Ohio River Denial As A Transportation Corridor And Its Economic Impacts On The Energy Industry, Caglar Utku Guler
Ohio River Denial As A Transportation Corridor And Its Economic Impacts On The Energy Industry, Caglar Utku Guler
Theses and Dissertations
What if the Ohio River is disrupted or denied partially or completely as a transportation corridor? A disruption may be either a natural or man-made disaster or a planned outage on the river’s lock and dam structures. Recent history is full of water transport disruption events having significant economic effects on the waterside industries. To assess coal-based economic impacts, we developed a network flow model to represent waterside coal-fired power plants situated along the Ohio River, their respective coal supplying mines, and the various transportation modes that connect them. We show that significant transportation-centric insights can be derived by using …