Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons^™

Enhanced Electrochemical Performance Of Li-Ion Battery Cathodes By Atomic Layer Deposition, Yan Gao

Doctoral Dissertations

”Li-ion battery now plays an irreplaceable role in supplying green and convenient energy. In this work, atomic layer deposition (ALD) was used to modify Li-ion battery cathode particles for performance enhancement.

An ultrathin and conductive CeO₂ ALD film was deposited on Li-rich layered cathode particles, of which the specific capacity and cyclic stability were significantly improved. On the same cathode particles, FeO_x ALD and post-annealing resulted in a stable and conductive surface spinel phase to improve the performance.

Synergetic TiN coating and Ti doping were performed on a LiFePO₄ (LFP) cathode and extended its cycle life. The …

Integrated Study On The Applicability Of Co₂-Eor In Unconventional Liquids Rich Reservoirs, Dheiaa Khafief Khashan Alfarge

Doctoral Dissertations

"Unconventional Liquids Rich Reservoirs (ULR) such as Bakken, Niobrara, and Eagle Ford have become the main target for oil and gas investors as conventional formations started to deplete and diminish in number. These unconventional plays have a huge oil reserve; however, the predicted primary oil recovery is still low as an average of 7.5 %. Unconventional Improved Oil Recovery (UIOR) techniques are still a new concept in the oil industry because there is no commercial project for any IOR technique so far. Injecting carbon dioxide (CO₂) might be the most potential strategy to improve oil recovery in such complex plays. …

Functionalized Nanoporous Carbon Scaffolds For Hydrogen Storage Applications, Christopher L. Carr

Doctoral Dissertations

"Recent efforts have demonstrated confinement in porous scaffolds at the nanoscale can alter the hydrogen sorption properties of metal hydrides, though not to an extent feasible for use in onboard hydrogen storage applications, proposing the need for a method allowing further modifications. The work presented here explores how the functionalization of nanoporous carbon scaffold surfaces with heteroatoms can modify the hydrogen sorption properties of confined metal hydrides in relation to non-functionalized scaffolds (FS). Investigations of nanoconfined LiBH₄ and NaAlH₄ indicate functionalizing the carbon scaffold surface with nitrogen can shift the activation energy of hydrogen desorption in excess of …

Multiscale Approaches Toward Advanced Lithium-Ion Battery: From Nano To Meso Scale, Susmita Sarkar

Masters Theses

“Battery performance and its degradation are determined by various aspects such as the transport of ions and electrons through heterogeneous internal structures composed of constituent particles, kinetic reactions at the interfaces, and a corresponding interplay between mechanical, chemical, and thermal responses. Further, modern battery materials require a variety of engineering processes such as coating, doping and mixing. As a result, in order to fully understand the behavior of the battery material and improve battery performance, it is necessary to understand and control the individual particle behavior and then connect it to the electrode. This study elucidated the physical phenomena associated …

Evaluating Microgrid Effectiveness In Transitioning Energy Portfolios, Jacob Marshal Hale

Masters Theses

"Microgrid energy systems have emerged as a potential solution to rising greenhouse gas emissions from dependence on fossil fuels. This research provides a framework for evaluating the utility of microgrids. Three key findings are presented: use of a state-of-the-art matrix (SAM) analysis to identify gaps in key research areas that inhibit wide-spread microgrid adoption, development of a system dynamics (SD) model, and a cost benefit analysis case study to evaluate microgrid feasibility in partially meeting the energy demand of a building. Governments play a central role in developing clean energy strategies. A SAM was developed to determine if key microgrid …

Study Of Surface Complexation And Mineral Dissolution During Water-Rock Interaction In High Salinity Waterflooding At Elevated Temperatures, Sameer Salasakar

Masters Theses

"High salinity waterflooding for carbonate reservoirs is efficient and cheap method used for improved oil recovery. Various mechanisms have been proposed including adsorption/desorption on rock surface, mineral dissolution and precipitation, multicomponent ion exchange, interfacial tension reduction, fine migration and double layer expansion. These all process alter the wettability which leads to improved oil recovery.

Objective of this study was to understand processes that occur during water-rock interaction when high salinity water is flooded into the reservoir. In this work, effect of temperature on water-rock interaction is studied along with effect of pH and specific surface areas of calcite at normal …

Oxidative Dehydrogenation Of Light Alkanes With Carbon Dioxide, Marktus A. Atanga

Masters Theses

”Most experts studying the global ecosystem and climate suggest that rising anthropogenic CO₂ emissions have contributed to significant global climate change in the last half-century. The development of effective strategies that convert CO₂ into energy, fuels, and chemicals are greatly preferable to oceanic or geologic sequestration options because they offer the potential to create new commercially-viable products from renewable carbon feedstock. On the other hand, the selective oxidative dehydrogenation of light alkanes (C₂-C₄) to corresponding olefins, methane reforming, and methane coupling are the major challenges for producing valuable and versatile feedstocks. The oxidative dehydrogenation …

Degradable Nanocomposite Preformed Particle Gel For Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery Applications, Paul Tongwa

Doctoral Dissertations

”This work presents two new materials that can be potentially used in conformance control to increase ultimate oil recovery from mature oilfields.

The first product is a degradable nanocomposite preformed particle gel for enhanced in-depth mobility control. Three different types of degradable nanocomposite preformed particle gels were synthesized. These three nanocomposite hydrogels were made using Laponite XLG, Calcium Montmorillonite, and Sodium Montmorillonite nanomaterials. It was observed that after degradation, Laponite XLG nanocomposite hydrogels had the highest post-degradation viscosity (4437 cp), followed by sodium nanocomposite hydrogels (129 cp), and lastly calcium nanocomposite hydrogels (75.5 cp). Thus, degradable Laponite XLG nanocomposite hydrogels …

Arkansas Wood Fuels: A Feasibility Study, Ralph O. Gunderson

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

This report presents estimates of quantities and location of logging residues in Arkansas. Six sites are determined as potential fuel use sites for these residues. Estimates of the demand for wood fuel at these sites are made. The supply and demand for wood fuels are studied to determine the feasibility of utilizing logging residue as a fuel at these six locations in Arkansas.

Cogeneration Of Ethanol From I.C. Engine Powerplants: An Economical And Convenient Method To Supply Process Energy For Ethanol Production, Randall Noon

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

I.C. engine power plants have significant and suitable waste heat for the production of ethanol. Such power plants are often located in conjunction with cattle and grain producing areas, two of the important ingredients for ethanol production. Cogeneration of ethanol from I.C. engines will afford significant production of ethanol without requiring more fuel than is currently used.

Full Food And Fiber Production, James D. Atwood

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

Included in the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 is a section which provides priority treatment for essential agricultural users. The applicability and importance of this Act in maintaining a viable agricultural base in this nation is developed.

Ratepayer Financing Of Solar Thermal Electric Commercial Demonstration Projects, Mark D. Jarmie, Jeff V. Conopask

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

Commercialization of a new energy supply technology requires demonstration of its feasibility to potential customers at each staqe of development. While small improvements of proven energy supply svstems are usually privately pioneered, larger or more uniaue research projects are often delaved as economic and technical concerns are assuaged through public sector R&D funding. For solar thermal central receivers, even though their technical viability has been tested on a small scale, acceptance by utilities will require full-scale field experiments and commercial-sized demonstration plants.

Wood Fuels In Power Generation, Yildirim Omurtag, Larry Wetzel, Michael Mcevilly

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

In order for wood to be considered a feasible energy source for power generation, it must prove to be economical, meet society's pollution criteria, and provide sufficient energy to meet its regional demand applications or requirements. This report looks at wood's availability, its potential as a fuel source, the different methods of energy conversion, and lastly, submits conclusions and recommendations concerning wood-fueled power generation.

The information and background was supplied and supported by actual application, government publications and documentations, and other sources. The availability report includes living biomass, wood residues, and potential biomass expansion. Once availability was determined, the portion …

Rate Of Return Regulatory Policy -- The Bane Of Electric Utilities?, Charles David Laderoute

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

In the past,rate of return regulation served to the advantage of electric utility stockholders. Today this is no longer the case. Furthermore, owners cannot assume that utility management can or will work totally in their behalf. As a result, this paper presents as its main thesis that utility stockholders should band together into advocacy groups to support their right to a fair rate of return.

Pipeline Gathering System Operations Model, Mark E. Ryan

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

A computer model to aid in the analysis of pipeline gathering system operations has been developed. The model simulates the actual daily operation of the gathering system, on a task by task basis, taking into account terrain, climate, and facility breakdowns. The model can be used to project operating requirements for new systems or analyze problems in existing systems.

The Price Of Oil, R. W. Clack

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

An examination of major forces in the petroleum market with primary emphasis on the decade of the 1970s. The market force (s) responsible for the factor-of-ten increase in the price of crude oil is isolated, if not identified. The market's "message" is set forth for energy policy planners.

Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells: A Review, Robert D. Engelken, Patrick L. Cole

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

Recent developments in the production and study of the properties of amorphous silicon containing hydrogen and fluorine impurities are reviewed. Especially emphasized are the properties of the material in regard to its photovoltaic potential and the roles of hydrogen and fluorine in modifying such properties as band gap and mobility from those of the pure amorphous and crystalline material.

The Regulatory Nemesis, K. Daniel Hinkle

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

Energy sources are truly regulated from the bowels of the earth to the flame tip. Local, state and federal governments, whether by design or blind ineptitude, have created a maze of administrative regulations that affect the development of both current and future energy sources. Rather than discuss regulatory horror stories, it is the purpose of this paper to discuss the impacts of this maze of regulations on current and alternate energy sources.

The first section will review 16 federal acts that make up the regulatory nemesis. The second section will review an example of the maze in action on a …

Microprocessor Based Control For Wind Turbines, Mubde Absi, Curtis Dodd

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

This paper will discuss the design of a microprocessor based control system for a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). A control philosophy is developed and the reasons for a microprocessor control are discussed.

Entropy Based Analytic Techniques, John O. Dow

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

The study of energy supply futures is simplified when the end use of this energy is included in the analyses. The various supply and end use opportunities can be evaluated against a standard basis with the analytic techniques discussed here. A simplified theoretical background for these techniques is given and a wide range of energy supply and end use situations to which the techniques apply is presented.

Photovoltaic Performance With Concentration Theory And Experiment, M. H. Cobble, R. M. Wabrek, E. Lumsdaine

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

A model of a photovoltaic cell having a resistance in series with the load, for use with solar concentration, has been analyzed and tested over a range of concentrations.

Use Of Ailerons To Improve Control Of Large Wind Turbines, Melvin H. Snyder, W. H. Wentz Jr., John T. Calhoun

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

Studies have been conducted to determine feasibility of using aileron or spoiler controls as alternates to pitch control for large horizontal axis wind turbines. Results of the study show that either ailerons or spoilers can provide control necessary to limit turbine power in high wind conditions. An aileron system is recommended for the present application, based upon the ability of ailerons to provide self-starting and added power at low wind speed conditions.

Modeling As An Aid To Energy Policy And Planning, Paul F. Hultquist, Richard S. Collier, Ellis A. Monash, Bernard H. Burzlaff

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

Mathematical modeling as a tool in energy policy and planning is discussed. Examples of coal mine production and natural gas reservoir recovery are used to illustrate the kinds of results obtainable from simple and understandable models.

Solar Energy Teaching Lab With Large Scale Working Model, Jim Pearson, Tom Cook

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

An active solar energy retrofit has been added to an engineering building at John prown University. A new system dependent evaluation procedure incorporating the f-chart method was used for panel selection. The system is designed and instrumented in order to provide various laboaratory experiences and data collection capability. Data collection and system control are provided by a microcomputer.

Umr Minerals Building: An Innovative Approach To The Construction Of Underground Buildings, Bruce H. Green, David A. Summers

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

The original intent of the exercice was to develop a design for a new minerals engineering building which would demonstrate the applicability and feasibility of an underground building complex to our administration and to the Board of Curators. Two major advantages were foreseen for such a building. Not only would it be immensely superior, in terms of energy demand, to the conventional aboveground buildings previously constructed by the University, but it also would have highly significant symbollic and educational effects on the students of the several disciplines comprising the UMR "School of Mines and Metallurgy". It would also serve as …

Correlation Of Bus Ridership With The Trend Of Gasoline Price In A Major Metropolitan Area, Andrew D. Jones, Braja M. Das

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

A case study of the public bus ridership for the city of El Paso (Texas) for the years 1978, 1979, and 1980 has been presented. This has been correlated with increasing trend of the price of gasoline. Although the study presented is for a short duration, it reflects a general trend of slow but definitely encouraging public awareness for the conservation of energy.

Agri-Fuel Potentials Of Butanol/Acetone Production: An Alternative To Ethanol For A Gasoline Substitute, Randall Noon

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

Butanol and acetone can be produced via a fermentation process similar to ethanol. Whereas ethanol fuels require strict observance of federal and state alcohol laws, butanol and acetone are not so regulated. These and other advantages may make the production of butanol/acetone fuels an alternative choice for a gasoline substitute.

Double Envelope House Design, Construction And Operation, James A. Ray

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

The double envelope concept of house construction has received recent interest due to claims of performance not backed by analytical or operational data along with questions in code compliance and building costs associated with the construction. This paper provides a compilation of information from around the country including problems and successes and initial review of technical data associated with instrumented projects. Specific information from the Midwest is based on three houses in the St. Louis area which include designs for passive cooling and heating with alternative energy sources for backup.

Limitations Of Underground Building As An Energy Alternative, A. M. Hanna, N. Evans

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

Building underground offers a potential for a reduction in heating and cooling loads, in comparison to a similar above ground structure. The resulting energy savings over the life of the structure will be beneficial, both in terms of dollars, and in conservation of resources. However, this mode of construction is subject to technical and economic limitations. The limitations, as well as the potential energy saving processes of underground construction, are discussed with special emphasis placed on the soil properties, structural design and construction techniques... which may unfavourably affect the potential energy savings.

Energy Management In Institutional Facilities, Raj Kumar

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

Insitutional buildings present a challenge for energy conservation because their operation is year-round, seven-day-a-week, twenty-four per day. In this paper, the author examines year-round heat rejection sources and shows how an energy reclaim system that reuses cooling system waste heat for preheating service hot water proves effective for successful energy management.