Showing papers on "Conceptual design published in 1981"

An overview of inertial fusion reactor design

Abstract: Recent progress in the conceptual design of inertial fusion reaction chambers and power plants is reviewed. A discussion of expected operating parameters and a brief historical perspective are provided to organize the rich array of chamber and driver concepts. The technical feasibility of several reaction chamber concepts is discussed, along with technical issues that require future analysis, experiment, and development. Where these chambers have been integrated into a power plant design, the characteristics are described. Finally, requirements on the future development of inertial fusion reactor technology are discussed.

The Phoenix Project

Abstract: The Phoenix Project was an exploration of the issues surrounding large scale scientific computing. It was conducted at the Institute for Advanced Computation, NASA-Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, California from 1975 to 1979. The primary results of the project were a sizing of the likely needs of large scale scientific computing during the 1980s, what computing technology could be available to meet those needs, a conceptual design of a processor that could meet those needs, and a programming, language suitable for use by this community on a parallel processor such as the one proposed.

Conceptual design and engineering studies of adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) with thermal energy storage

Abstract: The objective of this study was to perform a conceptual engineering design and evaluation study and to develop a design for an adiabatic CAES system using water-compensated hard rock caverns for compressed air storage. The conceptual plant design was to feature underground containment for thermal energy storage and water-compensated hard rock caverns for high pressure air storage. Other design constraints included the selection of turbomachinery designs that would require little development and would therefore be available for near-term plant construction and demonstration. The design was to be based upon the DOE/EPRI/PEPCO-funded 231 MW/unit conventional CAES plant design prepared for a site in Maryland. This report summarizes the project, its findings, and the recommendations of the study team; presents the development and optimization of the plant heat cycle and the selection and thermal design of the thermal energy storage system; discusses the selection of turbomachinery and estimated plant performance and operational capability; describes the control system concept; and presents the conceptual design of the adiabatic CAES plant, the cost estimates and economic evaluation, and an assessment of technical and economic feasibility. Particular areas in the plant design requiring further development or investigation are discussed. It is concluded that the adiabatic concept more » appears to be the most attractive candidate for utility application in the near future. It is operationally viable, economically attractive compared with competing concerns, and will require relatively little development before the construction of a plant can be undertaken. It is estimated that a utility could start the design of a demonstration plant in 2 to 3 years if research regarding TES system design is undertaken in a timely manner. (LCL) « less

UWTOR-M, a conceptual design study of a modular stellarator power reactor

Abstract: A preliminary design of a 5500 MW/sub th/ modular stellarator power reactor, UW-TOR-M, is presented the parametric considerations which led to the UWTOR-M reference design point are briefly describe. A unique blanket design is proposed which minimized tritium inventory in the reactor. Finally, sine maintainability is a prime consideration, a scheme for is described servcing the first wall/blanket and other reactor components.

ELMO Bumpy Torus Reactor and power plant: conceptual design study

Abstract: A complete power plant design of a 1200-MWe ELMO Bumpy Torus Reactor (EBTR) is presented. An emphasis is placed on those features that are unique to the EBT confinement concept, with subsystems and balance-of-plant items that are more generic to magnetic fusion being adapted from past, more extensive tokamak reactor designs. Similar to the latter tokamak studies, this conceptual EBTR design also emphasizes the use of conventional or near state-of-the-art engineering technology and materials. An emphasis is also placed on system accessibility, reliability, and maintainability, as these crucial and desirable characteristics relate to the unique high-aspect-ratio configuration of EBTs. Equal and strong emphasis is given to physics, engineering/technology, and costing/economics components of this design effort. Parametric optimizations and sensitivity studies, using cost-of-electricity as an object function, are reported. Based on these results, the direction for future improvement on an already attractive reactor design is identified.

Conceptual design of the 6 MW MOD-5A wind turbine generator

Abstract: The General Electric Company, Advanced Energy Programs Department, is designing under DOE/NASA sponsorship the MOD-5A wind turbine system which must generate electricity for 3.75 cent/KWH (1980) or less. During the Conceptual Design Phase, completed in March, 1981, the MOD-5A WTG system size and features were established as a result of tradeoff and optimization studies driven by minimizing the system cost of energy (COE). This led to a 400' rotor diameter size. The MOD-5A system which resulted is defined in this paper along with the operational and environmental factors that drive various portions of the design. Development of weight and cost estimating relationships (WCER's) and their use in optimizing the MOD-5A are discussed. The results of major tradeoff studies are also presented. Subsystem COE contributions for the 100th unit are shown along with the method of computation. Detailed descriptions of the major subsystems are given, in order that the results of the various trade and optimization studies can be more readily visualized.

U. S. conceptual design contribution to the INTOR phase 1 workshop

Abstract: A conceptual design of a first-generation tokamak engineering test reactor is presented. The objectives, testing mission, and role in the fusion program of such a device are discussed. The physics, nuclear, and engineering design are described, and the projected operational schedule is outlined. An estimate of the cost and design/construction schedule is presented.

Conceptual design and analysis of orbital cryogenic liquid storage and supply systems

Abstract: A wide variety of orbital cryogenic liquid storage and supply systems are defined in NASA and DOD long-range plans. These systems include small cooling applications, large chemical and electrical orbit transfer vehicles and supply tankers. All have the common requirements of low-g fluid management to accomplish gas-free liquid expulsion and efficient thermal control to manage heat leak and tank pressure. A preliminary design study was performed to evaluate tanks ranging from 0.6 to 37.4 cu m (22 to 1320 cu ft). Liquids of interest were hydrogen, oxygen, methane, argon and helium. Conceptual designs were generated for each tank system and fluid dynamic, thermal and structural analyses were performed for Shuttle compatible operations. Design trades considered the paradox of conservative support structure and minimum thermal input. Orbital performance and weight data were developed, and a technology evaluation was completed.

A computer-aided design system geared toward conceptual design in a research environment

Abstract: A computer-aided design system has recently been developed specifically for the small research group environment. The system is implemented on a Prime 400 minicomputer linked with a CDC 6600 computer. The goal was to assign the minicomputer specific tasks, such as data input and graphics, thereby reserving the large mainframe computer for time-consuming analysis codes. The basic structure of the design system consists of GEMPAK, a computer code that generates detailed configuration geometry from a minimum of input; interface programs that reformat GEMPAK geometry for input to the analysis codes; and utility programs that simplify computer access and data interpretation. The working system has had a large positive impact on the quantity and quality of research performed by the originating group. This paper describes the system, the major factors that contributed to its particular form, and presents examples of its application.

Application of Human Engineering Criteria to Annunciator Display Systems in a Large Fossil Power Station

Abstract: This paper presents a conceptual design of a human engineered alarm system for a large fossil fueled power generating station. Well-known human factors engineering (HFE) principles have been incorporated into the design. Main features of this design are integration of hard-wired annunciators, localized alarms and CRT alarms into a comprehensive systein. The primary objective is that the alarm interface between the operator and the plant during a multi-faceted emergency should become manageable and useful to the operator.

Conceptual Design of an In-Space Cryogenic Fluid Management Facility

Abstract: The conceptual design of a Spacelab experiment to develop the technology associated with low gravity propellant management is presented. The proposed facility consisting of a supply tank, receiver tank, pressurization system, instrumentation, and supporting hardware, is described. The experimental objectives, the receiver tank to be modeled, and constraints imposed on the design by the space shuttle, Spacelab, and scaling requirements, are described. The conceptual design, including the general configurations, flow schematics, insulation systems, instrumentation requirements, and internal tank configurations for the supply tank and the receiver tank, is described. Thermal, structural, fluid, and safety and reliability aspects of the facility are analyzed. The facility development plan, including schedule and cost estimates for the facility, is presented. A program work breakdown structure and master program schedule for a seven year program are included.

INCOD: A System for Interactive Conceptual Data Base Design

Abstract: In this paper we describe the general structure of a computer aided system for Interactive Conceptual Design (INCOD) of Data Bases. First of all, motivations are given for a system as INCOD that allows the incremental definition of a conceptual schema of a Data Base according both to a top-down and a bottom-up strategy. Afterwards, the general features, functions and architecture of the system are described.

Design Approach for a Laser Wire and Wire Like Object Detection System (WWLODS).

Abstract: : A conceptual design and tradeoff study has been performed for a Wire and Wire-Like Object Detection System (WWLODS). The objective of the study was to recommend three alternative design approaches for a pod-mounted system to be carried on Army helicopters, to be capable of detecting 1/8 inch Army field wire, and to meet a weight goal of 50 pounds, a size goal of 1 cubic foot, and a cost goal of $50,000 per unit averaged over a production run of 4,000 units. The study established WWLODS performance requirements on range, field-of-view, frame time, and scan pattern based on helicopter flight performance limitations and helicopter pilot practices. It was found that a WWLODS based on active Infrared Coherent Optical Radar (ICOR) technology could be designed to meet the weight, volume, and cost goals, but that its range performance would be short enough to require a significant limitation on helicopter flight speed. Relaxing the weight limit to 70 pounds and the volume limit to 1.3 cubic feet would allow the design of a longer-range system with a much higher speed capability, but still within the production cost goal. (Author)

Results from conceptual design study of potential early commercial MHD/steam power plants

Abstract: This paper presents conceptual design information for a potential early MHD power plant developed in the second phase of a joint study of such plants. Conceptual designs of plant components and equipment with performance, operational characteristics and costs are reported on. Plant economics and overall performance including full and part load operation are reviewed. Environmental aspects and the methods incorporated in plant design for emission control of sulfur and nitrogen oxides are reviewed. Results from reliability/availability analysis conducted are also included.

Requirements for the conceptual design of advanced underground coal extraction systems

Abstract: Conceptual design requirements are presented for underground coal mining systems having substantially improved performance in the areas of production cost and miner safety Mandatory performance levels are also set for miner health, environmental impact, and coal recovery In addition to mandatory design goals and constraints, a number of desirable system characteristics are identified which must be assessed in terms of their impact on production cost and their compatibility with other system elements Although developed for the flat lying, moderately thick seams of Central Appalachia, these requirements are designed to be easily adaptable to other coals

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) Engineering Test Facility (ETF) 200 MWe power plant. Design Requirements Document (DRD)

Abstract: A description and the design requirements for the 200 MWe (nominal) net output MHD Engineering Test Facility (ETF) Conceptual Design, are presented. Performance requirements for the plant are identified and process conditions are indicated at interface stations between the major systems comprising the plant. Also included are the description, functions, interfaces and requirements for each of these major systems. The lastest information (1980-1981) from the MHD technology program are integrated with elements of a conventional steam electric power generating plant.

Conceptual design of the MHD Engineering Test Facility

Abstract: The reference conceptual design of the MHD engineering test facility, a prototype 200 MWe coal-fired electric generating plant designed to demonstrate the commerical feasibility of open cycle MHD is summarized. Main elements of the design are identified and explained, and the rationale behind them is reviewed. Major systems and plant facilities are listed and discussed. Construction cost and schedule estimates are included and the engineering issues that should be reexamined are identified.

Factors affecting the minimum capital cost of a tokamak reactor

Abstract: The Mk IIA Culham conceptual tokamak reactor design is a 2500 MWe steady-state reactor developed on the basis of a cost optimisation. A revised 1200 MWfe conceptual design, the Mk IIB, used a lower wall loading and lower thermodynamic efficiency. A detailed costing of the Mk IIB design, however, shaved it to have an unacceptably high capital cost. Since this high cost is a common characteristic of many fusion reactor designs, the cost optimisation of the Mk II design has been reconsidered.

A high capacity satellite switched TDMA microwave switch matrix

Abstract: A description is given of the conceptual design of a high-capacity satellite switched-time division multiple access (SS-TDMA) microwave switch matrix fabricated with GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs), including integration of both microwave and control logic circuits into the monolithic design. The technology required for a 30/20 GHz communications system includes an on-board SS-TDMA switch matrix. A conceptual design study that has been completed for a wideband, high-capacity (typically 100 x 100) channel switch matrix using technology anticipated for 1987 is described, noting that the study resulted in a switch matrix design concept using a coupled crossbar architecture implemented with MMIC. The design involves basic building block MMIC, permitting flexible growth and efficient wraparound redundancy to increase reliability.

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) engineering test facility (ETF) 200 mwe power plant. Design requirements document (DRD). Final report

Abstract: A description and the design requirements for the 200 MWe (nominal) net output MHD Engineering Test Facility (ETF) Conceptual Design, are presented. Performance requirements for the plant are identified and process conditions are indicated at interface stations between the major systems comprising the plant. Also included are the description, functions, interfaces and requirements for each of these major systems. The lastest information (1980-1981) from the MHD technology program are integrated with elements of a conventional steam electric power generating plant.

Solar hydrogen system design considerations

Abstract: Integration of a complex chemical process with a solar heat source was described with regard to process and equipment design. The conceptual design for a developmental test unit demonstrating the sulfur cycle has also been prepared. The test unit design is compatible with the power level of a large parabolic solar collector.

Integrated residential photovoltaic array development. Quarterly report No. 2

Abstract: The results of a selection process to define the conceptual design of an optimum integrated residential photovoltaic module array are discussed. Three basic module design concepts have been analyzed with respect to both production and installation costs. The results of this evaluation have been used to synthesize a fourth design which incorporates the best features of these initial concepts to produce a module/array design approach which offers the promise of a substantial reduction in the installed cost of a residential array. A unique waterproofing and mounting scheme has been used to reduce the cost of installing an integral array while still maintaining a high probability that the installed array will be watertight for the design lifetime of the system. This recommended concept will also permit the array to be mounted as a direct or stand-off installation with no changes to the module design.

Conceptual design for the ZEPHYR neutral-beam injection system

Abstract: In June 1980, the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory began a conceptual design study for a neutral beam injection system for the ZEPHYR ignition tokamak proposed by the Max-Planck-Institut fur Plasmaphysik in Garching, Germany The ZEPHYR project was cancelled, and the LBL design effort concluded prematurely in January 1981 This report describes the conceptual design as it existed at that time, and gives brief consideration to a schedule, but does not deal with costs