Showing papers on "Cost reduction published in 1983"

Dish Concentrators for Solar Thermal Energy

Abstract: A wide variety of point-focusing concentrators are under consideration for solar thermal energy use They are briefly reviewed in this paper These concentrators differ in such characteristics as optical configuration and materials, structure for support of the optical elements and receiver, mount, foundation, drive, and controls Point-focusing concentrators require good optical efficiency and, especially for high-temperature applications, high geometric concentration ratios Most important are low cost, as installed, and low lifetime cost Critical cost contributors for quantity production are the cost of materials and the cost of installation labor Field testing and performance measurements of concentrators, with receivers and controls, are badly needed

Minimized Cost Through Optimized Tolerance Distribution In Optical Assemblies

Abstract: The cost to fabricate most mechanical systems and components is in inverse proportion to the tolerances applicable. Each system performance requirement has various sensitivities to errors in certain parameters (dimensions). The total cost to produce a system is the sum of the cost of each tolerance plus certain constant factors that cannot be reduced. The performance errors of the system are the sum of the contributions of each tolerance. This paper describes a methodology that allows the designer to assign and distribute the optical/mechanical tolerances in a system to minimize the cost of production while maintaining required system performance. The practical application of this method can lead to significantly reduced cost and increased ease of manufacture without risking or sacrificing performance.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Space station propulsion system trade study

Abstract: This study evaluates alternative space station propulsion system options for a range of space station configurational and operational architectures. Space station propulsion requirements ranging from those representative of the first generation space station to those of an advanced space station with a space based OTV are considered. A methodology for comparing the candidate propulsion technologies is developed which considers design/development/qualification and operational costs, system mass, performance, reliability, and other relevant parameters. Advanced propulsion systems are shown to reduce space station costs by providing higher performance but to require a larger front end investment for development and qualification. This study indicates that if the full potential of such systems is to be realized, then low cost implementations of this technology must be developed.

Variations in driver wage rates and opportunities for transport cost reduction

Abstract: EFFECT OF SIZE OF VEHICLE AND SIZE OF FIRM ON WAGE RATES FOR BUS DRIVERS IN URBAN PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE OPERATIONS) REDUCED LABOR COSTS AND SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS

Pricing as a policy to reduce sewage costs

Abstract: Compliance in Maryland with the Federal Clean Water Act will cost an estimated $3 billion. By charging a modest water/sewage fee for residential water use ($2 per thousand gallons), it is shown that sewage flows could be reduced, resulting in a compliance cost savings of $21 million. The cost reduction occurred even though only one third of the municipalities (heavy per capita water users) had to bear the increased price. Pricing policies are suggested as a method of reducing the costs of environmental standards.

Reduction of peak-power demand for electric rail transit systems

Abstract: Rail transit managers will find this report useful in assessing operation of their electrified systems. Energy cost reduction guidelines contain step-by-step procedures for energy load management by reducing peak power demand. Factors contributing to peak power demand were identifited, energy use patterns were identified, and policies were examined. Data was collected and analyzed for four transit agencies so that the sensitivity of factors influencing power demand could be determined by using the Energy Management Model (EMM), a series of computer simulation programs. General findings were: (1) Reduction of peak-power demand in electric rate structures can be cost effective for transit agencies; (2) Costs and benefits of load management are site-specific; (3) Load management should be part of an overall energy management effort. Vehicle-performance modifications such as top-speed limits and coasting can produce immediate savings. More sophisticated strategies may be desirable for optimum cost reduction. As load management reduces peak demand, utility cost allocations are shifted to other customers and careful negotiation will be necessary to avoid higher rates in future years.

Asymmetry of Information, Regulatory Lags and Optimal Incentive Contracts: Theory and Evidence

Abstract: procurements. The procurement process and the equilibrium bidding behavior is modelled in sections II and III and the effect of contract parameters and other structural variables on expected procurement costs are explicitly derived. The existing models are enriched by incorporating a technology for cost reduction where the investment in cost reduction made by the contractor is unobservable to the utility. In the presence of such informational asymmetry, the optimal incentive parameter to be used is derived in terms of information available to the utility. In section IV the effects of changing contractual parameters and other structural variables (number of contractors bidding, the riskiness of the production process, etc.) on equilibrium bidding behavior and ex post cost reduction incentives are derived. In section V we relate some of the implications of our model to a sample

Cost reduction considerations in small hydropower development

Abstract: The report covers: (1) general concepts: physical components of MHG facilities; site assessments, hydrology, maps, feasibility studies, engineering design, social aspects, economic aspects, detailed civil engineering, tendering, construction, etc.; (2) some ways of reducing capital costs in developing countries: penstocks, speed control, turbines and reverse pumps, voltage control devices, standardization of parts and reduction of equipment variety; (3) other cost reduction considerations.

Kostensenkung durch planmäßige Instandhaltung unter Berücksichtigung der erforderlichen Verfügbarkeit

Abstract: Cost reduction by planned maintenance, paying attention to required plant availability. Availability, plant utilisation, plant safety and maintenance are interrelated. The intensity and degree of planning of maintenance has to be within given conditions – and reduction of the degree of planning can also lead to a remarkable cost reduction in maintenance. Planned maintenance signifies not only optimization of the above relations, but also the performance of work in a highest amount of planning. Because maintenance costs are largely personnel costs, the planning and control of work have to lead mainly to an increase of effectivity of maintenance personnel. The following examples and numbers may show how organisational and technical measures can effect an increase of planning possibilities, and hence a cost favourable situation.

Operating Characteristics for an Inventory Model that Special Handles Extreme Value Demand

Abstract: : In this report, we extend the results shown in Technical Report 19 by adding a set-up cost to the infinite horizon inventory model that special handles any demand that exceeds some value tau. We generate 2268 cases and present the operating characteristics of the special handling model as compared to the operating characteristics without special handling. We show that in 99.5% of the cases special handling reduces the total expected costs (excluding special handling costs). Most of the cost reduction is as a result of decreased inventory investment with a smaller proportion due to decreased penalty costs and decreased set-up costs. In many cases the reduction in inventory investment significantly exceeds the amount of orders left unfilled due to special handling.

House cost reduction by owner-building

Abstract: SUMMARY Owner control of house building allows a variety of cost-reducing measures to be introduced, such as a smaller house, cheaper materials, fixtures and finishes, and staged construction. However owner-building offers the greatest cost reduction potential. This potential may be reduced by the owner-builder's materials and labour prices, any income forgone, and an extended building time. The cost implications of purchasing a speculative house, a project house and owner-buildinq are calculated, showing that owner-building has real advantages by reducing the loan amount, the repayment level, and the total interest paid.

Photovoltaic central power stations: opportunity analysis and technology status

Abstract: Large, modularized photovoltaic arrays have been studied in detail for operation as central power station (CPS) generating plants on conventional utility power grids. Several key plant design issues have been raised in the present study from a module, system and plant construction standpoint. Detailed designs for two 100 MW CPS, one using a flat plate and one a pointfocus concentrating collector have been completed at an actual utility power plant site. Use of assumed 1986 PV and inverter technology yielded 248 GWh (flat plate) and 284 GWh (concentrator) annual plant energy output estimates. The completed designs indicate that workable systems currently exist for a PVCPS, yet module cost reduction and efficiency improvement is needed. Detailed plant construction cost estimates were performed using parametric PV array costs ($1$3.50/Wp) indicating that, even at $1/Wp for PV modules, PVCPS units put-on-line in the late 1980's will still cost around $2000/kWe installed. PVCPS opportunities prior to 1990 will be most feasible with implementation of 3rd party investment strategies.