Showing papers on "Efficient energy use published in 1974"

Barriers to the widespread utilization of residential solar energy: The prospects for solar energy in the U.S. housing industry

Abstract: Residential solar energy applications can provide a significant fraction of the U.S. energy budget. However, to do so, they must be combined with other energy-conserving strategies and diffused rapidly throughout the housing industry. Discussed are the potential resistances to the diffusion of solar energy within the U.S. housing industry; implications for the application of residential solar energy are treated. Richard Schoen is an architect and faculty member of the University of California at Los Angeles' School of Architecture and Urban Planning. He is also a staff consultant to the Solar Energy Team at Caltech. An earlier version of this paper was prepared and delivered at the International Solar Energy Conference, “Le soleil au service de l'homme,” Paris, July 2–6, 1973.

Energy per Dollar Value of Consumer Goods and Services

Abstract: The input-output structure of the United States economy is used to obtain the energy required to produce consumer commodities. Calculations are based on energy sector inverse coefficients and the average energy per dollar of sales of the energy sectors. While variations between sectors are not negligible, they are considerably less than initially anticipated.

Conservation of energy in buildings

Abstract: The energy shortage in the United States will be of many years duration. In the past, commercial buildings have not been designed to minimize the consumption of electricity and fuels. Because of the energy shortage and the resulting rise in costs of energy, it is imperative that conservation measures be implemented. Little information is available on how energy is consumed in buildings. Computer models which analyze the total energy balance of a building provide valuable guidance in planning conservation strategies. Obstacles to innovations and improvement in construction technology are examined. Some general methods are described for reducing energy consumption in the existing stock of commercial buildings. Areas where improvements can be made in future designs are identified.

The energy balloon

Abstract: This book reviews the history of energy in the U.S., and what it calls the American Pageant of Waste. It considers potential energy alternatives and also looks at new attitudes and leaner lifestyles. The book devotes particular attention to transportation and views favorably the energy efficiency of railroad transportation and urban rail transit.

Energy Conservation Measures in Building: A Survey

Abstract: A wide range of possible measures for the conservation of energy in buildings are reviewed. The survey is made in the context of the American situation and covers energy use in space heating and co...

Rating aircraft on energy

Abstract: Questions concerning the energy efficiency of aircraft compared to ground transport are considered, taking into account as energy intensity the energy consumed per passenger statute mile. It is found that today's transport aircraft have an energy intensity potential comparable to that of ground modes. Possibilities for improving the energy density are also much better in the case of aircraft than in the case of ground transportation. Approaches for potential reductions in aircraft energy consumption are examined, giving attention to steps for increasing the efficiency of present aircraft and to reductions in energy intensity obtainable by the introduction of new aircraft utilizing an advanced technology. The use of supercritical aerodynamics is discussed along with the employment of composite structures, advances in propulsion systems, and the introduction of very large aircraft. Other improvements in fuel economy can be obtained by a reduction of skin-friction drag and a use of hydrogen fuel.

Efficiency in energy use

Abstract: This issue of the Ontario Hydro Research Quarterly features an article dealing with the mounting demands on energy and means by which to insure its efficient use. First it discusses the distribution of energy by source and use, then the efficiency of its consumption in generation of electricity, transportation, space heating, appliances, and industry. Measures to increase energy conservation are suggested, and conclusions are presented.

Perspectives in U.S. Energy Resource Development

Abstract: ABS>An inventory of U. S. energy resources is presented together with approximate timetables and product costs for implementation of the technologies necessary for clean utilization of these resources. These energy components include fossil fuels and their conversion to clean synthetic fuels, nuclear fuel supplies, geothermal energy, wind power, thermonuclear fusion, and the ultimate resource, solar energy. The cost of solar energy is treated in considerable detail for several prospective applications and basic energy conservation strategies are outlined. (13l references) (auth)

The U.S. Energy Situation

Abstract: Past trends and future forecasts of U.S. energy supply and demand are analyzed by fuel type and end-use. Four major interrelated areas of the energy dilemma, i.e., technological, economic, environmental, and governmental or political are examined. Short-, intermediate-, and long-term ‘solutions’ are reviewed. One aspect of an idealized national energy policy is proposed which would direct various fuels to their most beneficial or ‘superior’ end uses. This policy would direct natural gas to residential and commercial usage, petroleum to transportation and chemical feedstock utilization, and coal and nuclear energy to electric generation and industrial applications. The role of conservation of resources and the impact of possible changes in the American lifestyle are examined Four recommendations are proposed: (1) major programs of energy and fuels conservation should be undertaken; (2) the suggested aspect of a national energy policy should be implemented, reducing fuels applications in ‘inferior’...

Energy conservation: how big a target

Abstract: It is indicated that energy conservation can help reduce the need for increasingly expensive and environmentally disruptive new sources of energy. Conservation can help alleviate such problems as (1) increasing marginal costs for new sources of energy in addition to the growing competition for land use and environmental resources and (2) decreasing marginal values for new uses of energy. An examination of the energy consumption figures for Canada between 1961 and 1971 shows how the country increased its energy consumption tremendously, but failed to increase its efficiency of use. Consumption figures were reported as growing from 3 to 5.2 quadrillion Btu (165 to 241 million Btu/capita) while the number of Btu's/constant dollar of GNP remained about the same at 76,000. The sectorial distribution of energy consumption showed that the absolute consumption increased in all sectors. The transportation sector, for example, consumed 25 percent of the energy during the 1961 to 71 period with shifts in transportation mode from rail and marine to air. The relative importance of the domestic and industrial markets declined over the last decade, while the commercial and energy supply industries made large advances. Potential areas of energy conservation include space heating and transportation. In 1971, formore » example, space heating accounted for 25 percent of the Canadian energy consumption (vs. 20 percent in the U.S.). Methods for the reduction of energy consumption in Canada are discussed.« less

Plugging the energy sieve

Abstract: This article discusses the feasibility of an energy policy based mainly on increased efficiency in the use of energy, with minimal change of present life-style. Data are included on present and projected energy consumption in four major areas -- industrial, residential, commercial, and transportation. Increased effeciency in the industrial sector appears possible through the use of new production processes, recycling, utilization of waste materials, and careful energy accounting in order to reduce total manufacturing energy or to trade off increased manufacturing energy for improved operating efficiency. In the residential and commercial sectors the use of products and applicances which are more energy efficient, such as better heat insulation and space heating by a means other than electric heating, offer ways of energy conservation. In the transportation sector increased efficiency is seen possible in freight transport and the operation of automobiles. Also, it appers that large energy investments now in transportation could save future energy costs, dependent, of course, on what decisions are made now for energy deployment. This article concludes by examining how a program for efficient energy utilization could be implemented, what steps would encourage such practice, and what some of the side-effects and synergies would be.