Showing papers on "Efficient energy use published in 1978"

Microwave method and apparatus for heating pavements

Abstract: Pavement (12) is rapidly heated in depth by irradiation with microwave energy accompanied by supplemental surface heating which counteracts an inverted temperature gradient otherwise produced by microwave heating Energy efficiency is increased by performing the surface heating with thermal energy derived from the exhaust gases of a motor (19) which drives a generator (18) to energize the microwave source (68) An energy applicator (36) simultaneously applies both the microwave energy and hot gas to a selected area of pavement while blocking release of microwave energy in upward and outward directions and is preferably attached to a mobile support (37) through support and positioning linkage (38) which enables shifting of the applicator between localized areas of pavement to be heated A variety of paving operations and pavement repair operations are facilitated by enabling an efficient deep rapid heating of deteriorated pavement or surfaces to be paved or repaved or to which an additional layer of pavement is to be applied

Energy efficient pollution abating glass manufacturing process with external recovery of heat from furnace flue gases

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in glass manufacturing methods of the type which involve providing water containing agglomerates of glass batch, heating the agglomerates by direct contact with furnace flue gases so as to dry them and increase their temperature, the heating being insufficient however, to cause the agglomerates to aggregate, transporting those heated agglomerates to a fossil-fueled melter and melting them in the melter. The improvement resides in the heating being done in at least two stages, the flue gases withdrawn from one stage, heat recovered therefrom and then the cooled flue gases being introduced into the other stage. The heat withdrawn from the flue gases may be employed for beneficial purposes.

Alternative aircraft fuels

Abstract: In connection with the anticipated impossibility to provide on a long-term basis liquid fuels derived from petroleum, an investigation has been conducted with the objective to assess the suitability of jet fuels made from oil shale and coal and to develop a data base which will allow optimization of future fuel characteristics, taking energy efficiency of manufacture and the tradeoffs in aircraft and engine design into account. The properties of future aviation fuels are examined and proposed solutions to problems of alternative fuels are discussed. Attention is given to the refining of jet fuel to current specifications, the control of fuel thermal stability, and combustor technology for use of broad specification fuels. The first solution is to continue to develop the necessary technology at the refinery to produce specification jet fuels regardless of the crude source.

A critical review of single fuel and interfuel substitution residential energy demand models

Abstract: Prepared by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Energy Laboratory Cambridge, Mass., for the United States Department of Energy under contract no. EX-876-A-01-2295, task order 37.

Energy efficient engine: Preliminary design and integration studies

Abstract: The characteristics and systems benefits of an energy efficient engine (E3) suitable for use on advanced subsonic transport aircraft were determined. Relative to a current CF6-50C engine, the following benefits were estimated: 14.4% reduction in installed cruise specific fuel consumption, and a reduction in direct operating cost of more than 5%. The advanced technology E3 system would also permit: compliance with FAR 36 (1977) noise limits, and compliance with 1981 EPA emission standards.

Energy efficiency in the transport sector

Abstract: The distribution of energy use in the transport sector in the United States of America is presented and analysed in terms of the efficient use of energy in various applications. Comparisons are drawn with other modelling efforts.

Optimization applied to the design of an energy-efficient building

Abstract: There are several public domain, and numerous proprietary, computer programs that provide detailed simulations of the heating and cooling requirements for a building. Such programs are often used to evaluate changes in the design of a building that are made to decrease its energy requirements. A user is considered to be working in a trial-and-error mode if each execution of the program provides no formal guidance for the next change. This work reports on an investigation of the imbedding of such an energy analysis program into an optimization structure. Such an arrangement would enable a user to specify a set of architectural and construction parameters and the limits within which they might vary, and from this to determine the parameters that yield a local minimum in thermal load and the sensitivity of this load to changes in these parameters.

The Role of the Microwave Oven in Reducing Energy Consumption in Commercial Food Service

Abstract: The energy efficiency of typical food service systems and equipment is discussed, as well as the energy actually required to cook food. The microwave oven is shown to be an effective item of equipment to improve energy efficiency in food service systems.

Alternative forms of energy transmission from OTEC plants

Abstract: This paper compares the alternative forms of energy transmission from ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) plants. The chemical energy carriers considered are the following: • Gaseous and Liquid Hydrogen • Liquid Ammonia • Methanol • Gasoline • Methane. The assessment assumes that each of the above energy carriers were transported by barge and/or pipeline. The delivered costs of energy using the above chemical energy carriers are compared for different offshore distances. When comparing the delivered cost of chemical energy with transmission of electricity by submarine cables, the outputs are converted to a common form. Thus, in addition to presenting the production and transportation costs and overall energy efficiency of the chemical energy carriers, we have provided a discussion of the equipment, capital and operating costs, and efficiencies of converting the delivered hydrogen and ammonia into electricity. As such, this paper provides a concise technical assessment and economic analysis of components associated with the conversion, storage, transportation, and shore-based receiving facilities for the conversion of OTEC mechanical energy to chemical energy, and in some cases conversion of delivered chemical energy to electricity. Results concerning the hydrogen and ammonia analysis were determined as part of the OTEC program at IGT from May 1975 through May 1976 under Contract No. NSF-C-1008 (AER-75-00033) with the National Science Foundation and ERDA. Information concerning carbonaceous fuels was developed as part of the IGT OTEC program under Contract No. E(49-18)-2426.

Energy-efficient beam-index displays with programmable power supplies

Abstract: Programmable power supplies are made responsive to beam-index and timing signals in order to automatically control the size and position of the display on a cathode ray tube. The high voltage power supply is also made programmable, responsive to video signal content, to reduce the energy stored in the high voltage circuits. Savings in energy consumption are also obtained by efficiently modulating the target screen of a beam-index type color cathode ray tube. Energy lost at the target screen is less than 10% compared to approximately 70% for a conventional color tube, an improvement factor of 7:1 or more.

Energy efficiency in the transportation sector

Abstract: The distribution of energy use in the transport sector in the United States of America is presented and analyzed in terms of the efficient use of energy in various applications. Comparisons are drawn with other modelling efforts. Statistical results of this study based on over-all traffic patterns suggest that in terms of energy, railroads are most efficient for freight traffic, whereas buses are most efficient for passenger traffic. Accordingly, from a strict energy efficiency point of view, the national transportation policy should encourage rechannelling freight traffic from truck and airplane to rail. Strictly speaking one should say that the freight traffic should be rechannelled to rail and water transport. According to the Department of Transportation water transport uses 462 Btu of energy per ton mile of traffic. As regards passenger traffic, public policy should encourage rechannelling passenger traffic from automobiles and airplanes to buses. This is especially important, since 88 percent of the energy in this sector is consumed by automobiles and trucks. However, for policy purposes, one must also consider the service characteristics of each mode, such as speed, door-to-door service and frequency of service of various modes of transportation.

Brookhaven buildings energy conservation optimization model

Abstract: The Brookhaven Buildings Energy Conservation Optimization Model is a linear programming representation of energy use in buildings. Starting with engineering and economic data on cost and performance of energy technologies used in buildings, including both conversion devices (such as heat pumps) and structural improvements, the model constructs alternative flows for energy through the technologies to meet demands for space heating, air conditioning, thermal applications, and electric lighting and appliances. Alternative paths have different costs and efficiencies. Within constraints such as total demand for energy services, retirement of existing buildings, seasonal operation of certain devices, and others, the model calculates an optimal configuration of energy technologies in buildings. The penetration of the various basic technologies within this configuration is specified in considerable detail, covering new and retrofit markets for nine building types in four regions. Each market may choose from several appropriate conversion devices and four levels each of new and retrofit structural improvement. The principal applications for which the model was designed described briefly.

Energy efficient alkylation process

Abstract: In an acid catalyzed alkylation system, a prefractionated reactor hydrocarbon effluent bottoms stream, substantially free of HF, is passed to a propane concentrator in order to provide for a more concentrated and desirable feed for the depropanizer. Due to the highly concentrated propane stream fed to the depropanizer, the size of the depropanizer can be much smaller thereby saving in energy. Hot overhead vapor from the isostripper is also passed in an indirect heat exchange relationship with various feed streams and fractionators in order to supply heat for the preheating of the feed streams and the reboiling of the fractionators. The bottoms fraction of the isostripper can also be passed in an indirect heat exchange relationship with various feed streams and fractionators. The alkylation process, therefore, maximizes the use of available waste heat and reduces the pressure and utilities on the depropanizer thereby saving greatly on energy costs.

Benefits of daylighting: cost and energy savings

Abstract: Daylight is a by-product of passive solar systems, and proper evaluation of the costs and benefits (heat and daylight) of the total system over its expected life can prove energy conserving. Life-cycle cost-benefit analysis allows trade offs of human productivity and energy costs. Passive solar systems use nondepletable energy sources and should be a part of every design study of alternative building systems to determine their economic desirability. Building codes for energy conservation should be based on life-cycle cost-benefit analysis as this could account for all energy input, including the energy used in materials, construction, and that used in generation and transmission.

Industry saves energy: progress report, 1977

Abstract: This is primarily a progress report on the development of a more energy-efficient industrial complex in the United States. The report begins with an overview of industrial use of energy in 1977 and the environment in which it existed. Governmental developments occupy a central position in this section. The report goes on to consider examples of projects for the improvement of energy efficiency in a number of industries, specifically, the glass, paper, chemical, cement, food, and steel industries. Then, following a short section on the overwhelming influence of the stock of energy-using plant and equipment on industrial energy consumption, the report presents some information that has been published in the committee on Nuclear and Alternative Energy Systems report of the National Academy of Sciences. This report focuses on the supply of and demand for energy in the year 2010. This report covers some of the conclusions of CONAES Demand/Conservation Panel and its Industry Resource Group. Particularly surprising are their findings regarding the large potential for energy conservation. This potential for energy conservation by industry is elaborated in the next section and some of the most important strategies and their necessary developments are discussed. In conclusion, additional examples of needed developments,more » both technical and nontechnical, are discussed. 7 references.« less

Energy Engineering in Telephone Equipment Buildings

Abstract: Telephone equipment buildings comprise assemblies of communication equipment, inter-connecting cabling, power plants and mechanical and electrical support systems. These buildings are geographically placed and specifically designed and constructed to function as special purpose equipment building systems. As a result, the planning of such facilities requires different considerations than those found in conventional architectural and building design activities. An overriding consideration in their planing and design is the concern for efficient energy utilization. This paper describes energy usage in the equipment-building systems of the Bell Telephone System and presents the result of energy related systems engineering studies. Included are cost/performance studies of equipment room spatial systems and air conditioning, building cooling and insulation and solar energy.

Energy efficient rail transit operation

Abstract: The paper investigates the energy consumption characteristics of modern rail rapid transit. The paper shows the variation in energy consumption caused by different operating policies and design characteristics of the rail transit mode, and points out the energy economies of improved design and operation. Five variables are analyzed using a rail transit performance computer model that simulates the performance of a rail transit train whose operating characteristics are specified by the program user. The simulated train runs over a track segment established by the user and a performance log of train speed and acceleration along the track segment plus the rate of energy consumption and cumulative energy used are output by the train performance program. The analysis indicates that of the variables studied, the most promising ways of reducing rail transit energy consumption are to include a coasting phase with reduced maximum speeds in the trains' performance cycle and to adjust the track vertical profile. /Author/

Energy Conservation in the Bell System

Abstract: In December 1973, the Bell System launched a comprehensive energy conservation program which includes immediate, intermediate, and long range steps. A computerized data base system was developed to permit monthly input of energy consumption, costs, and correlating factors, and to provide rapid determination of energy performance. Immediate steps, primarily in building and motor vehicle operations, resulted in approximately 10% energy conservation in 1974 compared with 1973. These, plus intermediate range steps, including replacement of remaining vacuum tubes and beginning the redesign and retrofitting of existing heating and cooling systems, resulted in "Zero Energy Growth" since 1974. Longer range steps include: introducing more energy efficient telecommunications equipment; improving building environmental systems; adapting alternate energy sources; increasing efficiency of motor vehicles; and expanding materials recycling. These longer range energy conservation steps will permit continued highest quality telecommunications while significantly restricting energy growth.

Design approaches to more energy efficient engines

Abstract: The status of NASA's Energy Efficient Engine Project, a comparative government-industry effort aimed at advancing the technology base for the next generation of large turbofan engines for civil aircraft transports is summarized. Results of recently completed studies are reviewed. These studies involved selection of engine cycles and configurations that offer potential for at least 12% lower fuel consumption than current engines and also are economically attractive and environmentally acceptable. Emphasis is on the advancements required in component technologies and systems design concepts to permit future development of these more energy efficient engines.

Fuel conservation controller for heating and refrigeration apparatus

Abstract: A controller for regulating the energy consumption of a closed, variable capacity heating or refrigeration system comprises means for sensing at least two parameters, each indicative of the most energy efficient system capacity based on the parameter sensed, means for selecting the signal indicative of the most energy efficient system capacity and for providing an output signal indicative thereof, and means for comparing the output signal from the selecting means with the actual capacity of the system and for generating a signal indicative of the change in capacity necessary to adjust the actual system capacity to the most energy efficient capacity.

Making turbofan engines more energy efficient

Abstract: A review of transport aircraft gas turbine engine development and evolution during the past two decades is presented in terms of energy consumption. The interaction and effects of cycle pressure ratio, firing temperature, bypass ratio, and component efficiencies on installed fuel consumption are reviewed. The possibilities for further substantial improvement in energy efficiency with improved operating economics and with improved environmental characteristics are identified and evaluated. Parametric data are presented showing trade-offs in the areas of efficiency and economics. Environmental considerations are also discussed. The balance of these factors in a cost-effective advanced turbofan is discussed. In conclusion, projections are made for the capability of an advanced turbofan engine compared with the goals established by NASA for their Energy Efficient Engine Program. The characteristics of this more efficient, cost-effective power plant, that can be operational in the late 1980’s, are shown in relationship to current turbofan engines.Copyright © 1978 by ASME

Land use and transportation in an energy efficient society

Abstract: Most people are aware of the close relationship between land use and transportation. However, little is known of how to apply this conceptual knowledge in achieving the goal of a mobile and energy efficient region and nation. Despite the research studies and publicity to the contrary, transit can be an energy saver; energy savings can be an argument for transit. The comparison should not be made simply between a bus and a van pool or between a streetcar and a heavy-rail vehicle but between transit-oriented environments and automobile-oriented environments. /Author/

Energy Efficiency of Sea and Air Vehicles.

Abstract: : A reassessment of overall technical performance parameters of naval vehicles leads to the definition of specific energy as a measure of vehicle efficiency. Specific energy is an energy efficiency equal to the product of transport efficiency and Froude number. In terms of specific energy, the empirical performance data for fluidborne vehicles converge to yield systematic trends with Froude number for fully-immersed buoyant vehicles, surface ships, and dynamic-lift vehicles. Specific energy appears to be a new consistent basis for comparing the overall technical efficiency of past, present and future naval vehicles. (Author)

Energy conservation through sealing technology

Abstract: Improvements in fluid film sealing resulting from a proposed research program could lead to an annual energy saving, on a national basis, equivalent to about 37 million bbl of oil or 0.3% of the total U.S. energy consumption. Further, the application of known sealing technology can result in an annual saving of an additional 10 million bbl of oil. The energy saving would be accomplished by reduction in process heat energy loss, reduction of frictional energy generated, and minimization of energy required to operate ancillary equipment associated with the seal system. In addition to energy saving, cost effectiveness is further enhanced by reduction in maintenance and in minimization of equipment for collecting leakage and for meeting environmental pollution standards.

Understanding the controllable factors that affect your electric bill

Abstract: A survey of the factors affecting a plant's electric bill will enable the plant engineer to control and reduce these charges. The four major factors are the energy charge, fuel-adjustment charge, demand charge, and power factor penalty. The energy charge and fuel adjustment charge, which are tied to the amount of energy used, can only be reduced by lowering energy consumption. Demand charges can be reduced by lowering peak demand through better load management or a demand-control program. The power factor can be improved through the use of high-power-factor and properly sized equipment and through the use of power-factor improvement capacitors or synchronous motors. The cost-effectiveness of a program to improve power factor can be carefully calculated and documented. 9 references.

Logic of energy conservation

Abstract: Energy conservation is seen as a complex mix of economic and moral considerations, which should be applied to specific strategies for changing waste handling, lifestyle, growth, etc., after meaningful payoffs have been researched and identified. The author recommends measuring energy conservation in terms of primary energy resources saved, and evaluating changes in consumption patterns on the basis of indirect as well as direct energy use. He feels consideration should be given to the intensity of energy use as well as to before-and-after comparisons. Human factors and wellbeing need to be included in shifts from energy-intensive to labor-intensive equipment. Curtailment of energy supplies as a conservation technique is seen as less effective than substitution, changes in habit and attitude, and changes in the types of goods and services demanded. While add-on investments have short-term value, new capital-equipment investments offer greater energy and economic savings in the long run. The author cautions against using strict rules to determine energy efficiency by relating energy to gross national product. Conservation is seen as an economic stimulus when compared to the costs of not conserving. 14 references. (DCK)