Showing papers on "Efficient energy use published in 1979"
TL;DR: In this article, the general principles and limitations of converting solar energy via photochemical reactions to electrical or chemical energy are described, and photosynthesis is concluded to be the only reliable and efficient system, suggesting that research efforts should aim at mimicking the photosynthesis process and modifying it to produce other fuel sources, such as hydrogen or ammonia.
Abstract: The general principles and limitations of converting solar energy via photochemical reactions to electrical or chemical energy are described Photosynthesis is concluded to be the only reliable and efficient system, suggesting that research efforts should aim at mimicking the photosynthesis process and modifying it to produce other fuel sources, such as hydrogen or ammonia, or developing artificial photochemical systems Few economic studies are available because the field is still too new and few systems show a reasonable degree of efficiency or longevity Early work indicates that a simple hybrid system able to operate as a single unit may have the most economic feasibility Economic assessments, however, should wait until scientific feasibility is established 190 references
484 citations
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01 Dec 1979
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors apply the established techniques of microeconomics to the analysis of energy resources as scarce inputs to production processes, emphasizing oil and gas as the primary fuel sources and bias in favor of competition and against monopoly.
Abstract: Most of the recent discussion on the energy crisis centered around questions of social and political policy, with little systematic attention given to the economic analysis of the policy problems presented by the changing role of energy in modern economies. To fill a gap in the literature, the established techniques of microeconomics are applied to the analysis of energy resources as scarce inputs to production processes. Intended as an undergraduate course, the text emphasizes oil and gas as the primary fuel sources and is biased in favor of competition and against monopoly. The major chapter headings are: (1) The dimensions of the energy problem; (2) Static criteria for efficient energy resource allocation; (3) Criteria for efficient dynamic resource allocation; (4) The role of the organization of petroleum exporting countries in precipitating the world energy crisis; (5) Environmental issues in energy development; (6) The national security dilemma; (7) Conservation; (8) Price controls of oil and natural gas; (9) The optimum structure and regulation of energy industries: some alternative approaches; (10) Future energy technologies and the role for energy research and development; and (11) Suggested policy directions. 38 references, 42 figures, 24 tables.
91 citations
TL;DR: The energy requirements to build and operate the proposed Solar Power Satellite are evaluated and compared with the energy it produces, significantly below the energy ratio of today's electricity technologies such as light-water nuclear or coal-fired electric plants.
Abstract: The energy requirements to build and operate the proposed Solar Power Satellite are evaluated and compared with the energy it produces. Because the technology is so speculative, uncertainty is explicitly accounted for. For a proposed 10-gigawatt satellite system, the energy ratio, defined as the electrical energy produced divided by the primary nonrenewable energy required over the lifetime of the system, is of order 2, where a ratio of 1 indicates the energy breakeven point. This is significantly below the energy ratio of today's electricity technologies such as light-water nuclear or coal-fired electric plants.
28 citations
01 Jan 1979
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared four general types of cooling systems on the basis of environmental, energy and water conservation, and economic factors, including surface canals, submerged multiport diffusers, shallow closed cycle cooling ponds, mechanical and natural draft evaporative cooling towers, and dry cooling towers.
Abstract: The selection of waste heat rejection systems for steam-electric power plants involves a trade-off among environmental, energy and water conservation, and economic factors This study compares four general types of cooling systems on the basis of these factors The cooling systems chosen for study are: once-through systems including surface canals and submerged multiport diffusers; shallow closed cycle cooling ponds; mechanical and natural draft evaporative cooling towers; and mechanical draft dry towers The cooling system comparison involves optimization of each cooling system and then a comparison among optimal systems Comparison is made for an 800 MWe fossil unit and a 1200 MWe nuclear unit located at a river site The results of the optimization models of each of the systems are compared on the basis of: performance - discrete distributions of environmental conditions and transient simulation; economics - using base case scenarios and sensitivity values to arrive at costs expressed in terms of production costs, annualized costs and present value costs; energy and water consumption; and environmental effects The once-through systems were found to be the least expensive of the four systems, the most energy efficient, but potentially the most environmentally damaging On the other extreme, dry cooling towers are themore » most environmentally sound while being the most expensive and least energy efficient Finally, the results of the economic optimization are compared with results from previous comparative studies« less
18 citations
TL;DR: The history of Canadian energy policy is traced and arguments are presented to show that, since there was no basis for the sudden shifts in government and industry opinion, policy initiatives were adopted without adequate assessments of the alternatives as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The history of Canadian energy policy is traced and arguments are presented to show that, since there was no basis for the sudden shifts in government and industry opinion, policy initiatives were adopted without adequate assessments of the alternatives. The author also faults recent policy formation for emphasizing adequate energy supplies rather than looking for a least-cost way to balance energy demand with supply. The time lags due to environmental and economic constraints have tended to soften the impact of policy shifts in the face of supply shortages, but the multiplicity of government roles can put Federal and provincial governments in conflict with each other. These questions, when applied to several selected issues, raise the further question of whether energy self-reliance is a valid goal. Although vagueness brought superficial public acceptance, it is difficult to apply the concept of self-reliance to specific policies dealing with efficient energy use and equitable cost/benefit distribution. 82 references.
16 citations
01 Apr 1979
TL;DR: Energy efficiency is an appealing but potentially treacherous figure of merit that has been applied to entire economies as well as to tasks and processes within economies as discussed by the authors. But such comparisons can mislead when taken as the basis for policy decisions, since: (1) the comparisons are subject to large essential uncertainties; (2) it is easy to overlook inconsistencies and incommensurables on the two sides of a comparison; and (3) the comparison neglect the operation of the marketplace and the unequal value that consumers have traditionally placed on different energy forms irrespective of efficiency considerations.
Abstract: Energy efficiency is an appealing but potentially treacherous figure of merit that has been applied to entire economies as well as to tasks and processes within economies. The efficiency concept has been resorted to in debates about the best way for the US to utilize its coal resources. Coal could be used to heat the home, for example, either by converting it to substitute natural gas (SNG) for pipeline transmission to residential furnaces, or by burning it in coal-fired generatig plants to produce electricity for electrical home heating. It is instructive to compare the Btu efficiencies of these alternate paths to the consumer. But such comparisons can mislead when taken as the basis for policy decisions, since: (1) the comparisons are subject to large essential uncertainties; (2) it is easy to overlook inconsistencies and incommensurables on the two sides of a comparison; and (3) the comparisons neglect the operation of the marketplace and the unequal value that consumers have traditionally placed on different energy forms irrespective of efficiency considerations. When employed to identify trouble spots and areas of possible improvement in the use of energy, efficiency comparisons can be very helpful. But they are not the rationale for consumer purchases;more » they are only one of a multitude of considerations that must be weighed in choosing among technologies; and they do not by themselves provide either accurate or adequate guidance for policy decisions. 17 references.« less
15 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the suitability of jet fuels made from oil shale and coal and 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.
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.
14 citations
03 Dec 1979
TL;DR: The historical development of energy analysis programs is presented, the methodologies used in various programs are compared, and areas for future improvements are discussed.
Abstract: Building Energy Analysis Computer Programs consist of Loads, Systems, Plant, and Economic sub-programs. They are used by engineers and architects in the design and analysis of energy efficient building envelopes, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, electrical and other service systems. The historical development of energy analysis programs is presented, the methodologies used in various programs are compared, and areas for future improvements are discussed.
9 citations
01 Feb 1979
TL;DR: In this article, the energy requirements of three alternative rice production systems used by most small Asian farmers are identified by task and energy source and the energy levels and components of each system compared.
Abstract: The report focuses on two dimensions of the energy issue in small farm rice production systems. The energy requirements of three alternative rice production systems used by most small Asian farmers are identified by task and energy source and the energy levels and components of each system compared. Human energy contributes a small portion of total energy input into most traditional Asian rice farming systems. As food production systems modernize, they become less energy efficient and more dependent on commercial energy.ADDITIONAL ABSTRACT:The energy requirements of traditional, mechanical and transitional rice production farming systems used by the majority of Asian farmers were analysed. The human, animal, machine, seed, fertilizer, insecticide and herbicide inputs for each stage of land preparation, sowing, crop care, harvesting, threshing and drying were considered. As the production systems modernized they became less energy efficient and more dependent on commercial energy
Posted Content•
TL;DR: Schipper as mentioned in this paper states that the bottom line on energy conservation is: it costs less to conserve energy than to produce energy from any new sources, and that government intervention to speed up the process will probably be necessary, but should emphasize regulations that will affect the demand for energy rather than focusing on supply interests.
Abstract: Mr. Schipper states that the bottom line on energy conservation is: it costs less to conserve energy than to produce energy from any new sources. Conservation is defined in terms of economic efficiency involving the substitution of capital and other less-costly factors for energy, short-term changes in consumer behavior, and structural changes. Energy conservation is a continuous process that can be applied to manufacturing, buildings, and transportation and one in which the link to gross national product should be feasible. Mr. Schipper feels that, although the full social costs of producing and using energy should be covered by energy prices, this may not bring about the needed changes fast enough. Therefore, government intervention to speed up the process will probably be necessary, but should emphasize regulations that will affect the demand for energy rather than focusing on supply interests. 12 references.
TL;DR: These scenarios are analyzed for changes in energy use, costs, and employment by means of detailed engineering-economic models of energy use in residential and commercial buildings developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and input-output analyses developed atThe University of Illinois.
Abstract: In 1977, heating, cooling, lighting, and other operations in residential and commercial buildings used 27 quads (1 quad = 1015 British thermal units) of energy. This is more than one-third of the nation9s total energy budget. Future trends in energy use in buildings are likely to depend strongly on fuel prices and government policies designed to save energy. Three scenarios are examined: (i) a base line in which fuel prices rise as projected by the Department of Energy; (ii) a conservation case that includes higher gas and oil prices plus the regulatory, financial incentive, and information programs authorized by the 94th Congress and proposed in the April 1977 National Energy Plan; and (iii) another conservation case that also includes new technologies (more efficient equipment, appliances, and structures). These scenarios are analyzed for changes in energy use, costs, and employment by means of detailed engineering-economic models of energy use in residential and commercial buildings developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and input-output analyses developed at the University of Illinois.
01 Aug 1979
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors study the potential use for solar energy utilization by California dairy industry and prove that applicable solar energy system furnish much of heat needed for milk processing with large savings in expenditures for oil and gas and ensurance of adequate readily available sources of process heat.
Abstract: Findings of study of potential use for solar energy utilization by California dairy industry, prove that applicable solar energy system furnish much of heat needed for milk processing with large savings in expenditures for oil and gas and ensurance of adequate readily available sources of process heat.
15 Nov 1979
TL;DR: In this paper, advanced technologies applicable to solar thermal electric power systems in the 1990-200 time-frame are delineated for power applications that fulfill a wide spectrum of small power needs with primary emphasis on power ratings less than 10MWe.
Abstract: Advanced technologies applicable to solar thermal electric power systems in the 1990-200 time-frame are delineated for power applications that fulfill a wide spectrum of small power needs with primary emphasis on power ratings less than 10MWe. Projections of power system characteristics (energy and capital costs as a function of capacity factor) are made based on development of identified promising technologies and are used as the basis for comparing technology development options and combinations of these options to determine developmental directions offering potential for significant improvements. Stirling engines, Brayton/Rankine combined cycles and storage/transport concepts encompassing liquid metals, and reversible-reaction chemical systems are considered for two-axis tracking systems such as the central receiver or power tower concept and distributed parabolic dish receivers which can provide efficient low-cost solar energy collection while achieving high temperatures for efficient energy conversion. Pursuit of advanced technology across a broad front can result in post-1985 solar thermal systems having the potential of approaching the goal of competitiveness with conventional power systems.
01 Jan 1979
TL;DR: The NASA Terminal Configured Vehicle (NTV) as mentioned in this paper is a flying laboratory used to conduct research and development on improved airborne systems (including avionics) and operational flight procedures, with particular emphasis on utilization in the terminal area environment.
Abstract: The NASA Terminal Configured Vehicle is a flying laboratory used to conduct research and development on improved airborne systems (including avionics) and operational flight procedures, with particular emphasis on utilization in the terminal area environment. The objectives of this technology development activity, focused on conventional transport aircraft, are to develop and demonstrate improvements which can lead to increased airport and runway capacity, increased air traffic controller productivity, energy efficient terminal area operations, reduced weather minima with safety, and reduced community noise by use of appropriate procedures. This paper discusses some early results of this activity in addition to defining present efforts and future research plans.
01 Sep 1979
TL;DR: In this paper, some applications and properties of free-space power transmission are examined, and an expression yielding minimum cost is presented for the solar power satellite, high altitude platforms for communications and remote sensing.
Abstract: Some applications and properties of free-space power transmission are examined. Among the properties discussed are: no mass, either in the form of wire conductors or ferrying vehicles, is needed between the source of energy and the point of consumption; energy can be transferred at the velocity of light; no loss of energy in transferring energy throught the vacuum of space; and the energy transfer is insensitive to a difference in the gravitational potential of the transmitter and receiver locations. Applications discussed include the Solar Power Satellite, high altitude platforms for communications and remote sensing. Also discussed are rectennas and retrodirective arrays. Finally, an expression yielding minimum cost is presented.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors considered malting at lower moisture content as potentially more useful for reducing energy consumption in kilning malt by recycling some of the heat generated by the heat cycle.
Abstract: Methods of reducing energy consumption in kilning malt by recycling some of the heat have been widely discussed, but we considered malting at lower moisture content as potentially more useful. Afte...
TL;DR: In this paper, a look at some of the factors to be taken into account in building and converting to low energy housing is presented, with a focus on the factors that need to be considered.
Abstract: A look at some of the factors to be taken into account in building and converting to low energy housing
17 Dec 1979
TL;DR: In this paper, the requirements for IR imagers which might be used for interior building heat loss surveys are outlined and the requirements depend heavily on a simplification of the minimum resolvable temperature difference (MRTD) parameter presently forming the core of image evaluation and performance modeling technology in the Department of Defense (DOD).
Abstract: The Department of Energy (DOE) Building Diagnostics Program includes as a major element the controlled development of the IR sensor technology as a basic tool in the analysis of heat loss and overall energy efficiency of both industrial buildings and private homes. In fact, a substantial industry has already developed to conduct both ground and aerial surveys of building structures with the intent of locating building thermal faults and in many cases actually diagnosing the causes. Unfortunately, standards describing the proper procedures for conducting these surveys and a clear methodology for choosing the proper IR sensor hardware for various types or qualities of surveys are almost non-existent. This paper describes the methodology now being proposed through newly developed standards. In particular, it outlines the requirements for IR imagers which might be used for interior building heat loss surveys. The requirements depend heavily on a simplification of the minimum resolvable temperature difference (MRTD) parameter presently forming the core of image evaluation (IE) and performance modeling technology in the Department of Defense (DOD).© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
01 Jan 1979
TL;DR: In this paper, several projects of the Aircraft Energy Efficiency Program related to propulsion are emphasized, such as: engine component improvement, performance improvement and engine diagnostics for prolonged service life; energy efficient engine, proving the technology base for the next generation of turbofan engines; and advanced turboprop, directed at advancing the technology of turboprocessor powered aircraft to a point suitable for commercial airline service.
Abstract: Fuel efficiency in aeronautics, for fuel conservation in general as well as for its effect on commercial aircraft operating economics is considered. Projects of the Aircraft Energy Efficiency Program related to propulsion are emphasized. These include: (1) engine component improvement, directed at performance improvement and engine diagnostics for prolonged service life; (2) energy efficient engine, directed at proving the technology base for the next generation of turbofan engines; and (3) advanced turboprop, directed at advancing the technology of turboprop powered aircraft to a point suitable for commercial airline service. Progress in these technology areas is reported.
01 Jan 1979
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined four scenarios: (1) a high case in which real fuel prices remain constant from 1976 through 2000, (2) a baseline in which fuel prices rise as projected by DOE, (3) a conservation case that includes higher electricity and gas prices plus the regulatory, financial incentive, and information programs of the 1978 National Energy Act and preceding Federal legislation, and (4) another conservation case including new technologies (more efficient equipment, appliances, and structures).
Abstract: In 1977 heating, cooling, lighting, and other operations in residential and commercial buildings used 27 QBtu of energy. This is more than one-third of the nation's total energy budget. Future trends in energy use in buildings are likely to depend strongly on fuel prices and government policies to save energy. Four scenarios are examined: (1) a high case in which real fuel prices remain constant from 1976 through 2000, (2) a baseline in which fuel prices rise as projected by DOE, (3) a conservation case that includes higher electricity and gas prices plus the regulatory, financial incentive, and information programs of the 1978 National Energy Act and preceding Federal legislation, and (4) another conservation case that also includes new technologies (more efficient equipment, appliances, and structures). These scenarios are analyzed using two detailed engineering-economic models of energy use in residential and commercial buildings developed at ORNL. Energy use in the year 2000 ranges from a high of 47 QBtu to a low of 32 QBtu with these four scenarios. Growth rates in energy use in buildings for the 1977 to 2000 period range from 2.7 to 1.0%/y, compared with the historical growth rate of 4.0%/y from 1950 to 1977. Commercialmore » energy growth is always faster than residential growth. Adopting the conservation programs of scenarios 3 and 4 cuts cumulative (1977 to 2000) energy use by 76 QBtu. These programs reduce the present worth (8% real interest rate) of energy-related expenditures by $34 billion.« less
TL;DR: In this paper, a critical review of the literature is used to suggest best estimates of the energy savings due to recycling one tonne of a number of materials, and the use of these estimates is demonstrated by a series of illustrative applications.
Abstract: A critical review of the literature is used to suggest best estimates of the energy savings due to recycling one tonne of a number of materials. the use of these estimates is demonstrated by a number of illustrative applications. Substantial energy savings may be made by recycling most metals or paper. the savings from reclaiming glass cullet are marginal, although there is considerable potential for energy conservation through the substitution of returnable for non-returnable bottles. the recycling of materials already saves some 5 per cent of the U.K. total energy requirement, and this contribution could potentially be doubled. the recovery of fuel products and/or materials from solid waste is also shown to be an attractive and efficient energy source.
20 Aug 1979
01 Apr 1979
TL;DR: In this paper, an analysis of heat availability in a distillation system using the available energy concept of thermodynamics is made, where a heat availability diagram of the system, consisting of column-internal and heat exchange subsystems, is constructed by plotting Carnot efficiency against heat load.
Abstract: An analysis of heat availability in a distillation system has been made using the available energy concept of thermodynamics. A heat availability diagram of the system, whih consists of column-internal and heat-exchange subsystems, is constructed by plotting Carnot efficiency against heat load. The diagram is used to study the effects on available energy when the operating variables are changed. As a result of the analysis, the effects of changing the operating variables on the loss of available energy in a distillation system are made clear. The present method is successfully applied to conventional energy conservation techniques for distillation systems.
01 Jan 1979
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a detailed energy profile of refineries showing all inputs and losses for the total refinery and for each of the individual processing units, and the items with the greatest potential for saving energy are pinpointed.
Abstract: Energy profiles are needed to identify areas with the greatest potential for achieving future energy savings. These profiles are essentially detailed energy balances of refineries showing all inputs and losses for the total refinery and for each of the individual processing units. By also showing the losses from each individual heater, exchanger, etc., the items with the greatest potential for saving energy are pinpointed. This report summarizes the work carried out by Gulf Research and Development Company at Gulf's Alliance refinery. This effort has developed a technique for preparing energy profiles at any refinery. In addition to the report, the work has resulted in the preparation of a User's Guide as a separate document outlining the procedures to follow in preparing energy profiles at any refinery. Although the objective of the contract was to develop the technique, some of the numerical results of the study at Alliance are of interest. analysis of the Alliance profiles showed that about 75% of the energy leaving the refinery was lost from two areas; heater stacks (25%) and air and water cooled heat exchangers (50%). Further analysis led to estimates of the amount of energy potentially recoverable from these two areas. The energy profilemore » for the Alliance refinery is summarized in Figures S-1, S-2, S-3, and S-4.« less
TL;DR: In this article, a method is proposed to account for energy efficiency and environmental impact of resource-conversion systems by using available energy concepts to combine measures of technological efficiency, resource depletion and environmental impacts.
01 Jan 1979
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a step-by-step procedure that has been developed for preparing energy profiles at any refinery and provide sufficient guidance to people familiar with refinery equipment and operations.
Abstract: Energy profiles are essentially detailed energy balances of refineries showing all inputs and losses for the total refinery and for each of the individual processing units By showing the losses from each individual heater, exchanger, etc, the items with the greatest potential for saving energy are pinpointed for further evaluation This User's Guide contains the step-by-step procedure that has been developed for preparing energy profiles at any refinery The guide is written for people familiar with refinery equipment and operations and should provide sufficient guidance so that problems in preparing an energy profile at any refinery can be resolved The technique is presented as four parts covering preparation, data gathering, performing calculations, and preparing the profiles Section 2 on preparation gives the steps to take in starting the project and the procedures to follow in making preparations for gathering the raw data needed to calculate the various energy balances that are used in developing refinery energy profiles Section 3 gives the procedures for gathering the raw data at a refinery Section 4 gives the procedures for calculating the various energy balances Section 5 gives the procedures for preparing the profiles once the various calculations have been completed