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Showing papers on "Efficient energy use published in 1981"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an overview of several articles on the impact of the energy crisis which examine key ideas, emerging theories, findings, and methodologies that are guiding current social research.
Abstract: The author provides an overview of several articles on the impact of the energy crisis which examine key ideas, emerging theories, findings, and methodologies that are guiding current social research. The articles deal with energy policy and how energy conservation fits into national policy, the social psychological context for energy conservation research on behavior and attitudes, and how to facilitate the adoption of conservation measures that increase the efficiency of energy use. The papers review psychological theory on the adoption of innovations, and offer modifications and extensions that tailor it to fit the adoption of energy-conserving innovations. 7 references.

42 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the energy use and thermal losses associated with tunnel dehydrators and discuss methods of increasing energy efficiency, such as minimizing air leakage, increasing air recirculation, utilizing a furnace heat shield to prevent heat losses, and maximizing input can result in significant energy savings.
Abstract: This study reports the energy use and thermal losses associated with tunnel dehydrators and discusses methods of increasing energy efficiency. These dehydrators can operate with an efficiency of water removal greater than 50%. It is shown that energy conservation techniques such as minimizing air leakage, increasing air recirculation, utilizing a furnace heat shield to prevent heat losses, and maximizing input can result in significant energy savings.

18 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Some areas of energy use where improved materials could lead to energy savings are surveyed in this article, where current energy use patterns and their likely evolution to the end of the century are reviewed so that particular applications may be seen in perspective against overall energy consumption and other energy conservation measures.

16 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
14 Aug 1981-Science
TL;DR: A comparison with other renewable energy options, on the common basis of energy efficiency and economics, shows that producer gas engines may have significant advantages and deserve serious attention.
Abstract: Producer gas engines could have an important role in the decentralized production of mechanical energy in rural areas of less-developed countries. With this technology mechanical energy is produced from solid fuels by use of internal combustion engines. A comparison with other renewable energy options, on the common basis of energy efficiency and economics, shows that producer gas engines may have significant advantages and deserve serious attention.

16 citations


Book
01 Mar 1981
TL;DR: In this paper, the conservation revolution is described as a "chronicle of forecasts" and a "chronicle of forecasts". And the U.S. in World Society is portrayed as the "crux of the matter".
Abstract: Prologue: The Conservation Revolution.- One: A Chronicle of Forecasts.- Two: The Elements of Energy Demand.- Three: The U.S. in World Society.- Four: Liquids and Gases, The Crux of the Matter.- Five: Synthetic Energy Carriers-The Next Best Thing?.- Six: Conjunctures of Energy and Environment.- Seven: Energy Supply Policy.- Eight: Buildings-More Amenities, Less Energy.- Nine: The Crisis and the Car.- Ten: Industrial Sector Conservation.- Epilogue: Through the Straits.- References.

14 citations


Book ChapterDOI
01 Jan 1981
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the methods for tracking energy usage, savings, and investment, as well as the economic factors that influence the energy efficiency of energy management programs, such as the attitude, motivation, and training of personnel, and inefficiency of equipment and systems.
Abstract: This chapter discusses the methods for tracking energy usage, savings, and investment The energy management requires much more than technology It depends on the motivation and training of personnel The economics are always critical The regulations and codes can provide barriers to or incentives for energy management programs Once a program has been initiated, it should be reviewed and assessed periodically The particular thought should be given to planning, both for the energy management program and to the new or the expanded facilities that can be involved Once an energy management program has been initiated, a continuing assessment should be carried out to evaluate the benefits of the program and to determine if changes are required A particularly important parameter for businesses is the impact on corporate profits The experience has shown that energy waste is as much influenced by the attitude, motivation, and training of personnel as it is by the inefficiency of equipment and systems In some cases institutional barriers, such as regulations, taxes, or codes, can discourage efficient energy use

11 citations


Patent
13 Apr 1981
TL;DR: In this article, a building is constructed from a plurality of sheathed, foam cored structural panels which are adapted to receive solar energy conversion or heat storage devices and are connected in an air flow loop to provide integral heating and/or cooling systems for the building structure.
Abstract: A building structure is constructed from a plurality of sheathed, foam cored structural panels which are adapted to receive solar energy conversion or heat storage devices and are adapted to be connected in an air flow loop to provide integral heating and/or cooling systems for the building structure.

11 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the significant psychological, structural, and procedural barriers which make it difficult for both state and local governments to perform life cycle costing (LCC) and make suggestions as to how these barriers can be partially overcome.
Abstract: To encourage energy conservation, Congress established the State Energy Conservation Program under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA). This law authorized federal assistance to states for the preparation and execution of energy conservation plans. There are five mandatory measures required for participation in this assistance program, one of which is that each state adopt: ". . . mandatory standards and policies relating to energy efficiency to govern the procurement practices of such state and its political subdivisions."' A July 1979 evaluation of this requirement by the Environmental Law Institute for the U.S. Department of Energy, however, found that: ".... state and local energy efficient procurement programs, with few exceptions, have barely advanced beyond infancy. This article focuses chiefly on the activities of those governments which have been exceptions to this generalized observation. The principal energy efficient purchasing practice used by these governments is life cycle costing (LCC). Explanation will be made of how to perform LCC and what types of products lend themselves most readily to this practice. Next, there will be a discussion of the significant psychological, structural, and procedural barriers which make it difficult for both state and local governments to perform LCC. Finally, a number of suggestions will be offered as to how these barriers can be partially overcome.

10 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: A number of studies of fuel efficiency have been sponsored over the past several years by the U.S. Departments of Transportation and of Energy as mentioned in this paper, showing that shallow-draft water transportation consumes considerably less energy in producing equivalent freight transportation than do alternative modes.
Abstract: Barge transportation is the most fuel-efficient method of moving the raw materials and semifinished products needed by the nation's economy. This study reviews the record of extensive research on this vital issue and provides findings that lend new perspective to energy efficiency in transportation. A number of studies of fuel efficiency have been sponsored over the past several years by the U.S. Departments of Transportation and of Energy. These studies show that shallow-draft water transportation consumes considerably less energy in producing equivalent freight transportation than do alternative modes. Even when circuity (the lack of straight-line water routes between cities) is taken into account, the energy efficiency of the barge and towing industry is superior. The analytical findings are confirmed by a survey of barge operators and reinforced by specific examples--grain movements from Minneapolis to the Gulf Coast and a total of 25 million tons in coal movements to steam-generating plants of the Tennessee Valley Authority. All bulk-transport modes make significant contributions to the nation's distribution system in a highly fuel-efficient manner. Any transportation energy policy must recognize and promote the use of the inherent advantages of all the fuel-efficient modes of transportation. (Author)

10 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
A. Kaya1
TL;DR: In this paper, a multivariable simulation, control, and optimization of an environmental space is presented to minimize the energy consumption and to remain within comfort region is formulated and solved, and methods of implementation are proposed to the current HVAC equipment.

10 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors presented an abridged version of a part of the study of energy requirements by the Solar Energy Research Institute in 1980, using the concept of energy service, and the setting of goals for energy consumption in the industrial sector to the year 2000 began with base-year energy use and with recent trends upon which that base year use can be projected in the absence of efficiency improvement.
Abstract: An abridged version is presented of a part of the study of energy requirements by the Solar Energy Research Institute in 1980. Using the concept of energy service, the setting of goals for energy consumption in the industrial sector to the year 2000 begins with base-year energy use and with recent trends upon which that base-year use can be projected in the absence of efficiency improvement. Efficiency improvements are built onto this projection in two steps: a brief description of cost-effective technical opportunities and a policy-dependent target-setting exercise. 56 refs.

01 Feb 1981
TL;DR: An overview of the work done on new and renewable sources of energy in India is presented and the growth of an energy scenario and the existence of energyrelated foreign exchange deficits are discussed.
Abstract: An overview of the work done on new and renewable sources of energy in India is presented and the growth of an energy scenario and the existence of energy-related foreign exchange deficits are discussed. The available energy stock of India has to be proven at an accelerated pace and new sources of energy must be exploited immediately. Various means available to convert solar energy and the respective technologies and devices are discussed and the organizations involved in exploiting these technologies are pointed out. The discussion includes wind energy, hydro-power, ocean power, biomass sources, geothermal energy, oil shale and tar sands, and animal power.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The agricultural sector has been a large and growing consumer of energy over the last 30 years as mentioned in this paper and the energy consumed in this sector for production of food and fiber is largely derived from nonrenewable resources of pebleum and natural gas.
Abstract: The agricultural sector has been a large and growing consumer of energy over the last 30 years. The energy consumed in this sector for production of food and fiber is largely derived from nonrenewable resources of pe­ troleum and natural gas. 1 Concern over dwindling domestic reserves of petroleum and rising energy prices have focused attention on the possible impacts of these energy intensive practices upon food prices and the security of food supplies. Some analysts have recommended increasing the energy efficiency of agriculture to lessen the sensitivity of food prices to energy costs. This would involve maintaining current levels of production while simultaneously reducing the energy consumed. Other analysts have recom­ mended increasing production of biomass feedstock per acre in order to make agriculture a source of renewable energy. To the extent that produc­ tion of biomass feedstock requires energy consumption, an apparent conflict

Patent
04 Sep 1981
TL;DR: In this article, a fuel-saving energy storage vehicle drive system which saves fuel by collecting, storing and using energy normally lost in braking or deceleration of the vehicle utilizing hydraulic accumulators and a variable displacement hydraulic pump motor is presented.
Abstract: A fuel-saving energy storage vehicle drive system which saves fuel, primarily under stop-and-go driving conditions, by collecting, storing and using energy normally lost in the braking or deceleration of the vehicle utilizing hydraulic accumulators (70) and a variable displacement hydraulic pump motor (42) selectively connected to a power transmission system (10) between the engine (12) and final drive assembly (14), by automatically controlled operation of the engine (including speed control and starting and stopping control) under certain conditions, and by automatically controlled use of the stored energy and engine respectively as alternative or supplemental prime movers for each other for driving the vehicle, all control functions being directed by a microprocessor-based central controller (80). Subsystems for preventing waste of deceleration energy and stored energy are provided, and compact transmission layout and packaging are provided which facilitate installation of the new system in existing vehicles.

01 Oct 1981
TL;DR: In this article, the authors modeled the energy consumption with and without daylighting utilization in an office building module was modeled parametrically for a wide range of glazing properties in three different climates.
Abstract: A principal component of annual energy consumption in a building is attributable to energy transfers in the fenestration system. Annual energy requirements are not only a function of glazing properties, but also of other building design characteristics, operating characteristics, site conditions, and climate. The results of a study are described in which annual energy consumption with and without daylighting utilization in an office building module was modeled parametrically for a wide range of glazing properties in three different climates. Results are presented which suggest optimal combinations of glazing properties which frequently result in lower energy consumption than opaque insulated walls.



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the optimum power level and matching implements were determined in order to maximize the overall energy efficiency of a specific multi-crop farm, and the results showed that a 70 kW tractor with matching implements produced the highest overall EE.
Abstract: IN this study, the optimum power level and matching implements were determined in order to maximize the overall energy efficiency of a specific multi-crop farm. A 70 kW tractor and matching implements produced the highest overall energy efficiency. Increasing the power level beyond 70 kW decreased the overall net food energy return per unit of fuel energy input.

Book ChapterDOI
01 Jan 1981
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explain more efficient building designs, both in retrofitting existing buildings and in new designs, and the potential energy savings compared to conventional buildings will quickly return the added investment.
Abstract: This chapter explains more efficient building designs. The present technology permits improvements, both in retrofitting existing buildings and in new designs. The savings available to the energy manager from either of these approaches is considerable. The energy efficient buildings need not sacrifice comfort or esthetics. In fact, the opposite is true. However, energy efficient buildings present a greater challenge to the designer's innovation and creativity. Some energy efficient buildings have slightly higher capital costs. However, the potential energy savings compared to conventional buildings—often as much as 50%—will quickly return the added investment. In certain cases, an energy efficient building will actually be cheaper than a conventional design, owing to the reduced size of the mechanical and electrical systems. The savings are expected to become some significant in the future as energy costs escalate. It is necessary to have close coordination between disciplines to achieve a fully integrated—in form, function, and use—efficient building.

01 Jan 1981
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe how American society can regain control of its energy system, but fundamental changes in energy policy are needed to break the present impasse, which does not take into account the fact that supply expansion is only one way, and an increasingly ineffective way, of meeting energy needs.
Abstract: How American society can regain control of its energy system is described, but fundamental changes in energy policy are needed to break the present impasse. Present policy, preoccupied with energy supplies, does not take into account the fact that supply expansion is only one way, and an increasingly ineffective way, of meeting energy needs. There are vast opportunities for meeting these needs, at a lower cost to society, by saving energy through energy-efficiency improvements. Many examples are discussed of these opportunities in Part II of the book, following Part I which described the present energy impasse. Part III integrates the specific proposals of Part II into a coherent policy proposal for the management of natural resources and technological innovation relating to energy in the US.

01 Jan 1981
TL;DR: In this paper, the energy requirements for residue-preparation, tillage, planting, and weed-control processes were measured and the energy-savings potential of substituting one process for another may be determined from the results.
Abstract: Energy requirements for a number of residue-preparation, tillage, planting, and weed-control processes have been measured. The energy-savings potential of substituting one process for another may be determined from the results. An energy budget points out opportunities for energy savings within the tractor-implement system. 3 refs.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Unger et al. as mentioned in this paper found that a 100 percent increase in the price of food processing and to de-energy was estimated to increase processing velop an economic model to explain differences costs by less than 5 percent.
Abstract: Food processing accounts for a large part of energy consumption by broiler processing plants the total energy consumed in the food and fiber in the South and determined the impact of those system, second only to household preparation. factors on production costs. Using a regression Havlicek and Capps emphasized that processing model, they found that 74 percent of the variation and distribution of food and fiber require 12 to 17 in energy consumption rates could be explained percent of the total U.S. energy budget. Thus far, by average volume of output, temperature, plant research on energy use by agriculture in the capacity utilization, and energy prices. southern region has concentrated on production Unger selected 14 firms from 44 industries in of raw products at the farm level (Debertin and the food and kindred product group of the govPagoulatos) and consumption of food in the home ernment's Standard Industrial Classification (Lovingood and Goss; Rhee and Drew). The (SIC) system to study levels and variations in large processing and distribution network has energy use. His analysis emphasized the sensitivbeen generally excluded from analysis because of ity of food processing to natural gas prices and a lack of information on energy used in these supplies. Using a Pearson chi-square statistic, industries. Comprehensive data bases on energy Gesell compared energy source efficiencies with use in food processing have been relatively lim- size of plants in Pennsylvania to determine if ited because of the imperfectly competitive na- energy efficiencies are related to plant size. Reture of food processing industries and because of suits indicated that large firms tend to be more unfavorable costs and benefits of compiling such energy efficient than small firms. information. Because of a lack of accurate and Whittlesey and Pfeiffer measured the impacts reliable data, little is known about the behavioral of energy supply interruptions and found that for relationship of energy use in food processing and energy supply reductions greater than 10 perdistribution. cent, output would be reduced by more than 10 The general objectives of this paper are to de- percent. A 100-percent increase in the price of scribe energy use in food processing and to de- energy was estimated to increase processing velop an economic model to explain differences costs by less than 5 percent. Unger cited differin energy efficiency among food processing in- ences in product mix and functions performed at dustry groups. Energy efficiency is defined as plants as factors influencing energy efficiency. average product of energy or the amount of pro- Casper indicated that regulations established by cessing a firm extracts from a standard unit of federal agencies have reduced energy efficiency energy. The model will be used to analyze pro- of some processors by 1 percent. cessor sensitivity to energy price changes, Sinclair et al., measured the intensity of energy energy efficiency effects of plant size, and rela- use of manufacturing establishments in South tionships between market power and energy con- Carolina in order to determine the potential for sumption patterns. This research focuses on di- energy savings. Their study found that a large rect energy expenditures made by food pro- potential for energy savings could be realized by cessors. Major energy-use categories generally some establishments with the substitution of include raw product assembly; food processing, non-energy inputs for current energy inputs. preparation, and storage; maintaining plant and office facilities, and finished product distribution.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Data requirements and current data sources for careful evaluation of energy conservation programs are discussed, particularly on energy consumption.

Patent
04 Sep 1981
TL;DR: In this article, a fuel-saving energy storage vehicle drive system which saves fuel by collecting, storing and using energy normally lost in braking or deceleration of the vehicle utilizing hydraulic accumulators and a variable displacement hydraulic pump motor is presented.
Abstract: A fuel-saving energy storage vehicle drive system which saves fuel, primarily under stop-and-go driving conditions, by collecting, storing and using energy normally lost in the braking or deceleration of the vehicle utilizing hydraulic accumulators (70) and a variable displacement hydraulic pump motor (42) selectively connected to a power transmission system (10) between the engine (12) and final drive assembly (14), by automatically controlled operation of the engine (including speed control and starting and stopping control) under certain conditions, and by automatically controlled use of the stored energy and engine respectively as alternative or supplemental prime movers for each other for driving the vehicle, all control functions being directed by a microprocessor-based central controller (80). Subsystems for preventing waste of deceleration energy and stored energy are provided, and compact transmission layout and packaging are provided which facilitate installation of the new system in existing vehicles.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a flat-plate solar water heater system was instrumented to produce data typical of what might be expected from such systems under conditions of actual use, and an input energy-output energy lumped parameter transfer function was estimated from the data using ordinary least squares regression and several statistical tests.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the energy consumption of several steam blanchers was monitored to identify design characteristics which are most energy conserving, such as hydrostatically sealing the units to prevent escape of steam.
Abstract: The energy consumption of several steam blanchers was monitored to identify design characteristics which are most energy conserving. Hydrostatically sealing the units to prevent escape of steam was shown to be significant in reducing energy usage. Results are compared with estimates of energy efficiency found in the literature and are shown to be in agreement.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Apr 1981
TL;DR: In this article, the authors applied the method of net energy analysis to coal, fission, and fusion power plants and calculated the energy consumption over the lifetime of the plants for construction, operation and maintenance, fuel, public welfare, and land use and restoration.
Abstract: The method of net energy analysis has been applied to coal, fission, and fusion power plants Energy consumption over the lifetime of the plants has been calculated for construction, operation and maintenance, fuel, public welfare, and land use and restoration Thermal and electric energy requirements were obtained separately for each energy consuming sector The results of the study are presented in three ways: total energy requirements, energy gain ratio, and payback periods All three types of power plants are net producers of energy The coal and fusion power plants are superior to fission plants from the energy efficiency point of view Fission plants will improve considerably if the centrifuge replaces the gaseous diffusion as a method of enrichment

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Sep 1981-Energy
TL;DR: In this paper, a life cycle cost analysis was performed for 32 classes of these eight appliances in order to gain a measure of the economic impact of equipment purchases on the consumer, and simple payback times were also computed to indicate how much time is required for the consumer to recapture his or her initial added investment in a more efficient product.


01 Jan 1981
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss how to get maximum energy efficiency from historic buildings, without destroying their architectural qualities or severely damaging their structures and materials, and give thermal resistance values for typical forms of traditional building construction.
Abstract: How to get maximum energy efficiency from historic buildings, without destroying their architectural qualities or severely damaging their structures and materials. Problems caused by faulty exterior thermal insulation are discussed. Some energy-saving tips are suggested, giving thermal resistance values for typical forms of traditional building construction.