Showing papers on "Efficient energy use published in 1988"

Energy-efficient buildings

Abstract: Since the 1973 oil famine the US has learned to save 45 billion dollars a year by making homes and offices more energy efficient. Now an oil glut has led to complacency. For 50 to 100 years the nation will be paying energy bills for buildings going up today. This paper discusses innovative technologies and policies can could cut 50 billion dollars a year from these energy bills. Some of these technologies are solar-assisted building designs, superinsulated houses, fluorescent lighting systems, insulated windows, home appliance improvements, and use of off-peak power.

Efficient and accurate use of the energy transport method in device simulation

Abstract: Important questions in the application of the highly efficient energy transport method for electron device simulation are addressed by comparing an energy transport calculation with a Monte Carlo calculation used as a control. It is shown that, to calculate average electron energy, it is necessary to incorporate velocity overshoot at certain points in device simulations. Further, energy relaxation times must be taken as functions of energy and may be used as a vehicle for compensation for the neglect of backscattering of cold electrons in regions where energy is rapidly changing. Finally, incorporation of the heat flow vector appears to be unnecessary in the cases studied. >

PSTAR: Primary and secondary terms analysis and renormalization: A unified approach to building energy simulations and short-term monitoring

Abstract: This report summarizes a longer report entitled PSTAR - Primary and Secondary Terms Analysis and Renormalization. A Unified Approach to Building Energy Simulations and Short-Term Monitoring. These reports highlight short-term testing for predicting long-term performance of residential buildings. In the PSTAR method, renormalized parameters are introduced for the primary terms such that the renormalized energy balance equation is best satisfied in the least squares sense; hence, the name PSTAR. Testing and monitoring the energy performance of buildings has several important applications, among them: extrapolation to long-term performance, refinement of design tools through feedback from comparing design versus actual parameters, building-as-a-calorimeter for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) diagnostics, and predictive load control. By combining realistic building models, simple test procedures, and analysis involving linear equations, PSTAR provides a powerful tool for analyzing building energy as well as testing and monitoring. It forms the basis for the Short-Term Energy Monitoring (STEM) project at SERI. 3 figs., 1 tab.

Dictionary of Energy

Abstract: This second edition covers developments in advanced energy technology and in the derivation and application of synthetic fuels. The entries have been revised to provide a reference point.

Use of metered data analysis to improve building operation and maintenance: Early results from two federal complexes

Abstract: Metered data analysis of a building's energy consumption is rapidly becoming a vital part of an energy audit. Approaches used vary depending on the purpose of the analysis, the availability, level of detailed information, and the complexity of the building being considered (MacDonald and Wasserman, 1987). One approach, adapted from a university prototype, has been shown to be capable of identifying operation and maintenance problems by comparing actual energy consumption with normalized energy consumption (Haberl, 1986). This idea, the use of a comparative model to detect abnormal behavior, is at the very heart of intelligent diagnostic systems (Richardson, 1985). A fully developed system has the capabilities of providing continuous monitoring and expert-level diagnostics for complex building energy systems. This paper discusses the application of such an approach to two federal complexes. 23 refs., 16 figs., 1 tab.

Integrated analysis of demand-side programs

Abstract: A case study of residential appliance efficiency standards in the Nevada Power Company service territory is used to illustrate an integrated method for evaluating the load shape and economic impacts of demand side utility programs. The method consists of four models developed at the Lawrence Berkeley Labs: a residential energy demand model, the DOE-2 building energy analysis model, a residential hourly load and peak demand model, and a utility financial impact model. Load impacts are modeled from the bottom up with end-use energy and hourly demand models. Benefits are calculated with the aid of a production cost model and methods adapted from avoided cost offers to cogenerators and small power producers. The analysis of avoided production costs explicitly considers perturbations in future supply plans resulting from demand-side load modifications. Utility and social costs are compared to the benefits of appliance standards. >

Energy use and energy efficiency in UK commercial and public buildings up to the year 2000

Abstract: A study is presented on energy use and the scope for improvements in energy efficiency in the UK commercial and public sector The current pattern of energy use is established on a disaggregated basis by fuel type and use Projections of the energy use to the year 2000 are made using certain assumptions on economic growth and energy consumption on a disaggregated basis For each projection, the potential for improvements in energy efficiency are evaluated (UK)

Behavioral determinants of energy use in small commercial buildings; Implications for energy efficiency

Abstract: Behavioral issues influencing energy use in small commercial buildings are explored using in-depth personal interviews with small-business owners and managers at a shopping center. Lack of feedback on energy consumption, separation of managers from costs, low energy costs relative to gross sales, and other factors distinguish this sector from the residential sector and are important influences on energy use in small commercial buildings. It is argued that traditional energy efficiency programs designed for the residential sector, such as audits and special rates, may not be appropriate in the small commercial sector, and that energy efficiency programs for this sector should recognize and exploit non-financial determinants of behavior, target decision makers, intervene at the time of retrofits and remodels, and improve user information using simple feedback methods.

The sum of megabytes equals gigawatts: Energy consumption and efficiency of office PC's and related equipment

Abstract: The ''other'' end-use category represents up to 25% of electricity use in new US office buildings. Office electronic equipment, including mainframe and personal computers, peripherals, copy machines, and communications equipment, may account for 5 to 20% of daytime electrical loads in new offices, and is one of the fastest-growing components of commercial sector electricity use and peak demand. As an important element of the ''other'' end-use, electronic office equipment merits recognition as a distinct end-use, based on its aggregate energy consumption, contribution to peak demand growth, and potential for improved energy efficiency. 37 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.

Gearing for small wind and water power plants

Abstract: The object of the invention serves for more efficient acquisition and conversion of renewable forms of energy, such as wind and water power, into electricity, in particular for supplying independent supply districts (isolated operation) and for minimising plant costs. The gear train as designed in the invention divides the power path coming from the prime mover into two power paths for two separate supply systems: - a power path with automatic speed control for driving a small a.c. generator, for priority supply of a base-load system with clean, constant-frequency current; - and a power path for driving a larger generator without automatic speed control for converting the energy arising that exceeds the base demand, for example for heating, producing hydrogen electrolytically, or for other forms of storage. Apart from the advantage of low losses, and thus efficient energy conversion, when only small amounts of energy are available, the construction effort and costs of the supply path with automatic speed control can be kept modest, and the components for converting sporadically occurring excess amounts of energy can be constructed in a robust, inexpensive and reliable manner.

Improving power system efficiency in the developing countries through performance contracting

Abstract: This paper suggest using energy performance contracting to improve the operational and institutional efficiency of electric utilities in the developing countries. In the United States, success was achieved with energy performance contracts whereby contractors undertake to effect savings in energy consumption for industrial and commercial facilities in exchange for a share of the savings. In developing countries, various forms of performance contracts have been considered whereby governments grant utilities more flexibility in salaries, procurement, operations, etc. in exchange for their commitments to improve utility productivity and efficiency. The authors recommend merging the two concepts so that a utility would engage a contractor to effect operational improvements under an energy performance contract for a share of the savings, thereby allowing the utility to meet its efficiency improvement targets agreed with government in exchange for greater autonomy.

Transportation energy to the year 2020

Abstract: This paper addresses the question: What effect will the changing energy markets of the future have on the U.S. transportation system through 2020? The answer given is "a great deal, and very little." A great deal is explained as a tightening of the petroleum market during this period, with an attendant rise in market power of a few producers, resulting in higher prices and economic vulnerability that will heighten the need for improved efficiency and begin to generate viable markets for alternative energy sources. Also, much will have to be done to advance the technology of transportation energy use both for alternative energy sources and the efficiency of motor fuel use. Concerns about environmental quality and national security are likely to be the driving forces that will begin the transition to alternative fuels. However, the changing energy markets will have very little effect on the operational characteristics of the U.S. transportation system, for it will continue to be a system that consists of automobile-dominated personal transportation and truck-dominated freight transport, and that is experiencing expanded use of air travel.

Earth-To-Satellite Microwave Beams: Innovative Approach To Space Power

Abstract: A new space power concept incorporating earth-to-satellite microwave power beams coupled to onboard regenerative electrochemical energy storage is proposed for energizing defensive satellite constellations. The system addresses housekeeping, orbital maneuvering and burst mode power requirements, and offers an attractive alternative to the nuclear and solar space power systems currently envisioned for this application. This energy-conversion system incorporates six steps: (1) generate primary DC power at surface stations along the satellite ground-track, (2) convert to microwave (RF) frequencies, (3) transmit in a narrow beam to spacecraft using phased-array antennas which track and lock-on to satellite receivers as they pass in range during a fraction of their orbit, (4) receive the energy and convert to DC in space using lightweight and inexpensive rectennas; (5) store the energy onboard as chemical energy by electrolysis of water to oxygen and hydrogen and (6) recover free energy onboard the spacecraft during the balance of the orbit continuously or on demand as pulsed power with a high power-density fuel cell. Component and overall systems considerations of this scheme are discussed in comparison with alternatives, outstanding research problems are defined and preliminary analyses are described. These include orbital mechanics and ground tracks of satellites, accessibility of orbiters to microwave beams, transmission efficiencies, electronic and mechanical designs of the transmitter and rectenna, regenerative fuel cell energy storage, power conditioning and thermal management. The development of readily space-deployable rectennae, their supporting structures, and high specific power solid oxide monolithic fuels cells are the main pacing technologies leading to a wholly non-nuclear space power system capable of supporting all defensive satellite power requirements.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

The Materials Revolution and Energy-Efficient Electric Motor Drive Systems

Abstract: The author discusses the development of the electric motor drive and describes how this development revolutionized the manufacturing industry. Applications of electric motors in modern industrial society are discussed. The development and marketing of energy efficient induction and permanent magnet motors, in both developed and less developed countries, is the focus of this paper.

Design of the beam line and energy recovery system for a high-energy electron cooling device

Abstract: The design of the beam line for a high-energy electron cooling device is presented. In order to avoid an electron dump of the order of few MW and to save the installed power, an efficient energy recovery system has been designed. The computer simulations of the electron gun and collecting device are discussed.

Overview of industrial drying needs and competing technologies

Abstract: The drying of solids is a common unit operation throughout industry accounting for about 9 percent of the total energy use in manufacturing. Analyzing the drying equipment selection process and associated energy use is complicated by the wide variety of products dried in industry and the numerous variations in drier designs used to meet those needs. Exact product specifications greatly influence both selection of a drier design and an energy source. Most often the complex mass and heat transfer mechanisms are studied only through pilot or full scale tests, and past successful operating experience is given much greater weight than the prospects for cost savings with an unconventional technology. Energy use in drying is dominated by the use of indirect steam-based technologies. These systems are less efficient than direct fired alternatives, but they assure fuel flexibility and a clean product. They also minimize the chances of product overheating. Natural gas is the second most common energy source providing quick and clean drying, suitable even for food products. Gas is particularly competitive in large volume drying of liquids in spray driers. Coal, oil, and electricity are used in selected markets; coal and oil when contamination is not an issues (ore, wastes)more » and electricity where radiant heating or precise small applications occur. Several new technologies (gas-fired pulsed combustor, electric microwave, and gas or electric infra-red) are entering the drying markets with mixed results. Each provides opportunities to dry certain products more simply, quickly or cleanly.« less

Advanced energy design and operation technologies

Abstract: Current practice in design of commercial buildings does not adequately consider the relationships between design decisions and energy performance. Estimates indicate that if energy criteria were integral to the design process, more than 15% of the energy used in new buildings could be conserved. This could be done using readily available energy-efficient design knowledge, without any increase in first costs. Furthermore, building design necessarily involves assumptions concerning use and operation of the building once it is built. Currently, operations practices intended by the designer are not adequately transferred during commissioning to building operators for use as guides during operation. Advanced technologies for overcoming these problems are described in this paper. The advanced energy design and operations technologies will consist of an intelligent automated design advisor that utilizes artificial intelligence and other advanced computer technologies to provide assistance to and encourage interaction among all participants in the design process. Assistance will be provided at all points in the building design process, especially in the early phases of design (e.g., during building programming) where decisions can have particularly significant impacts on energy consumption. The technology used for the design advisor will facilitate transfer of critical operation guidance to building operators and, coupledmore » with monitoring technology, provide feedback on performance to the design process. 4 refs., 1 fig.« less