Showing papers on "Efficient energy use published in 1991"

Biofiltration: An Innovative Air Pollution Control Technology For VOC Emissions

Abstract: Biofiltration is a relatively recent air pollution control (APC) technology in which off-gases containing biodegradable volatile organic compounds (VOC) or inorganic air toxics are vented through a biologically active material. This technology has been successfully applied in Germany and The Netherlands in many full-scale applications to control odors, VOC and air toxic emissions from a wide range of industrial and public sector sources. Control efficiencies of more than 90 percent have been achieved for many common air pollutants. Due to lower operating costs, biofiltration can provide significant economic advantages over other APC technologies if applied to off-gases that contain readily biodegradable pollutants in low concentrations. Environmental benefits include low energy requirements and the avoidance of cross media transfer of pollutants. This paper reviews the history and current status of biofiltration, outlines its underlying scientific and engineering principles, and discusses the applicability of biofilters for a wide range of specific emission sources.

Materials science for solar energy conversion systems

Abstract: Hardbound. Rapid advances in materials technology are creating many novel forms of coatings for energy efficient applications in solar energy. Insulating heat mirrors, selective absorbers, transparent insulation and fluorescent concentrators are already available commercially. Radiative cooling, electrochromic windows and polymeric light pipes hold promise for future development, while chemical and photochemical processes are being considered for energy storage. This book investigates new material advances as well as applications, costs, reliability and industrial production of existing materials. Each contribution represents a landmark in the field of materials science.

Method and apparatus for adaptively optimizing climate control energy consumption in a building

Abstract: A computer (37) or microprocessor-based thermostat system (10) for automatically determining and implementing an optimum thermostat setback schedule (80) which, while maintaining a user-specified occupancy comfort schedule (39), minimizes the energy consumption of the climate control system (18) within an enclosure (30). The method of the thermostat assembly (10), using the continuous measurement of various air temperatures, fluid flows, and energy consumption rates includes the adaptive capability of indirectly learning the relevant thermal and thermodynamic characteristics of both the enclosure (30) and the climate control system (18), including such thermal parameters as the effective thermal capacitance of the internal walls and contents (53,55) of the enclosure (30), the effective internal heat transfer conductance between the thermal capacitance and the air within the conditioned space (28), the effective external heat transfer conductance between the inside air (28) and the outside air (36) and the efficiency of the climate control system (18), which includes the associated air distribution system (22, 32), as a function of its input energy rate. The method also includes a non-linear efficiency model, using the aforementioned thermal parameters, which has the capability of predicting, in advance of implementation, the energy consumption of the climate control system (18) as a function of outside air temperature and the user-specified occupancy comfort schedule (39). An optimization scheme is then used to determine the most energy efficient thermostat setback schedule (80) for the current outdoor air temperature, while still satisfying the user-specified occupancy comfort schedule (39).

Separation technologies: Advances and priorities

Abstract: To accelerate development of energy-saving technologies and to strengthen US industry and reduce dependence on imported oil, the Office of Industrial Processes (OIP) of the US Department of Energy (DOE) is cost-sharing with private industry in the development and acceleration of advanced, high-payoff, high-risk technologies that industry alone will not develop. The purpose of this project was to identify appropriate areas for OIP to support research in advanced separation technologies. The focus was on the chemical and petroleum industries. Energy savings were quantified per installation by computer simulation models. Savings per installation and total energy required by existing processes were used to project savings nationally. National energy savings were used as the primary criteria to establish priorities. 82 figs., 79 tabs.

Driving Forces: Motor Vehicle Trends and Their Implications for Global Warming, Energy Strategies, and Transportation Planning

Abstract: This report discusses the global warming problem, shows how motor vehicles contribute to global warming and air pollution, and presents historic and projected vehicle use and carbon dioxide emissions. It concludes with four broad policy recommendations that would provide the foundations for a long-term transportation policy for the United States while gradually reducing the threats from petroleum-powered vehicles to the climate and air quality. Briefly, these are as follows: (1) Improve New-Vehicle Efficiency: Greatly improving new-vehicle fuel efficiency and encouraging the phaseout of older, less efficient cars and trucks would do much to reduce vehicular carbon dioxide emissions. Much of the technology needed to produce more efficient vehicles has already been demonstrated in ultra-efficient "concept" cars that get up to 100 mpg. (2) Make Transportation More Efficient: Convenient, affordable public transport would cut carbon dioxide emissions and also break up traffic gridlock, cut road fatalities, and make the air more breathable. Policies that encourage commuters to use van and car pools, buses, trolleys, and trains and discourage driving alone to and from work would make an enormous difference. Better traffic management could keep it moving, thus saving energy. (3) Cut Other Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Requiring advanced pollution controls on all vehicles would for a few decades limit growth in carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and nitrogen oxide emissions. Cradle-to-grave controls on CFCs--the most potent greenhouse gases and also ozone-destroyers--are especially needed. (4) Create the Green Car of the Future: The world needs non-polluting cars that run on something other than fossil fuels, and the mass production of such cars ought to become a high priority in the United States, Japan, and Europe--the 3 leading auto-makers. Limited fuel storage restricts the range of today's hydrogen- and electricity-powered cars, but stepping up research could overcome constraints.

Energy efficiency, developing nations, and eastern Europe: A report to the U. S. Working Group on Global Energy Efficiency

Abstract: The report describes a number of insights gained from efforts to promote energy efficiency that have been pursued in developing countries in recent years, and details some of the ways the authors can move towards a more efficient energy future Securing the capital-minimizing, pollution-preventing energy future will require a commitment on the part of both public and private decision-makers The report should prove useful in initiating needed, innovative policies In particular, the report should begin a dialogue about the ways in which the United States can enter into a partnership with developing nations to increase efficiency of energy production and use worldwide Fledgling efforts to increase energy efficiency in the developing world need strong support from the United States and other industrialized nations if they are to blossom and ultimately play a major role in supporting sustainable economic and social development paths

Attitudes to energy conservation in the home : report on a qualitative study

Abstract: The concept of "energy" fuels uses of energy energy efficiency energy audits costs and bills the environment in general energy conservation information and publicity industry and government.

An evaluation of energy transport models for silicon device simulation

Abstract: The reduction in feature size of silicon devices has resulted in operating conditions characterized by extremely large internal electric fields and field gradients. The rapid spatial variation of the electric field precludes a point-wise (or local) dependence of average carrier energy on the electric field. Because traditional drift-diffusion transport models and field-dependent hot-carrier models force a one-to-one correspondence between the local electric field and carrier energy, they fail to provide sufficient accuracy for contemporary device design. Impact ionization in submicron MOSFETs, for example, is poorly described by field-dependent ionization coefficients since impact ionization is an energy-dependent process. Energy transport models, which can account for the nonlocal energy-field relationship in submicron devices, have become especially attractive for design oriented silicon device simulation. The severe constraints that hot (high energy) carriers impose on current submicron MOSFET technology have motivated the development and application of energy transport models, such as the hydrodynamic model. In this work, the hydrodynamic model and a simple, efficient energy transport model are compared with a Monte Carlo model in order to evaluate their performance under submicron device conditions, and to better assess how they may be improved. The results indicate that energy transport models can predict peak average energy quite well, even under severely nonuniform electric field conditions. The hydrodynamic and simple energy transported models examined here, however, cannot accurately model carrier cooling associated with an abrupt decrease in the electric field. Discrepancies in cooling are shown to strongly influence drift velocity, and the implications of this for submicron device analysis are discussed.

High efficiency solar boiler

Abstract: A solar boiler of improved energy efficiency that includes a solar panel for receiving solar energy and converting a liquid to steam and a highly accurate tracking system to maintain the panel substantially perpendicular to the sun. The panel includes a plurality of heat transfer liquid carrying tubes having a highly absorptive coating over areas receiving solar energy and high efficiency insulating material over remaining surface areas. An extruded compound concentrating cylindrical lens is positioned over each tube to concentrate received solar energy along a narrow linear energy receiving area. Each panel is mounted for rotation and tilting on a simple, sturdy base. Each panel is substantially closed but includes openings designed so that some air flow through the panel is permitted to prevent excessive heat within the panel while preventing entry of moisture. A tracking system capable of tracking with accuracy of substantially one-half degree or better is provided, utilizing an improved sensor and electronic circuit. A device utilizing the steam produced in the panel, such as a fluid driven engine powered electrical generator, may be positioned closely adjacent to the tubes to receive steam from the tubes.

Energy analysis of robot task motions

Abstract: An energy criterion for choosing the best type of manipulator for a specified task is developed. First, the energy required to perform the robotic task is calculated. Then the lower bound of the mechanical energy consumed by the various kinds of manipulators during their motion, while performing a task, is calculated. Thus, the efficiency of a manipulator for the task is determined. Some examples show that the proper selection of the manipulator configuration can reduce the required energy to a quarter of that of a less suitable one. Once the most suitable manipulator is chosen, the criterion for its most energy efficient motion is developed. The model takes into account the kinematic configuration of the robot, gravitational and other external and internal forces acting on the robot during its operation, and the electric motor driving the robot links. Energy optimization of different paths of motion in joint coordinates is discussed briefly.

Energy efficiency and the environment: Forging the link

Abstract: Energy efficiency in homes, the workplace and transportation provides one of the most immediate and valuable solutions to the environmental problems that endanger the world. This book addresses the direct correlation between conserving energy and mitigating environmental hazards such as global warming, air pollution, acid rain, and ozone depletion. Twenty chapters focus on how energy efficiency measures and programs can reduce pollutant emissions, and how planners can incorporate environmental externalities in the allocation of natural resources. Based on papers presented at the ACEEE 1990 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, the book is written by leading researchers, program analysts and policymakers. Topics include: global warming--public perspectives and CO{sub 2} reduction potential; efficiency improvements as an acid rain compliance strategy; efficiency and regulatory policy options; environmental externality costs; integrating energy and environmental planning; trees, landscaping and urban heat islands; and CFCs, energy use in buildings.

Upper and lower bounds on switching energy in VLSI

Abstract: A technology-independent framework is established for measuring the switching energy consumed by very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits. Techniques are developed for analyzing functional energy consumption, and for designing energy-efficient VLSI circuits. A wire (or gate) in a circuit uses switching energy when it changes state from 1 to 0 or vice versa. This paper develops the Uniswitch Model (USM) of energy consumption, which measures the differences between pairs of states of an embedded circuit.…—From the Author's Abstract

Solar Building Architecture

Abstract: Architectural integration was a rapidly maturing area of solar technology when federal funding was abruptly shut off in the early 1980s. This book clearly chronicles the exciting development of the variety of approaches that were explored and describes those that succeeded and which are being used today."Solar Building Architecture, "provides a useful summary of the successes and failures of both federally sponsored and private efforts to use solar technology in conjunction with the design of individual buildings and with overall urban planning. In particular, it focuses on a road not taken - the integration of solar techniques into the planning of communities.Following a general overview, "Solar Building Architecture," looks at the effect of solar thinking on site planning for individual buildings and communities. It covers the challenges in using natural energy systems in building design, including such areas as building envelopes, thermal energy storage, and thermal energy distribution in building interiors. It also discusses the integration of natural energy techniques into the overall design of smaller, envelope-dominated buildings and larger, interior load-dominated structures.Bruce Anderson is an energy and environmental consultant and publisher. "Solar Building Architecture" is volume 9 in the series Solar Heat Technologies: Fundamentals and Applications, edited by Charles A. Bankston.

An accelerated fusion power development plan

Abstract: Energy for electricity and transportation is a national issue with worldwide environmental and political implications The world must have energy options for the next century that are not vulnerable to possible disruption for technical, environmental, public confidence, or other reasons Growing concerns about the greenhouse effect and the safety of transporting oil may lead to reduced burning of coal and other fossil fuels, and the incidents at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, as well as nuclear waste storage problems, have eroded public acceptance of nuclear fission Meeting future world energy needs will require improvements in energy efficiency and conservation However, the world will soon need new central station power plants and increasing amounts of fuel for the transportation sector The use of fossil fuels, and possibly even fission power, will very likely be restricted because of environmental, safety, and, eventually, supply considerations Time is running out for policymakers New energy technologies cannot be brought to the marketplace overnight Decades are required to bring a new energy production technology from conception to full market penetration With the added urgency to mitigate deleterious environmental effects of energy use, policymakers must act decisively now to establish and support vigorous energy technology development programs The US has invested $8 billion over the past 40 years in fusion research and development If the US fusion program proceeds according to its present strategy, an additional 40 years, and more money, will be expended before fusion will provide commercial electricity Such an extended schedule is neither cost-effective nor technically necessary It is time to launch a national venture to construct and operate a fusion power pilot plant Such a plant could be operational within 15 years of a national commitment to proceed

Knowledge-based approach to overall configuration of multistory office buildings

Abstract: A knowledge‐based system (KBS) is described that generates space layout alternatives for multistory office buildings taking into account flexibility and functionality, as well as constraints imposed by the owner and codes. A methodology for the generation of rectangular floor plans at different levels of detail is also presented. The layout alternatives generated include information regarding the number of stories, dimensions of a typical floor, and the size and location of the service core, with space allocated for different components such as elevators, mechanical risers, and the service area. Multidisciplinary design criteria, such as flexibility of rental areas, compatibility with structural system, general energy efficiency, etc., are extracted from a variety of sources in the literature and considered in the generation and evaluation of layouts. This KBS module for space layout is part of an integrated design system for multistory buildings to assist at the preliminary design stage.

An Alternate Formulation of Time as a Decision Variable to Facilitate Real-Time Operation of Water Supply Systems

Abstract: With the advent of a new focus on energy conservation and the availability of cost efficient computer technology, many water utilities are investigating new ways to improve the efficiency of their water distribution system operations. Of particular concern is improved operation of the pumping facilities since pumping generally accounts for a large fraction of the total operating costs. One way to improve such operations is through the use of optimally generated pump schedules. Optimal pump schedules may be generated using some type of optimization approach coupled with a physical description of the water distribution network. Where the distribution system can be characterized as a serial configuration, dynamic programming can be efficiently applied to generate an optimal control policy. When the system is nonserial, an optimal control policy may be obtained through the use of dynamic programming coupled with a spatial decomposition scheme or through the application of nonlinear programming.

Long-Term Potentials of Rational Energy use - The Unknown Possibilities of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Abstract: Many energy economists expect a further increase in energy demand of industrialized countries and, hence, a substantial shift to natural gas, nuclear power, and renewables to avoid climatic changes due to energy-related greenhouse gases. The judgement that feasible improvements of energy efficiency are limited to 30 to 40% is questioned by the author. The paper that argues the potentials of rational energy use are higher than 80% in the long term by improving the exergy efficiency (which is today less than 10%) and by decreasing the level of useful energy by reduced losses, substitution of energy-intensive processes, applying new materials, and intensified recycling of energy-intensive materials. Because of the unbalanced perception of the future potentials of rational energy use and of energy conversion technologies it is very likely that the high potentials for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions by improved energy efficiency will be underestimated.