Showing papers on "Electric power published in 1976"

Economies of scale in U. S. electric power generation

Abstract: We estimate economies of scale for U.S. firms producing electric power. Cross-section data for 1955 and 1970 are analyzed using the translog cost function. We find that in 1955 there were significant scale economies available to nearly all firms. By 1970, however, the bulk of U.S. electricity generation was by firms operating in the essentially flat area of the average cost curve. We conclude that a small number of extremely large firms are not required for efficient production and that policies designed to promote competition in electric power generation cannot be faulted in terms of sacrificing economies of scale.

Electric Power from Differences in Salinity: The Dialytic Battery

Abstract: An array of alternating anion and cation exchange membranes can be used to generate electric power from the free energy of mixing of river and sea waters. A simple mathematical model, which predicts experimental results well, is useful in exploring conditions for optimization of the process. Major, but not impossible, improvements in technology would be required to bring the cost of power from the dialytic battery into line with foreseeable energy prices.

Interfuel Substitution in Steam Electric Power Generation

Abstract: A translog normalized restricted profit function is used to study the characteristics of the production function for electric energy. The results indicate that fuel choice in existing steam electric plants responds to changes in fuel prices. The production function is also tested for separability of fuels from capital and labor, homotheticity, returns to scale, and embodied technical change.

Systems Engineering - Theory and Practice

Abstract: One interesting area of systems engineering in which increasing use is being made of analogue and digital controls is the electrical power system. Electrical power systems fulfil the requirements often said to be characteristic of all systems which may be considered examples of systems engineering. They are a complex grouping of human beings and machines, comprising individual subsystems interacting together, each with its own objective but all having to work towards a common overall objective. The modern boiler is a most complex mechanical and electrical system which has to maintain required energy output at designed temperatures and pressures as load demand varies, while subject to a vast array of disturbing and constraining factors. Boiler-turbine systems are now generally controlled by an analogue system, with digital monitoring, logging and supervision, although the trend is to more digital control. Turbine governors and generator excitation systems again have their own controls, which have become very complex and are the subject of much research both in the power companies and at University level.

Power monitoring and load shedding system

Abstract: An electrical power controlling/load shedding system includes power consumption metering and meter interfacing circuitry for entering overall power consumption into a central processing unit. The CPU memory includes a data storage table characterizing each system electrical load under each of a hierarchy of operational levels, and circuitry is provided for turning local and remote loads on/off, responsive to CPU-issued commands. The digital computing apparatus operates on the meter supplied information and projects energy consumption over the monitoring interval. If power must be shed to obviate an excessive projected demand, loads are examined seriatim and selectively shed on a priority basis as required, depending upon the operational parameters and status characterizing each load for the then prevailing load level condition.

Power: Windmills stage a comeback: ‘Born again’ amid the search for fossil-fuel alternatives, wind-generated electricity now makes technical and economic sense

Abstract: Compares the following concepts involving vertical-axis wind machines with regard to their suitability for commercial power generation: constant-speed constant-frequency systems (synchronous and induction); and variable-speed constant-frequency systems (field modulated system; double-output induction generator system; a system using an AC commutator generator; and a system employing a synchronous inverter).

Process for base-load and peak-load power generation

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated process for the generation of base-load and peak-load power, particularly electrical power, from a solid carbonaceous material. A solid carbonaceous material is gasified to produce a combustible synthesis gas. A portion of this synthesis gas is contacted with a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst to produce condensable hydrocarbons. Preferably, a second portion of the synthesis gas is combusted and utilized to generate a base-load power output and the condensable hydrocarbons are utilized as a fuel as needed for peak-load power production.

System and method for operating a steam turbine and an electric power generating plant

Abstract: A programmed digital computer control system determines the turbine steam flow changes required to satisfy the speed and load demand made on the operation of a large electric power stream turbine for which substantially constant throttle pressure steam is generated. Load control is directed to plant electric power generation and it is based on feedforward valve positioning operation with feedback multiplication calibration for plant load and/or turbine speed error. Changes in the turbine operating level are limited by dynamic constraints applied by the computer.

Wind driven electric power plant

Abstract: A wind driven power plant for the generation of electric power comprising a rotor, a shield, and a fin mounted on a vertical, central shaft, the fin and shield adjustably interconnected via a cog and gear track arrangement affording variable relative alignment of the fin and shield to position the shield relative to the wind. A constant rotor rotation rate is achieved by varying the masking thereof by the shield to compensate for wind speed variations. A hydraulic rotation rate control system senses the rotation rate of the rotor and generates a signal permitting the adjustment of the relative orientation of the fin and the shield. The rotor is coupled to a conventional electric generator for the generation of electric power.

Complete system for a home air heating and cooling, hot and cold water, and electric power

Abstract: A complete system for installation within a house, and which heats the house in winter, cools it in summer, provides a hot and cold water supply throughout the year and all its electrical appliances; the system in one design includes a gasoline engine connected to an electrical generator, the cooling system of the engine and the exhaust gases from the engine delivering heat to heaters in an air duct and in a water boiler; and the generator developing electrical energy to a heating coil in the air duct, supplies energy to a cooling system connected to a cooling unit inside the air duct and a cooler located along the cold water supply of the house, and also is connected to the house electrical wiring so to provide electric power thereto.

Solar power pack apparatus

Abstract: Solar power pack apparatus adaptable for powering emergency equipment at remote locations includes a solar cell array, a rechargeable battery pack, a long shelf-life primary battery pack and switching circuitry interconnecting these elements to provide upon demand immediate and continuous supply of electrical power over extended periods of time notwithstanding environmental conditions which would render unsuitable conventional emergency-use reserve power packs.

Electrical power supply

Abstract: A power supply system includes a plurality of batteries or banks of batteries for supplying direct current to a load, a plurality of switching devices each coupling a different one of the batteries to the load and each responsive to an energizing signal for conducting current from the respective battery to the load, and control apparatus for successively energizing each of the switching devices one at a time so that each battery provides current to the load only for a short period of time after which another battery supplies the current, etc. The time during which each switching device is energized is selected to maximize the life of the batteries.

Ferrofluidic electrical generator

Abstract: This disclosure is related to electrical generators which utilize heating and cooling of separate points in a closed circuit ferrofluid system to generate electrical power directly from heat energy. The characteristic of ferrofluids to experience rapid change in their magnetic properties with temperature is utilized by placing a magnet around the circuit to create a self-pumping action of the ferrofluid through a solenoid to generate electric power.

Geothermal energy as a source of electric power : thermodynamic and economic design criteria

Abstract: The resource base and its potential environmental impact are assessed. Power cycle and resource utilization efficiencies are described with empirical equations and correlations. Detailed cycle calculations performed with seven representative working fluids that were selected to illustrate a range of molecular properties are presented. Turbine and pump design criteria are discussed. An economic model is developed based on separate cost equations or correlations for the major power plant components and geothermal wells. It is concluded that geothermal power generating costs can compete with the present escalated fossil-fuel and nuclear generating costs, and that geothermal resources are large enough to have an impact on our energy economy. (MHR)

Electrically driven vehicle, especially passenger motor vehicle

Abstract: An electrically driven vehicle, especially a passenger motor vehicle with an electric power source taken along in the vehicle which is arranged in the area of the vehicle floor and is connected therewith by way of mounting supports, whereby the latter are provided with means that effect a detachment of the electric power source, especially of a storage battery, from the vehicle in case of an impact of the vehicle beginning with a predetermined impact strength.

Power generating system

Abstract: An electric power generating system in which solid material is caused to flow by gravity from an upper level to a lower level onto a wheel or a series of wheels which are caused to rotate by the weight of the material on blades spaced along the periphery of the wheels. The wheels are interconnectable and in a system which drives electrical generators to produce power.

Electric power transmission and distribution systems: Costs and their allocation

Abstract: The costs derived from installing, operating, and maintaining the transmission and distribution system have historically comprised about 2/3 the total costs of producing and delivering electricity to residential-commercial customers, and over 1/3 the total costs of supplying electricity to large industrial customers. This paper estimates the costs of transmission and distribution for nine regions of the United States for the above two customer classes. These costs are detailed for six categories of equipment used in the transmission and distribution system and the contribution to the total cost of each equipment category is determined.

Electric power control system with load management programming

Abstract: Low level control circuitry for controlling a plurality of spaced electrical load devices in an airplane is provided with parallel logic operable to provide for simultaneous manual or condition-responsive dropping of a preselected plurality of said load devices that are considered low priority. Program cards which may be in the form of printed circuit diode boards or separate programmable wiring matrices permit programming to preselect different combinations of load devices for low-priority treatment in response to different levels of emergency and or other logic signals.

Prospects of generating power with laser-driven fusion

Abstract: The present status of the prospects for electric power generation with laser-driven fusion as the primary energy source is reviewed. The fundamentals of laser-fusion reactor design and attendant means of utilizing the thermonuclear energy for commercial electric power generation are discussed. Theoretical fusion-pellet microexplosion energy release characteristics and the requirements for high-energy short-pulse leasers are described. The results of analyses to assess the engineering feasibility of reactor cavities, for which protection of cavity components is provided either by suitable ablative materials, or by diversion of plasmas by magnetic fields, are presented. Two conceptual laser-fusion electric generating stations, based on different laserfusion reactor concepts, are described. Also the environmental and safety aspects of laser fusion energy systems and alternative means of fusion energy utilization, other than electric power via the conventional heat engine cycle, are briefly reviewed.

Plant for generating and accumulating electric energy with the aid of wind power or solar energy

Abstract: Electric solar or windpowerplant with flywheel battery in which the electric generator is in the form of a d.c. generator, electrically connected to brushless d.c. motors switched in parallel which can also act as generators and each of which is coupled to a flywheel.

Device for converting solar energy

Abstract: A device is described for converting solar energy into electric power for a load, which device is provided with photocells and electric accumulators. Switching means are provided which at least during starting of the load connect this load to the output terminals of the array of photocells so that during starting the current through the load is determined by the current supplied by the photocells. The device makes efficient use of the available solar radiation, is of simple design and is reliable.

Card data discrimination system

Abstract: PURPOSE:To discriminate cards without touching them and without providing active electric power in them.

Electrical power supply method and system for open pit mining equipment

Abstract: A land vehicle such as an electric motor-operated power shovel working on the floor of an open pit mine is supplied with electrical power from a remote source by a flexible electric power cable. To prevent vehicles working within and moving along the floor and terraced sides of the mine pit from being obstructed by or traveling over and damaging the power cable, such cable is suspended between its ends from a lighter-than-air balloon tethered at an elevation above the shovel and terrain between the power source and the shovel. The balloon is tethered to a support cable anchored at one end near the power source and at the other end to the shovel. Connectors placed at intervals along the support cable interconnect the support cable and the power cable while enabling the power cable to slide in opposite directions along the support cable. The support cable is connected to the shovel in a manner enabling the shovel to rotate while working without twisting the cables.

Geothermal actuated method of producing fresh water and electric power

Abstract: Method and apparatus for implementing the same to provide fresh potable water and electric power from a source of natural brine by the use of energy derived from a geothermal source of pressurized fluid that is of a temperature of greater than 212° F, and which fluid may contain numerous minerals and extraneous material entrained and/or dissolved therein, together with apparatus for carrying out the method. In addition, the invention encompasses a method of providing a clean source of heat for energy conversion from a geothermal source together with an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Device for maintaining a separation between two electric conductors

Abstract: This invention concerns a device for maintaining a separation between two electric conductors. A dielectric spacer comprises, in the vicinity of at least one conductor, a portion having high permittivity. Application to the increase in the voltages which coaxial electric power conveying cables can withstand.

Thermoelectric generator for an automotive charging system

Abstract: By utilizing exhaust gas as a heat source, a thermoelectric generator could replace the existing charging system in an automobile. Outlines of the basic parameters to be considered and of a proposed design are given. The advantages of a power source without moving parts include higher reliability and lower maintenance. Additional benefits might come through a noise reduction and a power loss decrease.

Electrically powered outboard motor means

Abstract: An electrically powered outboard motor having a water submergible electric drive member, a shaft member fixedly attached to the drive member, an attachment member for movably attaching the shaft member to a boat, and an electric circuit for allowing electrical power to selectively pass from an electric storage battery to the drive member. The electric circuit is adapted to allow the drive member to be turned so as to control the direction of the boat without causing the electrical conductor wires which allow electric power to pass from the electric storage battery to the drive member to turn with the drive member. Additionally, the electric circuit is adapted to allow the drive member to be raised or lowered relative to the attachment member without breaking the electrical contact between the electric storage battery and the drive member.

A regional analysis of air quality standards, coal conversion, and the steam‐electric coal market*

Abstract: In the United States coal-fired electric power plants generate the major portion of sulfur emissions, accounting for most of the approximately 57 percent of emissions attributable to electric utilities. Most states have plans to reduce sulfur emissions in the near term in conventional steam electric generation by regulating the type of fuel used. Solutions are characterized as determining the most efficient network of production, distribution and use for coal in steam-electric generating plants. The regional impacts of sulfur-reducing technology, which would permit current high sulfur coal production, are analyzed for their interaction with coal conversion and air quality. Regional air quality standards which limit average sulfur emissions from coal-fired power plants can have important interactions with the spatial location of production activities if a premium is placed on low sulfur emissions. Midwestern high sulfur coal cannot compete with Western coal with the probable operating costs for sulfur reducing technologies.