Showing papers on "Electric power published in 1979"

Diagnosing Power Quality-Related Computer Problems

Abstract: Total reliance on sensitive electronic systems for such important functions as data processing, communications, and process control is now a way of life in our commercial, industrial, and governmental activities. This development has necessitated a new concern toward the quality of the electric power supply. Intermittent power disturbances, capable of disrupting electronic equipment are inherent to both commercial and industrial power systems. Any disruption causing downtime and financial loss, power-related or otherwise, is likely to precipitate a study to determine appropriate corrective actions. Unfortunately, analyzing the cause and effect of power disturbances can be difficult, particularly when sophisticated computer systems are involved. The ultimate purpose is to assist the electronic equipment users in reducing power-related downtime.

Evaluation of combined photovoltaic/thermal collectors

Abstract: The thermal and electric performance of an air and a liquid type combined photovoltaic/thermal solar collector has been evaluated, yielding close correlation with theoretical results. Maximum thermal efficiencies of 42.5% and 40% for the liquid and air collectors without electric power production decreased to 40.4% and 32.9% when electrical power was produced. Maximum electrical efficiencies of 6.8% were measured.

Copying machine with timer

Abstract: PURPOSE:To save electric power consumption without impairing operation easiness, by automatically turning on and off power supply in accordance with the frequency of use of copier parts. CONSTITUTION:Time setting of registers 12-15 and time correction of clock register 11 are conducted by giving inputs of numerical keys 1 and function keys 3 through memory circuit 6. Times of registers 12-15 and that of register 11 are compared in comparators 25-28, coincidence signals from circuits 25, 26 are provided to a power circuit as signals A for closing power supply, and coincidence signals from circits 27, 28 are delivered to the power circuit as signals B for opening power supply. Circuits 25-28 are energized in a time division mode at timing t1-t4 obtained by counting 29 second signals from the clock circuit.

Supplemental electrical power generating system

Abstract: Hydrocarbon fuel energy is converted to AC electrical energy by a new system utilized to supplement AC power for household and similar limited size loads in synchronism with existing AC utility service via pre-existing wiring between the load and the utility lines. The system has an externally excited commutator AC motor-generator driven by an internal combustion engine to provide AC power at a magnitude which is a function of the drive shaft velocity and degree of excitation. An exciter circuit provides excitation for the motor-generator to cause the generated AC power to be in phase with utility power. A load demand sensor senses current flowing through the wiring to the load, providing a control signal signifying magnitude of the current, thus measuring load power requirements. Control circuitry interconnected with the exciter circuitry and the engine is responsive to the control signal to control excitation for causing the generated supplemental power substantially to meet load requirements. The control circuitry also controls engine speed to provide sufficient engine power to meet these load requirements. Mechanical elements of the system are contained by an insulated, sound-proofed enclosure. Air is drawn into the enclosure for cooling of the motor-generator and for recovering heat from the engine and the engine exhaust. The heated air is ducted out of the housing for use in household heating, etc. Various circuit features, including a phase sensitive detector, ensure that electrical power generated by the system does not flow back to the utility service. The system starts and stops automatically according to power demand.

Underwater power generator

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating electrical power by disposing a plurality of power producing modules in a substantially constant velocity ocean current and mechanically coupling the output of the modules to drive a single electrical generator.

Cold Load Pickup

Abstract: The primary purpose of this paper is to provide a quantitative method for electric power utilities to predict the magnitude and duration of the peak demand following a power outage in cold weather. The study is limited strictly to electrically heated homes. A model has been developed based on experimental data that predicts the power demand of any number of homes following a power outage. The authors believe that this information should influence both the design of the distribution system and the method of power restoration.

Flywheel electric transmission apparatus

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the flywheel electric transmission system is made up of three electric machines and a flywheel and is adapted for use in an automobile. The first electric machine is driven or energized by a prime mover such as a heat engine and is selectively clutched to the second machine. The flywheel and the armatures for both the first and second machines rotate as a unit. The third machine is connected to the second machine through gearing and, under the control of a computer, supplies excess electrical power to or consumes excess electrical power from the first and second machines that are functioning as either a motor or generator as required. In a second embodiment, the energy source is a battery pack.

Electrical power generating system

Abstract: An electrical power generating system is disclosed which utilizes as a source of energy the otherwise wasted energy expended by motor vehicles moving along a roadway The system includes a vibrational transducer which is mounted in the roadway and which is constructed for producing electrical energy directly from the vibrational energy imparted to the transducer from the motor vehicles passing thereacross The electrical energy thus produced may be used to charge a storage battery for powering various devices, such as traffic signals, warning devices, and the like

Apparatus for controlling electrical power in a data processing system

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling electrical power in a data processing system having one or more central processor units and a plurality of peripheral units, including circuitry for selectively connecting a voltage signal to each peripheral unit to cause power to be supplied thereto, and metering means for measuring the amount of time the voltage signal is provided to each separate peripheral whereby the supply of power to any one of the peripheral units may be centrally controlled and monitored. Also included is a circuit for sequentially connecting the voltage signal to the peripheral units.

Spray gun having self-contained low voltage and high voltage power supplies

Abstract: An electrostatic spray gun apparatus for coating systems having an entirely self-contained light weight electrical power supply adapted to convert the kinetic energy available in a moving air stream into the required high d.c. potential and which dispenses with external electrical supply connections thereto.

Electric power interrupting apparatus

Abstract: A sensor controlled device for interrupting electric power to a portable electric clothes iron. Two sensors are attached to the handle of the iron. These sense skin contact of the operator and horizontal orientation of the iron. The sensors control circuitry which controls a switching circuit which then controls a power connecting means, such as a relay, for shutting off power to the iron. The switching circuit may also control an electronic timer and an alarm.

Electric Power in the United States: Models and Policy Analysis

Abstract: The electric power industry is a major consumer of fossil fuels and a major supplier of energy for residential, commercial, and industrial use. An understanding of the behavior and performance of this complex industry is critical if energy analysts, policymakers, and industry managers are to evaluate the ultimate effects of almost all energy policy initiatives in the not-so-distant future. This book describes a unique engineering-economic model, the Regionalized Electricity Model (REM), developed at MIT and at the University of Texas, and examines the effects that a wide range of energy policies simulated in the model would have on the demand and supply of electricity and on the utilization of fuels by the electric power industry to the year 2000. Electric Power in the United States examines such aspects of the industry's behavior and performance as how consumers choose among energy alternatives - including electricity - how the electric utility industry chooses among the different fuels that can be used to generate electricity, and how the industry determines future building of new capacity, how public utility price regulation determines electricity prices and the industry's ability to raise sufficient capital for building generating, transmission, and distribution facilities that will match supply andmore » demand efficiently. The book discusses a range of possible futures arising from the impact of different economic events and public policies on the industry.« less

Frequency Response Methods for Tuning Stabilizers to Damp out Tie-Line Power Oscillations: Theory and Field-Test Results

Abstract: During the past ten years a number of authors have put forward techniques for tuning power system stabilizers (PSS) in the literature. Some of these techniques have been tested in on-site applications and others have been evaluated using simulation techniques. This paper describes a theoretical basis, and supporting experimental evidence from tests performed at a power plant, for tuning power system stabilizers using frequency response techniques. By using the method described in this paper, the power system analyst is able to obtain an approximate measure of the amount of damping that can be expected from the stabilizer in damping out tie- line power oscillations. The tests were conducted on the inter- tie between the Alberta and British Columbia Hydro power pools. Test results indicated a direct correlation between the improvement in the electric power damping as observed by field tests and that predicted by theoretical means. Although the method suggested in this paper has general application to power system stabilization for local mode damping and inter- tie damping it was applied to the specific case where the tie- line power was used as a feedback signal to the stabilizer.

Albedd radiation power converter

Abstract: A heat-to-electricity converter, particularly adaptable for use by high-atude platforms such as aerostats and space stations, for changing heat energy of radiation from the earth to electric power during day and/or night. The converter includes an array of heat-collector sources and radiator heat sinks interconnected by thermoelectric n- and p- doped material elements. The array is fabricated on thin films of plastic and may be mounted on a high-altitude platform. The collectors absorb infrared (IR) heat from the earth and conduct the heat to the thermoelectric elements. The elements convert the heat to electricity. The absorbed heat less the heat converted to electricity is emitted to space by the radiator heat sinks.

Generation of electrical energy

Abstract: A marine installation for generating electrical energy, which installation operates as a giant battery using the sea as the electrolyte and comprises a plurality of electrodes (6, 8) connected together mechanically and electrically to form a floating structure of cells (5) which is anchored to the sea bed and insulated to prevent loss of potential by conduction.

Transportable power supply substation

Abstract: A transportable power supply substation is a power supplying equipment in which electric power machines are mounted on transporting apparatus, The transportable power supply substation in accordance with the present invention including transporting means (1) and electric power distributing means which includes a transformer (6), a current interrupting unit (5) and so on, and the current interrupting unit (5) is rotatably supported by supporting means which comprises a supporting shaft (10) a bearing member 11 and rollers (12, 13). The current interrupting unit (5) is therefore, rotatable as occasion demands, and is also secured to the transporting means (1) by means of securing means.

Apparatus for supplying high power electric loads operated in a pulse-like manner, especially for X-ray equipment

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for supplying high-power electric loads operated in a pulse-like manner, particularly to X-ray equipment. The apparatus makes use of the mechanical energy of rotation of a flywheel rotated through a time period which is substantially longer than the pulse duration of the load by a driving power being substantially smaller than the pulse power of the load to generate a supply voltage for the load in expense of this mechanical energy. The driving period of the flywheel and the associated moderate driving power provide an energy balance with the short pulses with high power consumption. The apparatus comprises a generator unit with at least one electric rotary machine which has a rotor that rotates together with the flywheel. The excitation of the rotary machine is provided by a field power supply being controlled by a control unit. The control unit controls the excitation of the generator unit to provide predetermined output voltage and current levels for the load. The apparatus according to the invention can provide a specified operation control for the load. According to an aspect of the invention a method has been provided for carrying out fluorography which can see to an increased sensed light intensity. According to this method fluoroscopy is carried out by pulsed X-ray irradiation with small average intensity and high pulse intensity, in which the repetition frequency of the pulse is high enough to provide for a continuous light sensation. Such pulsed irradiation provides for an image on the fluoroscopic screen in which the sensed light intensity is increased by the ratio of the peak and average radiation intensities compared to the light intensity of a conventional continuous irradiation with the average intensity.

Correction to "Electric power load management: Some technical, economic, regulatory, and social issues"

Abstract: This paper provides a review of the subject of electric power load management. In Section I, we briefly introduce the topic and then provide a summary of the current operating characteristics of electric energy production and delivery (EEPD) systems. Section II places load management in the context of the broader set of energy management strategies available to EEPD systems. The organization and rationale of the paper is then explained. In Section III, we review the set of communication/control technologies available or under development for use in the implementation of load management in EEPD systems. We provide an assessment of the relative attractiveness of alternative technologies, a brief summary description of a major field demonstration being jointly funded by EPRI and DOE, and two examples which illustrate the state of the art in modern two-way systems. In Section IV, we review the conventional approach to U.S. electric rate design, describe the current national Electric Utility Rate Design Study, review some important basic ideas of microeconomics, explore the subject of price elasticity of demand, examine the basic ideas underlying marginal cost pricing, discuss some of the practical difficulties of implementing time dependent rates, briefly examine some foreign rate design experience, and conclude by summarizing a number of U.S. rate design experiments sponsored by NSF and by FEA (now DOE). Section V is devoted to an examination of the problems of finding manageable loads in the residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors. Particular attention is given to the development of thermal storage systems for water heating, space heating, and space cooling. Section VI is devoted to summarizing a number of studies which have attempted to assess the short- and long-term economic impacts of load management. The state of the field is such that few definitive cost/benefit statements can be made at this time. A number of potential social impacts are discussed and some broad regulatory policy guidelines are suggested. Finally, in Section VII, we highlight conclusions reached in the five preceeding sections, and identify a number of research and policy needs.

Radiation energy conversion in space

Abstract: Topics discussed at the third NASA conference on radiant energy conversion are reviewed. The unconcentrated-photovoltaic-generation version of a solar power satellite is described, noting that it will consist of a 21.3 x 5.3-sq-km silicon-solar-cell array expected to provide 17 Gw of electrical power, with 1 km in diam transmitters oriented to beam 2.45 GHz microwave power to two receiving/rectifying 'rectennas' on earth. The Solares space-energy-system concept, designed for providing a large fraction of the world's energy needs at costs comparable to those of future coal/nuclear alternative, is considered, as are subsystems for improving the economics of the solar power satellite. A concept proposing the use of relativistic-electron-storage rings for electron-beam energy transmission and storage, and a report on the production of a high temperature plasma with concentrated solar radiation are taken into account. Laser-conversion systems, including the direct-solar-pumped space laser, and the telec-powered spacecraft, are discussed.

An environmental and economic comparison of cooling system designs for steam-electric power plants

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

Electrical Power Systems Technology

Abstract: This volume is a textbook for an electrical power or electrical generators and motors course, provides a broad overview of the subject. Contents, abridged: Power production. Power distribution. Power control systems. Power conversion. Power measurement. Index.

Solar and wind energy accumulator - has steam engine to drive generator using steam from absorbers or from heat accumulator

Abstract: A heat accumulator for an electric power installation is based on solar heat collectors and/or wind energy, and stores the electric current which is produced by a steam engine driven generator but is not utilized immediately. Water in a heat accumulator is heated to a temperature of over 500K. The same steam engine which drives the generator with steam produced by solar or wind energy is also used for operation from the heat accumulator if the energy supply from extraneous sources is absent.

The Building Loads Analysis and System Thermodynamics (BLAST) Program. Version 2.0. Users Manual. Volume II.

Abstract: : The Building Loads Analysis and System Thermodynamics (BLAST) program is a comprehensive set of subprograms for predicting energy consumption in buildings There are three major subprograms: (1) the space load predicting subprogram, which computes hourly space loads in a building or zone based on user input and hourly weather data; (2) the air distribution system simulation subprogram, which uses the computed space load and user inputs describing the building air-handling system to calculate hot water or steam, chilled water, and electric energy demands; and (3) the central plant simulation program, which simulates boilers, chillers, onsite power generating equipment and solar energy systems and computes monthly and annual fuel and electrical power consumption and plant life cycle cost

Service line terminal box system,especially for ships moored to quays

Abstract: A system for primarily supplying fishing boats lying berthed in harbor with electrical power, comprises a plurality of terminal boxes (1) which are countersunk along the edge of the quay and each contains electric power socket outlets (2), a drain hole (10) and a heating cable (19) The coverplate (5) of each box is self-closing, self-locking and lies on ground level, leaving in closed position an opening to the interior of the terminal box to permit passing therethrough a line (16) connectible to the electric power socket outlet and extending from an electrical connection box (18) which can be mounted on a boat (17) and has several electric power socket outlets and an electricity meter In addition to electric power socket outlets, outlets for water, telephone service, compressed air, vacuum and/or fuel can be mounted in the boxes which can also be placed in airports and on camping sites

Getting at the Source: Reducing Radiation Fields

Abstract: The Electric Power Research Institute is presently supporting research on radiation control techniques for light water nuclear power plants Nine different contractors working on 12 different contr

Electrical power supply apparatus

Abstract: Electrical power supply for use with apparatus which transmits a predetermined message. When an input signal is received, a source of electrical energy is connected to a power output terminal by turning a switching transistor on. A latching circuit holds the transistor on after termination of the input signal. Elements of the apparatus which are connected to the power output terminal to obtain operating power transmit the predetermined message when the electrical energy is supplied to the terminal. When the transmission is complete, the apparatus produces a termination signal to the latching circuit causing it to turn the switching transistor off and thus disconnect the source of electrical energy from the power output terminal. A delay arrangement prevents the latching circuit from responding to a termination signal for a predetermined period of time after the input signal has terminated, thus preventing inadvertent disconnecting of the source of electrical energy from the power output terminal before the apparatus has had an opportunity to attain full operation.

Dynamic rate integrating demand monitor

Abstract: A dynamic rate integrating demand monitor which measures electric power to a customer load at closely-spaced time intervals and prices that load at each such interval on the basis of a predetermined set of factors.