Showing papers on "Electricity generation published in 1973"

Residential Demand for Electricity: Econometric Estimates for California and the United States

Abstract: It is widely believed that the demand for electricity, if unchecked, will continue to grow at a rapid exponential rate until well into the next century.1 Whether such growth is necessary or desirable is controversial. One can easily identify the benefits likely to be obtained from reduced growth: It would retard the spread of power-plant sites, smokestacks, cooling towers, transmission wires, poles, transformers, etc., which degrade the beauty of the environment and reduce the amount of land available for residential development, parks, wildlife preserves, etc. It would necessarily reduce the growth of air and water pollution due to electricity production and would limit the risk of nuclear accident. Finally, it would provide extra time during which to develop alternative means of producing and using energy with less adverse impact on man and his environment. Aside from the sacrifice of potential electric services, the necessary costs of decelerated electricity-demand growth are not as easy to identify. Substantial restructuring of the sectoral activity of the economy, including relative depression of industries whose outputs are complementary with electricity (e.g., electric machines and appliances) and of electricityintensive industries (e.g., aluminum) and relative expansion of industries whose outputs are substitutes for electricity (e.g., the fossil-fuel sectors) or whose outputs are complementary with electricity substitutes (e.g., nonelectric machines and appliances), is likely to result if significant reductions in electricity-demand growth occur. Restructuring could result in several kinds of costs. The growth rate of aggregate nonelectric output per capita could decline. The mix of goods and services sold in the restructured economy could result in less overall consumer enjoyment than the mix sold prior to restructuring. (For example, would consumers be happier with smaller electric appli-

1974 Energy Requirements for Electric Cars and Their Impact on Electric Power Generation and Distribution Systems

Abstract: Assuming the availability of a high energy and power density battery of 100 Wh/lb and 100 W/lb by the 1980' s, the energy consumption and efficiency of electric and heat engine cars are compared on an equal basis. This is achieved by considering a reference electric car of 3150-lb weight similar in body construction, aerodynamics, and rolling resistance to a conventional heat engine car of equal weight, and comparing the performance of the two cars over the same driving modes. The reference electric car is then used as a baseline to evaluate the possible improvements in future electric cars. The energy consumption for an optimized 2000-lb electric car of driving range, comfort, and performance comparable to a conventional car is estimated. Assuming a gradual growth in electric car population leading to their widespread use by the 1990's, the impact on electric power generation and distribution systems is estimated. Though the analysis is based on a high energy and power density battery the results may be extrapolated to electric cars using lower performance batteries. It is noted that batteries with lower energy density can provide sufficient driving range to fulfill a significant portion of our transportation needs and their continued development and improvement will accelerate the achievement of the high energy-density goal [1].

Health effects of electricity generation from coal, oil, and nuclear fuel

Abstract: from coal, uranium, and oil are compared, with particular attention given to accident and chronic-disease rates for fuel extraction and airbonne emissions from power and reprocessing plants. It is concluded that uranium offers less of a health hazard as a fuel than coal. The analysis is based on current operating practice; however, advances in technology can be expected to reduce both the occupational- and public-health risks from these fuels. (auth)

Electric generation apparatus

Abstract: An electric generation apparatus for houses and the like wherein the prime mover is an automobile''s driven wheel that has in combination a pair of fluted rollers adapted to receive the automobile wheel. Drive means are entrained with the rollers and in a preferred embodiment a slip clutch receives the rotational output from the drive means. The output of the slip clutch is connected to an electric generator. An electrical switch is coupled with an electrical connector so as to apply the output of the electric generator to the house power grid. This is accomplished when the switch completes a circuit between the electric generator through the electrical connector and hence to the house system. The switch also acts to electrically isolate the electric generator from the utility lines.

System for manually or automatically transferring control between computers without power generation disturbance in an electric power plant or steam turbine operated by a multiple computer control system

Abstract: An electric power plant including a steam generator and a steam turbine is operated by a control system including two redundant digital computers. Switching circuitry is provided for coupling one of the computers through interface equipment to the steam generator and the turbine and a generator according to programmed computer control. A data link is established between the computers to transfer manual/automatic status and other needed data from the control computer to the standby computer. A system is provided for detecting when certain hardware and software malfunctions have occurred and for responsively transferring control to the standby computer. The standby computer is tracked to the control computer so that control computer transfer can be made reliably without disturbing the electric power generation process. Tracking is produced by a system which includes the data link as well as tracking controls in the noncontrolling computer. Such tracking controls function in the tracking mode of the noncontrolling computer to conform the control outputs of the two computers with little or no offset. On the execution of a computer transfer, the tracking controls are bumplessly switched out of operation as the computer coming into control switches from the tracking mode to the control mode.

Electric power plant having a multiple computer system for redundant control of turbine and steam generator operation

Abstract: The electric power plant including a steam generator and a steam turbine is operated by a control system including two redundant digital computers. Switching circuitry is provided for coupling one of the computers through interface equipment to the steam generator and the turbine and a generator according to programmed computer control. A data link is established between the computers to transfer manual/automatic status and other needed data from the control computer to the standby computer. A system is provided for detecting when certain hardware and software malfunctions have occurred and for responsively transferring control to the standby computer. The standby computer is tracked to the control computer so that control computer transfer can be made reliably without disturbing the electric power generation process.

Adapting Microwave Techniques to Help Solve Future Energy Problems

Abstract: The relationship between microwave techniques and the growing concern for future sources of energy is reviewed. The relationship is specifically explored in the use of a microwave beam to efficiently transport power from an array of solar photovoltaic cells in space to the Earth's surface. Recent advances in power conversion technology and experimental results on overall efficiency of free-space power transmission are reviewed.

Adapting Microwave Techniques to Help Solve Future Energy Problems

Abstract: The relationship between microwave techniques and the growing concern for future sources of energy is reviewed. The relationship is specifically explored in the use of a microwave beam to efficiently transport power from an array of solar photovoltaic cells in space to the earth's surface. The transition from a laboratory technology of microwave power transmission to a 10-GW 23 200-mi transmission system is examined in detail.

Wide range system for transferring steam generator and turbine operation between computers in a multiple turbine computer control system

Abstract: An electric power plant including a steam generator and a steam turbine is operated by a control system including two redundant digital computers. Switching circuitry is provided for coupling one of the computers through interface equipment to the steam generator and the turbine and a generator according to programmed computer control. A data link is established between the computers to transfer manual/automatic status and other needed data from the control computer to the standby computer. A system is provided for detecting when certain hardware and software malfunctions have occurred and for responsively transferring control to the standby computer. The standby computer is tracked to the control computer so that control computer transfer can be made reliably without disturbing the electric power generation process. The turbine control includes a speed control loop which is implemented with computer operations. Startup control is also implemented in startup control loops for the steam generator by means of computer operations. Computer transfers are executed smoothly in the startup control mode at substantially any stage of the startup process.

System and method for operating a steam turbine with a control system having a turbine simulator

Abstract: A steam turbine is provided with an automatic digital computer control and a backup analog control which function in load and speed control loops during the positioning of the turbine inlet valves for speed and load control. An operator panel is provided with a test switch for transferring the turbine operation to backup control and for connecting the automatic control to a turbine simulator stored in the computer when it is desired to use the on-line computer for training, checkout or maintenance without disturbing the power generation process.

Multiple computer system for operating a power plant turbine with manual backup capability

Abstract: The electric power plant including a steam generator and a steam turbine is operated by a control system including two redundant digital computers. Switching circuitry is provided for coupling one of the computers through interface equipment to the steam generator and the turbine and a generator according to programmed computer control. A data link is established between the computers to transfer manual/automatic status and other needed data from the control computer to the standby computer. A system is provided for detecting when certain hardware and software malfunctions have occurred and for responsively transferring control to the standby computer. The standby computer is tracked to the control computer so that control computer transfer can be made reliably without disturbing the electric power generation process. Manual backup controls are provided for the steam generator and the steam turbine and the system is organized to transfer particular or all control loops to manual operation manually under operator selection or automatically in response to the existence of certain conditions. The capability for transfer to manual control is interfaced with the computer transfer system.

Valence of Electric Energy

Abstract: This paper presents an easy-to-use method for evaluation of energy from power plants with different output and cost characteristics. The approach described takes into account the suitability of stations for covering a certain demand pattern. It is based on the comparison of generation cost of the power station in question to the cost of generating energy with constant power, expressed by a value factor, and an analysis of the demand arranged to certain groups of daily utilization hours. It permits an easy qualitative evaluation of the effect of different types of station on the development of overall generation costs.

Three-Years' Clinical Experience with Radioisotope Powered Cardiac Pacemakers

Abstract: Radioisotope powered cardiac pacemakers have been in human clinical evaluation for over three years. The power supply of these units was developed in response to the need voiced by the medical community for pulse generators with longer lifetimes and more predictable performance characteristics than the conventional pulse generators which are powered by chemical cells. This thermoelectric power supply has Pu-238 as a source of thermal energy and a bismuth-telluride thermopile to generate electrical energy by the Seebeck effect. Over 650 of these radioisotopic power supplies have been built since 1968. By May 1, 1973, 260 of them had been incorporated into pulse generators and implanted in patients. All of the isotopic pulse generators and their power supplies are still functioning. Theoretical calculations predict that the radioisotopic power supply will reliably power a pulse generator for ten or more years, and clinical experience lends credence to these calculations. Progress is being made in modifying U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (USAEC) regulations which currently restrict the use of Pu-238 powered medical devices in the United States. The excellent clinical performance of the isotopic pulse generator and its acceptance by the medical profession in Europe indicate that this device has a promising future.

Hybrid microwave heating apparatus

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of materials by the application of heat for rapid drying, cooking, curing or the like of the materials, including an enclosure having microwave generators both of the magnetron type device and the solid state type oscillators. The magnetron device supplies a relatively large power constantly and each of the solid state oscillators supplies a small power, so that the combination of these different types of power generators in the microwave region provides the heating performance of continuously the output of the microwave power by selective operation of the solid state oscillators, or on-off operation of the magnetron device. For easy and continuous adjustment of the output microwave power in the apparatus, a plurality of solid state oscillators are arranged on several walls of the oven or are placed removably within the oven by means of a tray assembly. The apparatus is also provided with duct means for the solid state oscillators in order to maintain the high efficiency as well as to obtain a uniform heating effect.

Gasdynamic lasers and photon machines

Abstract: The basic operational highlights of CO 2 -N 2 gas-dynamic lasers (GDL's) are described. Features common to powerful gas lasers are indicated. A simplified model of the vibrational kinetics of the system is presented, and the importance of rapid expansion nozzles is shown from analytic solutions of the equations. A high-power pulsed GDL is described, along with estimations of power extraction. A closed-cycle laser is suggested, leading to a description of a photon generator/engine. Thermodynamic analysis of the closed-cycle laser illustrates in principle the possibility of direct conversion of laser energy to work.

A Field Modulated Frequency Down Conversion Power System

Abstract: A new concept in power generation has been theoretically developed and experimentally tested at Oklahoma State University. The generator design incorporates new techniques in field modulation and solid-state alternator output processing. The resulting generator is smaller and lighter than comparable commercial models presently available, and it will operate such that frequency output is independent of the shaft speed of a prime mover.

Protection system for transferring turbine and steam generator operation to a backup mode especially adapted for multiple computer electric power plant control systems

Abstract: An electric power plant including a steam generator and a steam turbine is operated by a control system including two redundant digital computers. Switching circuitry is provided for coupling one of the computers through interface equipment to the steam generator and the turbine and a generator according to programmed computer control. A data link is established between the computers to transfer manual/automatic status and other needed data from the control computer to the standby computer. A system is provided for detecting when certain hardware and software malfunctions have occurred and for responsively transferring control to the standby computer. The standby computer is tracked to the control computer so that control computer transfer can be made reliably without disturbing the electric power generation process. The detection system triggers computer transfers in the event malfunctions occur in input/output equipment including contact closure input and output systems and analog input and output systems. Computer transfers are also triggered on certain software malfunctions including tight loop operation and prescribed task errors. Certain other events such as a data link malfunction permit a computer transfer but limit the computer coming into control status to the manual mode.

Wide load range system for transferring turbine or plant operation between computers in a multiple computer turbine and power plant control system

Abstract: An electric power plant including a steam generator and a steam turbine is operated by a control system including two redundant digital computers. Switching circuitry is provided for coupling one of the computers through interface equipment to the steam generator and the turbine and a generator according to programmed computer control. A data link is established between the computers to transfer manual/automatic status and other needed data from the control computer to the standby computer. A system is provided for detecting when certain hardware and software malfunctions have occurred and for responsively transferring control to the standby computer. The standby computer is tracked to the control computer so that control computer transfer can be made reliably without disturbing the electric power generation process. The turbine control includes a load control loop which is implemented with computer operations. Load control is also implemented in load control loops for the steam generator by means of computer operations. Computer transfers are executed smoothly in the load control mode at substantially any load level of operation.

Prospects for Superconductive Generators in the Electric Utility Industry

Abstract: The potential application of superconducting materials to large scale use in the electric utility industry is receiving increased attention. With the demand for electric power doubling every 10 years, power generation equipment ratings have been growing rapidly. Advances in many areas of generator design technology, including (a) direct conductor cooling, (b) stator winding short circuit and 120 Hz vibration control, and (c) materials suitable for scaled-up, more highly stressed components, have allowed power densities to increase so that today 1200 MWor larger units can be built and shipped, matching the size of the larger steam supplies and steam turbines that have become available. At the same time, overall plant reliability and availability have become the most important equipment considerations and will probably govern the rate at which larger ratings or new developments will be adopted by the industry in the future.

System for initializing a backup computer in a multiple computer electric power plant and turbine control system to provide turbine and plant operation with reduced time for backup computer availability

Abstract: An electric power plant including a steam generator and a steam turbine is operated by a control system including two redundant digital computers. Switching circuitry is provided for coupling one of the computers through interface equipment to the steam generator and the turbine and a generator according to programmed computer control. A data link is established between the computers to transfer manual/automatic status and other needed data from the control computer to the standby computer. A system is provided for detecting when certain hardware and software malfunctions have occurred and for responsively transferring control to the standby computer. The standby computer is tracked to the control computer so that control computer transfer can be made reliably without disturbing the electric power generation process. In order to provide for making a noncontrolling computer available for control in a reliable and fast manner after it has been stopped for any reason, the system is arranged to structure the noncontrolling computer with certain initializing data over the data link. The initialization data includes turbine rotor stress calculated variables and other variables including boiler and turbine logicals and calibration variables.

Plumbing the ocean depths: a new source of power

Abstract: The main difficulty in harnessing solar energy is collecting it. The collection mechanism for solar sea power is the ocean. Solar energy, absorbed by the surface waters of tropical oceans, can be converted first into electric power by solar sea power plants, then convented by electrolysis into chemical energy, and transported by ship for distribution to heat homes, power transportation facilities, and form a basic ingredient in materials processing. The problems involved for a SSPP are insufficient temperature difference, corrosiveness of sea water, microbial fouling, plant anchoring, diluteness of solar energy in the ocean, and environmental effects. (MCW)

Forecasting water use for electric power generation

Abstract: Knowledge of demand functions for water and electricity provides a basis for forecasting water withdrawals, water consumption, and heat discharges to the water in electric power generation. The variables in these demand functions may be significantly affected by direct and indirect variations in policy. Forecasts of water withdrawals and consumption of water are made for alternative combinations of the variables in the demand functions and compared with the results of previous studies in which the demands for water were forecast as ‘requirements.’