Showing papers on "Electricity generation published in 1974"

Power system modeling

Abstract: A discussion of the philosophy of modeling of three-phase transmission lines, three-phase transformers, three-phase generators, and power system loads is presented. Although the topic is very basic, the material covered is not all conventional. Single-phase representation of a three-phase power system is discussed in detail. Assumptions usually employed in the power industry are stated. Also discussed is the mathematical representation of a non-symmetrical three-phase power system in which the symmetrical-component method is not applied. An important aspect is the study of the models used in present-day problems as well as the models that may be required in the near future.

Hydro-air storage electrical generation system

Abstract: A hydro-air storage system for generating electricity in which a subterranean reservoir containing water is pressurized and the water is pumped to a surface reservoir during periods when the demand for electricity is low and in which water from the surface reservoir flowing into the subterranean reservoir and compressed air released from the subterranean reservoir are both utilized to generate electricity during periods when the demand for electricity is high.

The technology and application of free-space power transmission by microwave beam

Abstract: The point-to-point transfer of power by a microwave beam is an emerging technology with several unique characteristics and applications. The technology is examined in terms of the microwave beam itself, and the conversion technology between microwaves and dc power at either end of the system. The existing efficiencies and the projected efficiencies for the overall system and its elements are emphasized. The procedure for designing a highly efficient microwave beam power transfer system of arbitrary length starting from the microwave generator and terminating with the receiving aperture is given. The potential applications are discussed in terms of the unique characteristics of microwave power transmission. The successful experimental work on microwave-powered helicopters is reviewed. A potential application to bring down power from space is examined.

Controlled Emission Dispatch

Abstract: A method is described for commiting generators and scheduling their output so as to comply with environmental objectives such as limitations on emission of oxides of sulfur, oxides of nitrogen or discharge of heat into watercourses. The limitations may apply to emissions or to resulting ambient concentrations and may apply simultaneously to more than one type of residual. The method depends on the use of monetary conversion factors. For each set of environmental objectives and each system load level, minimum operating costs are achieved. The examples presented are based on the characteristics of the generators in the Israeli power system.

Apparatus for starting aircraft engines and for operating auxiliary on-board power generating equipment

Abstract: Two aircraft jet engines are associated respectively with two sub-systems each comprised of a gas turbine for starting one of the engines and driving a set of secondary power generators such as hydraulic pump and electric generator and an air conditioning unit. The two sub-systems are drivingly cross-linked so that either gas turbine can drive both sets. The air conditioning units as well as the gas turbines receive tapped air from the engine compressors, whereby the gas turbines may run with or without combustion. An emergency power pack may be provided, preferably in selective driving connection to one of the sub-systems to provide for the possibility of starting a gas turbine and driving, if necessary, the power generators of that sub-systems or furnishing hydraulic and electric power on a emergency basis when all sub-systems have failed.

The effects of higher prices on electricity consumption

Abstract: This paper utilizes an econometric model of the electric utility industry to simulate the effects of higher fuel prices on electricity demand and on the mix of fuel inputs to electricity generation. The model treats as endogenous electricity demand, electricity prices, the efficiency of fuel conversion, and the choice among coal, natural gas, residual fuel oil, and nuclear fuel inputs. The results here suggest that given projected fuel input prices, the short- and long-run impacts on electricity demand are likely to be small. The effects on fuel mix appear quite substantial in the intermediate and long run, but in the period of one year or less, fuel substitution possibilities appear fairly limited.

Stability of large electric power systems

Abstract: Fifty-nine papers on the stability of electric power systems selected from various conferences and other sources are presented A separate abstract was prepared for each of 58 papers One paper has been previously included in the DOE Energy Data Base (LCL)

Electrical power generation and distribution system

Abstract: Problems associated with moving fuel from remote sources to large centralized power generation plants are avoided with an economical system for collecting power from small stations located near the scattered, remote fuel sites. To avoid a need for many massive, costly transformers, a plurality of relatively low voltage generating stations are connected in series to cumulatively produce the high voltage needed for long-distance transmission line delivery. Power-generating devices of the successive stations are supported on insulative structures of progressively greater height and are driven or supplied with fuel through insulative means. The generating devices may take various forms including, for example, AC or DC generators driven through insulative drive shafts or fuel cells or magnetohydrodynamic devices supplied with fuel through insulative pipes and the system is adaptable to large-scale power production from scattered energy sources such as oil or natural gas wells, oil shale mines, geothermal steam wells, coal mines, solar energy sources or hydro-electric installations, for example. The stations may be adjacent, widely separated or vertically spaced apart within a single structure depending on the nature of the fuel source. Power may be converted to smaller voltages at the distribution region by coupling a plurality of electrical motors in series, each being supported on insulative structure, and each driving a generator through an insulative shaft.

Tide-powered electrical generator

Abstract: A tide-powered electrical generator wherein the energy from successive rising tides is stored in the form of potential energy for selective conversion to electricity. A float is constrained to vertical motion and it raises on successive tides a weight by means of a jack bar to reach a maximum predetermined height on a stable support structure where the weight is supported until release for the generation of electricity. Provision is made for the prevention of damage to the generator by excessive tidal rises.

Power generation through controlled convection (aeroelectric power generation)

Abstract: A method and means for the generation of power from a controlled air flow, wherein an enclosed air mass is cooled at high altitude below the temperature of the surrounding air. The air is isolated from the surrounding air by means of a large duct. The resulting cooler, denser air flows down the duct toward lower altitude, and the energy of the falling air mass is extracted by means of a turbine generator.

Technical change and scale economies in an engineering production function: the case of steam electric power

Abstract: An engineering approach can be used to analyze the economics of production processes in many industries in terms of the impact of technical and scale changes. In addition to statistical cross section and time-series studies made by observation, the engineering approach includes all physically feasible combinations of inputs. The steam-electric power industry is used as an engineering model to demonstrate processes (e.g., steam electric generation, oil refining, metal fabrication, etc.) on the basis of different machine characteristics. Results indicate that changes in prices of fuel and capital have an impact on design efficiency but not machine capacity in these industries. (38 references) (DCK)

Gas turbine power plant control apparatus having a multiple backup control system

Abstract: A gas turbine power plant is provided with an industrial gas turbine which drives a generator coupled to a power system through a breaker. The turbine-generator plant is operated by a hybrid control system having digital function capability during sequenced startup, synchronizing, load buildup and steady state load, and shutdown operations. The control system also contains monitoring and protective subsystems which function through all stages of operation, with redundancy and permissive features which maximize turbine availability.

Transient thermal response measurements of power transistors

Abstract: Differences between the measured thermal impedance of power transistors when determined by the pulsed heating curve and cooling curve techniques are discussed. These differences are shown to result primarily because the power density distributions of these devices change as the devices heat; as a result of these changes the heating curve and the cooling curve are not conjugate. It is shown that the cooling curve technique, when the cooling curve is initiated from the most non-uniform steady state thermal distribution, (maximum voltage, maximum power) will indicate a larger value for the thermal impedance than will the pulsed heating curve technique, even for pulses in excess of the d-c power level. A one dimensional model for power transistor cooling is described. The theoretical predictions of the model are shown to be in good agreement for practical applications with three-dimensional computer simulations and experimental results. Using this model, it is possible to estimate an average junction temperature and the area of power generation at steady state. Both T0-66 and TO-3 encased devices of mesa and planar structures were included in this study.

Geothermal dual energy transfer method and apparatus

Abstract: This is a method, and apparatus for practicing the method, for the transfer of geothermal energy and for its use in the production of power, wherein an energy extractor is placed within each of two wells (or within each well of two groups of wells) in such manner that the steam created by a geothermal aquifer into which the well is drilled creates power by passing over the energy extractor in one well (or group) and the steam is further passed beyond the energy extractor within the well and brought out of the well for further power generation, and, in which the condensate returns to the aquifer through the second well, and, wherein a reversible flow arrangement is provided whereby the steam may be alternately taken from the second well (or group) and utilized, with the condensate going back to the first well (or group) in such manner that solids deposited within each well are alternately eliminated, and the heat of the aquifer is uniformly maintained.

Solar energy: technology and applications

Abstract: It is pointed out that in 1970 the total energy consumed in the U.S. was equal to the energy of sunlight received by only 0.15% of the land area of the continental U.S. The utilization of solar energy might, therefore, provide an approach for solving the energy crisis produced by the consumption of irreplaceable fossil fuels at a steadily increasing rate. Questions regarding the availability of solar energy are discussed along with the design of solar energy collectors and various approaches for heating houses and buildings by utilizing solar radiation. Other subjects considered are related to the heating of water partly or entirely with solar energy, the design of air conditioning systems based on the use of solar energy, electric power generation by a solar thermal and a photovoltaic approach, solar total energy systems, industrial and agricultural applications of solar energy, solar stills, the utilization of ocean thermal power, power systems based on the use of wind, and solar-energy power systems making use of geosynchronous power plants.

Nuclear eclectic power.

Abstract: The uranium and thorium resources, the technology, and the social impacts all seem to presage an even sharper increase in nuclear power for electric generation than had hitherto been predicted. There are more future consequences. The "hydrogen economy." Nuclear power plants operate best at constant power and full load. Thus, a largely nuclear electric economy has the problem of utilizing substantial off-peak capacity; the additional energy generation can typically be half the normal daily demand. Thus, the option of generating hydrogen as a nonpolluting fuel receives two boosts: excess nuclear capacity to produce it, plus much higher future costs for oil and natural gas. However, the so-called "hydrogen economy" must await the excess capacity, which will not occur until the end of the century. Nonelectric uses. By analyses similar to those performed here, raw nuclear heat can be shown to be cheaper than heat from many other fuel sources, especially nonpolluting ones. This will be particularly true as domestic natural gas supplies become more scarce. Nuclear heat becomes attractive for industrial purposes, and even for urban district heating, provided (i) the temperature is high enough (this is no problem for district heating, but could be for industry; the HTGR's and breeders, with 600 degrees C or more available, have the advantage); (ii) there is a market for large quantities (a heat rate of 3800 Mw thermal, the reactor size permitted today, will heat Boston, with some to spare); and (iii) the social costs become more definitely resolved in favor of nuclear power. Capital requirements. Nuclear-electric installations are very capital-intensive. One trillion dollars for the plants, backup industry, and so forth is only 2 percent of the total gross national product (GNP) between 1974 and 2000, at a growth rate of 4 percent per year. But capital accumulation tends to run at about 10 percent of the GNP, so the nuclear requirements make a sizable perturbation. Also increasing the electric share of energy provision means increasing electric power utilization, which has a high technological content and demands yet more capital. Thus, provision of capital is a major problem ahead, especially for electric utilities. The need for people. The supply of available trained technologists, environmental engineers, and so on, especially in the architect-engineer profession, is insufficient for the task ahead, especially since the same categories of people will be in demand to build up a synthetic fuels industry and do other new things. Beyond these specific items and beyond the technological discussion, one can feel deeper currents running in this debate. Issues that started out seeming technological ended up being mainly societal: prevention of clandestine use, either by vigilance or by public spirit; a determination to maintain quality and to safeguard wastes that transcends narrow interests; a perception of social benefits and damage much more holistic than before; the need to manage programs more openly and better than before. Questions and doubts become more acute, answers and methods less sure. Here is a final question. We have never before been given a virtually infinite resource of something we craved. So far, increasingly large amounts of energy have been used to turn resources into junk, from which activity we derive ephemeral benefit and pleasure; the track record is not too good. What will we do now?

Conservation in industry.

Abstract: The power of fuel price to promote efficient utilization is illustrated by some fuel conservation measures in industrial plants. Fixing broken windows and closing doors during loading are simple examples. Some technical measures cited are insulating watercooled skid rails used to convey material through a heat-treating furnance, recapturing stack gas heat from a radiant fired tube and using it to preheat combustion air as a heat recuperator, installing heat pipe vacuum furnaces, and combining industrial production of process steam with electric power generation. Awareness of the conservation measure, loans for new equipment, and the risks in installing new equipment are discussed. The use of computer controls in the operation of processing plants is beneficial. (MCW)

Paralleling control for phase synchronized generators

Abstract: An electrical power generation and distribution system with two alternating current generators each powered by a variable speed engine through a constant speed drive. Each generator has a constant speed drive control with a phase comparator and a summing integrator to maintain phase synchronism with a reference signal. The generators are connected in parallel with each other or with an external power source, through switches actuated by the output of the phase comparator. The switches are closed only when the alternating signals are in substantial phase synchronism, minimizing switching transients.

Capturing hydro power, earth power and wind power with means and methods of storing same

Abstract: In areas where wind power, hydro power and earth heat power are all available and are to be developed, a common means and method of storing such power during off peak periods of power use are frequently required. Here power storage is accomplished by the lifting of under ground weights. Earth power may be geothermal heats, volcanic heats, heats from hot springs, deep holes in the earth, or heats from deep oil or gas wells, such as come to the surface when they bring up oil or natural gas. These are all here combined as a common source of power. Any or all may contribute power to the power storage.

Energy generation from sea waves

Abstract: In comparison with the direct use of wind energy exploitation of wave energy offers great advantages. By the interaction of wind and free water surface an energy concentration takes place. Wind energy which is interchanged through wide surface areas of the oceans is stored in sea waves as a mechanical oscillation. A simple system will be described which enables the conversion of this energy of oscillation into high pressure water and electric power. It is possible to use this wave-driven generator for power supply of buoys for 1 kW or more as well as for big stationary power plants of several hundred kilowatts of electric power. The function consists in the transformation of a big volume of the low pressure water of the waves into a small volume of corresponding high pressure water which can be stored in hydraulic accumulators or in elevated water basins. Due to the periodic pressure changes in the inside of the submerged wave energy generator a piston of large diameter is moved up and down thereby driving a much smaller pump piston. With a diameter ratio between the two pistons of 2 m to 0.4 m the wave pressure is increased 25 times. An effective wave altitude of 2 m therefore will provide a water pressure of 50 m which with a wave period of 7 s easily can be converted into 1 kW of electric power by a Pelton turbine which is directly coupled to the shaft of a generator. The efficiency of such a small wave-driven hydroelectric power plant is about 80%. A basic requirement for operating the wave-driven hydroelectric generator with a high total efficiency over long periods consists in low friction seals for the pistons which additionally must be air-tight. A special type of rolling diaphragm seal accomplishes these requirements. The seals can be used for large diameters up to 20 m and more and don't require a smooth surface so that pistons and cylinders can be made of fibre-reinforced epoxy or ferro concrete. A prototype of the hydroelectric wave generator for buoys of 1 m in diameter, with an electric power of 500 W, is now in construction. If possible, first test results will be reported.

Field Performance of Steam and Hot Water Electric Boilers

Abstract: This paper discusses observations on electric steam and hot-water boilers. The increased popularity of both steam and hot water generation by electricity is readily apparent. The advantages of this type of heat generation lend themselves to many current applications in the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning field. Sizes of boilers have been increasing through the years, with no apparent end in sight due to the accelerated development of the electrode boiler, which will be covered in detail in the second part of the paper. As compared to the resistance type of boiler, this latter design permits economical projection into much larger boiler sizes. Electric boiler installation is relatively simple since there is no concern with chimneys or fuel storage. Often the boiler room can be eliminated and the mechanical equipment room serve as the required space. Electric boiler operation can be automated to the point where an operator is virtually unnecessary with the many control options available today. Integration of the boiler into heat recovery and solar energy systems has also accelerated the growth of this product. As might be expected, due to the simplicity of boiler construction and accessories, electric boiler maintenance is at a minimum. However, certain areas of additional control must be exercised since unique problems can develop with electric steam and hot water generation. The paper is illustrated with pictures of actual installations and case histories covering the gamut of specification, installation, and successful operation.

Power Plants with Air-Cooled Condensing Systems

Abstract: There is an urgent interest today in controlling the environmental pollution that is a by-product of electric power generation. Thermal pollution--the rejection of waste heat into rivers and coastal waters used to cool both fossil-fuel and nuclear power systems--is a form of ecological disruption that can be reduced through the use of air-cooled condensing systems. Moreover, plants making use of this method need not be located adjacent to large bodies of water, requiring in many cases that wide swaths be cut through forests to accommodate overhead transmission lines--such plants can be located nearer load areas. The technology for building air-cooled condensing systems is now available and is thoroughly reviewed in this book. It is mainly economic considerations that have prevented their coming into wider use; it has been the belief that the benefits of these systems could be obtained only by paying the price of high capital costs and increased fuel consumption.One of the most important aspects of this book is that it demonstrates that this need not be the case. The author does not treat air-cooled condensers piecemeal, as isolated units meant to be simply plugged into power plants designed along traditional lines. Instead, he examines power plants from a systems planning point of view, and air-cooled equipment is included from the outset of design as an integral component of the system. As a result, he suggests that such plants--properly designed for a specific sector of the power generation spectrum (the so-called midrange and cycling sectors) with power cycle arrangements carefully assessed, and with plant optimization procedures in effect--can offer overall economies.The various chapters take up the following topics: extended surface heat exchangers--the direct system--the indirect (Heller) system--mechanical draft and hyperbolic towers--the spray condenser--deaeration and water chemistry--thermal cycle arrangements--general plant optimization--power plant for peaking/cycling--nuclear power plants rejecting heat to air--special fluid power plants--system planning considerations.The book is included in the series Monographs in Modern Electrical Technology, edited by Alexander Kusko.

Power supply system

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power supply system capable of supplying power even when a commercial power supply is interruptedSOLUTION: A power supply system 1 comprises a solar cell 11, a power generator 14, a storage battery 16, and a control unit 18 The solar cell 11 supplies power to a communication facility 10 The power generator 14 operates to supply power to the communication facility 10 when a commercial power supply for supplying power to the communication facility 10 is interrupted The storage battery 16 can supply stored power to the communication facility 10 In the case where the commercial power supply is interrupted, the control unit 18 causes the power generator 14 to operate when a voltage value corresponding to power stored in the storage battery 16 is equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit voltage value and causes the power generator 14 to stop when the voltage value corresponding to power stored in the storage battery 16 becomes equal to a predetermined upper limit voltage value The control unit 18 changes both of the lower limit voltage value and the upper limit voltage value depending on a condition with regard to power generation of the solar cell 11

Individual self-sufficiency in energy.

Abstract: Individual lifestyles, food, housing, and transportation are examined for self-sufficiency in energy The search for alternative lifestyles that began in the 1960's developed a market for windmills, solar-heated houses, methane digestors, household composters, electric cars, energy-saving cookware, wood stoves, solar collectors, and a renewed market for bicycles, and long underwear Many homes have been constructed and are being heated with solar energy Electric power is generated from windmills to run small appliances and lighting A home is described where solar heating is applied and both photovoltaic and windmill power generators will furnish power, as well as conventional oil and utility connections for backup Other features include two built-in greenhouses and wastes composted with a Swedish clivus system

Integrated power/attitude control system /IPACS/

Abstract: An integrated power and attitude control system (IPACS) for spacecraft is described. The system utilizes energy wheels for electrical energy storage as well as attitude control. Results from the feasibility studies of this concept are summarized and indicate potential weight and cost savings up to 30% over conventional power and control systems. The IP ACS advantage is particularly significant for the longer duration missions which have a large number of energy charge-discharge cycles and higher power requirements. A system for a shuttle-launched Research and Applications Module (RAM) free-flying observatory spacecraft is described. The system utilizes three gimbaled, control, and energy-momentum gyros in a planar array. Each gyro unit is rated at 2.4 kw and delivers 1095 w-hr of energy while maintaining control angular momentum above 1115 N-m-sec. Dynamic response of combined power and control functions was evaluated by digital simulations which included significant nonlinearities and a symmetrical energy distribution law. Simulation data indicate that spacecraft attitude control response is similar to that achieved without the superposition of energy wheel speed changes and is essentially uncoupled from that of the faster power control loop. Both power and control dynamics are well regulated. A NUMBER of spacecraft designs have been develxmoped for the missions of the shuttle era. Most of these require subsystems with lifetimes of 5-7 yr to meet cost effectiveness goals. Pointing requirements below 0.25° are common, with specific scientific missions requiring experiment pointing to 1 arc sec. Momentum storage devices normally are used to provide control torques for long-life missions where control thruster propellant weights and valve life test costs prove excessive. The choice of momentum storage is reinforced, or even required, in several missions where mass expulsion contaminants are prohibited by experiment viewing requirements or where fine pointing stability and slewing is required. The significant impact of the long-life requirement on the electrical power system design is in the sizing of components rather than in the type of system selected. This is because nearly all systems postulated utilize solar arrays for electrical power generation and secondary batteries for electrochemical energy storage. The batteries prove to be the heaviest components of advanced spacecraft solar power systems. The weight of the batteries is determined by the rated energy densities and their inherent characteristic of decreasing life with increased depth-of-discharge and charge-discharge rate. Thus, for a specific energy storage requirement, the designer's major option for increasing battery life is that of increasing the size or number of battery cells thereby decreasing the depth of discharge. As a result, batteries and their controllers commonly constitute 30-40% of an electrical power system weight. Developments of recent years1'2 have shown that flywheels designed to store energy can provide higher energy densities than can be expected from several conventional spacecraft electrochemical devices. In spacecraft applications, parity in energy density between the energy wheel and battery subsystems may result in significant advantage to the energy wheel system. This is because many spacecraft designs currently employ flywheels in momentum storage attitude control systems which approximate the weight of energy wheels.

Alternative future electricity generation requirements for the State of Wisconsin

Abstract: A comprehensive regional energy model (The WISE Model) has been developed by the Energy Systems and Policy Research Group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In response to the specific need for electricity demand forecasts as a prerequisite for the installation of additional electrical generating capacity in Wisconsin, the model has been used to provide electricity forecasts through the year 2000 under a wide range of assumptions that include state population, the nature of economic growth, consumer preferences, and energy conservation measures. The model is structured to permit the study of the effects of specific assumptions about these causal factors, as contrasted to the conventional energy trend projection techniques which tend to mask discrete effects. Six alternative energy futures were studied, yielding a spectrum of annual generation requirements ranging from a high of 186 billion kilowatt-hours in the year 2000 to a low of 56 billion kilowatt-hours in the same year. A comparison with electricity generation forecasts developed by the Wisconsin Utilities and the Federal Power Commission shows their results lie closest to the High Case from the WISE Model. Actual generation data from 1971 through 1974 show growth rates somewhat lower than in the previous decade. Selected conservation measures weremore » studied indicating the possibility of dramatic energy savings, even as early as 1980. The steady introduction of more efficient air conditioners in Wisconsin would bring about a significant reduction of additional generating capacity required in the coming decades.« less