Showing papers on "Renewable energy published in 1989"

European wind atlas

Abstract: The aim of the European Wind Atlas is to establish the meteorological basis for the assessment of wind energy resources. The main objective is to provide suitable data for evaluating the potential wind energy output from large electricity producing wind turbine installations. In addition, the Wind Atlas provides data and guidelines for the meteorological aspects of the detailed siting of large and small wind turbines. The EUROPEAN WIND ATLAS IS: A DATA BANK of European Wind climate. It contains comprehensive statistics from more than 200 meteorological stations covering the intire EC - plus colour maps of the wind resources of each country in the EC. The statistical data are given also on a diskette for use with IBM compatible PC's. A HANDBOOK for regional wind resource assessment, and the local siting of wind turbines - including guidelines with computational procedures for the effects of shelter from buildings and other obstacles, the effects of varying surface roughnesses, and for the influence of hills and mountains on the wind climate and on the local wind power resources. A METHODOLOGY description. The computational procedures employed for the analysis of the meteorological data are described in full. These methods have applications for all parts of the world. The computer codes are available separately in the form of the Wind Atlas analysis and Application (PC-) Programme (WAsP). (author).

Photochemical energy conversion

Abstract: This book presents proceedings in which the important achievements and latest advancements of photochemical energy conversion are summarized. Various aspects of photochemical solar energy, including the basic principles of energy and electron transfer, charge separation, energy conversion in homogeneous and heterogeneous systems, photocatalysis, photoelectrochemisty, photochemistry in organized assemblies, biomimetic photochemistry, photosynthesis, and new strategies to the production of fuels and useful chemical through environmentally clean renewable sources are examined.

Solar hydrogen: Moving beyond fossil fuels

Abstract: The prospect of using hydrogen from water as a substitute for oil and other fossil fuels has moved from the realm of dream to distinct possibility. What has made hydrogen worth reconsidering now are recent dramatic developments in photovoltaic (PV) cells that directly convert sunlight into electricity. This book discusses the advantages of a hydrogen-based economy and how such a system could be implemented. Contents include: Needed - a low-polluting alternative to fossil fuels (emerging fossil fuel crisis and the prospects for PV hydrogen derived using thin-film solar cells); Photovoltaic power comes of age (amorphous silicon solar cell and implications for the future of photovoltaic power); Designing a PV hydrogen energy system (finding sites, designing the PV electricity production system, electrolytic production of hydrogen, hydrogen storage, compression and transmission, and cost of delivered hydrogen); How PV compares to other synthetic fuels (nuclear electrolytic hydrogen, electrolytic hydrogen from other renewable sources, biomass-derived fluid fuels, synthetic fossil fuels, and hydrogen safety); How PV hydrogen could replace oil (transportation fuel, automobile fuel and environmental problems and alternative synthetic fuels); Breaking into markets for gaseous fuels (residential heating, industrial cogeneration and as chemical feedstocks); An evolutionary path to the PV hydrogen economy (chemical markets,more » transportation fuel, residential space and water heating, and parallels with the development of PV electricity); and A policy agenda (policies for reducing the external social costs of fossil fuels, for promoting improved energy end-use efficiency, and for promoting PV hydrogen development). It would take many decades to complete the transition to a PV hydrogen economy, but since the dangers of over dependence on fossil fuels and the benefits of switching to PV hydrogen are so great, policy strategies for hastening the transition warrant high priority.« less

Sourcebook of Methods of Analysis for Biomass and Biomass Conversion Processes

Abstract: Since the oil embargo of the 1970s, researchers around the world have made tremendous progress in developing and improving methods for converting biomass -- trees, plants, and organic wastes -- to useful fuels and chemicals. However, the lack of relevant standards and analytical methods has made comparison of results between laboratories and nations difficult. This Sourcebook of Methods of Analysis for Biomass and Biomass-Conversion Processes is the result of an international effort to begin to fill this gap. In 1986, the International Energy Agency began sponsorship of a Voluntary Standards Activity,'' designed to provide comparability of research results, increase research efficiency, and provide quality assurance to both researchers and industry. Canada, Finland, New Zealand, and the United States supported the activity initially; Italy joined in 1988. Major support also came from Energy, Mines and Resources Canada (E,M R); the US Department of Energy's Solar Technical Information Program (STIP); and the Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI). The sourcebook presents titles and abstracts (when available) of methods relevant to all aspects of biomass conversion -- from analyzing feedstocks to evaluating performance of biofuels. The authors assembled the sourcebook at SERI by searching the literature, reviewing industrial standards, and soliciting suggestions from scientistsmore » in the field. In addition, Finland prepared a special report on measuring the efficiencies of small boilers and biomass stoves and furnaces.« less

Environmental Emissions From Energy Technology Systems: The Total Fuel Cycle

Abstract: This is a summary report that compares emissions during the entire project life cycle for a number of fossil-fueled and renewable electric power systems, including geothermal steam (probably modeled after The Geysers). The life cycle is broken into Fuel Extraction, Construction, and Operation. The only emission covered is carbon dioxide.

Strategies for energy use.

Abstract: Nuclear power, solar cells, wind, and tide will all have roles in supplying energy for growth and development without aggravating the greenhouse effect. Yet exotic new energy sources alone cannot meet the challenge. Significant improvement in the efficiency of energy use is the real hope. Energy efficiency can reconcile environmental concerns with economic development for all nations. It can stretch energy supplies, slow climatic changes, and buy time to develop alternative energy resources. After a review of conventional fuel consumption, the paper discusses the opportunities available for energy efficiency in automobiles, houses, refrigerators, gas furnaces, and air conditioning.

Renewable energy projects

Abstract: The promotion of renewable energy during the last decade did not result in widescale application of the technology. In many cases, technologies were promoted before they were commercially viable or were inappropriately selected for the particular end-use application. In other cases, a lack of local technical expertise and support infrastructure was absent to sustain the technology once it had been placed in the field. There was also a loss of donor interest and funding for renewables concomitant with the decline in oil prices. This paper attempts to summarize lessons learned from this decade of experience with renewable energy and to offer criteria and suggestions for future activities in transferring renewable energy technology.

Alternative energy systems

Abstract: Renewable energy sources suitable for electricity production are considered. The following technologies are examined from the viewpoints of technical feasibility, economic prospects, environmental impact, and R&D: wind, geothermal, photovoltaic, ocean (wave, tidal, and thermal conversion), and hydro power. >

Hot Dry Rock geothermal energy--- A new energy agenda for the twenty-first century

Abstract: Hot Dry Rock (HDR) geothermal energy, which utilizes the natural heat contained in the earth's crust, can provide a widely available source of nonpolluting energy. It can help mitigate the continued warming of the earth through the ''greenhouse effect,'' and the accelerating destruction of forests and crops by acid rain, two of the major environmental consequences of our ever-increasing use of fossil fuels for heating and power generation. In addition, HDR, as a readily available source of indigenous energy, can reduce our nation's dependence on imported oil, enhancing national security and reducing our trade deficit. The earth's heat represents an almost unlimited source of energy that can begin to be exploited within the next decade through the HDR heat-mining concept being actively developed in the United States and in several other countries. On a national scale, we can begin to develop this new energy source, using it directly for geothermal power or indirectly in hybrid geothermal/fossil-fueled systems, in diverse applications such as: baseload power generation, direct heat use, feedwater heating in conventional power plants, and pumped storage/load leveling power generation. This report describes the nature of the HDR resource and the technology required to implement the heat-mining concept in severalmore » applications. An assessment of the requirements for establishing HDR feasibility is presented in the context of providing a commercially competitive energy source. 37 refs., 6 figs.« less

Heat transfer modeling of the IEA/SSPS volumetric receiver

Abstract: During the summer and fall of 1987 in Almeria, Spain, a wire-pack receiver was tested by the International Energy Agency/Small Solar Power Systems (IEA/SSPS). The basic operation of the receiver is that: air is drawn through several layers of stainless steel wire screen; concentrated solar flux is directed on the face of the screen pack; the oxidized wires absorb the solar energy; and heat is transferred to the air flowing through the screen. Although the experiment goal was strictly proof-of-concept and was not receiver characterization, modeling efforts were initiated to help understand the experimental results. The steady-state performance of the receiver is modeled using the fact that the net solar and infrared radiative energy absorbed by each screen layer must be transferred to the air by convection. Basic performance trends and typical calculations of receiver efficiency are given. Model predictions and experimentally measured temperatures and flow rates are compared.

Storage of Solar Thermal Energy

Abstract: It is estimated that, at the present rate of consumption of (readily available stored energy in) fossil fuels, the world’s fossil fuel reserves may be depleted completely in the next 100 years or so. Engineers and researchers all over the world are in search of new and renewable energy sources. Developing efficient and inexpensive energy storage systems and devices is, however, as important as developing new energy sources.

Fossil fuels, the greenhouse effect and photovoltaics

Abstract: The dependence of widespread use of photovoltaics to generate electricity on the cost of competing forms of energy is examined. The likely rise in the cost of fossil fuels and their role in the contamination of the global environment are discussed. The depletion of oil reserves and changes in the global climate are highlighted. The role of photovoltaics in future energy production is forecast. >

The future role of hydropower in developing countries

Abstract: In response to NGO criticisms of large dams, this paper first examines the critical issue of the need for a substantial increase in the supply of electricity in developing countries, even when full account is taken of energy conservation potential. It then reviews the options available to increase electricity supply on the scale required by developing countries. Special attention is given to the scope for cogeneration and the prospects and drawbacks of renewable energy sources. It concludes that even though major energy conservation could result in a long term reduction in global energy use, there would still be an increase over the long term in demand for electricity in the developing countries. This analysis also indicates that there is strong justification at the global level for substantial hydropower development with large dams on energy resource and environmental grounds.

Potentials of Storing Solar Energy in the Form of Hydrogen for Egypt

Abstract: A seemingly insatiable demand for energy characterizes Egypt as it approaches the end of the twentieth century. With the limited energy resources in the country, R&D to utilize renewable sources of energy is a must. This paper examines first the energy situation in Egypt and explores the potential of using solar energy in hydrogen production from water. Different schemes of dissociating water are reviewed next. Finally, research findings are reported for some experimental runs carried out for the electrolysis of water by solar energy, utilizing an eight-watt photovoltaic cell (Tetephonken type) to generate the DC current.

A Study Of Pane Spacing In Glazing Systems

Abstract: Renewable Energy Branch of the Department of Energy Mines and Resources || Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

The Potential of Renewable Energy to Reduce CO 2 Emissions

Abstract: The classic renewable energy sources, biomass and hydropower, prevent a substantial CO2 emission, by contributing more than 16% of the world energy demand, and their potential for expansion is considerable. Growing more biomass can play an immediate role in absorbing excess CO2 at a relatively low cost. Of the “new” renewable sources passive solar techniques have great energy conservation potential, wind power is the cheapest source of electricity, and solar PV offers good possibilities to replace a substantial amount of fossil fuels on the long term.

Process and apparatus for the production of energy from biomasses.

Abstract: The proposed process for the production of energy from renewable raw materials by pyrolysis and/or combustion provides for biomass being preserved in silos (10) by fermentation and being taken from the silo (10) in accordance with the demand for energy production and being processed by two different energy production processes. The starting point for both processes is that the biomass passes through a press (16) where, on the one hand, press juice is obtained which is processed into fermentation ethanol and, on the other hand, a press residue is formed which has been freed of juice to such an extent that it can be fed to a pyrolysis and/or combustion boiler (34) for gasification and combustion. The heat generated therein can be converted into electric power by means of a steam turbine (48) and be used for covering a base load. At peak demand, a gas turbine (56) operated with the ethanol produced can be switched in.

Cutting-edge technologies

Abstract: In the past decade the development of renewable energy technology has moved from being a somewhat eccentric idea to a significant practical proposition. Indeed, full-scale commercial systems are now in operation in many parts of the world. for example the USA now has more than 1.5 GW of installed wind power capacity feeding into electricity grids, mainly in wind farms in California. This article presents a strategic analysis of renewable energy R&D in the UK.

Power surge: The status and near-term potential of renewable energy technologies (revised)

Abstract: This study is a comprehensive review of renewable energy resources and the status of the major technologies that tap those resources. Technologies discussed include: biomass, geothermal, hydroelectric, photovoltaic, solar building technologies, solar thermal power and wind power. Cost, capacity, environmental impacts (including global warming), technology description, and other issues of these technologies are addressed. DE Carbon dioxide, energy efficiency, costs, benefits.

Design of a solar/wind power supply for a remote data acquisition station

Abstract: The authors report on simulation calculations carried out to determine the system configuration of an autonomous renewable power supply for a remote ecological station monitoring concentrations of O/sub 3/ and NO/sub 2/. The system has a mean electric load of 100-120 W, is powered by photovoltaics and a wind-energy converter, and includes a Pb-battery storage. No backup energy source is used. The same system design should be valid for telecommunication stations having a power demand in the same range. Although the given site is characterized by a rather poor wind climate (v/sub 10m/=3.7 m/s), the utilization of two to-some-extent complementary energy sources leads to a considerable saving in hardware investments. the levelling of the energy production is beneficial for the system's battery. Only 30-35% of the load is supplied by the battery, thus yielding a low effective cycling rate which extends the lifetime of the battery. Load management strategies may improve the matching of load profile and renewable energy production considerably. Reductions in system hardware up to a factor of 2 (depending on the applied strategy) are possible. >