Showing papers on "Renewable energy published in 1993"
Book•
31 Dec 1993
TL;DR: In this paper, the technical and economic prospects for making fuels and electricity from renewable energy sources are assessed, including hydropower, wind energy, solar thermal electric technology, photovoltaic technology, ocean energy systems, geothermal energy, biomass conversion technology, and solar hydrogen.
Abstract: This book assesses the technical and economic prospects for making fuels and electricity from renewable energy sources. Twenty-three chapters discuss the following renewable technologies: hydropower; wind energy; solar thermal electric technology; photovoltaic technology (6 chapters); ocean energy systems; geothermal energy; biomass conversion technology (8 chapters); solar hydrogen; and utility strategies for using renewables. All chapters have been processed for inclusion on the data base.
841 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a system was developed for producing high yields of a biomass rich in proteins and low in polymeric carbohydrates from the halophilic alga Dunaliella grown in saline water.
108 citations
01 Mar 1993
TL;DR: A discussion of the basic factors in the economic arena is presented, with particular emphasis on renewable energy technologies-photovoltaics, solar-thermal, wind-electric conversion, biomass utilization, hydro, and tidal and wave energy systems.
Abstract: Advanced energy technologies span a wide variety of resources, techniques, and end-user requirements. Economic considerations are major factors that shape their harnessing and utilization. A discussion of the basic factors in the economic arena is presented, with particular emphasis on renewable energy technologies-photovoltaics, solar-thermal, wind-electric conversion, biomass utilization, hydro, and tidal and wave energy systems. The following are viewed as essential to determine appropriate energy system topologies: proper resource-need matching with an eye on the quality of energy requirements, integrated use of several resources and technologies, and a comprehensive consideration which includes prospecting, collection, conversion, transportation, distribution, storage and reconversion, end use, and subsequent waste management aspects. A few case studies are included to show the status of some of the key technologies and systems. >
76 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, empirical analyses of energy-related expenditures reported on individual income tax returns confirm the importance of household income, energy price increases and climate conditions in determining energy conservation investments.
75 citations
Book•
01 Jan 1993
TL;DR: State of the art offshore wind power stations ocean current energy conversion solar ponds waves current assessment of ocean thermal energy potential is tidal power coming of age? salinity energy geothermal energy marine biomass energy.
Abstract: State of the art offshore wind power stations ocean current energy conversion solar ponds waves current assessment of ocean thermal energy potential is tidal power coming of age? salinity energy geothermal energy marine biomass energy.
72 citations
01 Jun 1993
TL;DR: In this paper, estimates of the electricity that could potentially be generated by wind power and of the land area available for wind energy development have been calculated for the contiguous United States based on published wind resource data and exclude windy lands that are not suitable for development as a result of environmental and land-use considerations.
Abstract: Estimates of the electricity that could potentially be generated by wind power and of the land area available for wind energy development have been calculated for the contiguous United States. The estimates are based on published wind resource data and exclude windy lands that are not suitable for development as a result of environmental and land-use considerations. Despite these exclusions, the potential electric power from wind energy is surprisingly large. Good wind areas, which cover 6% of the contiguous US land area, have the potential to supply more than one and a half times the current electricity consumption of the United States. Technology under development today will be capable of producing electricity economically from good wind sites in many regions of the country.
69 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the AHP model is used to facilitate the transformation of subjective value judgements into prudent decisions, and the decision to choose certain mechanisms (policy instruments) is made according to the ATP model which facilitates the transformation from subjective value judgments into prudent decision.
67 citations
TL;DR: The Solar Detoxification Field Experiment as mentioned in this paper was designed to investigate the photocatalytic decomposition of organic contaminants in groundwater at a Superfund site at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Abstract: The Solar Detoxification Field Experiment was designed to investigate the photocatalytic decomposition of organic contaminants in groundwater at a Superfund site at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The process uses ultraviolet (UV) energy available in sunlight in conjunction with a photocatalyst, titanium dioxide, to decompose organic chemicals into nontoxic compounds. The destruction mechanism, as in many other advanced oxidation processes, involves hydroxyl radicals. The field experiment was developed by three federal laboratories: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratory, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The United States Department of Energy funded the experiment. Groundwater at the test site was contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE). A factorial test series examined four separate process variables: pH, catalyst loading, flow velocity, and solar intensity. Lowering the pH from pH 7 to pH 5 had the largest single effect, presumably by minimizing interference by bicarbonate. The catalyst was found to operate more efficiently at low, e.g. ambient sunlight, UV light levels. Information from these field tests suggest that treatment costs for the solar process would be similar to those for more conventional technologies. 8 refs., 10 figs., 4 tabs.
63 citations
Book•
01 May 1993
TL;DR: In this article, a recent study of paper recycling in Europe, which investigated the entire production and disposal process using a life-cycle methodology, underlined the economic and environmental advantages of recycling, but more controversially, they also show how, under certain conditions, the renewable character and the high energy content of paper seem to make energy recovery more attractive than recycling.
Abstract: Public concern for the conservation of natural resources and a general awareness of the environmental consequences of waste disposal is reflected in current legislation aimed at reducing waste. Recycling is commonly cited as one of the preferred methods of waste reduction and this book summarizes a recent study of paper recycling in Europe, which investigated the entire production and disposal process using a life-cycle methodology. The results of the study underline the economic and environmental advantages of paper recycling, but more controversially, they also show how, under certain conditions, the renewable character and the high energy content of paper seem to make energy recovery more attractive than recycling.
63 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the essential features of an integrated resource planning (IRP) process designed to provide energy for societal and industrial needs at least cost are presented, including use of renewable energy sources and energy conservation measures, as well as consideration of social costs.
Abstract: This article presents the essential features of an integrated resource planning (IRP) process designed to provide energy for societal and industrial needs at least cost. Use of renewable energy sources and energy conservation measures, as well as consideration of social costs, are described. Available data of social costs, are described. Available data of social costs and estimates for energy cost of conservation measures and renewable energy systems are included.
TL;DR: In this paper, the economic and operational impact on energy cost of incorporating large photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy conversion systems (WECS) into the electric utility generation mix is investigated.
Abstract: The objective of this study is to determine the economic and operational impact on energy cost of incorporating large photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy conversion systems (WECS) into the electric utility generation mix. In most cases, PV and WECS power outputs are subtracted from the utility load with the expectation that conventional generation would meet the residual load. This approach is valid for small penetration levels and/or for PV and WECS facilities connected near load centers, However, several constraints such as thermal generation characteristics, fuel supply and delivery, spinning reserve requirements, and hydro availability are not adequately represented in this process. To determine the optimal value of large-scale PV and WECS applications, a new methodology that would take into account the aforementioned constraints as well as a more global penetration is developed. Results indicate that while high hydro availability increases PV penetration levels, high ramping rates can also significantly increase penetration levels. >
TL;DR: In this paper, the basic principles of solar ponds and the problems encountered in their operation and maintenance are discussed, and the factors which influence the technical and economic viability of solar pond for thermal applications and power generation have been discussed.
Abstract: Solar pond technology has made substantial progress in the last fifteen years. This paper reviews the basic principles of solar ponds and the problems encountered in their operation and maintenance. The factors which influence the technical and economic viability of solar ponds for thermal applications and power generation have been discussed.
Patent•
10 Dec 1993
TL;DR: In this article, the process stages drying, low-temperature carbonization and gasification are coupled using a gas turbocharger to a combined cycle power station process, the gasification using engine exhaust gas or gas turbine exhaust gas as gasification medium.
Abstract: The process is suitable for the utilisation of the energy in particular of cyclically renewable biomasses, refuse, wastes, but also coal. According to the invention, the process stages drying, low-temperature carbonization and gasification are coupled using a gas turbocharger to a combined cycle power station process, the gasification using engine exhaust gas or gas turbine exhaust gas as gasification medium. The invention has the advantage that the process stages drying, low-temperature carbonization and gasification can be realised under atmospheric pressure and thus using simple apparatuses, with simultaneous increase of the yield of electrical energy from 30 to 50% in comparison with the prior art.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of key process parameters on destruction rates of chlorinated organic compounds that are common water pollutants were evaluated at Sandia's solar thermal facility using a near commercial scale, single-axis tracking parabolic trough system with a glass pipe reactor mounted at its focus.
Abstract: Sandia National Laboratories and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are developing a photocatalytic process to destroy organic contaminants in water. Tests with common water pollutants have been conducted at Sandia's Solar Thermal Facility using a near commercial scale, single-axis tracking parabolic trough system with a glass pipe reactor mounted at its focus. Experiments at this scale provide verification of laboratory studies and allow examination of design and operation issues at a real-lifescale. The catalyst, titanium dioxide (TiO[sub 2]), is a harmless material found in paint, cosmetics, and toothpaste. Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of key process parameters on destruction rates of chlorinated organic compounds that are common water pollutants. This paper summarizes the engineering-scale results of these experiments and analyses.
Book•
01 Jan 1993
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an overview of the current status, in Europe, of the four specific renewable energy technologies under review, including wind energy, photovoltaics, bio-energy, and biomass.
Abstract: Glossary of Symbols, Units and Abbreviations used throughout the Report.- Executive Summary.- 1. Introduction.- 1.1 Background.- 1.2 Aims and Objectives of the Present Study.- 1.3 Outline of the Report.- 2. Wind Energy.- 2.1 Technical Review of Wind Energy.- 2.2 Economic Review of Wind Energy.- 2.3 Environmental Impacts and Public Acceptability of Wind Energy in the European Context.- 2.4 The Commercialization of Wind Energy in Europe.- 3. Solar Heating & Cooling and Daylighting.- 3.1 Technical Review of Solar Heating & Cooling and Daylighting.- 3.2 Economic Review of Solar Heating & Cooling and Daylighting.- 3.3 Environmental Impacts and Public Acceptability of Solar Heating & Cooling and Daylighting in the European Context.- 3.4 The Commercialization of Solar Heating & Cooling and Daylighting in Europe.- 4. Photovoltaics.- 4.1 Technical Review of Photovoltaics.- 4.2 Economic Review of Photovoltaics.- 4.3 Environmental Impacts and Public Acceptability of Photovoltaics in the European Context.- 4.4 The Commercialization of Photovoltaics in Europe.- 5. Biomass.- 5.1 Technical Review of Biomass Energy.- 5.2 Economic Review of Biomass Energy.- 5.3 Environmental Impacts and Public Acceptability of Biomass Energy in the European Context.- 5.4 The Commercialization of Biomass Energy in Europe.- 6. Conclusions: Prospects for the Development of Renewable Energy in Europe to the year 2000.- 6.1 Overview of the Current Status, in Europe, of the four specific Renewable Energy Technologies under review.- 6.2 Conservative Estimates on Share of Community Energy Consumption by the end of the Century.- 6.3 Factors affecting Further Development.- 6.4 Final Conclusions.- References / Bibliography.- Appendices.- 1. Choice of Renewable Energy Options.- 2. EUR-12 Primary Energy Production/Consumption 1991.- 3. Energy Imports and Final Energy Consumer Prices 1991.- 5. Energy in Europe 1990-2000: Four Possible Energy Scenarios / Total Primary Energy Requirements.
Enel1
TL;DR: In the medium term, vegetable biomass can contribute significantly in an environmentally compatible way to the energy needs of the world provided that a substantial progress of technologies for their conversion and final use is achieved.
Book•
01 May 1993
TL;DR: Gipe's landmark guide to the newest and best techniques for harvesting wind energy with small and medium-sized turbines has sold more than 10,000 copies and inspired countless independent power producers to take control of their own electrical supply.
Abstract: In 1993, Chelsea Green published Paul Gipe's landmark guide to the newest and best techniques for harvesting wind energy with small and medium-sized turbines. Now in its fourth printing, the book has sold more than 10,000 copies and inspired countless independent power producers to take control of their own electrical supply.
01 Jul 1993
TL;DR: In this article, the development of a technical and market rationale for incorporating renewable feedstocks into the chemical industry in both a qualitative and quantitative sense is described. And the authors present a resource document on biomass to chemicals opportunities.
Abstract: This resource document on biomass to chemicals opportunities describes the development of a technical and market rationale for incorporating renewable feedstocks into the chemical industry in both a qualitative and quantitative sense The term "renewable feedstock?s" can be defined to include a huge number of materials such as agricultural crops rich in starch, lignocellulosic materials (biomass), or biomass material recovered from a variety of processing wastes
10 May 1993
TL;DR: A new low-cost, simplified control strategy, based on the positive feedback of the output current in a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) converter, is introduced, which reduces the energy cost of renewable energy generators by optimizing the utilization of the renewable energy source.
Abstract: A new low-cost, simplified control strategy, based on the positive feedback of the output current in a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) converter, is introduced. Cost effective MPPT reduces the energy cost of renewable energy generators by optimizing the utilization of the renewable energy source. Maximum power point tracking for relative small photovoltaic (PV) power systems, with battery back-up, is achieved by employing this simplified positive feedback control strategy to maximize the output current into the battery. This new control strategy is analyzed and practical tested by using a buck power converter topology, but can also be used by the known converter topologies for PV systems and other renewable energy sources with a single power maximum. Experimental verification on the operation of this controller is included. >
TL;DR: Exploitation of biogas is scrutinized in Latin America as discussed by the authors, where the number of digesters has been identified in the agricultural sector and 25 types of wastes have been either investigated or are already in full-scale application, and Latin America is now the world's leading user of Biogas technology in the municipal raw sewage treatment thirty-three R&D projects have been reported.
TL;DR: A review of the electrolytic industry is presented in this paper under the following headings: Chloralkali industry, Chemically produced caustic soda and soda ash; Sodium chlorate; Aluminum; Beryllium; Chromium; Copper; Lithium; Magnesium; Manganese; Nickel; Titanium; Zinc; Fuel cells; Electric vehicles and batteries; Electric utility industry and related technology (cogeneration, nuclear energy, renewable energy, wind, geothermal, solar, and environmental issues).
Abstract: A review of the electrolytic industry is presented under the following headings: Chlor-alkali industry; Chemically produced caustic soda and soda ash; Sodium chlorate; Aluminum; Beryllium; Chromium; Copper; Lithium; Magnesium; Manganese; Nickel; Titanium; Zinc; Fuel cells; Electric vehicles and batteries; Electric utility industry and related technology (cogeneration, nuclear energy, renewable energy, wind, geothermal, solar, and environmental issues). 432 refs.
31 Dec 1993
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider the utility investment in renewables in the context of investment portfolios that will include a range of new technologies for generating electricity, as well as technologies for increasing the efficiency of energy use, for electric transmission and distribution, and for storing electric energy.
Abstract: Electric utilities will play a key role in determining the contribution renewables will make in electric markets. Utility investment in renewables will be considered in the context of investment portfolios that will include a range of new technologies for generating electricity as well as new technologies for increasing the efficiency of energy use, for electric transmission and distribution, and for storing electric energy. If public policy encourages utilities to invest in ways that minimize energy service costs and environmental costs, renewable electric generation could play a major role. Renewable equipment likely to be available early in the 21st century could provide more than 80% of the energy inputs of modern utilities at prices no higher than those charged for electricity today. The appropriate mix of hydroelectric, biomass, and intermittent (wind, photovoltaics, solar thermal) systems depends on local resources. Intermittent resources should be able to meet at least one third of the utility`s energy needs without adverse effects on costs. The value of each type of renewable technology is strongly affected by its scale, location and the characteristics of other generating equipment operating in the region. Advanced natural-gas turbine systems, for example, make a good match with renewables. It is possiblemore » that advanced, fossil-powered equipment capable of very high efficiencies may be able to produce electricity at a slightly lower cost than advanced renewable equipment (both could be producing at prices below current electricity costs), but renewable equipment may still be preferred because of its environmental benefits.« less
Book•
01 Jan 1993
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a solar electric system for an environmentally-responsive home where it's a luxury residence or a rustic vacation retreat, which can also be easily configured to provide on-site recharging of solar/electric vehicles.
Abstract: Solar electricity is the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity by solar photovoltaic cells. It is a truly elegant means of producing electricity on site, allowing you to take control of your energy destiny and create your own lifestyle without concern for energy supply or environmental harm. No pollution, no by-products, no depletion of resources, these solid-state devices simply make electricity out of sunlight. Solar electricity is the ideal source of power for an environmentally-responsive home where it's a luxury residence or a rustic vacation retreat. With the right design, the sunlight that falls on your homesite will power your home. Your solar electric system can also be easily configured to provide on-site recharging of solar/electric vehicles allowing you to meet your transportation needs with renewable energy.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that electricity is the most logical initial target market for biomass energy and that emerging technologies offer good prospects for high-efficiency power plants with moderate investment costs, and that successful development of such technology could make available substantial quantities of biomass power at a cost comparable with that of some fossil-based options and make a useful contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
TL;DR: In this paper, a model, based on an end-use/process analysis approach, is developed on a spreadsheet, which is capable of simulating scenarios to address issues of increasing traditional energy demand caused by population growth, sustainable supply capacity of the existing energy resources, potential for development of new and renewable energy resources.
TL;DR: The concept of sustainable (renewable) energy when we develop new technologies was first introduced by as discussed by the authors, who argued that our present technologies are not sustainable and that if we continue to burn fossil carbon to supply the world's increasing energy demands, the consequences will be devastating for all life.
Abstract: We are beginning to consider the concept of sustainable (renewable) energy when we develop new technologies. Our present technologies are not sustainable. We are living on capital. Given that one hour of sunlight could provide our annual needs for one year, the future must be with solar energy. Geothermal energy sources, using the normal thermal gradient of Earth, are also impressive. There is no sign thatHomo sapiens has the wisdom to use fission energy given the potential abuses of this technology. One thing is certain, if we continue to burn fossil carbon to supply the world's increasing energy demands, the consequences will be devastating for all life.
Book•
01 Jan 1993
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide information and supporting data on the fundamentals of electrical power engineering in electrical utility companies, as well as in large industrial and commercial facilities with their own power systems.
Abstract: This book provides information and supporting data on the fundamentals of electrical power engineering in electrical utility companies, as well as in large industrial and commercial facilities with their own power systems. Included is coverage of electrical machines, electrical power plants, transmission lines and power system fault calculation, with emphasis placed on operations rather than design. The latest information on power plants and combined cycle and heat recovery cogeneration is provided, together with ideas about renewable energy sources. Readers are also given a perspective on magnetic field theory, power tranformers and synthronous machines. An appendix contains information on three-phase circuits and phasor representations.