text:
Office of Scientific and Technical Information
Economic Improvement Districts (Indiana) | Department of Energy
Energy.gov (U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)) Indexed Site
Improvement Districts (Indiana) Improvement Districts (Indiana) Economic Improvement Districts (Indiana) < Back Eligibility Agricultural Commercial Construction Fuel Distributor Industrial Installer/Contractor Investor-Owned Utility Local Government Municipal/Public Utility Retail Supplier Rural Electric Cooperative State/Provincial Govt Systems Integrator Transportation Tribal Government Utility Savings Category Alternative Fuel Vehicles Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Buying & Making Electricity Water Home Weatherization Solar Wind Program Info State Indiana Program Type Bond Program Industry Recruitment/Support Provider Indiana Economic Development Corporation A legislative body may adopt an ordinance establishing an economic improvement district and an Economic Improvement Board to manage development in a respective district. The Board can choose to issue revenue
Economic load dispatch using improved harmony search
Science Conference Proceedings (OSTI)
This paper presents the use of the improved harmony search method for solving economic load dispatch problems. The harmony search method mimics a jazz improvisation process by musicians in order to seek a fantastic state of harmony. To assess the searching ... Keywords: adaptive tabu search, economic dispatch, evolutionary programming, genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization
T. Ratniyomchai; A. Oonsivilai; P. Pao-La-Or; T. Kulworawanichpong
Can combining economizers with improved filtration save energy...
NLE Websites -- All DOE Office Websites (Extended Search)
Contacts Media Contacts Can combining economizers with improved filtration save energy and protect equipment in data centers? Title Can combining economizers with...
Environmental improvements and better economics in EOR operations
SciTech Connect
This paper discusses how environmental improvements in EOR technology continues to advance. Successful EOR requires the injection of a fluid which produces incremental oil for the least overall cost. When the net volumetric costs of EOR injection fluids are compared at reservoir conditions, it is clear that only a few liquids or compressed gases can be used to displace crude oil on a barrel for barrel basis. Although high-concentration surfactants have the potential for very efficient displacements, reservoir heterogeneity increases the economic uncertainty of the process, especially at today's oil prices. Water is always the cheapest fluid to inject, even with small amounts of polymer added, and polymer flooding can be cost- effective for new waterfloods. However, polymer flooding is not efficient for displacing tertiary oil. Water converted to steam still accounts for most of the EOR production in the U.S.A., but low oil prices and stricter environmental regulations now restrain large expansions and new projects. Cogeneration of steam and electricity improves the economics markedly for thermal EOR projects, and gas-fired boilers reduce the emissions to the atmosphere. By firing the cogeneration boilers with coal or gas, the more plentiful fossil fuels are converted into much-needed liquid fuels efficiently and economically.
Taber, J.J. (New Mexico Inst. of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM (USA). New Mexico Petroleum Recovery Research Center)
Technical and Economic Considerations for Power Quality Improvements
This report addresses technical application issues and analyzes economic cost payback for power quality mitigation solutions. The solutions described are targeted at improving the process uptime for end-use customer equipment. These solutions range from modification at the substation level to customer-specified ride-through of new equipment. The report focuses on the different solutions at each level and provides expectations in terms of the relative improvements gained if the solutions are implemented.
Thermal storage HVAC system retrofit provides economical air conditioning
This article describes an EMS-controlled HVAC system that meets the ventilation and cooling needs of an 18,000-seat indoor ice hockey arena. The Buffalo Memorial Auditorium (affectionately referred to as the Aud) was built in 1937 under the Works Project Administration of the federal government. Its original configuration included a 12,000-seat arena with an ice skating rink. By the late 1980s, the city was unsuccessfully attempting to attract events and tenants to the auditorium, which lacked air conditioning and other modern amenities. Thus, it was decided to renovate the facility to make it marketable. The first phase of the renovation included installing an air-conditioning system in the arena and repairing the existing building systems that were inoperable because of deferred maintenance. After considering the existing conditions (such as size of the space, intermittent usage, construction restrictions, operating budgets and the limited operations staff), the engineering team designed an innovative HVAC system. The system's features include: a carbon dioxide monitoring device that controls the intake of outside air; an ice storage system that provides chilled water and shifts electrical demand to off-peak hours; and a design that uses the building mass as a heat sink. A new energy management system (EMS) determines building cooling needs based on the type of event, ambient conditions and projected audience size. Then, it selects the most economical method to obtain the desired arena temperature.
Smith, S.F. (Wendel Engineers, P.C., Buffalo, NY (United States))
Transportation Economic Assistance Program (Wisconsin)
Energy.gov (U.S. Department of Energy (DOE))
The Transportation Economic Assistance Program provides state grants to private business and local governments to improve transportation to projects improving economic conditions and creating or...
Economic impact of an improved methanol catalyst. [Forecasting to 2000
DOE Green Energy (OSTI)
The economic future of methanol is reviewed in light of its potential uses as a substitute for traditional hydrocarbon fuels and feedstocks as well as some evolving new uses. Methanol's future market position will depend strongly on its production cost in comparison with competitive products. One promising way to reduce the production cost is by use of an improved catalyst in the process by which methanol is obtained from the feedstock - which can be either natural gas or a similar product such as synthesis gas from coal gasification. To estimate the potential cost savings with an improved catalyst, we have based our analysis on a recent study which assumed use of synthesis gas from underground coal gasification as a feedstock for making methanol. The improved catalyst we studied was an actinide oxide whose features include high tolerance to sulfur and heat, and a yield of about 4 mol% methanol per pass with a 2/1 mixture of H/sub 2//CO. We calculated the effect of this catalyst on methanol production costs in a 12,000-bbl/day plant. The result was a saving of from 1 cent to 2.5 cent per gallon on the total methanol synthesis cost of 23 cents per gallon (i.e., a saving in the conversion process of 4.4% to 10.9%), excluding the cost of the raw feed gas. We conclude from this study that the improved catalyst could bring important savings in methanol production. The estimated savings range from 4.4% to 10.9% in the cost of methanol synthesis from the feedstock material. Another possibility for lowering methanol production costs in the future may lie in switching from a natural-gas-based feedstock to a coal-based feedstock - for example, using synthesis gas from underground coal gasification as the raw material. Our projections suggest that coal will eventually become a less expensive feedstock than natural gas.
Grens, J.; Borg, I.; Stephens, D.; Colmenares, C.
Department of Energy Offers $17 Million Conditional Commitment to Improve
7 Million Conditional Commitment to 7 Million Conditional Commitment to Improve Reliability of New York State's Electrical Grid Department of Energy Offers $17 Million Conditional Commitment to Improve Reliability of New York State's Electrical Grid August 2, 2010 - 12:00am Addthis Washington D.C. --- Energy Secretary Steven Chu today offered AES Energy Storage, LLC a conditional commitment for a loan guarantee for $17.1 million to support the construction of a 20 megawatt (MW) energy storage system using advanced lithium-ion batteries. The AES project, located in Johnson City, New York, will help provide a more stable and efficient electrical grid for the state's high-voltage transmission network. "Effective energy storage systems are crucial to harnessing the power of renewable energy and getting it onto the grid," said Secretary Chu.
Zymomonas with improved xylose utilization in stress conditions
DOE Patents (OSTI)
Strains of xylose utilizing Zymomonas with improved xylose utilization and ethanol production during fermentation in stress conditions were obtained using an adaptation method. The adaptation involved continuously growing xylose utilizing Zymomonas in media containing high sugars, acetic acid, ammonia, and ethanol.
Caimi, Perry G; Emptage, Mark; Li, Xu; Viitanen, Paul V; Chou, Yat-Chen; Franden, Mary Ann; Zhang, Min
Economic evaluation of breeding strategies for improvement of dairy ...
Apr 10, 2010 ... used for genetic improvement of dairy cattle in Kenya. The breeding ... Although Kenya has created nucleus dairy herds from imported breeds�...
Improved coal mining economics using near-face deshaling
Coal extraction typically results in the recovery of pure rock that ranges from small to very large quantities, depending on seam thickness, existence of above-seam draw rock or in-seam partings and other characteristics. The removal of pure rock may allow for the recovery of three times the amount in middling coal particles, which has significant economic benefits. In an industrial example, a 150% increase in revenue was realized from deshaling a low-ash, run-of-mine coal and then blending it with a processed clean coal product. Deshaling is the process of removing relatively pure rock from coal, which normally involves a high-density separation in a gravity-based process. The removal of the relatively pure rock near the point of extraction has the potential to further enhance the economics of an operation due to reduced-materials handling and refuse storage costs.
Honaker, R.Q.; Luttrell, G.H.; Lineberry, G.T. [University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY (United States). Dept. of Mining Engineering
An economic decision framework using modeling for improving aquifer remediation design
Reducing cost is a critical challenge facing environmental remediation today. One of the most effective ways of reducing costs is to improve decision-making. This can range from choosing more cost- effective remediation alternatives (for example, determining whether a groundwater contamination plume should be remediated or not) to improving data collection (for example, determining when data collection should stoop). Uncertainty in site conditions presents a major challenge for effective decision-making. We present a framework for increasing the effectiveness of remedial design decision-making at groundwater contamination sites where there is uncertainty in many parameters that affect remediation design. The objective is to provide an easy-to-use economic framework for making remediation decisions. The presented framework is used to 1) select the best remedial design from a suite of possible ones, 2) estimate if additional data collection is cost-effective, and 3) determine the most important parameters to be sampled. The framework is developed by combining elements from Latin-Hypercube simulation of contaminant transport, economic risk-cost-benefit analysis, and Regional Sensitivity Analysis (RSA).
James, B.R.; Gwo, J.P.; Toran, L.E.
Near-term improvements in parabolic troughs: an economic and performance assessment
Improved parabolic-trough concentrating collectors will result from better design, improved fabrication techniques, and the development and utilization of improved materials. This analysis qualifies the performance potential of various parabolic-trough component improvements from a systems viewpoint and uses these performance data to determine the worth of each improvement on an economic basis. The improvements considered are evacuated receivers, silvered-glass reflectors, improved receiver, selective coatings, higher optical accuracy concentrations, and higher transmittance receiver glazings. Upper-bound costs for each improvement are provided as well as estimates of the increased solar system rates of return that are made possible by these improvements. The performance and economic potential of some of these improvements are shown to be substantial, especially at higher collector operating temperatures.
Gee, R.; Murphy, L.M.
Energy and economic savings from improved catalysts: Executive summary
The energy, economic costs and benefits of applying the materials-by-design concept to catalysts were estimated. Catalysts are of particular interest because of the competitive challenge from Japan, West Germany, and France. Initial estimates developed in this study reveal a potential capital cost savings of $31 billion and an operating cost savings of $69 billion for chemical and petroleum refining plants over a 15-year period. The findings of this study substantiate the claim that a major US effort to enhance materials-by-design technology is warranted, at least for catalyst materials. In addition, this technology would ensure pre-eminence by the US industry.
Improving the Contribution of Economic Models in Evaluating Industrial Energy Efficiency Improvements
E-Print Network (OSTI)
Traditional representation of improved end-use efficiency in the manufacturing sector has tended to assume �a net cost� perspective. In other words, the assumption for many models is that any change within the energy end-use patterns must imply a cost without concomitant energy bill savings. This tends to significantly overstate the cost of new energy policies. Yes, the range of technologies available to satisfy end-use service demands does require (admittedly) a significant level of capital. But more often than not, there is a return on that investment; and that return on investment is typically overlooked in many of the standard economic policy models. This paper describes the differences between many of the conventional energy models now used for energy policy assessments compared to those which more properly reflect a trade-off between new capital investment and end-use energy savings � as both capital and energy are used to satisfy a specific industrial service demand. The paper builds on a discussion provided by Neal Elliott for approximating service demands within food products manufacturing (NAICS 311). It then shows how the proper treatment of investment flows may provide a different outcome for policy assessments than might be provided by the standard policy models.
Laitner, J. A.
Flue gas conditioning for improved particle collection in electrostatic precipitators
The purpose of this research program is to identify and evaluate a variety of additives capable of increasing particle cohesion which could be used for improving collection efficiency in an ESP. A three-phase screening process will be used to provide the, evaluation of many additives in a logical and cost-effective manner. The three step approach involves the following experimental setups: 1. Provide a preliminary screening in the laboratory by measuring the effects of various conditioning agents on reentrainment of flyash particles in an electric field operating at simulated flue gas conditions. 2. Evaluate the successful additives using a 100 acfm bench-scale ESP operating on actual flue gas. 3. Obtain the data required for scaling up the technology by testing the two or three most promising conditioning agents at the pilot scale.
Durham, M.D.
Optimal Transmission Switching in Electric Networks for Improved Economic Operations1
1 Optimal Transmission Switching in Electric Networks for Improved Economic Operations1 Emily. Abstract Growing demand for electric power seems to necessitate new transmission lines, but obstacles" bulk electric grid, one that is more controllable and flexible. Optimal transmission switching
Ferris, Michael C.
Improved Tubulars for Better Economics in Deep Gas Well Drilling Using Microwave Technology
The main objective of the entire research program has been to improve the rate-of-penetration in deep hostile environments by improving the life cycle and performance of coiled-tubing, an important component of a deep well drilling system for oil and gas exploration, by utilizing the latest developments in the microwave materials technology. Based on the results of the Phase I and insurmountable difficulties faced in the extrusion and de-waxing processes, the approach of achieving the goals of the program was slightly changed in the Phase II in which an approach of microwave sintering combined with Cold Isostatic Press (CIP) and joining (by induction or microwave) has been adopted. This process can be developed into a semicontinuous sintering process if the CIP can produce parts fast enough to match the microwave sintering rates. The main objective of the Phase II research program is to demonstrate the potential to economically manufacture microwave processed coiled tubing with improved performance for extended useful life under hostile coiled tubing drilling conditions. After the completion of the Phase II, it is concluded that scale up and sintering of a thin wall common O.D. size tubing that is widely used in the market is still to be proved and further experimentation and refinement of the sintering process is needed in Phase III. Actual manufacturing capability of microwave sintered, industrial quality, full length tubing will most likely require several million dollars of investment.
Dinesh Agrawal
Improved Tubulars for Better Economics in Deep Gas Well Drilling using Microwave Technology
Dinesh Agrawal; Paul Gigl; Mark Hunt; Mahlon Dennis
Improving Glass Walls Thermal Resistance In Air-Conditioned Buildings
The solar radiation through an air conditioned building depends on what is called the building envelope. Building envelope consists of the surfaces that separate the inside from the building outdoors. Area, direction, and specifications of glass walls; as one of envelope surfaces; has an important impact on solar radiation. Design and construction of glass walls have significant effects on building comfort and energy consumption. This paper describes methods of improving glass walls thermal resistance in air conditioned buildings. Effect of glass wall radiation temperature on the indoor temperature distribution of building rooms is also investigated. Heat gain through various types of glass is discussed. Optimization and testing of these types are carried out theoretically and experimentally as well. A series of experiments on different types of glass with special strips is performed.
Galal, T.; Kulaib, A. M.; Alajmi, R.; Al-Ansary. A; Abuzaid, M.
Economic Analysis of a Waste Water Resource Heat Pump Air-Conditioning System in North China
This paper describes the situation of waste water resource in north China and the characteristics and styles of a waste water resource heat pump system, and analyzes the economic feasibility of a waste water resource heat pump air-conditioning system including investment, operating fee and pay-back time. The results show that waste water resource heat pump air-conditioning system has a low investment, low operating fee and short payback time.
Chen, H.; Li, D.; Dai, X.
Assess and improve the national GHG inventory and other economic and
Open Energy Info (EERE)
Assess and improve the national GHG inventory and other economic and Assess and improve the national GHG inventory and other economic and resource data as needed for LEDS development Jump to: navigation, search Stage 2 LEDS Home Introduction to Framework Assess current country plans, policies, practices, and capacities Develop_BAU Stage 4: Prioritizing and Planning for Actions Begin execution of implementation plans 1.0. Organizing the LEDS Process 1.1. Institutional Structure for LEDS 1.2. Workplan to Develop the LEDS 1.3. Roles and responsibilities to develop LEDS 2.1. Assess current country plans, policies, practices, and capacities 2.2. Compile lessons learned and good practices from ongoing and previous sustainable development efforts in the country 2.3. Assess public and private sector capacity to support initiatives 2.4. Assess and improve the national GHG inventory and other
Economic Effect of Energy Price and Economic Feasibility and Potenhal of New Technology and Improved Management for Irrigation in Texas
Irrigation is a major contributing factor in crop production on the Texas High Plains. It is responsible for greatly increasing crop production and farm income for the region. Two factors, a declining groundwater supply and increasing production costs, are of primary concern because they impact on farm operations and producer economic viability. Recursive linear programming models for a typical Texas High Plains irrigated farm were developed to evaluate expected impact of energy and crop price changes, tenure and new technology. The model includes a Fortran sub-routine that adjusts irrigation factors each year based on the linear programming solution of the previous year. After calculating new pumping energy requirements, well yield, and pumping lift, the Fortran component updates the linear programming model. This procedure continues automatically to the end of a specified planning period or to economic exhaustion of the groundwater, whichever occurs first. Static applications of the model, in a deep water situation, showed that a natural gas price increase from $1.50 to $2.20 per thousand cubic feet (mcf) would result in reductions in irrigation levels. Irrigation was terminated when the price of natural gas reached about $7.00 per mcf. In a shallow water situation, much higher natural gas prices were reached ($3.60 per mcf) before short-run adjustments in farm organization began to occur. Under furrow irrigation, irrigation was terminated when the natural gas price reached $7.00 per mcf. Increased natural gas prices impact heavily on returns above variable costs (up to 15 percent reductions) for a 60 percent natural gas price increase. The effects of rising natural gas prices over a longer period of time were more significant. Annual returns (above variable and fixed costs) were reduced by as much as 30 percent, and the present value of returns to water was reduced by as much as 80 percent as the natural gas price was increased annually by $0.25 per mcf (from $1.50 per mcf). The economic life of deep groundwater was shortened by as much as 18 years. Renter-operators are even more vulnerable to rising natural gas prices than are owner-operators. With rising natural gas prices, profitability over time for the renter is low. As natural gas prices continue to increase, the greater will be the incentives for renter-operators to seek more favorable rental terms such as a sharing of irrigation costs. With the problem of a declining groundwater supply and rising natural gas prices, an economic incentive exists for producers to find new technologies that will enable them to make more efficient use of remaining groundwater and of natural gas. Substantial economic gains appear feasible through improved pump efficiency. Increasing pump efficiency from 50 to 75 percent will not increase the economic life of the water supply, but can improve farm profits over time; e.g., the present value of groundwater was increased 33 percent for a typical farm with an aquifer containing 250 feet of saturated thickness and 15 percent for 75 feet of saturated thickness. Improved irrigation distribution systems can help conserve water and reduce irrigation costs. Results indicate that irrigation can be extended by 11 or more years with 50 percent improved distribution efficiency. In addition, the increase in present value of groundwater on the 1.69 million irrigated acres of the Texas High Plains was estimated to be $995 million with 50 percent improved efficiency. New technology opportunities were expanded to include analysis of the economic feasibility of wind assisted irrigation pumping. Two wind machines were analyzed, with rate outputs of 40 to 60 kilowatts (KW). Each was applied to the Northern and Southern Texas High Plains over a range of land and water resource situations. Breakeven investment was estimated at discount rates of three, five and ten percent. Cropping patterns on the Southern High Plains were dominated by irrigated cotton and were insensit
Lacewell, Ronald D.; Hardin, D. C.; Petty, J. A.; Whitson, R. E.
Hoisting Branch Conditions -- Improving Super-Scalar Processor Performance
. The performance and hardware complexity of super-scalar architectures is hindered by conditional branch instructions. When conditional branches are encountered in a program, the instruction fetch unit must rapidly predict the branch predicate and begin speculatively fetching instructions with no loss of instruction throughput. Speculative execution has a high hardware cost, is limited by dynamic branch prediction accuracies, and does not scale well for increasingly super-scalar architectures. The conditional branch bottleneck would be solved if we could somehow move branch condition evaluation far forward in the instruction stream and provide a new branch instruction that encoded both the source and target address of a branch. This paper summarizes the hardware extensions to support just such a Future Branch, then gives a compiler algorithm for hoisting branch evaluation across many blocks. The algorithm is applicable to other optimizations for parallelism, such as prefetching data. ...
Bill Appelbe; Reid Harmon; Scott Wills; Maurizio Vitale
ALSTOM Power Inc.'s Power Plant Laboratories (ALSTOM) has teamed with the U.S. Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory (DOE NETL), American Electric Company (AEP) and Parsons Energy and Chemical Group to conduct a comprehensive study evaluating coal fired steam power plants, known as Rankine Cycles, equipped with three different combustion systems: Pulverized Coal (PC), Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB), and Circulating Moving Bed (CMB{trademark}). Five steam cycles utilizing a wide range of steam conditions were used with these combustion systems. The motivation for this study was to establish through engineering analysis, the most cost-effective performance potential available through improvement in the Rankine Cycle steam conditions and combustion systems while at the same time ensuring that the most stringent emission performance based on CURC (Coal Utilization Research Council) 2010 targets are met: > 98% sulfur removal; < 0.05 lbm/MM-Btu NO{sub x}; < 0.01 lbm/MM-Btu Particulate Matter; and > 90% Hg removal. The final report discusses the results of a coal fired steam power plant project, which is comprised of two parts. The main part of the study is the analysis of ten (10) Greenfield steam power plants employing three different coal combustion technologies: Pulverized Coal (PC), Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB), and Circulating Moving Bed (CMB{trademark}) integrated with five different steam cycles. The study explores the technical feasibility, thermal performance, environmental performance, and economic viability of ten power plants that could be deployed currently, in the near, intermediate, and long-term time frame. For the five steam cycles, main steam temperatures vary from 1,000 F to 1,292 F and pressures from 2,400 psi to 5,075 psi. Reheat steam temperatures vary from 1,000 F to 1,328 F. The number of feedwater heaters varies from 7 to 9 and the associated feedwater temperature varies from 500 F to 626 F. The main part of the study therefore determines the steam cycle parameters and combustion technology that would yield the lowest cost of electricity (COE) for the next generation of coal-fired steam power plants. The second part of the study (Repowering) explores the means of upgrading the efficiency and output of an older existing coal fired steam power plant. There are currently more than 1,400 coal-fired units in operation in the United States generating about 54 percent of the electricity consumed. Many of these are modern units are clean and efficient. Additionally, there are many older units in excellent condition and still in service that could benefit from this repowering technology. The study evaluates the technical feasibility, thermal performance, and economic viability of this repowering concept.
Richard E. Waryasz; Gregory N. Liljedahl
Condition-based Maintenance and the product improvement process
The evolution of enterprise services is changing the approach for enabling Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) business processes. Enabling systems are migrating to process- and service-oriented solutions. In particular, ... Keywords: Composite applications, Condition-based Maintenance (CBM), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Service-oriented architecture (SOA)
Thomas Gulledge; Scott Hiroshige; Raj Iyer
Condition and Potential for Improvement of High Altitude Rangelands
to produce forage for grazing animals without degradation of related values and environmental quality (USDA, 1978). Prime rangeland must have slopes less than 50%, produce annual DM yields of at least 750 kg per ha, have adequate water supply... , past and present management of grazing, fire and nutrients; iii) The condition of rangeland deterioration varies considerably from very poor to good based on ground cover and biomass production; and iv) The causes of rangeland deterioration...
Gyamtsho, Pema
Active improvement of air-conditioning system energy consumption with adaptive thermal comfort approach.
??The MSc research project aims to suggest improvements to building air-conditioning control systems, to reduce energy consumption while maintaining the comfort level of the occupants.� (more)
Muhammad Saleh, Muhammad Fadzli
Demonstration and Testing of ClimaStat for Improved Rooftop Air-Conditioning Efficeincy
Presentation covers the demonstration and testing of ClimaStat for improved rooftop air-conditioning efficiency at the March 15, 2012, Federal Technology Deployment Working Group meeting.
New Fabrication Method Improves the Efficiency and Economics of Solar Cells (Fact Sheet)
Synthetic fabrication strategy optimizes the illumination geometry and transport properties of dye-sensitized solar cells. Using oriented titanium oxide (TiO{sub 2}) nanotube (NT) arrays has shown promise for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). High solar conversion efficiency requires that the incident light enters the cell from the photoelectrode side. However, for NT-based DSSCs, the light normally enters the cell through the counter electrode because a nontransparent titanium foil is typically used as the substrate for forming the aligned NTs and for making electrical contact with them. It has been synthetically challenging to prepare transparent TiO{sub 2} NT electrodes by directly anodizing Ti metal films on transparent conducting oxide (TCO) substrates because it is difficult to control the synthetic conditions. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researchers have developed a general synthetic strategy for fabricating transparent TiO{sub 2} NT films on TCO substrates. With the aid of a conducting Nb-doped TiO{sub 2} (NTO) layer between the Ti film and TCO substrate, the Ti film can be anodized completely without degrading the TCO. The NTO layer protects the TCO from degradation through a self-terminating mechanism by arresting the electric field-assisted dissolution process at the NT-NTO interface. NREL researchers found that the illumination direction and wavelength of the light incident on the DSSCs strongly influenced the incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency, light-harvesting, and charge-collection properties, which, in turn, affect the photocurrent density, photovoltage, and solar energy conversion efficiency. Researchers also examined the effects of NT film thickness on the properties and performance of DSSCs and found that illuminating the cell from the photoelectrode side substantially increased the conversion efficiency compared with illuminating it from the counter-electrode side. This method solves a key challenge in fabricating NT-based DSSCs and determines an optimal illumination direction to use in these cells. The synthetic fabrication strategy will improve the economics and conversion efficiency of DSSCs.
Not Available
Improving the Performance of Air-Conditioning Systems in an ASEAN Climate
This paper describes an analysis of air conditioning performance under hot and humid tropical climate conditions appropriate to the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. This region, with over 280 million people, has one of the fastest economic and energy consumption growth rates in the world. The work reported here is aimed at estimating the conservation potential derived from good design and control of air conditioning systems in commercial buildings.
Busch, J. F.; Warren, M. L.
Defining cell culture conditions to improve human norovirus infectivity assays
Significant difficulties remain for determining whether human noroviruses (hNoV) recovered from water, food, and environmental samples are infectious. Three-dimensional tissue culture of human intestinal cells has shown promise in developing an infectivity assay, but reproducibility, even within a single laboratory, remains problematic. From the literature and our observations, we hypothesized that the common factors that leads to more reproducible hNoV infectivity in vitro requires that the cell line be 1) of human gastrointestinal origin, 2) expresses apical microvilli, and 3) be a positive secretor cell line. The C2BBe1 cell line, which is a brush-border producing clone of Caco-2, meets these three criteria. When challenged with Genogroup II viruses, we observed a 2 Log10 increase in viral RNA titer. A passage experiment with GII viruses showed evidence of the ability to propagate hNoV by both reverse transcription quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and microscopy. Using 3-D C2BBe1 cells improves reproducibility of the infectivity assay for hNoV, but the assay can still be variable. Two sources of variability include the cells themselves (mixed phenotypes of small and large intestine) and initial titer measurements using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) that measures all RNA vs. plaque assays that measure infectious virus.
Straub, Tim M.; Hutchison, Janine R.; Bartholomew, Rachel A.; Valdez, Catherine O.; Valentine, Nancy B.; Dohnalkova, Alice; Ozanich, Richard M.; Bruckner-Lea, Cindy J.
The Technical and Economical Analysis of the Air-conditioning System Usage in Residential Buildings in Beijing
In this paper, we show that the air-conditioning usage in residential buildings in Beijing grows rapidly in relation to the development of civil construction. More and more people are not satisfied with the current style of only using split air-conditioning units in residential buildings, and are using the central air-conditioning system in residential buildings. To determine the best air conditioning mode, a residential tower building with 22 layers was chosen for analysis. The advantages and disadvantages of the central air-conditioning system and the residential multi-unit air-conditioning equipment system and the LiBr absorption chiller were compared based on calculating the first-cost and the annual cost (according to providing cooling 90 days annually). The predicted results show the economical feasibility of using the refrigerating units in air-conditioning systems in Beijing region, and point out the developing directions for the future.
Sheng, G.; Xie, G.
Amelioration of Convective and Nonconvective Condensation with the Assimilation of Rainfall for Improving initial Conditions
Three new schemes to assimilate the rainfall observations for improving the initial conditions are developed and tested. A reverse cumulus parameterization procedure is used in which the model convective precipitation is nudged in scheme 1, and ...
Mukut B. Mathur
Improved engineering-economic model of residential energy use. [1970-2000
An improved version of the ORNL residential energy use model was developed to simulate energy use in the residential sector from 1970 through 2000. The model provides considerable detail on annual energy uses by fuel, end use, and housing type; and also estimates annual equipment installations and ownership, equipment energy requirements, structural thermal integrities, fuel expenditures, equipment costs, and costs for improving thermal integrities on new and existing housing units. Thus, the model provides considerable detail on residential energy uses and associated costs. These details are useful for evaluating alternative energy conservation policies, programs, and technologies for their energy and economic effects during the next quarter century. The present version of the model deals with four fuels, eight end uses, and three housing types. Each of these 96 fuel use components is calculated each year as a function of stocks of occupied housing units and new construction, equipment ownership by fuel and end use, thermal integrity of housing units, average unit energy requirements for each equipment type, and usage factors that reflect household behavior. Simulations of energy use from 1960 to 1975 show that the model accurately predicts historical data on aggregate energy use, energy use by fuel, energy use by end use, and equipment ownership market-shares. A reference projection developed with the model shows residential energy use growing from 17.5 GGJ (10/sup 18/ joules) in 1975 to 18.5 GGJ in 1980 and 26.6 GGJ in 2000, with an average annual growth rate of 1.7 percent. Electricity increases its share of the energy budget from 44 percent in 1975 to 67 percent in 2000. Shares provided by gas, oil, and other fuels all decline during this period.
Hirst, E.; Cope, J.; Cohn, S.; Lin, W.; Hoskins, R.
The main objective of the research program has been to improve the rate-of-penetration in deep hostile environments by improving the life cycle and performance of coiled-tubing, an important component of a deep well drilling system for oil and gas exploration, by utilizing the latest developments in the microwave materials technology. Originally, it was proposed to accomplish this by developing an efficient and economically viable continuous microwave process to sinter continuously formed/extruded steel powder for the manufacture of seamless coiled tubing and other tubular products. However, based on the results and faced with insurmountable difficulties in the extrusion and de-waxing processes, the approach of achieving the goals of the program has been slightly changed. In the continuation proposal an approach of microwave sintering combined with Cold Isostatic Press (CIP) and joining (by induction or microwave) is adopted. This process can be developed into a semi-continuous sintering process if the CIP can produce parts fast enough to match the microwave sintering rates. Originally, the entire program was spread over three phases with the following goals: Phase I: Demonstration of the feasibility concept of continuous microwave sintering process for tubular steel products. Phase II: Design, building and testing of a prototype microwave system which shall be combined with a continuous extruder for steel tubular objects. Phase III: Execution of the plan for commercialization of the technology by one of the industrial partners. However, since some of the goals of the phase I were not completed, an extension of nine months was granted and we continued extrusion experiments, designed and built semicontinuous microwave sintering unit.
Dinesh Agrawal; Paul Gigl; Mahlon Dennis; Roderic Stanley
Advanced Aerodynamic Devices to Improve the Performance, Economics, Handling, and Safety of Heavy Vehicles
Research is being conducted at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) to develop advanced aerodynamic devices to improve the performance, economics, stability, handling and safety of operation of Heavy Vehicles by using previously-developed and flight-tested pneumatic (blown) aircraft technology. Recent wind-tunnel investigations of a generic Heavy Vehicle model with blowing slots on both the leading and trailing edges of the trailer have been conducted under contract to the DOE Office of Heavy Vehicle Technologies. These experimental results show overall aerodynamic drag reductions on the Pneumatic Heavy Vehicle of 50% using only 1 psig blowing pressure in the plenums, and over 80% drag reductions if additional blowing air were available. Additionally, an increase in drag force for braking was confirmed by blowing different slots. Lift coefficient was increased for rolling resistance reduction by blowing only the top slot, while downforce was produced for traction increase by blowing only the bottom. Also, side force and yawing moment were generated on either side of the vehicle, and directional stability was restored by blowing the appropriate side slot. These experimental results and the predicted full-scale payoffs are presented in this paper, as is a discussion of additional applications to conventional commercial autos, buses, motor homes, and Sport Utility Vehicles.
Robert J. Englar
Development of Pneumatic Aerodynamic Devices to Improve the Performance, Economics, and Safety of Heavy Vehicles
Under contract to the DOE Office of Heavy Vehicle Technologies, the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is developing and evaluating pneumatic (blown) aerodynamic devices to improve the performance, economics, stability and safety of operation of Heavy Vehicles. The objective of this program is to apply the pneumatic aerodynamic aircraft technology previously developed and flight-tested by GTRI personnel to the design of an efficient blown tractor-trailer configuration. Recent experimental results obtained by GTRI using blowing have shown drag reductions of 35% on a streamlined automobile wind-tunnel model. Also measured were lift or down-load increases of 100-150% and the ability to control aerodynamic moments about all 3 axes without any moving control surfaces. Similar drag reductions yielded by blowing on bluff afterbody trailers in current US trucking fleet operations are anticipated to reduce yearly fuel consumption by more than 1.2 billion gallons, while even further reduction is possible using pneumatic lift to reduce tire rolling resistance. Conversely, increased drag and down force generated instantaneously by blowing can greatly increase braking characteristics and control in wet/icy weather due to effective ''weight'' increases on the tires. Safety is also enhanced by controlling side loads and moments caused on these Heavy Vehicles by winds, gusts and other vehicles passing. This may also help to eliminate the jack-knifing problem if caused by extreme wind side loads on the trailer. Lastly, reduction of the turbulent wake behind the trailer can reduce splash and spray patterns and rough air being experienced by following vehicles. To be presented by GTRI in this paper will be results developed during the early portion of this effort, including a preliminary systems study, CFD prediction of the blown flowfields, and design of the baseline conventional tractor-trailer model and the pneumatic wind-tunnel model.
Economic efficiency of using solar water lift stations under the conditions of Uzbekistan
It is shown that under certain conditions the best effect of using solar water lift stations is achieved by using installations with a dynamic converter.
Zakhidov, R.A.; Bogdasarov, V.M.
Demonstration and Testing of ClimaStat® for Improved Rooftop Air-Conditioning Efficiency Presented at IA Technology Deployment Working Group Meeting March 15, 2012 By Dan Howett, PE Oak Ridge National Laboratory Demonstration/Testing of ClimaStat ® for Improved Efficiency of RTU Air Conditioners * Technology from Advantek Consulting - Patented by Dr. Michael West in 2003. (US Patent #6427454) - Originally demonstrated under DOE's Inventions & Innovations program. * Current demonstration sponsored by DOD's ESTCP program * Uses off-the-shelf components to either... - Modify existing packaged air conditioners, or - Incorporate changes into new RTU equipment before installation * Initial tests show 15% improvement in HVAC efficiency.
Green Improvements: A Consumer's Guide to Environmentally and Economically Responsible Home Repairs and Improvements for the North Central Texas Region.
??The Consumer's Guide is designed to help consumers by providing guidelines for the purchase of specific energy-efficient household appliances- water heaters, air conditioning and heating� (more)
Dickason, Deborah
Simulation and optimization of hot dry rock geothermal energy conversion systems: process conditions and economics
The Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory is currently engaged in a field program aimed at designing and testing man-made geothermal reservoirs in hot granitic formations of low permeability created by hydraulic fracturing. A very important segment of the program is concerned with defining and optimizing several parameters related to the performance of the reservoir and their impact on the potential commercial feasibility of the hot dry rock technique. These include effective heat transfer area, permeation water loss, depth to the reservoir, geothermal temperature gradient, reservoir temperature, mass flow rate, and geochemistry. In addition, the optimization of the energy end use system (process or district heating, electricity or cogeneration) is directly linked to reservoir performance and associated costs. This problem has been studied using several computer modeling approaches to identify the sensitivity of the cost of power to reservoir and generation plant parameters. Also examined were a variety of important economic elements including rate of return on invested capital, discount or interest rates, taxes, cash flow, energy selling price, plant and reservoir lifetime, drilling and surface plant costs, and royalties.
Tester, J.W.
Flue gas conditioning for improved particle collection in electrostatic precipitators. Quarterly technical report
Energy Savings and Economics of Advanced Control Strategies for Packaged Air-Conditioning Units with Gas Heat
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program (BTP) evaluated a number of control strategies that can be implemented in a controller, to improve the operational efficiency of the packaged air conditioning units. The two primary objectives of this research project are: (1) determine the magnitude of energy savings achievable by retrofitting existing packaged air conditioning units with advanced control strategies not ordinarily used for packaged units and (2) estimating what the installed cost of a replacement control with the desired features should be in various regions of the U.S. This document reports results of the study.
Wang, Weimin; Katipamula, Srinivas; Huang, Yunzhi; Brambley, Michael R.
Economic and Policy Factors Affecting Energy Efficiency Improvements in the U. S. Paper Industry
The U.S. pulp, paper and paperboard industry has made significant improvements over the past eleven years in the energy efficiency of its operations. The industry is firmly committed to: increased utilization of important renewable domestic energy sources such as wood residues, pulping liquors, and hydropower; improved energy efficiency through cogeneration, product and process improvements; and reduced national dependence on foreign energy. The achievements are substantial and will be reviewed. The potential exists to expand the industry's energy self-sufficiency, use of more energy efficient technologies, and development of hydropower and cogeneration; however, national policies play a crucial role in allowing the industry to realize this potential. These national policies include issues associated with cogeneration, licensing and relicensing of private small scale hydroelectric projects, acid rain, and federal funding of energy technology research and development. The paper industry's actions and accomplishments arising from participation in the formulation and implementation of national policy will be addressed.
Freund, S. H.
Innovative Evaporative and Thermally Activated Technologies Improve Air Conditioning, The Spectrum of Clean Energy Innovation (Fact Sheet)
Innovative Evaporative and Innovative Evaporative and Thermally Activated Technologies Improve Air Conditioning Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) invented a breakthrough technology that improves air conditioning in a novel way-with heat. NREL combined desiccant materials, which remove moisture from the air using heat, and advanced evaporative technologies to develop a cooling unit that uses 90% less electricity and up to 80% less total energy than traditional air conditioning (AC). This solution, called the desiccant enhanced evaporative air conditioner (DEVap), also controls humidity more effectively to improve the comfort of people in buildings. Desiccants are an example of a thermally activated technology (TAT) that relies on heat instead
The Class 2 Project at West Welch was designed to demonstrate the use of advanced technologies to enhance the economics of improved oil recovery (IOR) projects in lower quality Shallow Shelf Carbonate (SSC) reservoirs, resulting in recovery of additional oil that would otherwise be left in the reservoir at project abandonment. Accurate reservoir description is critical to the effective evaluation and efficient design of IOR projects in the heterogeneous SSC reservoirs. Therefore, the majority of Budget Period 1 was devoted to reservoir characterization. Technologies being demonstrated include: (1) Advanced petrophysics; (2) Three-dimensional (3-D) seismic; (3) Crosswell bore tomography; (4) Advanced reservoir simulation; (5) Carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) stimulation treatments; (6) Hydraulic fracturing design and monitoring; (7) Mobility control agents.
Improvements on open and traction boundary conditions for Navier-Stokes time-splitting methods
We present in this paper a numerical scheme for incompressible Navier-Stokes equations with open and traction boundary conditions, in the framework of pressure-correction methods. A new way to enforce this type of boundary condition is proposed and provides ... Keywords: Bifurcated tube, Fractional step methods, Navier-Stokes equations, Open boundary condition, Pressure boundary condition, Pressure-correction methods, Projection methods, Square cylinder, Traction boundary condition
A. Poux; S. Glockner; M. Aza�ez
Energy and economic performance analysis of an open cycle solar desiccant dehumidification air-conditioning system for application in Hong Kong
In this article, a transient simulation model and the EnergyPlus were used to study the energy performance and economical feasibility for integrating a solar liquid desiccant dehumidification system with a conventional vapor compression air-conditioning system for the weather condition of Hong Kong. The vapor compression system capacity in the solar assisted air-conditioning system can be reduced to 19 kW from original 28 kW of a conventional air-conditioning system as a case study due to the solar desiccant cooling. The economical performance of the solar desiccant dehumidification system is compared with that of the conventional air-conditioning system. The results show that the energy saving potentials due to incorporation of the solar desiccant dehumidification system in a traditional air-conditioning system is significant for the hot wet weather in Hong Kong due to higher COP resulted from higher supply chilled water temperature from chiller plants. The annual operation energy savings for the hybrid system is 6760 kWh and the payback period of the hybrid system is around 7 years. The study shows that the solar assisted air-conditioning is a viable technology for utilizations in subtropical areas. (author)
Li, Yutong; Lu, Lin; Yang, Hongxing [Renewable Energy Research Group (RERG), Department of Building Services Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom (China)
Policy Drivers for Improving Electricity End-Use Efficiency in the U.S.: An Economic-Engineering Analysis
This paper estimates the economically achievable potential for improving electricity end-use efficiency in the U.S. The approach involves identifying a series of energy-efficiency policies aimed at tackling market failures, and then examining their impacts and cost-effectiveness using Georgia Tech�s version of the National Energy Modeling System (GT-NEMS). By estimating the policy-driven electricity savings and the associated levelized costs, a policy supply curve for electricity efficiency is produced. Each policy is evaluated individually and in an Integrated Policy scenario to examine policy dynamics. The Integrated Policy scenario demonstrates significant achievable potential: 261 TWh (6.5%) of electricity savings in 2020, and 457 TWh (10.2%) in 2035. All eleven policies examined were estimated to have lower levelized costs than average electricity retail prices. Levelized costs range from 0.5 � 8.0 cent/kWh, with the regulatory and information policies tending to be most cost-effective. Policy impacts on the power sector, carbon dioxide emissions, and energy intensity are also estimated to be significant. *Corresponding author:
Yu Wang; Marilyn A. Brown; Yu Wang
Nondestructive Evaluation Improvement Focus Group Extent of Condition Actions in Response to North Anna Dissimilar Metal Weld Operating Experience
The Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Improvement Focus Group (NIFG) was formed to address NDE improvement and extent of condition actions in response to North Anna dissimilar metal weld operating experience. The operating experience occurred early in 2012 and involved the missed detection of significant flaws during ultrasonic examinations performed according to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section XI, Appendix VIII, Supplement 10. As appropriate, the NIFG products are to be ...
INTEGRATING DATA AND SHARING INFORMATION FROM VARIOUS IEDs TO IMPROVE MONITORING, CONDITION-BASED
· Assisting in project management, planning, site assessments, installation & commissioning activities as it advances improved energy efficiency solutions. Reporting to an inspiring Technical Sales Manager, you understanding of power distribution, electrical substations, MV/LV electrical systems, commercial grid
Kezunovic, Mladen
Application of Reservoir Characterization and Advanced Technology to Improve Recovery and Economics in a Lower Quality Shallow Shelf Carbonate Reservoir
The OXY-operated Class 2 Project at West Welch is designed to demonstrate how the use of advanced technology can improve the economics of miscible CO{sub 2} injection projects in lower quality Shallow Shelf Carbonate reservoirs. The research and design phase (Budget Period 1) primarily involved advanced reservoir characterization. The current demonstration phase (Budget Period 2) is the implementation of the reservoir management plan for an optimum miscible CO{sub 2} flood design based on the reservoir characterization. Although Budget Period 1 for the Project officially ended 12/31/96, reservoir characterization and simulation work continued during the Budget Period 2. During the fifth and sixth annual reporting periods (8/3/98-8/2/00) covered by this report, work continued on interpretation of the cross well seismic data to create porosity and permeability profiles which were distributed into the reservoir geostatistically. The initial interwell seismic CO{sub 2} monitor survey was conducted, the acquired data processed and interpretation started. Only limited well work and facility construction was conducted in the project area. The CO{sub 2} injection initiated in October 1997 was continued, although the operator had to modify the operating plan in response to low injection rates, well performance and changes in CO{sub 2} supply. CO{sub 2} injection was focused in a smaller area to increase the reservoir processing rate. By the end of the reporting period three producers had shown sustained oil rate increases and ten wells had experienced gas (CO{sub 2}) breakthrough.
Rebecca Egg
One: California Economic Outlook
THE CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC OUTLOOK: AN IMPROVED POWER SITUATIONwas sluggish. An improved outlook for consumer spending inforecast compared with the outlook of UCLA's Anderson
Lieser, Tom K
Assessment of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Data Mining for Wind Turbine Condition Monitoring and Performance Improvement
As the wind industry grows and matures, many of the larger wind turbines (2 MW and above) are being outfitted with sophisticated condition-monitoring systems (CMSs), supplied either by the original equipment manufacturer or through a third party to reduce failures, decrease maintenance downtime, and improve reliability. Such systems use vibration sensors in key positions and lubrication oil analysis, with costs of the hardware relatively high, and suffer from spurious alarms. The lifetime cost-benefit ra...
Application of Reservoir Characterization and Advanced Technology to Improve Recovery and Economics in a Lower Quality Shallow Shelf Carbonate Reservoir, Class II
The Oxy operated Class 2 Project at West Welch Project is designed to demonstrate how the use of advanced technology can improve the economics of miscible CO2 injection projects in lower quality Shallow Shelf Carbonate reservoirs. The research and design phase (Budget Period 1) primarily involved advanced reservoir demonstration characterization. The current demonstration phase (Budget Period 2) is the implementation of the reservoir management plan for an optimum miscible CO2 flood design based on the reservoir characterization.
Hickman, T. Scott; Justice, James J.; Egg, Rebecca
The Technical and Economical Analysis of a Centralized Air-Conditioning System with Cold Storage Refrigeration in High-Rise Residential Buildings
In recent years, the application of a centralized air-conditioning system (CACS) with cold storage refrigeration in high-rise residential buildings has gradually increased. Due to the large difference between civil residential buildings and commercial buildings, characteristics such as the cooling load in summer and the storey height must be considered in the design of the air-conditioning system, and the cold storage equipment and the cold supplying means must be properly selected. The option of establishing centralized air-conditioning equipment with cold storage and supplying unified cold in high-rise residential buildings is analyzed objectively with technical and economical methods in this paper. It is not true that the option of supplying unified cold can save energy all the time. CACS with cold storage will not always be economical. Based on a 27-floor building, the running costs in summer and the first costs are both compared between CACS with and without cold storage refrigeration. The cold storage method selected will significantly impact the residents.
Xiang, C.; Xie, G.
Forthcoming: American Economic Journal: Applied Economics Do Temporary-Help Jobs Improve Labor Market Outcomes for Low-Skilled Workers? Evidence from �Work First�
Temporary-help jobs offer rapid entry into paid employment, but they are typically brief and it is unknown whether they foster longer-term employment. We utilize the unique structure of Detroit�s welfare-to-work program to identify the effect of temporary-help jobs on labor market advancement. Exploiting the rotational assignment of welfare clients to numerous nonprofit contractors with differing job placement rates, we find that temporary-help job placements do not improve and may diminish subsequent earnings and employment outcomes among participants. In contrast, job placements with direct-hire employers substantially raise earnings and employment over a seven quarter follow-up period. JEL: J24, J48, J62 Keywords: Temporary-help, welfare to work, job placement, low-skill workers, causal effects. 1 Temporary-help firms employ a disproportionate share of low-skilled and minority U.S. workers (U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics 2005). Within the low-wage population, employment in temporary help is especially prevalent among participants in public employment and training programs. Although the temporary-help industry accounts for less than
David Autor; Susan N. Houseman
ECONOMIC DISPATCH ECONOMIC DISPATCH OF ELECTRIC GENERATION CAPACITY A REPORT TO CONGRESS AND THE STATES PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 1234 AND 1832 OF THE ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005 United States Department of Energy February 2007 ECONOMIC DISPATCH OF ELECTRIC GENERATION CAPACITY A REPORT TO CONGRESS AND THE STATES PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 1234 AND 1832 OF THE ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005 Sections 1234 and 1832 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) 1 direct the U.S. Department of Energy (the Department, or DOE) to: 1) Study the procedures currently used by electric utilities to perform economic dispatch; 2) Identify possible revisions to those procedures to improve the ability of non-utility generation resources to offer their output for sale for the purpose of inclusion in
Economic Policy Rationales and Studies
... on Economic Growth. Brief No. 13-3: The Economic Benefits from Improved Cyber Security Infrastructure. Brief No. 13-4: Beyond ...
On Impacts of Economic Growth.
??This thesis presents four papers on impacts of economic growth. The results indicate that faster economic growth improves the short-run political survival prospects of national� (more)
Burke, Paul John
Performance assessment and improvement of an existing air conditioning system of a supermarket: a case study on bi-lo supermarket
Bi-Lo Supermarket in this study is located in sub-tropical coastal area in Queensland, Australia. The main objective of air conditioning in any building or supermarket is to provide comfort to the occupants and patrons of the conditioned space, an objective ... Keywords: air conditioning systems, design principles, performance improvement, supermarket
M. Hansen; M. G. Rasul
Improved Improved cache performance in Monte Carlo transport calculations using energy banding A. Siegel a , K. Smith b , K. Felker c,∗ , P . Romano b , B. Forget b , P . Beckman c a Argonne National Laboratory, Theory and Computing Sciences and Nuclear Engineering Division b Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering c Argonne National Laboratory, Theory and Computing Sciences Abstract We present an energy banding algorithm for Monte Carlo (MC) neutral parti- cle transport simulations which depend on large cross section lookup tables. In MC codes, read-only cross section data tables are accessed frequently, ex- hibit poor locality, and are typically much too large to fit in fast memory. Thus, performance is often limited by long latencies to RAM, or by off-node communication latencies when the data footprint is very large and must be decomposed on
Economic and Conservation Evaluation of Capital Renovation Projects: Maverick County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 (Eagle Pass) � Lining Main Canal � Preliminary
Initial construction costs and net annual changes in operating and maintenance expenses are identified for a capital renovation project proposed by Maverick County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 to the Bureau of Reclamation and North American Development Bank. The proposed project involves lining 3 miles of the �Main Canal� with a urethane lining and a concrete anchor and ballast system. Both nominal and real estimates of water and energy savings and expected economic and financial costs of those savings are identified throughout the anticipated 49-year useful life for the proposed project. Sensitivity results for both the cost of water savings and cost of energy savings are presented for several important parameters. Annual water and energy savings forthcoming from the total project are estimated, using amortization procedures, to be 8,084 ac-ft of water per year and 2,041,095,338 BTUs (598,211 kwh) of energy per year. The calculated economic and financial cost of water savings is estimated to be $33.37 per ac-ft. The calculated economic and financial cost of energy savings is estimated to be $0.0001322 per BTU ($0.451 per kwh). In addition, expected real (rather than nominal) values are indicated for the Bureau of Reclamation�s three principal evaluation measures specified in the United States Public Law 106-576 legislation. The initial construction cost per ac-ft of water savings measure is $25.97 per ac-ft of water savings. The initial construction cost per BTU (kwh) of energy savings measure is $0.0001029 per BTU ($0.351 per kwh). The ratio of initial construction costs per dollar of total annual economic savings is estimated to be -13.65.
Rister, M. Edward; Lacewell, Ronald D.; Sturdivant, Allen W.; Robinson, John R.C.; Popp, Michael C.
Economic and Conservation Evaluation of Capital Renovation Projects: Maverick County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 (Eagle Pass) � Lining Main Canal � Final
The Class 2 Project at West Welch was designed to demonstrate the use of advanced technologies to enhance the economics of improved oil recovery (IOR) projects in lower quality Shallow Shelf Carbonate (SSC) reservoirs, resulting in recovery of additional oil that would otherwise be left in the reservoir at project abandonment. Accurate reservoir description is critical to the effective evaluation and efficient design of IOR projects in the heterogeneous SSC reservoirs. Therefore, the majority of Budget Period 1 was devoted to reservoir characterization. Technologies being demonstrated include: (1) Advanced petrophysics; (2) Three-dimensional (3-D) seismic; (3) Crosswell bore tomography; (4) Advanced reservoir simulation; (5) Carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) stimulation treatments; (6) Hydraulic fracturing design and monitoring; and (7) Mobility control agents.
Raj Kumar; Keith Brown; T. Scott Hickman; James J. Justice
T. Scott Hickman; James J. Justice
T. Scott Hickman
Simulation and Economic Screening of Improved Oil Recovery Methods with Emphasis on Injection Profile Control Including Waterflooding, Polymer Flooding and a Thermally Activated Deep Diverting Gel
The large volume of water produced during the extraction of oil presents a significant problem due to the high cost of disposal in an environmentally friendly manner. On average, an estimated seven barrels of water is produced per barrel of oil in the US alone and the associated treatment and disposal cost is an estimated $5-10 billion. Besides making oil-water separation more complex, produced water also causes problems such as corrosion in the wellbore, decline in production rate and ultimate recovery of hydrocarbons and premature well or field abandonment. Water production can be more problematic during waterflooding in a highly heterogeneous reservoir with vertical communication between layers leading to unevenness in the flood front, cross-flow between high and low permeability layers and early water breakthrough from high permeability layers. Some of the different technologies that can be used to counteract this involve reducing the mobility of water or using a permeability block in the higher permeability, swept zones. This research was initiated to evaluate the potential effectiveness of the latter method, known as deep diverting gels (DDG) to plug thief zones deep within the reservoir and far from the injection well. To evaluate the performance of DDG, its injection was modeled, sensitivities run for a range of reservoir characteristics and conditions and an economic analysis was also performed. The performance of the DDG was then compared to other recovery methods, specifically waterflooding and polymer flooding from a technical and economic perspective. A literature review was performed on the background of injection profile control methods, their respective designs and technical capabilities. For the methods selected, Schlumberger's Eclipse software was used to simulate their behavior in a reservoir using realistic and simplified assumptions of reservoir characteristics and fluid properties. The simulation results obtained were then used to carry out economic analyses upon which conclusions and recommendations are based. These results show that the factor with the largest impact on the economic success of this method versus a polymer flood was the amount of incremental oil produced. By comparing net present values of the different methods, it was found that the polymer flood was the most successful with the highest NPV for each configuration followed by DDG.
Okeke, Tobenna
Utilizing the connected power electronic converter for improved condition monitoring of induction motors and claw-pole generators.
??This dissertation proposes several simple, robust, and non-intrusive condition monitoring methods for induction motors fed by closed-loop inverters and claw-pole generators with built-in rectifiers. While� (more)
Cheng, Siwei
The OXY-operated Class 2 Project at West Welch is designed to demonstrate how the use of advanced technology can improve the economics of miscible CO{sub 2} injection projects in lower quality Shallow Shelf Carbonate reservoirs. The research and design phase (Budget Period 1) primarily involved advanced reservoir characterization. The current demonstration phase (Budget Period 2) is the implementation of the reservoir management plan for an optimum miscible CO{sub 2} flood design based on the reservoir characterization. Although Budget Period 1 for the Project officially ended 12/31/96, reservoir characterization and simulation work continued during the Budget Period 2. During the seventh annual reporting period (8/3/00-8/2/01) covered by this report, work continued on interpretation of the interwell seismic data to create porosity and permeability profiles which were distributed into the reservoir geostatistically. The initial interwell seismic CO{sub 2} monitor survey was conducted and the acquired data processed and interpretation started. Only limited well work and facility construction were conducted in the project area. The CO{sub 2} injection initiated in October 1997 was continued, although the operator had to modify the operating plan in response to low injection rates, well performance and changes in CO{sub 2} supply. CO{sub 2} injection was focused in a smaller area to increase the reservoir processing rate. By the end of the reporting period three producers had shown sustained oil rate increases and six wells had experienced gas (CO{sub 2}) breakthrough.
Tom Beebe
Economic Recovery Loan Program (Maine)
The Economic Recovery Loan Program provides subordinate financing to help businesses remain viable and improve productivity. Eligibility criteria are based on ability to repay, and the loan is...
Economic Forecast Report Economic Outlook and Forecasts
volatile prices such as food and energy, is even softer, averaging around 1% for the year. Inflation should in our last report, the rebound in economic activity has been weak and uninspiring with below-trend formation is far below desired level, the overall trend is positive. Despite these improve- ments, we fear
de Lijser, Peter
Data Center Economizer Contamination and Humidity Study
Data centers require continuous air conditioning to address high internal heat loads (heat release from equipment) and maintain indoor temperatures within recommended operating levels for computers. Air economizer cycles, which bring in large amounts of outside air to cool internal loads when weather conditions are favorable, could save cooling energy. There is reluctance from many data center owners to use this common cooling technique, however, due to fear of introducing pollutants and potential loss of humidity control. Concerns about equipment failure from airborne pollutants lead to specifying as little outside air as permissible for human occupants. To investigate contamination levels, particle monitoring was conducted at 8 data centers in Northern California. Particle counters were placed at 3 to 4 different locations within and outside of each data center evaluated in this study. Humidity was also monitored at many of the sites to determine how economizers affect humidity control. Results from this study indicate that economizers do increase the outdoor concentration in data centers, but this concentration, when averaged annually, is still below current particle concentration limits. Study results are summarized below: (1) The average particle concentrations measured at each location, both outside and at the servers, are shown in Table 1. Measurements show low particle concentrations at all data centers without economizers, regardless of outdoor particle concentrations. Particle concentrations were typically an order of magnitude below both outside particle concentrations and recently published ASHRAE standards. (2) Economizer use caused sharp increases in particle concentrations when the economizer vents were open. The particle concentration in the data centers, however, quickly dropped back to pre-economizer levels when the vents closed. Since economizers only allow outside air part of the time, the annual average concentrations still met the ASHRAE standards. However, concentration were still above the levels measured in data centers that do not use economizers (3) Current filtration in data centers is minimal (ASHRAE 40%) since most air is typically recycled. When using economizers, modest improvements in filtration (ASHRAE 85%) can reduce particle concentrations to nearly match the level found in data centers that do not use economizers. The extra cost associated with improve filters was not determined in this study. (4) Humidity was consistent and within the ASHRAE recommended levels for all data centers without economizers. Results show that, while slightly less steady, humidity in data centers with economizers can also be controlled within the ASHRAE recommended levels. However, this control of humidity reduces energy savings by limiting the hours the economizer vents are open. (5) The potential energy savings from economizer use has been measured in one data center. When economizers were active, mechanical cooling power dropped by approximately 30%. Annual savings at this center is estimated within the range of 60-80 MWh/year, representing approximately a 5% savings off the mechanical energy load of the data center. Incoming temperatures and humidity at this data center were conservative relative to the ASHRAE acceptable temperature and humidity ranges. Greater savings may be available if higher temperature humidity levels in the data center area were permitted. The average particle concentrations measured at each of the eight data center locations are shown in Table 1. The data centers ranged in size from approximately 5,000 ft{sup 2} to 20,000 ft{sup 2}. The indoor concentrations and humidity in Table 1 represents measurements taken at the server rack. Temperature measurements at the server rack consistently fell between 65-70 F. The Findings section contains a discussion of the individual findings from each center. Data centers currently operate under very low contamination levels. Economizers can be expected to increase the particle concentration in data centers, but the increase appears to still be
Shehabi, Arman; Tschudi, William; Gadgil, Ashok
Economic Report
Transmitted to the Congress February 2008 Transmitted to the Congress February 2008 Together with the Annual Report of the Council of Economic Advisers Economic Report of the President Economic Report of the President For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: (866) 512-1800; DC area (202) 512-1800 ISBN 978-0-16-079822-1 Transmitted to the Congress February 2008 together with THE ANNUAL REPORT of the COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON : 2008 Fax: (202) 512-2104 Mail Stop: IDCC, Washington, DC 20402-0001 C O N T E N T S ECONOMIC REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT ............................................. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS* ...
TERMS OF REFERENCE PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES ACT 2003 INQUIRY INTO IMPROVING ACCESS TO VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION AND DATA That the Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee inquire into, consider
and report to Parliament on the potential application of open content 1 and open source 2 licensing to Victorian Government information and, in particular, the Committee is asked to: a) report on the potential economic benefits and costs to Victoria of maximising access to and use of Government information for commercial and/or noncommercial purposes, including consideration of: i. public policy developments elsewhere in Australia and internationally; and ii. the types of information that will provide the greatest potential benefit; b) consider whether use of open source and open content licensing models, including Creative Commons, would enhance the discovery, access and use of Government information;
unknown authors
Entrepreneurship, Economic Conditions, and the Great Recession
The entrepreneurship rate increases to 0.33 percent forpredicted entrepreneurship rate increases from 0.29 percent10 Entrepreneurship rates steadily increase with median home
Fairlie, Rob
Application of reservoir characterization and advanced technology to improve recovery and economics in a lower quality shallow shelf carbonate reservoir. End of budget period report, August 3, 1994--December 31, 1996
The Oxy West Welch project is designed to demonstrate how the use of advanced technology can improve the economics of miscible CO{sub 2} injection projects in a lower quality shallow shelf carbonate reservoir. The research and design phase primarily involves advanced reservoir characterization and accelerating the production response. The demonstration phase will implement the reservoir management plan based on an optimum miscible CO{sub 2} flood as designed in the initial phase. During Budget Period 1, work was completed on the CO{sub 2} stimulation treatments and the hydraulic fracture design. Analysis of the CO{sub 2} stimulation treatment provided a methodology for predicting results. The hydraulic fracture treatment proved up both the fracture design approach a and the use of passive seismic for mapping the fracture wing orientation. Although the 3-D seismic interpretation is still being integrated into the geologic model and interpretation of borehole seismic is still underway, the simulator has been enhanced to the point of giving good waterflood history matches. The simulator-forecasted results for an optimal designed miscible CO{sub 2} flood in the demonstration area gave sufficient economics to justify continuation of the project into Budget Period 2.
Taylor, A.R.; Hinterlong, G.; Watts, G.; Justice, J.; Brown, K.; Hickman, T.S.
Economic impact
In federal fiscal year 2000 (FY00), Berkeley Lab had 4,347 full- and part-time employees. In addition, at any given time of the year, there were more than 1,000 Laboratory guests. These guests, who also reside locally, have an important economic impact on the nine-county Bay Area. However, Berkeley Lab's total economic impact transcends the direct effects of payroll and purchasing. The direct dollars paid to the Lab's employees in the form of wages, salaries, and benefits, and payments made to contractors for goods and services, are respent by employees and contractors again and again in the local and greater economy. Further, while Berkeley Lab has a strong reputation for basic scientific research, many of the Lab's scientific discoveries and inventions have had direct application in industry, spawning new businesses and creating new opportunities for existing firms. This analysis updates the Economic Impact Analysis done in 1996, and its purpose is to describe the economic and geographic impact of Laboratory expenditures and to provide a qualitative understanding of how Berkeley Lab impacts and supports the local community. It is intended as a guide for state, local, and national policy makers as well as local community members. Unless otherwise noted, this analysis uses data from FY00, the most recent year for which full data are available.
Technology Transfer Department
Estimating the Economic Cost of Sea-Level Rise
To improve the estimate of economic costs of future sea-level rise associated with global climate change,
Sugiyama, Masahiro.
The economic impacts of highway widening projects
Highway widening is one alternative for increasing capacity on a particular section of roadway. Capacity is the maximum hourly rate at which vehicles can reasonably be expected to traverse a uniform section of a roadway during a given time under prevailing roadway, traffic, and control conditions. Added capacity has economic, environmental, and social impact tradeoffs that must be considered. Economic tradeoffs of land value impacts were considered for this research study. Land scarcity, as related to value, was analyzed with respect to highway widening improvements on abutting land use. Previous literature included several modelling techniques used for measuring economic impacts of highway improvements. The before-and-after study approach was selected for analyzing land values, rather than parallel-area or control-area study approaches. This study involved a before-and-after economic analysis, where the before period d represented economic make-up of land parcels without Improvements, while the after period represented market value on land parcels once construction was completed. A design matrix was developed from data available for two highway types, multilane highway and freeway, on pre-selected sites. Location selection was based on prior knowledge and availability of land value data. Study variables included four design characteristics and four property types. These variables were used to determine whether increases in land value occurred on adjacent properties as a result of widening. A paired data statistical analysis was performed for both facility types. Results of the statistical analysis indicated that property values generally decreased for both facilities. Impacts on abutting property for each location reflected minimal changes in value. Therefore, the results do not suggest an increase in property values because of highway widening. The most important recommendation from this research study includes a combination of two factors.- 1) further research needed to look at areas outside of the construction zone and 2) consideration for lengthening the after study period. The parallel-area or control-area study approach is recommended for further study of economic impacts on land values. In addition, more data for the after construction period, preferably five to ten years, could be applied to better estimate effects.
Jackson, Patricia Ann
On economic bicameralism
(cont.) for both economic profitability and democratic justice, is explored after the roots of the idea of economic bicameralism in socio-economic history and existing socio-economic institutions (such as Works Councils) ...
Ferreras, Isabelle, 1975-
Distribution Efficiency: Modeling, Volt-Var Control, and Economics
As utilities strive to better utilize their distribution system assets and improve energy efficiency, improved distribution modeling and better economic models can help quantify economic gains. In order to improve efficiency modeling and economic planning, research efforts in this report have concentrated on the following tasks: distribution modeling for efficiency studies, volt-var control, and development of a framework to evaluate the economic benefit of reductions in average and peak energy reduction...
Improved performance of NOx reduction by H2 and CO over a Pd/Al2O3 catalyst at low temperatures under lean-burn conditions
Improved performance of NOx reduction by H2 and CO over a Pd/Al2O3 catalyst at low temperatures 4 June 2004; accepted 6 June 2004 Available online 28 July 2004 Abstract Selective reduction of NOx of lean-burn vehicle exhaust. Macleod and Lambert [9] found that Pd/Al2O3 promotes lean NOx reduction
Gulari, Erdogan
Economic viability of rangeland based ranching enterprises
Ranch management's ability to cope with climate variability, especially drought, critically impacts the economic viability of rangeland based ranching enterprise alternatives. In rangeland ecosystems, drought is not uncommon and has become expected, but ranchers' management practices tend to be reactive to weather conditions rather than proactive. With increased availability and technological advancements of seasonal forecasts, this study investigates the potential for ranchers to increase the profitability of their enterprises by becoming more proactive in their management practices. An annual economic model is used to analyze the effects of using seasonal climate forecasts in cattle ranching enterprises in Sutton County, Texas. Unique to this study, is the use of stocking rate decision rules elicited from a focus group of ranchers, rather than decision rules derived from a modeling exercise. Decision rules from a previous focus group are used as the prior information scenario. A reconvened focus group was presented forecasts of forage deviations from a long-term average. Their input provided decision rules for the "with forecast" information scenario. Using an economic model and PHYGROW, a forage simulation model, the "with" and "without" forecast information scenarios are compared to evaluate the use of climate forecasts on net returns of a ranching enterprise. Results were then presented to the panel for their response. The focus group responded positively to participating in the study and to the study results. Results suggest in a market in which stocker cows are bought or sold at the same price, overall expected net returns from using seasonal climate forecasts are negative. A decrease in net returns does not necessarily imply the value of climate forecasts are negative. The single year model fails to capture improved long-term ecological conditions associated with the use of climate forecasts. If cattle prices differ for buying and selling cows (by 7-43% lower selling price depending on the scenario), the seasonal climate forecasts show a positive value. Generally, variability in expected net returns increases with the use of seasonal climate forecasts.
Jochec, Kristi Gayle
Use Feedwater Economizers for Waste Heat Recovery
This revised ITP tip sheet on feedwater economizers for waste heat recovery provides how-to advice for improving industrial steam systems using low-cost, proven practices and technologies.
Tennessee Business and economic ouTlook
Business and Economic Outlook -- 1 The U.S. Forecast introduction Economic conditions continue to deteriorate, raising concerns about a potentially deeper and more prolonged downturn. Throughout 2007 as oil business cycle. Even seemingly positive news loses its luster when one probes beneath the surface. Export
Tennessee, University of
Economic viability of biogas technology
Biogas has emerged as a suitable technology for providing alternative and additional sources of energy, especially for rural areas of developing countries. Although the experience gained in China and India established its technological success, social scientists are still involved in the controversial issue of its economic viability. The available literature presents very contradictory situations, ranging between the two extreme poles of high economic viability and nonviability. Such contradictory conclusions are derived since economic benefits from the technology are influenced by a number of factors. A review of the literature reveals that various factors are either not considered, or that the economics have been worked out assuming a very ideal situation, while biogas plants are operating under very different conditions. Using the coal replacement method even as coal is seldom used by villages is only a single example of this approach. In most of the developing countries, rural populations depend mainly on non-commercial fuels like firewood, dungcakes, agricultural wastes and leaves for cooking and heating purposes. Under the present technological limitations, biogas can most commonly be used for cooking and lighting. For testing the economic viability of biogas systems, a number of authors have considered the benefits in terms of savings in traditional fuels. But considering the actual thermal efficiency of different non-commercial fuel items, as well as biogas, it has still be be decided at what point of the market prices of fuel items that the biogas system becomes economically viable and remains viable. The present paper thus reviews different approaches adopted and suggested for working out the economics or the cost-benefit ratio of the biogas technology at the first stage, and then spells out the factors influencing the economic benefits of the technology under various situations, with the help of empirical
Agrawal, S.C.; Agrawal, S.; Khare, O.P.
Economic assessment of CO? capture and disposal
A multi-sector multi-region general equilibrium model of economic growth and emissions is used to explore the conditions that will determine the market penetration of CO2 capture and disposal technology.
Eckaus, Richard S.; Jacoby, Henry D.; Ellerman, A. Denny.; Leung, Wing-Chi.; Yang, Zili.
Financial and Economic Terms
This publication lists and defines many financial and economic terms with which producers should be familiar.
McCorkle, Dean; Klinefelter, Danny A.
Energy Efficiency Economics and Policy
Energy efficiency and conservation are considered key means for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving other energy policy goals, but associated market behavior and policy responses have engendered debates in the economic literature. We review economic concepts underlying consumer decisionmaking in energy efficiency and conservation and examine related empirical literature. In particular, we provide an economic perspective on the range of market barriers, market failures, and behavioral failures that have been cited in the energy efficiency context. We assess the extent to which these conditions provide a motivation for policy intervention in energy-using product markets, including an examination of the evidence on policy effectiveness and cost. While theory and empirical evidence suggest there is potential for welfare-enhancing energy efficiency policies, many open questions remain, particularly relating to the extent of some of the key market and behavioral failures.
Kenneth Gillingham; Richard G. Newell; Karen Palmer
Comparison between Culture Conditions Improving Growth and ...
Keywords: Blood Cells, Bone Marrow Cells, Cell Proliferation, Cell Survival, Mesenchymal Stem .... Abano Terme, Italy), a non-woven hyaluronan-based scaffold.
Solar air conditioning
Development of a hybrid solar-assisted air conditioning system that combines a vapor compression section for sensible cooling with a desiccant section for dehumidification and that uses both solar energy and condenser waste heat to drive the dehumidifier has been under way for the last two years (1981 and 1982). The results of this research are included in this report: utilizing solar energy in an economical way has proven quite difficult.
Robison, H.
Improvement of Bioethanol Production using Saccharomyces cerevisiae .
??Ethanol, when mixed with gasoline, is an economical and environmentally friendly liquid fuel. Yeast cells under anaerobic conditions can ferment glucose to ethanol. However, glucose� (more)
Bawa, Nancy
Building Energy Software Tools Directory: Photovoltaics Economics
Photovoltaics Economics Calculator Photovoltaics Economics Calculator Web-based tool which allows you to describe your solar system in detail and provides a detailed breakdown of what sort of power you'll get out of it and how economical of a investment the system will be. It uses the TMY2 solar data from the NREL Renewable Resource Data Center. This calculator allows users to customize their setup, providing greater feedback on how much power is provided when, and most importantly, a detailed economics breakdown of how the investment works out. It also keeps track of battery charge states for off-grid users. Screen Shots Keywords solar, photovoltaic, economics Validation/Testing Validated against PVWatts, a widely recognized solar power output calculator. When given the exact same conditions, power production is
M-09-30--Improving Recovery Act Recipient Reporting
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT O F F I C E O F M A N A G E M E N T A N D B U D G E T W A S H I N G T O N , D . C . 2 0 5 0 3 T H E D I R E C T O R September 11, 2009 M-09-30 MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES FROM: Peter R. Orszag Director SUBJECT: Improving Recovery Act Recipient Reporting On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, P.L. 111-5 ("Recovery Act"). In the first six months since enactment, the Recovery Act-along with the Administration's other economic initiatives-has worked to stabilize economic conditions and help those most harmed by the economic crisis.
Magnetic fusion reactor economics
An almost primordial trend in the conversion and use of energy is an increased complexity and cost of conversion systems designed to utilize cheaper and more-abundant fuels; this trend is exemplified by the progression fossil fission {yields} fusion. The present projections of the latter indicate that capital costs of the fusion ``burner`` far exceed any commensurate savings associated with the cheapest and most-abundant of fuels. These projections suggest competitive fusion power only if internal costs associate with the use of fossil or fission fuels emerge to make them either uneconomic, unacceptable, or both with respect to expensive fusion systems. This ``implementation-by-default`` plan for fusion is re-examined by identifying in general terms fusion power-plant embodiments that might compete favorably under conditions where internal costs (both economic and environmental) of fossil and/or fission are not as great as is needed to justify the contemporary vision for fusion power. Competitive fusion power in this context will require a significant broadening of an overly focused program to explore the physics and simbiotic technologies leading to more compact, simplified, and efficient plasma-confinement configurations that reside at the heart of an attractive fusion power plant.
Krakowski, R.A.
NREL: Water Power Research - Economic and Power System Modeling and
Economic and Power System Modeling and Analysis Economic and Power System Modeling and Analysis NREL has a long history of successful research to understand and improve the cost of renewable energy technologies, their possible deployment scenarios, and the economic impacts of this deployment. As a research laboratory, NREL is a neutral third party and can provide an unbiased perspective of methodologies and approaches used to estimate direct and indirect economic impacts of offshore renewable energy projects. Deployment and Economic Impact NREL's economic analysis team is working to provide stakeholders with the tools necessary to understand potential deployment scenarios of water power technologies and the economic impacts of this deployment. The team is working to improve the representation of marine and
Economic Development | ornl.gov
Economic Development Carbon Fiber Cluster Strategy Additive Manufacturing Cluster Strategy Entrepreneurial Development Programs Oak Ridge Science and Technology Park Economic...
Economic Development and Pollutants.
?? The purpose of this paper is to investigate the correlation of economic development and pollutants in Brazil from 1960 to 2008. This investigation is� (more)
T�rnros, Sara
Economics and market potential of hydrogen production
A study was undertaken to evaluate the economics of producing hydrogen from coal and from water and to assess the market potential for this hydrogen in chemical and fuel applications. Results of this study are summarized. Current chemical applications of hydrogen in manufacturing ammonia and methanol, in refining petroleum and in specialty uses provide a base market for penetration by new hydrogen production technologies, although prospects for the use of hydrogen in fuel applications remain unclear. Electrolysis and coal gasification will be complementary, not competitive, technologies for producing hydrogen. Coal gasification plants are better suited to production of large quantities of hydrogen, while electrolyzers are better suited to the production of hydrogen for small-scale uses. Hydrogen produced through coal gasification may be economical in chemical applications (e.g., ammonia production) by the late 1990's. Development programs now underway are expected to provide new coal gasification technologies with lower first costs and higher efficiencies than current technologies. An on-site coal gasification plant supplying hydrogen in the quantities usually required in chemical applications (from 10 to 100 million cubic feet per day) will be smaller than is generally proposed for syngas plants. Growth in smaller scale specialty uses of hydrogen and improvements in the technology for electrolysis will create conditions favorable to expanded use of hydrogen produced through water electrolysis. The major constraint on use of electrolysis will be the availability of low cost electricity. Shortages of natural gas caused by declining domestic production could induce shifts to producing hydrogen through electrolysis or through coal gasification earlier in time (i.e., the late 1980's or early 1990's) than is suggested by comparative cost calculations alone.
Economic Value of Veterinary
laboratories such as TVMDL. Without TVMDL's services, Texas would experience both a health and a fiscal crisis Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) works to protect animal and human health through diagnostic testing of samplesEconomic Value of Veterinary Diagnostics Public Investment in Animal Health Testing Yields Economic
Wind Economic Development (Postcard)
The U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Powering America initiative provides information on the economic development benefits of wind energy. This postcard is a marketing piece that stakeholders can provide to interested parties; it will guide them to the economic development benefits section on the Wind Powering America website.
Neighborhood Energy/Economic Development project
Energy costs impact low income communities more than anyone else. Low income residents pay a larger percentage of their incomes for energy costs. In addition, they generally have far less discretionary energy use to eliminate in response to increasing energy prices. Furthermore, with less discretionary income, home energy efficiency improvements are often too expensive. Small neighborhood businesses are in the same situation. Improved efficiency in the use of energy can improve this situation by reducing energy costs for residents and local businesses. More importantly, energy management programs can increase the demand for local goods and services and lead to the creation of new job training and employment opportunities. In this way, neighborhood based energy efficiency programs can support community economic development. The present project, undertaken with the support of the Urban Consortium Energy Task Force, was intended to serve as a demonstration of energy/economic programming at the neighborhood level. The San Francisco Neighborhood Energy/Economic Development (NEED) project was designed to be a visible demonstration of bringing the economic development benefits of energy management home to low-income community members who need it most. To begin, a Community Advisory Committee was established to guide the design of the programs to best meet needs of the community. Subsequently three neighborhood energy/economic development programs were developed: The small business energy assistance program; The youth training and weatherization program; and, The energy review of proposed housing development projects.
Economic evaluation of smart well technology
The demand of oil and gas resources is high and the forecasts show a trend for higher requirements in the future. More unconventional resource exploitation along with an increase in the total recovery in current producing fields is required. At this pivotal time the role of emerging technologies is of at most importance. Smart or intelligent well technology is one of the up and coming technologies that have been developed to assist improvements in field development outcome. In this paper a comprehensive review of this technology has been discussed. The possible reservoir environments in which smart well technology could be used and also, the possible benefits that could be realized by utilizing smart well technology has been discussed. The economic impact of smart well technology has been studied thoroughly. Five field cases were used to evaluate the economics of smart well technology in various production environments. Real field data along with best estimate of smart well technology pricings were used in this research. I have used different comparisons between smart well cases and conventional completion to illustrate the economic differences between the different completion scenarios. Based on the research, I have realized that all the smart well cases showed a better economic return than conventional completions. The offshore cases showed a good economic environment for smart well technology. Large onshore developments with smart well technology can also provide a lucrative economic return. These situations can increase the overall economic return and ultimate recovery which will assist in meeting some of the oil demand around the globe.
Al Omair, Abdullatif A.
ULCOS scenarios and economic modeling
Modeling activities and scenario building are at the heart of the economic analysis delivered by the ULCOS program. Two main objectives were followed in the framework of SP9. First the modeling team had to provide a set of coherent energy economic scenarios using POLES model. Second, the economic conditions for the emergence of the ULCOS technologies were analyzed. ULCOS contributes to the elaboration of contrasted scenarios that the steel industry could face in the long term. To aim at these objectives specific tools have been used: POLES model for the global energy system modeling and ISIM model for the steel sector based prospective ([1] Hidalgo, 2003). The most promising steel production technologies identified in ULCOS Phase 1 have been introduced into ISIM as generic technologies. ISIM was then integrated as a module into POLES modeling system. The main model outputs are the energy prices and mixes and the steel sector balances with a focus on the technology mix. Actually the climate policy scenarios developped in project allow making recommendations to the steel industry in terms of sustainable development but also in terms of business strategy.
Elie Bellevrat
Passive solar economics in 15 northwest locations
The economic performance of Trombe wall and direct gain passive solar heating designs are evaluated using the LASL/UNM solar economic performance code. Both designs are integrated into a ranch style tract home concept thereby facilitating intra-regional comparison. The economic performance of these systems is evaluated for 15 sites in the Northwest region. Space heating loads have been locally specified. System sizes have been optimized against the natural gas and electric resistance heating alternatives, the current price and future escalation of which is established for each locale. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine the maximum competitive add-on costs for each system under a specified set of energy price, solar performance and economic conditions.
Kirschner, C.; Ben-David, S.; Roach, F.
Online Condition Monitoring to Enable Extended Operation of Nuclear Power Plants
Safe, secure, and economic operation of nuclear power plants will remain of strategic significance. New and improved monitoring will likely have increased significance in the post-Fukushima world. Prior to Fukushima, many activities were already underway globally to facilitate operation of nuclear power plants beyond their initial licensing periods. Decisions to shut down a nuclear power plant are mostly driven by economic considerations. Online condition monitoring is a means to improve both the safety and economics of extending the operating lifetimes of nuclear power plants, enabling adoption of proactive aging management. With regard to active components (e.g., pumps, valves, motors, etc.), significant experience in other industries has been leveraged to build the science base to support adoption for online condition-based maintenance and proactive aging management in the nuclear industry. Many of the research needs are associated with enabling proactive management of aging in passive components (e.g., pipes, vessels, cables, containment structures, etc.). This paper provides an overview of online condition monitoring for the nuclear power industry with an emphasis on passive components. Following the overview, several technology/knowledge gaps are identified, which require addressing to facilitate widespread online condition monitoring of passive components.
Meyer, Ryan M.; Bond, Leonard J.; Ramuhalli, Pradeep
Essays in financial economics
This thesis consists of three essays in financial economics. Chapter 1 is entitled "Inside Debt." Existing theories advocate the use of cash and equity in executive compensation. However, recent empirical studies have ...
Edmans, Alex
Displaying Economic Value
The distinction between forecast quality and economic value in a cost�loss formulation is well known. Also well known is their complex relationship, even with some instances of a reversal between the two, where higher quality is associated with ...
Caren Marzban
PNNL: Economic Development Office
business looking for a door to the Laboratory? The Economic Development Office at PNNL is here to help you start, grow, or relocate your business. We help you tap into...
I Policy Environment 1.1 During the year 1999-2000, the Indian economy exhibited a good degree of resilience. Economic growth continued to be in line with the trend in the post 1991 period, notwithstanding
Strategic and Flexible Transmission Planning: Balancing Reliability and Economics in Transmission Planning
Projects that improve reliability can also improve economics and vice versa. The challenge is in achieving the reliability goals with as much economic benefit as possible, that is, to balance the reliability and economic goals without compromising either. A method to balance the reliability and economic needs when planning transmission is outlined here with examples given for its usage.BackgroundThe goal of bulk power system planning is to ensure that ...
Boiler Stack Economizer Tube Failure
Presentation Title, Boiler Stack Economizer Tube Failure ... performed to investigate the failure of a type 304 stainless steel tube from a boiler stack economizer.
Argonne TDC: Regional Economic Development
Regional Economic Development Argonne participates in economic development activities with State of Illinois agencies and programs, business and industrial organizations, and...
Microsoft Word - Economic Dispatch final Nov 18.doc
THE VALUE OF ECONOMIC DISPATCH THE VALUE OF ECONOMIC DISPATCH A REPORT TO CONGRESS PURSUANT TO SECTION 1234 OF THE ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005 Prepared by United States Department of Energy November 7, 2005 ii iii THE VALUE OF ECONOMIC DISPATCH A REPORT TO CONGRESS PURSUANT TO SECTION 1234 OF THE ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005 Prepared by United States Department of Energy November 7, 2005 iv v TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents i List of Acronyms iii Section 1 -- Introduction and Summary 1 Industry Changes 1 Study Method and Overview 2 Summary of Findings 3 Section 2 -- Economic Dispatch 9 What is Economic Dispatch? 9 "Economic" Dispatch vs. "Efficient" Dispatch 11 Security-Constrained Unit Commitment 12 Grid Conditions that Constrain Economic Dispatch 13
Ghana-GTZ Sustainable Economic Development | Open Energy Information
Economic Development Economic Development Jump to: navigation, search Logo: Ghana-GTZ Sustainable Economic Development Name Ghana-GTZ Sustainable Economic Development Agency/Company /Organization Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Partner German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Sector Energy Topics Background analysis, Co-benefits assessment, - Energy Access Website http://www.gtz.de/en/weltweit/ Program Start 2006 Program End 2013 Country Ghana Western Africa References Sustainable Economic Development in Ghana[1] GTZ is working with Ghana on this project with the following objective: "The judicial, economic and institutional framework conditions and the access to energy as well as to financial and non-financial services has
Oxygen enriched combustion system performance study: Phase 1, Interim/final report: Volume 1, Technical and economic analysis
Technical and economic feasibility of using oxygen enriched combustion (OEC) and preheated oxygen enriched combustion (POEC) for industrial furnace applications was evaluated. The potential for fuel savings and productivity improvements with OEC/POEC systems was parametrically analyzed for a broad range of furnace conditions including those for steel heating, glass melting and aluminum melting. The changes in combustion characteristics with OEC were reviewed and their effects on furnace applications discussed. Relative advantages of different enrichment techniques, safety considerations and the effects of OEC on combustion-generated pollutants were also evaluated. The characteristics and economics of the state-of-the-art oxygen generation methods including PSA, membrane and cryogenic systems were evaluated to identify cost effective methods of supplying oxygen enriched air. The potential synergistic effects of combining preheating and oxygen enrichment were investigated by analyzing fuel savings and the capital and operating costs. The overall process economics of conventional heat recovery systems, and various OEC/POEC systems were compared.
Kobayashi, Hisashi
Coal mining technology, economics and policy 1991
The 1991 session papers from the American Mining Congress Coal Convention covered a variety of technical, economic, regulatory, and health and safety issues. The papers were grouped into the following categories: Coal mine ventilation technology; Coal policy; Coal utilization -- problems and opportunities; Dealing with spontaneous combustion; Energy taxation; Environmental issues; Ergonomics in the underground mine environment; Ground control technology; Lessons in compromise: the need to improve our communications strategies; Management - improving operations through organizational change; Productivity forum - how to improve the bottom line; Reclamation technology; Safety and health; Subsidence; Surface mining - technology and reclamation policy; Underground haulage - from the face to the surface.
Quasi-experimental and experimental approaches to environmental economics
This paper argues that an increased application of quasi-experimental and experimental techniques will improve understanding about core environmental economics questions. This argument is supported by a review of the ...
Greenstone, Michael
Minority Economic Impact | Department of Energy
Minority Economic Impact Minority Economic Impact Diversity and Inclusion Supporting Small Businesses Minority Economic Impact Partnering with Minority Serving Institutions...
Greening Federal Facilities: An Energy, Environmental, and Economic
Greening Federal Facilities: An Energy, Environmental, and Economic Greening Federal Facilities: An Energy, Environmental, and Economic Resource Guide for Federal Facility managers and Designers; Second Edition Greening Federal Facilities: An Energy, Environmental, and Economic Resource Guide for Federal Facility managers and Designers; Second Edition A nuts-and-bolts resource guide compiled to increase energy and resource efficiency, cut waste, and improve the performance of Federal buildings and facilities. Greening Federal Facilities: An Energy, Environmental, and Economic Resource Guide for Federal Facility managers and Designers; Second Edition More Documents & Publications From Tragedy to Triumph - Resources for Rebuilding Green after Disaster, EERE (Fact Sheet) Rebuilding It Better; BTI-Greensburg, John Deere Dealership (Brochure)
IAEA Planning and Economic Studies Section (PESS) Capacity Building | Open
IAEA Planning and Economic Studies Section (PESS) Capacity Building IAEA Planning and Economic Studies Section (PESS) Capacity Building Jump to: navigation, search Tool Summary Name: IAEA Planning and Economic Studies Section (PESS) Capacity Building Agency/Company /Organization: International Atomic Energy Agency Sector: Energy Focus Area: Non-renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy Topics: Pathways analysis Resource Type: Software/modeling tools, Training materials References: IAEA PESS capacity building[1] Logo: IAEA Planning and Economic Studies Section (PESS) Capacity Building "PESS offers assistance to Member States, particularly from developing regions, to improve their energy system analysis & planning capabilities. Assistance can include: transferring modern planning methods, tools and databanks
Impact of Climate on Energy Sector in Economic Analysis
Assessments of economic conditions by region or sector attempt to include relevant climatic variability through residual adjustment techniques. There is no direct consideration of climatic fluctuations. Three recent severe winters combined with ...
Henry E. Warren; Sharon K. LeDuc
Power Economic Analysis
CRSP Management Center CRSP Management Center Western Area Power Administration January 2011 Power Economic Analysis of Operational Restrictions at Glen Canyon Dam In February, 1997, the operating criteria for Glen Canyon Dam were changed. Operation was restricted to a Modified Low Fluctuating Flow as described in the Operation of Glen Canyon Dam, Colorado River Storage Project, Arizona, Final Environmental Impact Statement, March, 1995. These restrictions reduced the operating flexibility of the hydroelectric power plant and therefore the economic value of the electricity it produced. The Environmental Impact Statement provided impact information to support the Record of Decision governing dam operations. The impact
Interaction between economic dynamical systems
The paper considers economic dynamical systems, the state spaces being the Riemannian manifolds. Between two economic dynamical systems, global feedforward and the feedback interaction is defined and the connection between their linearization and prolongation ... Keywords: economic dynamical system, economic flow, feedback, feedforward, linearization, prolongation by derivation
Constantin Patrascoiu
Cogeneration Economics and Financial Analysis
Cogeneration has received much attention as a way to improve the efficiency of energy generation and conversion. This interest has been stimulated by higher energy costs for fuel and electricity as well as economic incentives granted by the federal government for industrial cogeneration. This paper discusses a variety of cogeneration systems applied at specific sites drawn from the major industrial sectors - food, textiles, pulp and paper, chemicals, and petroleum refining. Various technologies are considered. Capital and operating cost estimates are developed for the most promising systems to calculate cash flows and determine return on investment for a industrial ownership options of these facilities. Conclusions summarize the relation between technology, relative electric energy costs, and fuel costs.
Kusik, C. L.; Golden, W. J.; Fox, L. K.
Conditions for learning from animations
Animated diagrams representing dynamic systems hold great potential for improving the way people learn. However, so far the literature failed to find clear benefits of animated diagrams. Consequently it is worthwhile to investigate conditions under which ...
Herre Van Oostendorp; Michiel J. Beijersbergen; Sam Solaimani
New England Wind Forum: Wind Power Economics
Wind Powering America (EERE)
State Activities Projects in New England Building Wind Energy in New England Wind Resource Wind Power Technology Economics Cost Components Determining Factors Influencing Wind Economics in New England How does wind compare to the cost of other electricity options? Markets Siting Policy Technical Challenges Issues Small Wind Large Wind Newsletter Perspectives Events Quick Links to States CT MA ME NH RI VT Bookmark and Share Wind Power Economics Long-Term Cost Trends Since the first major installations of commercial-scale wind turbines in the 1980s, the cost of energy from wind power projects has decreased substantially due to larger turbine generators, towers, and rotor lengths; scale economies associated with larger projects; improvements in manufacturing efficiency, and technological advances in turbine generator and blade design. These technological advances have allowed for higher generating capacities per turbine and more efficient capture of wind, especially at lower wind speeds.
The Potential of Cellulosic Ethanol Production from Municipal Solid Waste: A Technical and Economic Evaluation
of the lowest cost feedstock sources for cellulosic ethanolfeedstock costs along with achieving high yields of ethanol can result in significant improvements in the economics of cellulosic
Shi, Jian; Ebrik, Mirvat; Yang, Bin; Wyman, Charles E.
Economics of ALMR deployment
The Advanced Liquid Metal Reactor (ALMR) has the potential to extend the economic life of the nuclear option and of reducing the number of high level waste repositories which will eventually be needed in an expanding nuclear economy. This paper reports on an analysis which models and evaluates the economics of the use of ALMRs as a component of this country`s future electricity generation mix. The ALMR concept has the ability to utilize as fuel the fissile material contained in previously irradiated nuclear fuel (i.e., spent fuel) or from surplus weapons grade material. While not a requirement for the successful deployment of ALMR power plant technology, the reprocessing of spent fuel from light water reactors (LWR) is necessary for any rapid introduction of ALMR power plants. In addition, the reprocessing of LWR spent fuel may reduce the number of high level waste repositories needed in the future by burning the long-lived actinides produced in the fission process. With this study, the relative economics of a number of potential scenarios related to these issues are evaluated. While not encompassing the full range of all possibilities, the cases reported here provide an indication of the potential costs, timings, and relative economic attractiveness of ALMR deployment.
Delene, J.G.; Fuller, L.C.; Hudson, C.R.
Opportunity and Economic
-feet powered by green energy. This could include heating with wood pellet-fired boilers, putting solar panels of projects related to wood pellet emissions, operations, economics, and applications. The facility would research partnerships, and be an architectural prototype for natural materials, innovative wood products
Northern British Columbia, University of
Programming Languages in Economics
Young economists sometimes ask which computer programming languages they should learn. This paper answers that question by suggesting that they begin with a high level language like GAUSS, GAMS, Mathematica, Maple or MATLAB depending on their field ... Keywords: computational economics, computer languages, programming languages, software
David A. Kendrick; Hans M. Amman
Publications Agricultural Economics
. (2012). Economics of IPM Decisions. Stored Product Protection (1- 9). Manhattan, KS: Kansas State (1-11). Manhattan, KS: Kansas State. http://entomology.k-state.edu/doc/finished- chapters/s156-ch-27 of Food and Agriculture Conservation Effects Assessment Project. How to Build Better Agricultural
Energy Efficiency Improvement in the Petroleum Refining Industry
Opportunities for Petroleum Refineries. An ENERGY STAR�and the chemical industry. Refineries spend typically 50% ofStates. Typically, refineries can economically improve
Worrell, Ernst; Galitsky, Christina
Protecting the Investment in Heat Recovery with Boiler Economizers
Many people consider energy to be a crisis in remission -- even with continuing high fuel costs. Some voice concern over the long term security of an investment in flue gas heat recovery equipment. The concern generally involves the ability of an economizer or air heater to continue to perform efficiently without corrosion. The recognized economic advantages of an economizer result from its ability to convert heat losses into sources of energy. One of the most productive means of obtaining reduced energy costs lies in the improvements of the efficiency of steam generating boilers. Industrial and institutional boilers operating at pressures of 75 psig or greater are excellent applications. The maximum gain that can be safely achieved is governed by a number of technical and physical limitations. Among these are considerations of the economics, temperatures of the flue gas and water, and the potential for corrosion. This paper will discuss the economic and practical considerations of an economizer installation.
Roethe, L. A.
Economic assessment of nine geothermal direct use applications. Final report
This report provides an economic analysis of nine federally-supported geothermal direct heat applications which were part of DOE's Program Opportunity Notice (PON) program. Three of the projects analyzed were user-owned systems, and six were district heating systems. Five of the nine projects are successful from an economic standpoint and the majority of these projects are in areas where geothermal energy has long been used for heating. The results of this analysis indicate that geothermal energy projects can be economic under certain conditions, but these conditions may not be very widespread.
Gordon, L.C.; Breton, T.R.
Thermo-Economic Assessment of Advanced,High-Temperature CANDU Reactors
Research underway on the advanced CANDU examines new, innovative, reactor concepts with the aim of significant cost reduction and resource sustainability through improved thermodynamic efficiency and plant simplification. The so-called CANDU-X concept retains the key elements of the current CANDU designs, including heavy-water moderator that provides a passive heat sink and horizontal pressure tubes. Improvement in thermodynamic efficiency is sought via substantial increases in both pressure and temperature of the reactor coolant. Following on from the new Next Generation (NG) CANDU, which is ready for markets in 2005 and beyond, the reactor coolant is chosen to be light water but at supercritical operating conditions. Two different temperature regimes are being studied, Mark 1 and Mark 2, based respectively on continued use of zirconium or on stainless-steel-based fuel cladding. Three distinct cycle options have been proposed for Mark 1: the High-Pressure Steam Generator (HPSG) cycle, the Dual cycle, and the Direct cycle. For Mark 2, the focus is on simplification via a Direct cycle. This paper presents comparative thermo-economic assessments of the CANDU-X cycle options, with the ultimate goal of ascertaining which particular cycle option is the best overall in terms of thermodynamics and economics. A similar assessment was already performed for the NG CANDU. The economic analyses entail obtaining cost estimates of major plant components, such as heat exchangers, turbines and pumps. (authors)
Spinks, Norman J.; Pontikakis, Nikos; Duffey, Romney B. [Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Chalk River, ON KOJ 1J0 (Canada)
Economics of the attached solar greenhouse for home heating
For several years, passive solar heating has been considered to be very attractive (economically and otherwise) for home heating in the U.S. Unfortunately passive systems are not as easily analyzed as active systems from an engineering and economic performance point of view. This problem is addressed, and an economic assessment of the solar greenhouse is given. Using simple heat balance analysis, a greenhouse performance model is developed for assessing heat available for home space conditioning from an add-on solar greenhouse. This forms the basis for an engineering-economic model for assessing the economic viability of the add-on solar greenhouse for home heating. Model variables include climatic factors, local costs, alternate fuels and system size. This model is then used to examine several locations in the U.S. for the economic attractiveness of the add-on solar greenhouse for space heating.
Kolstad, C.D.
New Fabrication Method Improves the Efficiency and Economics...
properties, which, in turn, affect the pho- tocurrent density, photovoltage, and solar energy conversion efficiency. Researchers also examined the effects of NT film...
Agility at scale: economic governance, measured improvement, and disciplined delivery
Agility without discipline cannot scale, and discipline without agility cannot compete. Agile methods are now mainstream. Software enterprises are adopting these practices in broad, comprehensive delivery contexts. There have been many successes, and ...
Alan W. Brown, Scott Ambler, Walker Royce
Improved Quality and Economics of Investment Castings by Liquid ...
on radiation cooling becomes therefore quite difficult [l]. A promising alternative is ... In 1994, a LMC pilot plant was installed at the WTM-institute in. Erlangen [3].
Assess and improve the national GHG inventory and other economic...
development Greenhouse Gas Inventory Development Toolkit 3a. Analytical Decision Making - Developing BAU Scenario 3b. Analytical Decision Making - Assessing Opportunities 3b.1....
Improved Magnetic Fusion Energy Economics via Massive Resistive Electromagnets
Abandoning superconductors for magnetic fusion reactors and instead using resistive magnet designs based on cheap copper or aluminum conductor material operating at "room temperature" (300 K) can reduce the capital cost per unit fusion power and simplify plant operations. By increasing unit size well beyond that of present magnetic fusion energy conceptual designs using superconducting electromagnets, the recirculating power fraction needed to operate resistive electromagnets can be made as close to zero as needed for economy without requiring superconductors. Other advantages of larger fusion plant size, such as very long inductively driven pulses, may also help reduce the cost per unit fusion power.
Woolley, R.D.
Economic Impact & Diversity
ECONOMIC IMPACT AND DIVERSITY ECONOMIC IMPACT AND DIVERSITY FOURTH QUARTER STATUS (As of August 10, 2006) Executive Summary: ED is responsible for managing the department's on-going small business programs, Affirmative Action programs, Employee Concerns program, EEO programs, and the Department's Minority Education program. ED serves as the support office for department-wide efforts to broaden and/or diversify the Department's base as it relates to employment, contracting and financial assistance awards. Where we are today: ED finalized the reorganization/restructuring process which reduced the offices within ED from five to three. Along with this process, ED moved the Employee Concerns and Special Emphasis activities and personnel to the Office of Civil Rights and Diversity
Economics of geothermal energy
A selected summary is presented of the resource, technical, and financial considerations which influence the economics of geothermal energy in the US. Estimates of resource base and levelized busbar cost of base load power for several types of geothermal resources are compared with similar estimates for more conventional energy resources. Current geothermal electric power plants planned, under construction, and on-line in the US are noted.
Morris, G.E.; Tester, J.W.; Graves, G.A.
NERC ECONOMIC IMPACT BASELINE 2007-08 Executive Summary
1 NERC ECONOMIC IMPACT BASELINE 2007-08 Executive Summary The Natural Environment Research Council environmental markets. NERC provides timely forewarning of major environmental changes allowing the UK economy highly skilled people to the labour market · Improving the performance of existing businesses · Improving
Edinburgh, University of
Energy, Environmental & Economic Systems Analysis
Energy, Environmental & Economic Systems Analysis GTMax: A New Deregulated Power Market Analysis Tool Opportunity Decision and Information Sciences Division Center for Energy, Environmental & Economic hourly energy transactions, costs, and revenues. GTMax has a user-friendly geographical information
Kemner, Ken
TRANSPORTATION POLICY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: OUR CHOICE FOR THE FUTURE Proceedings from PROCEEDINGS North Dakota's Transportation Network: Our Choice for the Future Program Biographical Sketches PROCEEDINGS Transportation and Economic Development: Our Choice for the Future Program Biographical Sketches
Levinson, David M.
Refund for Economic Development (Texas)
The Refund for Economic Development under the Tax Code for state tax refunds for economic development. Some Texas property owners may be eligible to receive refunds of state sales and use taxes and...
One: The California Economic Outlook
THE CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Christopher Thornberg,signs of having peaked. The outlook for 2006 is dominated by
Thornberg, Christopher
Identifying cost reduction and performance improvement opportunities through simulation
During difficult economic times, companies have few positive cost reducing options that simultaneously improve operational performance. This paper addresses how Deloitte Consulting partnered with Simio LLC to model multiple process improvement opportunities ...
J. Ethan Brown; David Sturrock
On the Economics of 3G Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)
The paper assesses the market conditions and dynamics, the architectures and the different approaches for deployment of 3G Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), in an attempt to address specific advantages and pitfalls. Following the definition of ... Keywords: (MVNOs), 3G economics, 3G market, 3G systems, UMTS, mobile internet economics, mobile operators, mobile virtual network operators, techno-economics, virtual network operators
D. Varoutas; D. Katsianis; Th. Sphicopoulos; K. Stordahl; I. Welling
Economic doctrines and network policy
Disagreements over how to craft Internet policy have become more and more contentious and political. Beyond the technical and engineering aspects are economic questions, and the points of view of various stakeholders and participants on such network ... Keywords: Broadband, Copyright, Doctrines, Economic ideology, Neoclassical economics, Net neutrality, Privacy
Robert D. Atkinson
Retrofit Air Preheat Economics
Retrofit air preheat systems are the most reliable and efficient means to effect significant energy conservation for large existing industrial furnaces. Units can be quickly installed without a lengthy shutdown, and the furnace efficiency can be increased to a range of 89% to 92%. The economic justification for the addition of this equipment is presented in new total investment curves and simple payout curves for a range of fuel cost. This will enable the owner to quickly determine the preliminary feasibility and conceptual requirements for his project before proceeding with more vigorous work.
Goolsbee, J. A.
Estimation, Economic methodology
In this paper I analyse the main strengths and weaknesses of agent-based computational models. I first describe how agent-based simulations can complement more traditional modelling techniques. Then, I rationalise the main theoretical critiques against the use of simulation, which point to the following problematic areas: (i) interpretation of the simulation dynamics, (ii) estimation of the simulation model, and (iii) generalisation of the results. I show that there exist solutions for all these issues. Along the way, I clarify some confounding differences in terminology between the computer science and the economic literature.
Matteo Richiardi; Laboratorio Riccardo; Revelli Centre; Employment Studies; I�m Indebted Francesco Devicienti; Roberto Leombruni; Bruno Contini For Their
Essays in economics
The first chapter analyzes incentives and quality in hospitals with physician-investors. Proponents of physician ownership argue that it improves care; opponents claim that physician-investors "cherry-pick" profitable ...
Swanson, Ashley (Ashley Terese)
Economic benefits of decarbonising the global electricity sector
Conventional economic analyses of stringent climate change mitigation have generally concluded that economic austerity would result from carbon austerity. These analyses however rely critically on the assumption of an economic equilibrium, which dismisses established notions on behavioural heterogeneity, path dependence and technology transitions. Here we show that on the contrary, the decarbonisation of the electricity sector globally can lead to improvements in economic performance. By modelling the process of innovation-diffusion and non-equilibrium dynamics, we establish how climate policy instruments for emissions reductions alter economic activity through energy prices, government spending, enhanced investment and tax revenues. While higher electricity prices reduce income and output, this is over-compensated by enhanced employment generated by investments in new technology. We stress that the current dialogue on the impacts of climate policies must be revisited to reflect the real complex dynamics invo...
Mercure, J F; Foley, A; Chewpreecha, U; Pollitt, H; Holden, P B; Edwards, N R
Economics of Electric Compressors for Gas Transmission
Three new factors are coming together to motivate gas pipeline firms to consider electric motors for replacement of older reciprocating gas engines for compressor systems, and for new compressor installations. These factors are environmental regulations, economics, and new compressor technology. In ozone Non-Attainment regions, it is necessary to bring gas compressors into compliance with NOx regulations, and replacement with new electric systems represents a Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER) option. Outside of these regions, new electric drives as well as gas fueled reciprocating engines and turbines are being considered for replacement of older reciprocating gas engines and compressor units, based on improved operating efficiency. We review here the impacts of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and economics on the selection process for considering electric drives versus alternatives for both ozone Non-Attainment areas and Attainment areas.
Schmeal, W. R.; Hibbs, J. J.
The economics of repowering steam turbines
Repowering is defined as displacing steam presently generated in an existing fossil fuel fired boiler with a gas turbine-heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) system. The steam generated in the HRSG is expanded in the existing steam turbine generator. Repowering advantages include a significant increase in power output at an improved heat rate relative to the base value for the existing steam turbine cycle being repowered. In addition, the reduction in emissions can be advantageous in most locations. This paper discusses application and economic considerations associated with repowering. In addition, an illustration will show how repowering coal fired steam turbine systems may prove economic relative to retrofit scrubbers and/or low sulfur coal fuel substitution that may be part of the forthcoming acid rain legislation.
Kovacik, J.M.; Stoll, H.G. (General Electric Co., Schenectady, NY (United States))
MTBE Production Economics
Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update (EIA)
MTBE Production MTBE Production Economics Tancred C. M. Lidderdale Contents 1. Summary 2. MTBE Production Costs 3. Relationship between price of MTBE and Reformulated Gasoline 4. Influence of Natural Gas Prices on the Gasoline Market 5. Regression Results 6. Data Sources 7. End Notes 1. Summary Last year the price of MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) increased dramatically on two occasions (Figure 1) (see Data Sources at end of article.): 1. Between April and June 2000, the price (U.S. Gulf Coast waterborne market) of MTBE rose from $1.00 per gallon to over $1.60 per gallon. This represented an increase in the price premium for MTBE over the wholesale price of conventional gasoline from its normal (1995 though 2000 average) $0.26 per gallon to $0.60 per gallon. The MTBE
Events Calendar Events Calendar left arrow January 2014 right arrow Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Scheduled events for January 4, 2014 Calendar contains no events. Past Events 2013 September 20, 2013 - Startup Weekend Tri-Cities January 29, 2013 - PTAC Class: Developing Your Capability Statement January 24, 2013 - Economic Outlook Summit January 23, 2013 - Women in Business Conference January 10, 2013 - Venture Investment and Partnering Forum January 07, 2013 - New Routes for U.S.-Japan Collaboration / Ambassadorial Outreach Tour 2012 November 29, 2012 - Innovation Summit October 18, 2012 - Funding for Startups from the National Cancer Institute October 11, 2012 - Career Fair October 09, 2012 - Understanding Government Contracting Solicitations
This report studies the economic impacts of energy policies and climate adaptation generally, and particularly as this relates to employment and innovation. In addition to disseminating original research findings, this study is intended to contribute to policy dialogue and public awareness about environment-economy linkages and sustainable growth. All opinions expressed here are those of the authors and should not be attributed to their affiliated institutions. For this project on Energy Efficiency, Innovation, and Job Creation in California, we express thanks to Next 10, who recognized the importance of this issue for California�s economy and provided essential intellectual impetus and financial support. Thanks are also due for outstanding research assistance by Elliott Deal,
David Roland-holst; Dave Graham-squire; Maryam Kabiri; Fredrich Kahrl; Mehmet Seflek; F. Noel Perry; Morrow Cater; Sarah Henry
The reactor design which forms the base for the current economic status of D/sub 2/O-moderated reactors was estimated from developments in several reactor programs. However, since a heavy water-moderated reactor was not operated on natural U fuel at power reactor conditions, considerable improvement from this current status can be foreseen. A summary of improvements is presented concerning the concept which would result solely from operation of succeeding generation plants without a parallel development program, and improvements which would result from the successful completion of the development program as presented. One plant size was used in the evaluation of plant potential, with a 300 Mw/sub e/ nominal rating. The boiling D/sub 2/O-cooled, pressure tube direct cycle plant design was used. The current development program is outlined; this work includes several items leading to the long-range development of the concept. (auth)
Hutton, J.H.; Davis, S.A.; Graves, C.C.; Duffy, J.G. comps.
Community Economic Development Business Program (Prince Edward...
Community Economic Development Business Program (Prince Edward Island, Canada) Community Economic Development Business Program (Prince Edward Island, Canada) Eligibility...
ECONOMIC REPORT ECONOMIC REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT Economic Report of the President | 3 ECONOMIC REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT To the Congress of the United States: Over the past 6 years of economic expansion, the American economy has proven its strength and resilience. Job creation grew uninterrupted for a record period of time, inflation remains moderate, unemployment is low, and productivity continues to grow. The economy is built upon a strong foundation, with deep and sophisticated capital markets, flexible labor markets, low taxes, and open trade and investment policies. Americans should be confident about the long-term strength of our economy, but our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty, and there are heightened risks to our near-term economic growth. To insure against
Economics of Steam Pressure Reduction
Economics of Steam Pressure Reduction is a technical paper that addresses the operating and economic advantages associated with the program to lower the steam operating pressure. Evaluation of a testing program will be discussed. The paper will address the following. 1. Factors that determine the feasibility of reducing the plant steam operating pressure. 2. The operating advantages and disadvantages associated with the decreased steam pressure. 3. The economics of steam pressure reduction. Appropriate visual aids will be utilized as part of the discussion.
Sylva, D. M.
An Improved Raindrop Chemistry Spectrometer
A spectrometer allowing size-fractional chemical analysis of raindrops has been described previously by the authors. Modifications to this raindrop chemistry spectrometer now allow improved performance in windy conditions. Instrument ...
Stuart G. Bradley; Stephen J. Adams; C. David Stow; Stephen J. de Mora
Economical Desulfurization of Petroleum Coke
Presentation Title, Economical Desulfurization of Petroleum Coke ... " Desulfurization of Petroleum Coke Beyond 1600'C" by Christopher A. Paul of Great Lakes�...
Agricultural and Resource Economics Update
Europe. It is producing biodiesel from veg- etable oil, fromsuch as Jatropha, for biodiesel. Some industrial forestsfor the production of biodiesel. The econom- ics of algae as
The Economics of Green Building
returns to the investments in green buildings. Section Vproperty investments; the economic premium to green buildinggreen buildings relative to those of comparable high quality property investments,
Eichholtz, Piet; Kok, Nils; Quigley, John M.
National Reservation Economic Summit (RES)
Sponsored by the National Center for American Indian Economic Development, this annual event will feature 18 dynamic and informative workshops on a range of topics, including agriculture, energy,...
econom- ics of algae as a source of biofuel is dependent onThe future of algae as a source of biofuel will depend on
Diversity, Institutions and Economic Outcomes
GDP growth and social diversity, the economics literature onmush- roomed. 1 Why is social diversity inversely related toand Hideo Owan. 2004. �Diversity and Pro- ductivity in
Santacreu Vasut, Estefania
World Fossil Fuel Economics - TMS
Jan 1, 1971 ... World Fossil Fuel Economics ... in world energy demand, particularly in the U. S. and Europe; the consumption patterns and cost patterns of oil,�...
Intelligent Economic Alarm Processor (IEAP)
The advent of electricity market deregulation has placed great emphasis on the availability of information, the analysis of this information, and the subsequent decision-making to optimize system operation in a competitive environment. This creates a need for better ways of correlating the market activity with the physical grid operating states in real time and sharing such information among market participants. Choices of command and control actions may result in different financial consequences for market participants and severely impact their profits. This work provides a solution, the Intelligent Economic Alarm Processor to be implemented in a control center to assist the grid operator in rapidly identifying the faulted sections and market operation management. The task of fault section estimation is difficult when multiple faults, failures of protection devices, and false data are involved. A Fuzzy Reasoning Petri-nets approach has been proposed to tackle the complexities. In this approach, the fuzzy reasoning starting from protection system status data and ending with estimation of faulted power system section is formulated by Petri-nets. The reasoning process is implemented by matrix operations. Next, in order to better feed the FRPN model with more accurate inputs, the failure rates of the protections devices are analyzed. A new approach to assess the circuit breaker�s life cycle or deterioration stages using its control circuit data is introduced. Unlike the traditional �mean time� criteria, the deterioration stages have been mathematically defined by setting up the limits of various performance indices. The model can be automatically updated as the new real-time condition-based data become available to assess the CB�s operation performance using probability distributions. The economic alarm processor module is discussed in the end. This processor firstly analyzes the fault severity based on the information retrieved from the fault section estimation module, and gives the changes in the LMPs, total generation cost, congestion revenue etc. with electricity market schedules and trends. Then some suggested restorative actions are given to optimize the overall system benefit. When market participants receive such information in advance, they make estimation about the system operator's restorative action and their competitors' reaction to it.
Guan, Yufan
Economical Condensing Turbines?
Steam turbines have long been used at utilities and in industry to generate power. There are three basic types of steam turbines: condensing, letdown and extraction/condensing. � Letdown turbines reduce the pressure of the incoming steam to one or more pressures and generate power very efficiently, assuming that all the letdown steam has a use. Two caveats: Letdown turbines produce power based upon steam requirements and not based upon power requirements, and if all the steam letdown does not have a use, letdown turbines can become a very expensive way of producing electric power. � Condensing turbines have the ability to handle rapid swings in electrical load. Unfortunately, they can only condense a small percentage of the steam, usually less than 14%. Therefore only a small percent of the heat of condensation is available for their use. Also equipment must be used to condense the remaining steam below atmospheric pressure. � Extraction/condensing turbines both extract steam at a useful temperature and pressure and then condense the remainder of the steam. These units have the ability to load follow also. They are often used in concert with gas turbines to produce the balance of electrical power and to keep a electric self generator from drawing electrical power from the grid. The method for analyzing the cost of the condensing steam produced power is exactly the same in all cases. This paper will attempt to provide a frame work for preliminary economic analysis on electric power generation for condensing steam turbines.
Dean, J. E.
Operational-Condition-Independent Criteria Dedicated to Monitoring Wind Turbine Generators: Preprint
To date the existing wind turbine condition monitoring technologies and commercially available systems have not been fully accepted for improving wind turbine availability and reducing their operation and maintenance costs. One of the main reasons is that wind turbines are subject to constantly varying loads and operate at variable rotational speeds. As a consequence, the influences of turbine faults and the effects of varying load and speed are coupled together in wind turbine condition monitoring signals. So, there is an urgent need to either introduce some operational condition de-coupling procedures into the current wind turbine condition monitoring techniques or develop a new operational condition independent wind turbine condition monitoring technique to maintain high turbine availability and achieve the expected economic benefits from wind. The purpose of this paper is to develop such a technique. In the paper, three operational condition independent criteria are developed dedicated for monitoring the operation and health condition of wind turbine generators. All proposed criteria have been tested through both simulated and practical experiments. The experiments have shown that these criteria provide a solution for detecting both mechanical and electrical faults occurring in wind turbine generators.
Yang, W.; Sheng, S.; Court, R.
Competitive economics of nuclear power
Some 12 components of a valid study of the competitive economics of a newly ordered nuclear power plant are identified and explicated. These are then used to adjust the original cost projections of four authoritative studies of nuclear and coal power economics.
Hellman, R.
Market Simulations Opportunity Decision and Information Sciences Division Center for EnergyEnergy, Environmental & Economic Systems Analysis ENPEP-BALANCE: A Tool for Long-term Nuclear Power, Environmental & Economic Systems Analysis A resurgence of interest in nuclear energy is taking place
Success Stories Success Stories Commercialization and Licensing Economic Development Industrial Partnerships Sponsored Research Partnerships Home | Connect with ORNL | For Industry | Partnerships | Success Stories | Economic Development Success Stories Economic Development 1-3 of 3 Results ORNL and Enterprise Center Help Revitalize Chattanooga September 02, 2011 - The Enterprise Center, through its technology-based economic development initiatives, is focused on economic transformation in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and the Tennessee Valley Corridor region. Seven Companies Selected for ORNL Mentor Protégé Program November 28, 2012 - Seven companies have been selected to participate in the mentor protégé program sponsored by ORNL. The program is a DOE initiative designed to assist energy-related companies in an effort to
Refractory Improvement
Refractory Improvement Refractory Improvement NETL Office of Research and Development Project Number: FWP-2012.03.03 Task 2 Project Description Industry would like gasifier on-line availability of 85-95% for utility applications and 95% for applications such as chemical production. Gasification facilities' are currently unable to meet these requirements, which have created a potential roadblock to widespread acceptance and commercialization of gasification technologies. Refractory liners and syngas coolers are among key components of the gasification process previously identified as negatively impacting gasifier availability. Ash originating from impurities in the gasifier's carbon feedstock is the root cause of many problems impacting gasifier RAM (Reliability Availability Maintainability). At the high temperatures of gasification, ash changes to liquid, gas, and solid phases which wear down refractory materials and can cause fouling, either of which can lead to unplanned shutdowns for system repair, replacement, or cleaning.
Economic Energy Savings Potential in Federal Buildings
The primary objective of this study was to estimate the current life-cycle cost-effective (i.e., economic) energy savings potential in Federal buildings and the corresponding capital investment required to achieve these savings, with Federal financing. Estimates were developed for major categories of energy efficiency measures such as building envelope, heating system, cooling system, and lighting. The analysis was based on conditions (building stock and characteristics, retrofit technologies, interest rates, energy prices, etc.) existing in the late 1990s. The potential impact of changes to any of these factors in the future was not considered.
Brown, Daryl R.; Dirks, James A.; Hunt, Diane M.
ZIP. Economic Insulation Levels for Houses
ZIP was developed to support the calculations and database used to estimate the economic levels of insulation published in the U.S. Department of Energy`s Insulation Fact Sheet. The program allows the user to estimate economic levels of insulation for attics, exterior walls, floors over unheated areas, slab floors, and basement and crawlspace walls for new and existing houses in any 3-digit zip code location in the U.S., based on local climate data, local prices for energy and insulation, and the type and estimated efficiency of its heating and cooling system. ZIP recognizes five different heating systems: natural gas, oil furnaces, electric furnaces, electric baseboard, and electric heat pump and two cooling systems: central and window electric air conditioners. An evaporative cooling system can also be specified, but this is not treated as a true air-conditioning system. In addition, the user can specify the approximate operating efficiency of the heating and cooling systems (low, medium, high, or very high). ZIP can be run for a single zip code and specified heating and cooling system or in a batch mode for any number of consecutive zip codes to provide a table of economic insulation levels for use at the state or national level.
McElroy, D. [Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
ZIP was developed to support the calculations and database used to estimate the economic levels of insulation published in the U.S. Department of Energy's Insulation Fact Sheet. The program allows the user to estimate economic levels of insulation for attics, exterior walls, floors over unheated areas, slab floors, and basement and crawlspace walls for new and existing houses in any 3-digit zip code location in the U.S., based on local climate data, local prices for energy and insulation, and the type and estimated efficiency of its heating and cooling system. ZIP recognizes five different heating systems: natural gas, oil furnaces, electric furnaces, electric baseboard, and electric heat pump and two cooling systems: central and window electric air conditioners. An evaporative cooling system can also be specified, but this is not treated as a true air-conditioning system. In addition, the user can specify the approximate operating efficiency of the heating and cooling systems (low, medium, high, or very high). ZIP can be run for a single zip code and specified heating and cooling system or in a batch mode for any number of consecutive zip codes to provide a table of economic insulation levels for use at the state or national level.
McElroy, D. (Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States))
USDA Finances Wind for Rural Economic Development (Poster)
To foster rural economic development and growth, Congress passed the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program as Section 9006 of the 2002 Farm Bill. This program provides financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. The Rural Business and Cooperative Services of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers this program. This conference poster provides an overview of Section 9006.
Newcomb, C.; Walters, T.
Building Technologies Office: System Performance Improvements
Improvements, were presented in the following sessions: Air Sealing Ventilation (Day 1) Space Conditioning Distribution Foundation Insulation High-R Enclosures Ventilation (Day...
Optimizing Electric Humidifier Operation with an Air Side Economizer
Air side economizer cycle is a control scheme that is often used in WAC systems to reduce cooling energy consumption by introducing variable quantities of ambient air into a conditioned space to satisfy the space cooling load (free cooling). Humidifiers are used to maintain the pre-set humidity levels in a conditioned space by introducing steam or atomized water into the space. An WAC system containing both electric humidifier and air side economizer cycle can appear to be energy efficient, but has the potential of being inefficient due to lack of proper controls. The economizer, which often operates independently of the humidifier, introduces large quantities of cool and dry ambient air into the space to reduce the mechanical cooling energy, but because of the environmental requirement of the space, the air has to be humidified. The humidification energy could offset the energy savings from the reduction in mechanical cooling energy. The solution for this potential problem is a control scheme that makes the operation of the economizer and electric humidifier interdependent. The control scheme will use ambient conditions and space environmental requirements to calculate the appropriate amount of outside air that the economizer should draw into the space. The control scheme can be implemented through a Direct Digital Control system.
Shami, U. F.
Biological conversion of synthesis gas. Topical report: Economic evaluations
The purpose of the proposed research is to develop a technically and economically feasible process for biologically producing H{sub 2} from synthesis gas while, at the same time, removing harmful sulfur gas compounds. Six major tasks are being studied: culture development, where the best cultures are selected and conditions optimized for simultaneous hydrogen production and sulfur gas removal; mass transfer and kinetic studies in which equations necessary for process design are developed; bioreactor design studies, where the cultures chosen in Task 1 are utilized in continuous reaction vessels to demonstrate process feasibility and define operating conditions; evaluation of biological synthesis gas conversion under limiting conditions in preparation for industrial demonstration studies; process scale-up where laboratory data are scaled to larger-size units in preparation for process demonstration in a pilot-scale unit; and economic evaluation, where process simulations are used to project process economics and identify high cost areas during sensitivity analyses. The purpose of this report is to present economic evaluations for H{sub 2} production from synthesis gone by Rhodospirillum rubrum. Cases are presented with and without light requirements and in stirred tank and immobilized cell reactors. In addition, economic information is presented for isolate ERIH{sub 2} (from Engineering Resources, Inc.) in the two reactors with and without H{sub 2} recovery.
Clausen, E.C.; Gaddy, J.L.
Gasohol: economic feasibility study. Final report
This report was prepared by Development Planning and Research Associates, Inc. under a contract with the Energy Research and Development Center of the University of Nebraska in cooperation with the Agricultural Products Industrial Utilization Committee and the State of Nebraska. Funding for this study was provided to the Energy Research and Development Center by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Old West Regional Commission. The primary objective of the study was to: determine the fiscal and market conditions under which the production of gasohol would be profitable for private producers. For purposes of this study, gasohol is a motor fuel consisting of 10 percent agriculturally-derived anhydrous ethanol and 90 percent unleaded gasoline. The study assumes that gasohol can be a fuel substitute for gasoline; indeed, the cost of gasoline will significantly influence that for gasohol. Gasoline prices are determined by factors external to ethanol; thus, the economic feasibility study of gasohol is in large part an economic feasibility study of fuel-grade ethanol production. More specifically, the study examined the following: the technical aspects of distributing, marketing, and using gasohol; the costs of the distribution and marketing of ethanol and gasohol; the energy balance of ethanol production; the cost of producing ethanol; the factors influencing ehtanol plant size and location; and the conditions that would make ethanol economicaly feasible for private producers.
David, M. L.; Hammaker, G. S.; Buzenberg, R. J.; Wagner, J. P.
Complexity Economics: A Different Framework
in the gross profits References Aghion P, Howitt P (1992) A model of growth through creative destruction IV van Dijk TWP (1994) The limits of patent protection. Essays on the Economics of Intellectual
Tesfatsion, Leigh
Economic Sustainability and Ecological Compatibility
BY JESSICA CLEMENT Economic Sustainability Preserve our current industrial capacity Talk Xcel Corporation 9 Edwards Rich Colorado State Forest Service 10 Edwards Sally Xcel Energy 11 Ewy Don Focused
Renewing Economically Distressed American Communities
All communities do not fare equally well after recessions and other economic shocks. Some bounce back fairly quickly. Others suffer more and take longer to recover�sometimes decades longer. A sluggish return to growth is ...
Improving energy efficiency: Strategies for supporting sustained market evolution in developing and transitioning countries
This report presents a framework for considering market-oriented strategies for improving energy efficiency that recognize the conditions of developing and transitioning countries, and the need to strengthen the effectiveness of market forces in delivering greater energy efficiency. It discusses policies that build markets in general, such as economic and energy pricing reforms that encourage competition and increase incentives for market actors to improve the efficiency of their energy use, and measures that reduce the barriers to energy efficiency in specific markets such that improvement evolves in a dynamic, lasting manner. The report emphasizes how different policies and measures support one another and can create a synergy in which the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. In addressing this topic, it draws on the experience with market transformation energy efficiency programs in the US and other industrialized countries.
Meyers, S.
14.731 Economic History, Fall 2003
A survey of world economic history, designed to introduce economics graduate students to the subject matter and methodology of economic history. Topics chosen to show a wide variety of historical experience and illuminate ...
Temin, Peter
Does An ENSO-Conditional Skill Mask Improve Seasonal Predictions?
The National Centers for Environmental Prediction, Climate Prediction Center uses statistical tools together with the Climate Forecast System to produce forecasts for seasonal outlooks of U.S. temperature and precipitation. They are combined using ...
Kathy Pegion; Arun Kumar
A New Ramming Paste with Improved Potlining Working Conditions
Carbon Anode Modeling for Electric Energy Savings in the Aluminium Reduction ... on Anode Quality, Operational Safety, Maintenance and Operational Costs.
trends in green building upon the private market for commercial office space. Investments improving the energy
Advanced Coal Wind Hybrid: Economic Analysis
Coal Wind Hybrid: Economic Analysis Title Advanced Coal Wind Hybrid: Economic Analysis Publication Type Report LBNL Report Number LBNL-1248E Year of Publication 2008 Authors...
Advanced Coal Wind Hybrid: Economic Analysis Title Advanced Coal Wind Hybrid: Economic Analysis Publication Type Report Year of Publication 2008 Authors Phadke, Amol, Charles A....
Economic and Environmental Optimization of Microgrids
Economic and Environmental Optimization of Microgrids Title Economic and Environmental Optimization of Microgrids Publication Type Presentation Year of Publication 2013 Authors...
Attribution of climate forcing to economic sectors
Attribution of climate forcing to economic sectors Title Attribution of climate forcing to economic sectors Publication Type Journal Article Year of Publication 2010 Authors Unger,...
The Economic Impact of Oil Spills
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Oil spills not only affect environmentally but also economically. The economic impacts are directly or indirectly related to the environmental impacts ...
Economic Impact & Diversity (WCF) | Department of Energy
Economic Impact & Diversity (WCF) Economic Impact & Diversity (WCF) The purpose of the workforce Plan is to provide focus and direction to Human Resources (HR) strategy. This will...
Economic Dispatch of Electric Generation Capacity | Department...
Economic Dispatch of Electric Generation Capacity Economic Dispatch of Electric Generation Capacity A report to congress and the states pursuant to sections 1234 and 1832 of the...
Us Department Contacts Media Contacts Data Center Economizer Contamination and Humidity Study Title Data Center Economizer Contamination and Humidity Study Publication Type...
Resource & Energy Investment Program - First Peoples Economic...
& Energy Investment Program - First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc. (Manitoba, Canada) Resource & Energy Investment Program - First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc....
Revolving Economic Development and Initiative (South Dakota)
The Revolving Economic Development and Initiative (REDI) provides low interest loans to start-up firms, businesses that are expanding or relocating and local economic development corporations. The...
Mountain Association for Community Economic Development- Energy Efficient Enterprise Loan Program
The Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED) offers loans to small and mid-sized businesses, non-profits, schools and municipalities to improve energy efficiency through its...
Computer controlled air conditioning systems
This patent describes an improvement in a computer controlled air conditioning system providing for circulation of air through an air conditioned house in contact with concrete walls requiring a humidity within a critical range. The improvement consists of: a computer for processing sensed environmental input data including humidity and oxygen to produce output control signals for affecting the humidity of the air in the house; provision for an air flow circulation path through the house in contact with the concrete walls; sensing responsive to the amount of oxygen in the house for providing input signals to the computer; mixing for combining with the air in the house a variable amount of fresh atmospheric air to supply fresh oxygen; and humidity modifying means for modifying the humidity of the air flowing in the flow path responsive to the control signals.
Dumbeck, R.F.
Economic assessment of polymer concrete usage in geothermal power plants
Results of a study established to review the Heber and Niland, California 50 MWe conceptual geothermal power plants designs and to identify areas where non-metallic materials, such as polymer concrete, can be technically and economically employed are reported. Emphasis was directed toward determining potential economic advantages and resulting improvements in plant availability. It is estimated that use of polymer concrete in the Heber plant will effect a savings of 6.18 mills per KWH in the cost of power delivered to the network, a savings of 9.7%. A similar savings should be effected in the Niland plant.
Improved screen-bowl centrifuge recovery using polymer injection technology
The paper reports the improved screen-bowl centrifuge recovery process using polymer injection technology. Field test and economic analysis are also included in the paper. 3 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.
Burchett, R.T.; McGough, K.M.; Luttrell, G.H.
Improving Multiseason Forecasts of North Atlantic Hurricane Activity
Hurricanes cause drastic social problems as well as generate huge economic losses. A reliable forecast of the level of hurricane activity covering the next several seasons has the potential to mitigate against such losses through improvements in ...
James B. Elsner; Thomas H. Jagger; Michael Dickinson; Dail Rowe
Improving CO2 Efficiency for Recovering Oil in Heterogeneous Reservoirs
The work strived to improve industry understanding of CO2 flooding mechanisms with the ultimate goal of economically recovering more of the U.S. oil reserves. The principle interests are in the related fields of mobility control and injectivity.
Grigg, Reid B.; Svec, Robert K.
Membranes Improve Insulation Efficiency
It has been determined from extensive tests involving test models and home attics that loose fill and fiber batt insulation does not function as expected by the industry. The reason for this deficiency is current test methods do not accurately predict the magnitude of air infiltration into fiber insulation as used in home attics, radiant heat infiltration into the insulation during summer, or radiant heat loss through the insulation during winter conditions. The use of (1) moisture permeable membranes over the insulation, and (2) layered membranes between fiber batts to form closed cells in the insulation both dramatically improve the efficiency of the fiber insulation. The efficiency of this insulation will be improved to an even greater degree if these membranes reflect radiant heat as well as reduce convection air currents. Extensive tests have also been conducted which show that if moisture permeable membranes are used over fiber insulation, the moisture content of the insulation will be reduced.
Bullock, C. A.
Economic potential of inertial fusion
Beyond the achievement of scientific feasibility, the key question for fusion energy is: does it have the economic potential to be significantly cheaper than fission and coal energy. If fusion has this high economic potential then there are compelling commercial and geopolitical incentives to accelerate the pace of the fusion program in the near term, and to install a global fusion energy system in the long term. Without this high economic potential, fusion's success depends on the failure of all alternatives, and there is no real incentive to accelerate the program. If my conjectures on the economic potential of inertial fusion are approximately correct, then inertial fusion energy's ultimate costs may be only half to two-thirds those of advanced fission and coal energy systems. Relative cost escalation is not assumed and could increase this advantage. Both magnetic and inertial approaches to fusion potentially have a two-fold economic advantage which derives from two fundamental properties: negligible fuel costs and high quality energy which makes possible more efficient generation of electricity. The wining approach to fusion may excel in three areas: electrical generating efficiency, minimum material costs, and adaptability to manufacture in automated factories. The winning approach must also rate highly in environmental potential, safety, availability factor, lifetime, small 0 and M costs, and no possibility of utility-disabling accidents.
Nuckolls, J.H.
Improved water-driven lpg slug process
The economics of oil recovery by the LPG-slug process depends upon increasing the sweep efficiency and recovering the injected LPG. There are 2 basic forms of the LPG-slug processes--the gas-driven and the water-driven. The pressure required for miscibility between dry gas and LPG prohibits the use of the gas-driven LPG process in shallow reservoirs. The water-driven LPG slug process normally exhibits good sweep efficiency. However, displacement of the LPG by water is poor. An improvement in this process appears possible by injecting a slug of carbon dioxide between the LPG slug and the water drive. Laboratory experiments were conducted in linear core systems to determine the effect of pressure on the various displacement zones. A displacement test was conducted with LPG and carbon dioxide slugs large enough to avoid interference between the oil-LPG, LPG-carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide- water displacement zones. Under these conditions, essentially complete oil and LPG recovery was obtained. However, a substantial amount of carbon dioxide was left in the core at water breakthrough.
Thompson, J.L.
The Economics of Cogeneration Selection
The design and choice of a specific cogeneration system is a process of selecting and deciding from numerous alternatives, including the option not to cogenerate. The final system specification is in reality the result of an extensive tradeoff analysis. The reason for performing a thorough tradeoff analysis is to design a cogeneration system that will meet or surpass stated technical, operational and economic criteria. This paper outlines the steps necessary to select the preferred cogeneration system through the use of standard economic evaluation techniques.
Fisk, R. W.; Hall, E. W.; Sweeney, J. H.
Economic enhancement of Western shale oil upgrading
A proof-of-concept study for a novel shale oil refining process was undertaken. This project promises reduced upgrading costs, thereby making shale oil development more feasible for commercialization. The process consists of distillation of raw shale oil into a distillate and residue portion, cracking of the residue by hydropyrolysis, and selective hydrotreating of narrow boiling cuts from the total distillate. Based on models and experimental data, the end product slate is projected to be 34% naphtha, 57% middle distillate, and 10.3% atm residue + coke. Hydrogen addition is 1.3% or 800 scf/bbl. These results are considerably improved over conventional processing, which gives 14% naphtha, 41% middle distillate, and 48.2% residue + coke and hydrogen addition of 3.2% or 2000 scf/bbl. More quantitative data and preliminary economics will be obtained in the next phase of study. 13 refs., 3 figs., 6 tabs.
Bunger, J. W.; Ryu, H.; Jeong, S. Y.
The Feasibility Analysis of a New Air-Conditioning System
This paper presents a new modular solar refrigeration and liquid desiccant air conditioning system composed by adsorption refrigeration system, liquid desiccant system and roof cold radiation. The feasibility and beneficial of this new system are analyzed ... Keywords: liquid desiccant, modular solar refrigeration, new air conditioning system, roof cold radiation, technical and economic feasibility analysis
Jinggang Wang; Meixia Du; Xiaoxia Gao; Jin Zhao; Zhenjiang Yin; Yi Man
Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (Virginia) | Department
Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (Virginia) Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (Virginia) Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (Virginia) < Back Eligibility Commercial Construction Industrial Program Info Start Date 1990 State Virginia Program Type Industry Recruitment/Support Loan Program Public Benefits Fund Provider Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VACEDA) was created in 1988 to encourage economic development in the western section of the state. The Authority administers incentive and financing programs designed to encourage new job creation and economic diversification, specifically in the electronic information technology, energy, education, and emerging technology sectors. VCEDA provides financial support for fixed assets,
Wind Powering America Webinar: Wind Power Economics: Past, Present, and
Wind Powering America Webinar: Wind Power Economics: Past, Present, Wind Powering America Webinar: Wind Power Economics: Past, Present, and Future Trends Wind Powering America Webinar: Wind Power Economics: Past, Present, and Future Trends November 23, 2011 - 1:43pm Addthis Wind turbine prices in the United States have declined, on average, by nearly one-third since 2008, after doubling from 2002 through 2008. Over this entire period, the average nameplate capacity rating, hub height, and rotor swept area of turbines installed in the United States have increased significantly, while other design improvements have also boosted turbine energy production. In combination, these various trends have had a significant-and sometimes surprising-impact on the levelized cost of energy delivered by wind projects. This webinar will feature three related presentations that explore these
Faster plant growth in a safe, economical way
Faster plant growth in a safe, economical way Faster plant growth in a safe, economical way Faster plant growth in a safe, economical way When applied to plants, Take-Off(tm) speeds crop emergence, increases growth rates and yields, improves stress tolerance and nutrient value, and reduces need for nitrogen fertilizers. April 3, 2012 Farmer in wheat field inspecting wheat Biagro Western offers Take-Off(tm), a metabolic plant stimulant that will allow farmers to increase crop carbon fixation and thereby increase nitrate uptake and nitrogen use efficiency. The new product speeds plants to maturity, allowing the plants to more efficiently assimilate nitrogen by coordinating the nitrogen uptake and photosynthesis processes. Field tests show that Take-Off(tm) reduced nitrogen inputs by 25 to 35 percent.
Power Economics: Past, Present, Power Economics: Past, Present, and Future Trends Wind Powering America Webinar: Wind Power Economics: Past, Present, and Future Trends November 23, 2011 - 1:43pm Addthis Wind turbine prices in the United States have declined, on average, by nearly one-third since 2008, after doubling from 2002 through 2008. Over this entire period, the average nameplate capacity rating, hub height, and rotor swept area of turbines installed in the United States have increased significantly, while other design improvements have also boosted turbine energy production. In combination, these various trends have had a significant-and sometimes surprising-impact on the levelized cost of energy delivered by wind projects. This webinar will feature three related presentations that explore these
Improving Energy Efficiency of Auxiliaries
The summaries of this report are: Economics Ultimately Dictates Direction; Electric Auxiliaries Provide Solid Benefits. The Impact on Vehicle Architecture Will be Important; Integrated Generators With Combined With Turbo Generators Can Meet the Electrical Demands of Electric Auxiliaries; Implementation Will Follow Automotive 42V Transition; Availability of Low Cost Hardware Will Slow Implementation; Industry Leadership and Cooperation Needed; Standards and Safety Protocols Will be Important. Government Can Play an Important Role in Expediting: Funding Technical Development; Incentives for Improving Fuel Economy; Developing Standards, Allowing Economy of Scale; and Providing Safety Guidelines.
Carl T. Vuk
Directions for improved fusion reactors
Conceptual fusion reactor studies over the past 10 to 15 years have projected systems that may be too large, complex, and costly to be of commercial interest. One main direction for improved fusion reactors points towards smaller, higher-power-density approaches. First-order economic issues (i.e., unit direct cost and cost of electricity) are used to support the need for more compact fusion reactors. A generic fusion physics/engineering/costing model is used to provide a quantiative basis for these arguments for specific fusion concepts.
Krakowski, R.A.; Miller, R.L.; Delene, J.G.
Semiclassical energy conditions
We present and develop several nonlinear energy conditions suitable for use in the semiclassical regime. In particular, we consider the recently formulated "flux energy condition" (FEC), and the novel "trace-of-square" (TOSEC) and "determinant" (DETEC) energy conditions. As we shall show, these nonlinear energy conditions behave much better than the classical linear energy conditions in the presence of semiclassical quantum effects. Moreover, whereas the quantum extensions of these nonlinear energy conditions seem to be quite widely satisfied as one enters the quantum realm, analogous quantum extensions are generally not useful for the linear classical energy conditions.
Martin-Moruno, Prado
Economics of natural gas upgrading
Natural gas could be an important alternative energy source in meeting some of the market demand presently met by liquid products from crude oil. This study was initiated to analyze three energy markets to determine if greater use could be made of natural gas or natural gas derived products and if those products could be provided on an economically competitive basis. The three markets targeted for possible increases in gas use were motor fuels, power generation, and the chemical feedstocks market. The economics of processes to convert natural gas to transportation fuels, chemical products, and power were analyzed. The economic analysis was accomplished by drawing on a variety of detailed economic studies, updating them and bringing the results to a common basis. The processes analyzed included production of methanol, MTBE, higher alcohols, gasoline, CNG, and LNG for the transportation market. Production and use of methanol and ammonia in the chemical feedstock market and use of natural gas for power generation were also assessed. Use of both high and low quality gas as a process feed stream was evaluated. The analysis also explored the impact of various gas price growth rates and process facility locations, including remote gas areas. In assessing the transportation fuels market the analysis examined production and use of both conventional and new alternative motor fuels.
Hackworth, J.H.; Koch, R.W.
Variational Inequalities and Economic Equilibrium
Variational inequality representations are set up for a general Walrasian model of consumption and production with trading in a market. The variational inequalities are of functional rather than geometric type and therefore are able to accommodate a ... Keywords: Walrasian economic equilibrium, complementarity problems, equilibrium computations, equilibrium constraints, functional variational inequalities
Alejandro Jofr�; R. Terry Rockafellar; Roger J-B. Wets
ECONOMIC POLICY The State's Tax
the solar furnace here on Earth, and to extract energy from plant waste; they are ex- ploring ways to store efficient that they can also power vehicles. As the former chief economist of the World Bank, Nicho- las economic growth. They also offer the only chance to slow down the global rise in temperatures associated
Online social networks in economics
This paper describes how economists study social networks. While economists borrow from other fields like sociology or computer science, their approach of modeling of social networks is distinguished by the emphasis on the role of choices under constraints. ... Keywords: Economics, Information transmission, Social networks
Adalbert Mayer
Economic aspects of nuclear power development in the U. S. are tabulated and graphed. Included are figures on presently operating reactors as well as those contemplated or scheduled. Also a brief description of the objectives of short- and long-range programs is given as well as tables listing some of the characteristics of each reactor. (J.R.D.)
Lane, J.A.
Economics of quality of experience
While the recent strong increase of interest in Quality of Experience both in industry and academia has managed to place the end user again into the center of service quality evaluation, corresponding economic implications have not received similar attention ... Keywords: WQL hypothesis, Weber-Fechner law, charging for QoE, telecommunication ecosystem, utility function
Peter Reichl; Bruno Tuffin; Patrick Maill�
An economic analysis of mobile pyrolysis for northern New Mexico forests.
In the interest of providing an economically sensible use for the copious small-diameter wood in Northern New Mexico, an economic study is performed focused on mobile pyrolysis. Mobile pyrolysis was selected for the study because transportation costs limit the viability of a dedicated pyrolysis plant, and the relative simplicity of pyrolysis compared to other technology solutions lends itself to mobile reactor design. A bench-scale pyrolysis system was used to study the wood pyrolysis process and to obtain performance data that was otherwise unavailable under conditions theorized to be optimal given the regional problem. Pyrolysis can convert wood to three main products: fixed gases, liquid pyrolysis oil and char. The fixed gases are useful as low-quality fuel, and may have sufficient chemical energy to power a mobile system, eliminating the need for an external power source. The majority of the energy content of the pyrolysis gas is associated with carbon monoxide, followed by light hydrocarbons. The liquids are well characterized in the historical literature, and have slightly lower heating values comparable to the feedstock. They consist of water and a mix of hundreds of hydrocarbons, and are acidic. They are also unstable, increasing in viscosity with time stored. Up to 60% of the biomass in bench-scale testing was converted to liquids. Lower ({approx}550 C) furnace temperatures are preferred because of the decreased propensity for deposits and the high liquid yields. A mobile pyrolysis system would be designed with low maintenance requirements, should be able to access wilderness areas, and should not require more than one or two people to operate the system. The techno-economic analysis assesses fixed and variable costs. It suggests that the economy of scale is an important factor, as higher throughput directly leads to improved system economic viability. Labor and capital equipment are the driving factors in the viability of the system. The break-even selling price for the baseline assumption is about $11/GJ, however it may be possible to reduce this value by 20-30% depending on other factors evaluated in the non-baseline scenarios. Assuming a value for the char co-product improves the analysis. Significantly lower break-even costs are possible in an international setting, as labor is the dominant production cost.
Brady, Patrick D.; Brown, Alexander L.; Mowry, Curtis Dale; Borek, Theodore Thaddeus, III
Quantitative analysis of the economically recoverable resource
The objective of this study is to obtain estimates of the economically recoverable gas in the Appalachian Basin. The estimates were obtained in terms of a probability distribution, which quantifies the inherent uncertainty associated with estimates where geologic and production uncertainties prevail. It is established that well productivity on a county and regional basis is lognormally distributed, and the total recoverable gas is Normally distributed. The expected (mean), total economically recoverable gas is 20.2 trillion cubic feet (TCF) with a standard deviation of 1.6 TCF, conditional on the use of shooting technology on 160-acre well-spacing. From properties of the Normal distribution, it is seen that a 95 percent probability exists for the total recoverable gas to lie between 17.06 and 23.34 TCF. The estimates are sensitive to well spacings and the technology applied to a particular geologic environment. It is observed that with smaller well spacings - for example, at 80 acres - the estimate is substantially increased, and that advanced technology, such as foam fracturing, has the potential of significantly increasing gas recovery. However, the threshold and optimum conditions governing advanced exploitation technology, based on well spacing and other parameters, were not analyzed in this study. Their technological impact on gas recovery is mentioned in the text where relevant; and on the basis of a rough projection an additional 10 TCF could be expected with the use of foam fracturing on wells with initial open flows lower than 300 MCFD. From the exploration point of view, the lognormal distribution of well productivity suggests that even in smaller areas, such as a county basis, intense exploration might be appropriate. This is evident from the small tail probabilities of the lognormal distribution, which represent the small number of wells with relatively very high productivity.
Pulle, C.V.; Seskus, A.P.
Space Conditioning Standing Technical Commitee Presentation
Partnership for Improved Residential Construction Partnership for Improved Residential Construction ba-pirc.org Building America Stakeholder Meeting 2012 RESNET Building Performance Conference Space Conditioning Standing Technical Committee Eric Martin and Janet McIlvaine Partnership for Improved Residential Construction Florida Solar Energy Center email@example.com February 29, 2012 2 | Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction ba-pirc.org https://sites.google.com/site/bastcspaceconditioning/ Space Conditioning Standing Technical Committee Upcoming Activity Upcoming Activity Files, docs, schedule, etc. Files, docs, schedule, etc. 3 | Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction ba-pirc.org * U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Program directs the Building America program
Production-to-Retirement Condition Assessment and Monitoring for ...
Component life management can be improved by baselining component condition at production and mapping the product state and anomalies. This has�...
Institute for Women�s Policy Research Briefing Paper IWPR No. R337 The Economic Status of Women in Michigan Wide Disparities by Race and Ethnicity
This paper examines how women in Michigan fare on eight indicators of women�s economic status, in comparison with women in other states, including in Michigan�s region, and with women nationally. It highlights where Michigan women have seen economic progress and where their conditions have stagnated and examines differences among Michigan�s women by race and ethnicity. It also details a number of recommendations for policy and practice to improve women�s lives and to promote a more productive state economy. Women have made tremendous gains toward economic equality over the last several decades. Nonetheless, women throughout the United States still earn less, are less likely to own a business, and are more likely to live in poverty than men. Even in areas where there have been significant advances in women�s status, there is still ample room for improvement. For example, at the rate of progress achieved between 1995 and 2005, women will not achieve wage parity for nearly 50 years. 1
Erica Williams
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator May 2011 Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), Califo
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator May 2011 © Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton Adrian R. Fleissig, Ph
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator August 2011 Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), Cal
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator August 2011 © Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton Adrian R. Fleissig, Ph
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator November 2012 Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), C
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator November 2012 © Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton Adrian R. Fleissig, Ph
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator November 2011 Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), C
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator November 2011 © Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton Adrian R. Fleissig, Ph
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator February 2012 Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), C
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator February 2012 © Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton Adrian R. Fleissig, Ph
Southern California Leading Economic IndicatorSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorSouthern California Leading Economic Indicator May 2010 Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), Cal
Southern California Leading Economic IndicatorSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorSouthern California Leading Economic Indicator May 2010 © Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton Adrian R. Fleissig, Ph
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator May 2012 Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), Califo
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator May 2012 © Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton Adrian R. Fleissig, Ph
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator November 2010 Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), C
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator November 2010 © Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton Adrian R. Fleissig, Ph
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator August 2012 Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), Cal
Southern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading EconomicSouthern California Leading Economic IndicatorIndicatorIndicatorIndicator August 2012 © Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton Adrian R. Fleissig, Ph
HVAC Improvements for Existing Houses
HVAC Improvements for Existing Houses HVAC Improvements for Existing Houses Speaker(s): Chryséis Bovagnet Date: September 5, 2002 - 12:00pm Location: Bldg. 90 Many older houses in the US are either not well designed from a thermal point of view or have HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems in need of repairs or improvements. The building envelopes tend to have poor insulation and lots of leakage, and the HVAC systems are inefficient. The cooling/heating equipment is often located outside of the conditioned space (e.g. in attics or crawlspaces) with ducts that leak and have poor insulation, which cause energy loss and bad occupant comfort on peak days or in extreme climates. We developed a series of retrofits that will allow us to reduce the energy consumption of residential HVAC
Air Conditioning and lungs
Air Conditioning and lungs Name: freeman Status: NA Age: NA Location: NA Country: NA Date: Around 1993 Question: What affect does air conditioning have upon the lungs of the...
Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Authority (Virginia) | Department
Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Authority (Virginia) Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Authority (Virginia) Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Authority (Virginia) < Back Eligibility Commercial Construction Developer Industrial Investor-Owned Utility Municipal/Public Utility Utility Savings Category Alternative Fuel Vehicles Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Buying & Making Electricity Water Home Weatherization Solar Wind Program Info State Virginia Program Type Enterprise Zone Industry Recruitment/Support Loan Program Public Benefits Fund Provider Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation The Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Authority was created to encourage economic development in the Alleghany Highlands. The Authority provides financial support for the purchase of real estate, construction of
Technical and Economic Analysis of Solar Cooling Systems in a Hot and Humid Climate
The aim of this paper is to promote efficient and cost effective implementation of advanced solar cooling systems and techniques for the hot and humid climates cities in the United States. After an introduction of basic principles, the development history and recent progress in solar cooling technologies are reported. Nevertheless, the economics of solar energy systems are particularly complex with much inevitable uncertainty due to several factors. In this paper, a simplified comprehensive economic optimization model is developed to determine whether a particular solar system is economically advantageous for a particular project. This model explains and illustrates with simple, but realistic examples the use of life-cycle cost analysis and benefit-cost analysis to evaluate and compare the economic efficiency of the solar cooling system. Consequently, under appropriate conditions, solar or solar-assisted air conditioning systems may be reasonable alternatives to conventional air-conditioning systems in a hot and humid climate.
Moaveni, H.
Economic analysis of fuel recycle
Economic analysis was performed at KAERI with the assistance of US DOE to compare single reactor fuel cycle costs for a once-through option and a thermal recycle option to operate 1 GWe of a PWR plant for its lifetime. A reference fuel cycle cost was first calculated for each option with best estimated reference input data. Then a sensitivity analysis was performed changing each single value of such fuel cycle component costs as yellow cake price, enrichment charges, spent fuel storage cost, reprocessing cost, spent fuel disposal cost and reprocessing waste disposal cost. Savings due to thermal recycle in requirements of uranium, conversion, and enrichment were examined using formulas suggested by US DOE, while MOX fabrication penalty was accounted for. As a result of the reference fuel cycle cost analysis, it is calculated that the thermal recycle option is marginally more economical than the once-through option. The major factors affecting the comparative costs between thermal recycle and once-through are the costs of reprocessing, spent fuel storage and the difference between spent fuel disposal and reprocessing waste disposal. However, considering the uncertainty in these cost parameters there seems no immediate economic incentive for thermal recycle at the present time.
Juhn, P.E.
Biological conversion of synthesis gas. Limiting conditions/scale-up
The purpose of this research is to develop a technically and economically feasible process for biologically producing H(sub 2) from synthesis gas while, at the same time, removing harmful sulfur gas compounds. Six major tasks are being studied: 1. Culture development, where the best cultures are selected and conditions optimized for simultaneous hydrogen production and sulfur gas removal; 2. Mass transfer and kinetic studies in which equations necessary for process design are developed; 3. Bioreactor design studies, where the cultures chosen in Task 1 are utilized in continuous reaction vessels to demonstrate process feasibility and define operating conditions; 4. Evaluation of biological synthetic gas conversion under limiting conditions in preparation for industrial demonstration studies; 5. Process scale-up where laboratory data are scaled to larger-size units in preparation for process demonstration in a pilot-scale unit; and 6. Economic evaluation, where process simulations are used to project process economics and identify high cost areas during sensitivity analyses.
Basu, R.; Klasson, K.T.; Takriff, M.; Clausen, E.C.; Gaddy, J.L.
Conditional belief types
We study type spaces where a player�s type at a state is a conditional probability on the space. We axiomatize these type spaces using conditional belief operators, and examine three additional axioms of increasing strength. First, introspection, which requires the agent to be unconditionally certain of her beliefs. Second, echo, according to which the unconditional beliefs implied by the condition must be held given the condition. Third, determination, which says that the conditional beliefs are the unconditional beliefs that are conditionally certain. The echo axiom implies that conditioning on an event is the same as conditioning on the event being certain, which formalizes the standard informal interpretation of conditioning in probability theory. The echo axiom also implies that the conditional probability given an event is a prior of the unconditional probability. The game-theoretic application of our model, which we treat in the context of an example, sheds light on a number of basic issues in the analysis of extensive form games. Type spaces are closely related to the sphere models of counterfactual conditionals and to models of hypothetical knowledge, and we discuss these relationships in detail.
Alfredo Di; Tillio Joseph; Y. Halpern; Dov Samet
Economic Evaluation of Short-Term Wind Power Forecasts in ERCOT: Preliminary Results; Preprint
Historically, a number of wind energy integration studies have investigated the value of using day-ahead wind power forecasts for grid operational decisions. These studies have shown that there could be large cost savings gained by grid operators implementing the forecasts in their system operations. To date, none of these studies have investigated the value of shorter-term (0 to 6-hour-ahead) wind power forecasts. In 2010, the Department of Energy and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration partnered to fund improvements in short-term wind forecasts and to determine the economic value of these improvements to grid operators, hereafter referred to as the Wind Forecasting Improvement Project (WFIP). In this work, we discuss the preliminary results of the economic benefit analysis portion of the WFIP for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. The improvements seen in the wind forecasts are examined, then the economic results of a production cost model simulation are analyzed.
Orwig, K.; Hodge, B. M.; Brinkman, G.; Ela, E.; Milligan, M.; Banunarayanan, V.; Nasir, S.; Freedman, J.
Essays in public finance and labor economics
This thesis examines three questions of causality relevant to public finance and labor economics: the effect of racial segregation on city characteristics, the effect of divorce on women's economic outcomes, and the effect ...
Ananat, Elizabeth Oltmans
Economic feasibility of bagasse charcoal in Haiti
The economics of implementing bagasse-based charcoal manufacturing in Haiti was investigated. From these main inputs, three different manufacturing economic scenarios were modeled using a simple, dynamic excel spreadsheet. ...
Kamimoto, Lynn K. (Lynn Kam Oi)
Energy, Environmental, and Economic Systems Analysis
Energy, Environmental, and Economic Systems Analysis Electricity Market Complex Adaptive System (EMCAS): A New Long-term Power Market Simulation Tool Opportunity Decision and Information Sciences Division Center for Energy, Environmental & Economic Systems Analysis Energy systems are being privatized
Variables Affecting Economic Development of Wind Energy
NREL's JEDI Wind model performed an analysis of wind-power-related economic development drivers. Economic development benefits for wind and coal were estimated using NREL's JEDI Wind and JEDI Coal models.
Lantz, E.; Tegen, S.
2013 Midyear Economic Forecast Sponsorship Opportunity
2013 Midyear Economic Forecast Sponsorship Opportunity Thursday, April 18, 2013, Hyatt Regency Irvine 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Dr. Anil Puri presents his annual Midyear Economic Forecast addressing
Essays on conflict, cooperation and economic development
This dissertation consists of three chapters on topics relating to conflict, social cooperation and development economics. Several studies have identified the impact of adverse economic shocks on civil conflict using ...
Ralston, Laura R. (Laura Rosalind)
Electronic ballast improves efficiency
As part of a DOE program, the performance of various electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps have been evaluated relative to high quality core-coil ballasts under similar ambient conditions. The results of this investigation are reported. Real energy savings can exceed 40% while comfort and quality of illumination are improved. A detailed comparison of two types of ballast is presented. Voltage effects and temperature effects as well as dimming features are discussed. Light levels, power energy consumption, and daylighting are also treated. It is concluded that, with the electronic ballast, an annual payback of $8.20/yr is possible as compared to the core-coil ballasted fluorescent lamp. Further, much greater flexibility in use is possible with the electronic ballast equipped lamp. (MJJ)
Verderber, R.R.
Putting Economic Power In Distributed Power t
Putting Economic Power in Distributed Power. A distributed electricity generation system, often called distributed power, usually consists of ...
NREL: Energy Analysis - Jobs and Economic Competitiveness
in the global renewable energy market. NREL's economic competitiveness analysis efforts focus on assessing: jobs creation, workforce development needs, manufacturing...
Growing concern over climate change is prompting new thinking about the technologies used to generate electricity. In the future, it is possible that new government policies on greenhouse gas emissions may favor electric generation technology options that release zero or low levels of carbon emissions. The Western U.S. has abundant wind and coal resources. In a world with carbon constraints, the future of coal for new electrical generation is likely to depend on the development and successful application of new clean coal technologies with near zero carbon emissions. This scoping study explores the economic and technical feasibility of combining wind farms with advanced coal generation facilities and operating them as a single generation complex in the Western US. The key questions examined are whether an advanced coal-wind hybrid (ACWH) facility provides sufficient advantages through improvements to the utilization of transmission lines and the capability to firm up variable wind generation for delivery to load centers to compete effectively with other supply-side alternatives in terms of project economics and emissions footprint. The study was conducted by an Analysis Team that consists of staff from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and Western Interstate Energy Board (WIEB). We conducted a screening level analysis of the economic competitiveness and technical feasibility of ACWH generation options located in Wyoming that would supply electricity to load centers in California, Arizona or Nevada. Figure ES-1 is a simple stylized representation of the configuration of the ACWH options. The ACWH consists of a 3,000 MW coal gasification combined cycle power plant equipped with carbon capture and sequestration (G+CC+CCS plant), a fuel production or syngas storage facility, and a 1,500 MW wind plant. The ACWH project is connected to load centers by a 3,000 MW transmission line. In the G+CC+CCS plant, coal is gasified into syngas and CO{sub 2} (which is captured). The syngas is burned in the combined cycle plant to produce electricity. The ACWH facility is operated in such a way that the transmission line is always utilized at its full capacity by backing down the combined cycle (CC) power generation units to accommodate wind generation. Operating the ACWH facility in this manner results in a constant power delivery of 3,000 MW to the load centers, in effect firming-up the wind generation at the project site.
Phadke, Amol; Goldman, Charles; Larson, Doug; Carr, Tom; Rath, Larry; Balash, Peter; Yih-Huei, Wan
Distributed Intelligence for Constructing Economic Models
This paper presents an integrated and distributed intelligent system being capable of automatically estimating and updating large-size economic models. The input-output model of economics uses a matrix representation of a nation's or a region's economy ... Keywords: Distributed Intelligence, Economic Models, Environmental Impact Assessment, Input-Output Tables, Machine Learning, Matrix Estimation, Parallel Optimization
Ting Yu
Economics, cognitive science and social cognition
I discuss the role of economics in the study of social cognition. A currently popular view is that microeconomics should collapse into psychology partly because cognitive science has shown that valuation is constitutively social, whereas non-psychological ... Keywords: Aggregation, Atomism, Behavioral economics, Economic theory, Sociality
Don Ross
LBNL-1248E Advanced Coal Wind Hybrid: Economic Analysis Principal Authors Amol Phadke1 , Charles;Advanced Coal Wind Hybrid: Economic Analysis ii LBNL-1248E Advanced Coal Wind Hybrid: Economic Analysis and Analysis of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231. #12;#12;Advanced Coal
Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions Terms and Conditions Terms and Conditions As a premier national research and development laboratory, LANL seeks to do business with qualified companies that offer value and high quality products and services. Contact Small Business Office (505) 667-4419 Email Use information below as guideline to doing business An "Appendix SFA-1" contains FAR and DEAR Clauses that are incorporated by reference into a particular subcontract. "Exhibit A General Conditions" are the general terms and conditions applicable to a particular subcontract. Note: The contents of the SFA-1 and Exhibit A (below) are not the only terms and conditions that will be in a LANS subcontract but represent the terms that generally do not change in a particular type of procurement. The
Movements in air conditioning.
??Movements in Air Conditioning is a collection of poems that explores the obstacles inherent in creating a new sense of home in a country that� (more)
Hitt, Robert D. (Robert David)
Operating Conditions Opportunity
Components in Aggressive Operating Conditions Opportunity Research is active on the patent-pending technology, titled "3-Dimensional Functionally Gradient Coatings for...
Cogeneration Economics for Process Plants
This paper presents the incentives for cogeneration, describing pertinent legislation and qualification requirements for cogeneration benefits, and indicates the performance and economic characteristics of combined cycle cogeneration applications. The Fuel Use Act (FUA) restricts the use of un-renewable or premium fuels (e.g., natural gas and oil) for high-load-factor or base-load power generation. The Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA) encourages high-efficiency cogeneration by providing exemptions to the restrictions and requiring that utilities purchase cogenerated power at rates corresponding to the costs they "avoid" by not generating this power.
Ahner, D. J.
Battery Ownership Model: A Tool for Evaluating the Economics of Electrified Vehicles and Related Infrastructure (Presentation)
This presentation uses a vehicle simulator and economics model called the Battery Ownership Model to examine the levelized cost per mile of conventional (CV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in comparison with the cost to operate an electric vehicle (EV) under a service provider business model. The service provider is assumed to provide EV infrastructure such as charge points and swap stations to allow an EV with a 100-mile range to operate with driving profiles equivalent to CVs and HEVs. Battery cost, fuel price forecast, battery life, and other variables are examined to determine under what scenarios the levelized cost of an EV with a service provider can approach that of a CV. Scenarios in both the United States as an average and Hawaii are examined. The levelized cost of operating an EV with a service provider under average U.S. conditions is approximately twice the cost of operating a small CV. If battery cost and life can be improved, in this study the cost of an EV drops to under 1.5 times the cost of a CV for U.S. average conditions. In Hawaii, the same EV is only slightly more expensive to operate than a CV.
O'Keefe, M.; Brooker, A.; Johnson, C.; Mendelsohn, M.; Neubauer, J.; Pesaran, A.
High-intensity drying processes -- Impulse drying: Report 15 (final report). Production of linerboard on a pilot paper machine, subsequent commercial converting trials and preliminary economic assessment
In September 1998, 33{number_sign} liner was produced on the {number_sign}4 pilot machine under both single-felted wet pressing and impulse drying conditions. In October 1998, the pilot produced liner and commercial liner were converted to combined board and corrugated boxes at a commercial box plant. In January 1999, linerboard, medium, and combined board and box testing were completed. The pilot trials demonstrated that 33{number_sign} liner could be impulse dried at a reel speed of 380 m/min. Press dryness was improved by as much as 4 points, while CD STFI and CD ring crush were improved by more than 10%. Improvements to the smoothness of heated side of sheet were also realized. Commercial box plant converting trials demonstrated that impulse dried linerboard can be used to increase ECT and box compression strength by as much as 10%. As anticipated, print quality was found to be superior. A preliminary economic analysis was performed in which an impulse dryer would increase press dryness by 4 points and would allow the basis weight to be reduced by 10%. The economic model showed that the 4 points in dryness would translate to a 17% tonnage increase. Applying the 10% basis weight reduction resulted in an increase in productivity, on an area basis, of 30%. The pulp cost savings was found to outweigh any additional electric power costs.
Orloff, D.I.
Economical Analysis of the Cold Air Distribution System: A Case Study
In this paper, we briefly introduce the super cold air distribution technique. By comparing the schemes of two air conditioning systems, including a modified air conditioning system, this paper analyzes the technique parameters and the economics of the cold air distribution system in detail. The detailed analysis includes the air quality, comfort index, initial cost, life cost, static recycle period, and dynamic recycle period. The advantages and trends of super cold air distribution systems in the future are pointed out. The economical analysis and technical comparison is based on real data. The conclusion is useful for the design of super cold air conditioning systems of large shops and office buildings.
Zhou, Z.; Xu, W.; Li, J.; Zhao, J.; Niu, L.
Economic Impact of Recovery Act Investments in the Smart Grid...
Economic Impact of Recovery Act Investments in the Smart Grid Report (April 2013) Economic Impact of Recovery Act Investments in the Smart Grid Report (April 2013) The Economic...
Economics of Current and Future Biofuels
This work presents detailed comparative analysis on the production economics of both current and future biofuels, including ethanol, biodiesel, and butanol. Our objectives include demonstrating the impact of key parameters on the overall process economics (e.g., plant capacity, raw material pricing, and yield) and comparing how next-generation technologies and fuels will differ from today's technologies. The commercialized processes and corresponding economics presented here include corn-based ethanol, sugarcane-based ethanol, and soy-based biodiesel. While actual full-scale economic data are available for these processes, they have also been modeled using detailed process simulation. For future biofuel technologies, detailed techno-economic data exist for cellulosic ethanol from both biochemical and thermochemical conversion. In addition, similar techno-economic models have been created for n-butanol production based on publicly available literature data. Key technical and economic challenges facing all of these biofuels are discussed.
Tao, L.; Aden, A.
Blueprint for Improving Energy Efficiency in India
Blueprint for Improving Energy Efficiency in India Blueprint for Improving Energy Efficiency in India Speaker(s): V. Raghuraman Date: June 16, 2006 - 12:00pm Location: 90-4133 Indian economic growth is averaging 8%, and is projected to reach double-digit growth rates. The Indian energy requirements are likely to grow at 6% vis-a-vis the world growth rate of 2%. India has limited energy reserves, and seeks to increase its energy efficiency with contemporary technologies. The higher economic growth has been achieved with limited electricity supply implying higher productivity, which needs to be investigated carefully. The country seeks carbon finance through CDM projects. It has launched an Energy Dialogue in close collaboration with the US DOE and is participating in the Asia Pacific Partnership (APP) with
Economic analysis of nuclear reactors
The report presents several methods for estimating the power costs of nuclear reactors. When based on a consistent set of economic assumptions, total power costs may be useful in comparing reactor alternatives. The principal items contributing to the total power costs of a nuclear power plant are: (1) capital costs, (2) fuel cycle costs, (3) operation and maintenance costs, and (4) income taxes and fixed charges. There is a large variation in capital costs and fuel expenses among different reactor types. For example, the standard once-through LWR has relatively low capital costs; however, the fuel costs may be very high if U/sub 3/O/sub 8/ is expensive. In contrast, the FBR has relatively high capital costs but low fuel expenses. Thus, the distribution of expenses varies significantly between these two reactors. In order to compare power costs, expenses and revenues associated with each reactor may be spread over the lifetime of the plant. A single annual cost, often called a levelized cost, may be obtained by the methods described. Levelized power costs may then be used as a basis for economic comparisons. The paper discusses each of the power cost components. An exact expression for total levelized power costs is derived. Approximate techniques of estimating power costs will be presented.
Owen, P.S.; Parker, M.B.; Omberg, R.P.
Electricity and Natural Gas Efficiency Improvements for Residential Gas
and Natural Gas Efficiency Improvements for Residential Gas and Natural Gas Efficiency Improvements for Residential Gas Furnaces in the U.S. Title Electricity and Natural Gas Efficiency Improvements for Residential Gas Furnaces in the U.S. Publication Type Report LBNL Report Number LBNL-59745 Year of Publication 2006 Authors Lekov, Alexander B., Victor H. Franco, Stephen Meyers, James E. McMahon, Michael A. McNeil, and James D. Lutz Document Number LBNL-59745 Publisher Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory City Berkeley Abstract This paper presents analysis of the life-cycle costs for individual households and the aggregate energy and economic impacts from potential energy efficiency improvements in U.S. residential furnaces. Most homes in the US are heated by a central furnace attached to ducts for distributing heated air and fueled by natural gas. Electricity consumption by a furnace blower is significant, comparable to the annual electricity consumption of a major appliance. Since the same blower unit is also used during the summer to circulate cooled air in centrally air conditioned homes, electricity savings occur year round. Estimates are provided of the potential electricity savings from more efficient fans and motors. Current regulations require new residential gas-fired furnaces (not including mobile home furnaces) to meet or exceed 78% annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), but in fact nearly all furnaces sold are at 80% AFUE or higher. The possibilities for higher fuel efficiency fall into two groups: more efficient non-condensing furnaces (81% AFUE) and condensing furnaces (90-96% AFUE). There are also options to increase the efficiency of the furnace blower. This paper reports the projected national energy and economic impacts of requiring higher efficiency furnaces in the future. Energy savings vary with climate, with the result that condensing furnaces offer larger energy savings in colder climates. The range of impacts for a statistical sample of households and the percent of households with net savings in life cycle cost are shown. Gas furnaces are somewhat unusual in that the technology does not easily permit incremental change to the AFUE above 80%. Achieving significant energy savings requires use of condensing technology, which yields a large efficiency gain (to 90% or higher AFUE), but has a higher cost. With respect to electricity efficiency design options, the ECM has a negative effect on the average LCC. The current extra cost of this technology more than offsets the sizable electricity savings.
Simplified Space Conditioning
Simplified Space Conditioning Simplified Space Conditioning Duncan Prahl, RA IBACOS, Inc. Building America Technical Update April 29, 2013 Simplified Space Conditioning Rethinking HVAC Design * Traditional Method - Assume envelope losses dictate the load - Room by room load analysis - Pick Equipment and distribute to meet the load in each room * New Method - Consider how the occupants live in the building - Seriously consider internal gains in both heating and cooling - Consider ventilation strategy - Design system Simplified Space Conditioning If you are: * A production builder * Participating in "above code" programs * Following ACCA Manual RS or ASHRAE 55 * Need to prove "delivering heat to each habitable room" * Concerned about litigation * Play it safe, Use Manual J, S & D and condition every
Thermal Economic Analysis of an Underground Water Source Heat Pump System
The paper presents the thermal economic analysis of an underground water source heat pump system in a high school building based on usage per exergy cost as an evaluation standard, in which the black box model has been used and the cost of underground water has also been considered. The economics of the heat pump and other cooling and heating sources has been compared and then several simple methods to improve the thermal economics of the underground water heat pump system have been put forward.
Zhang, W.; Lin, B.
Diamondoids Improve Electron Emitters
Diamondoids Improve Electron Emitters Diamondoids Improve Electron Emitters Print Monday, 17 September 2012 12:02 Diamondoids are nanoparticles made of only a handful of carbon...
Cost Sensitive Conditional Planning
While POMDPs provide a general platform for conditional planning under a wide range of quality metrics they have limited scalability. On the other hand, uniform probability conditional planners scale very well, but many lack the ability to optimize plan quality metrics. We present an innovation to planning graph based heuristics that helps uniform probability conditional planners both scale and generate high quality plans when using actions with non uniform costs. We make empirical comparisons with two state of the art planners to show the benefit of our techniques.
Daniel Bryce; Subbarao Kambhampati
Economic and policy implications of pandemic influenza.
Pandemic influenza has become a serious global health concern; in response, governments around the world have allocated increasing funds to containment of public health threats from this disease. Pandemic influenza is also recognized to have serious economic implications, causing illness and absence that reduces worker productivity and economic output and, through mortality, robs nations of their most valuable assets - human resources. This paper reports two studies that investigate both the short- and long-term economic implications of a pandemic flu outbreak. Policy makers can use the growing number of economic impact estimates to decide how much to spend to combat the pandemic influenza outbreaks. Experts recognize that pandemic influenza has serious global economic implications. The illness causes absenteeism, reduced worker productivity, and therefore reduced economic output. This, combined with the associated mortality rate, robs nations of valuable human resources. Policy makers can use economic impact estimates to decide how much to spend to combat the pandemic influenza outbreaks. In this paper economists examine two studies which investigate both the short- and long-term economic implications of a pandemic influenza outbreak. Resulting policy implications are also discussed. The research uses the Regional Economic Modeling, Inc. (REMI) Policy Insight + Model. This model provides a dynamic, regional, North America Industrial Classification System (NAICS) industry-structured framework for forecasting. It is supported by a population dynamics model that is well-adapted to investigating macro-economic implications of pandemic influenza, including possible demand side effects. The studies reported in this paper exercise all of these capabilities.
Smith, Braeton J.; Starks, Shirley J.; Loose, Verne W.; Brown, Theresa Jean; Warren, Drake E.; Vargas, Vanessa N.
Assess economic and market potential of technologies and initiatives | Open
Assess economic and market potential of technologies and initiatives Assess economic and market potential of technologies and initiatives Jump to: navigation, search Stage 3 LEDS Home Introduction to Framework Assess current country plans, policies, practices, and capacities Develop_BAU Stage 4: Prioritizing and Planning for Actions Begin execution of implementation plans 1.0. Organizing the LEDS Process 1.1. Institutional Structure for LEDS 1.2. Workplan to Develop the LEDS 1.3. Roles and responsibilities to develop LEDS 2.1. Assess current country plans, policies, practices, and capacities 2.2. Compile lessons learned and good practices from ongoing and previous sustainable development efforts in the country 2.3. Assess public and private sector capacity to support initiatives 2.4. Assess and improve the national GHG inventory and other
Electricity from hot dry rock geothermal energy: technical and economic issues
Extraction of energy from hot dry rock would make available a nearly unlimited energy source. Some of the technical problems and possible economic tradeoffs involved in a power generating system are examined and possible solutions proposed. An intertemporal optimization computer model of electricity production from a hot dry rock geothermal source has been constructed. The effects of reservoir degradation, variable fluid flow rate, and drilling operations are examined to deetermine optimal strategies for reservoir management and necessary conditions for economic feasibility.
Tester, J.W.; Morris, G.E.; Cummings, R.G.; Bivins, R.L.
Technical and economic feasibility analysis of the no-fuel compressed air energy storage concept
The principal goal of this study was to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of no-fuel compressed air energy storage (CAES) concepts for utility peaking applications. The analysis uncovered no insurmountable problems to preclude the technical feasibility of the no-fuel CAES concept. The results of the economic analysis are sufficiently unfavorable to conclude that no-fuel CAES technology could not compete with conventional CAES or standard gas turbine peaking facilities for conditions foreseeable at this time.
Kreid, D.K.
A State Space Model of the Economic Fundamentals
Asset Values and Economic Fundamentals, Economics Department28, Key words: ECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS Dynamic programming, smodel o f the economic fundamentals. In t h e o r y t h e
Craine, Roger; Bowman, David
ARM - Measurement - Surface condition
condition condition ARM Data Discovery Browse Data Comments? We would love to hear from you! Send us a note below or call us at 1-888-ARM-DATA. Send Measurement : Surface condition State of the surface, including vegetation, land use, surface type, roughness, and such; often provided in model output. Categories Surface Properties Instruments The above measurement is considered scientifically relevant for the following instruments. Refer to the datastream (netcdf) file headers of each instrument for a list of all available measurements, including those recorded for diagnostic or quality assurance purposes. ARM Instruments NAV : Navigational Location and Attitude SURFLOG : SGP Surface Conditions Observations by Site Technicians S-TABLE : Stabilized Platform MET : Surface Meteorological Instrumentation
Terms and Conditions Terms and Conditions R&D Overview 100G Testbed Testbed Description Testbed Results Current Testbed Research Proposal Process Terms and Conditions Virtual Circuits (OSCARS) Performance (perfSONAR) Tools Development Green Networking Authentication & Trust Federation (ATF) Partnerships Contact Us Technical Assistance: 1 800-33-ESnet (Inside the US) 1 800-333-7638 (Inside the US) 1 510-486-7600 (Globally) 1 510-486-7607 (Globally) Report Network Problems: firstname.lastname@example.com Provide Web Site Feedback: email@example.com Terms and Conditions Researchers must provide ESnet copies of any articles, presentations, and publications based on testbed research for posting on the ESnet Testbed web site. All publications based on work conducted on the testbed must include the following statement:
Anemometry in Icing Conditions
The accuracy of wind measurements in icing conditions is discussed, and wind tunnel calibrations as well as field comparisons are presented for three heated anemometers that use different measuring principles. It is pointed out that ice-free ...
Lasse Makkonen; Pertti Lehtonen; Lauri Helle
Economic efficiency, IRPs and long term contracts
There is no market failure that warrants utility regulation of the construction of new generating plants, the supply of energy efficiency or the purchase of fuel under contract. The natural monopoly problem applies to the distribution of electricity and gas, not to generation, energy conservation, or gas purchases. Utility regulation magnifies a market failure, which is the principal agent problem. Regulatory allowance of utilities signing long term fixed price contracts and undertaking conservation measures result in costs and risks being shifted to ratepayers that would not occur under competitive market conditions. Economic efficiency would be enhanced if cost of service regulation of electric and gas utilities were replaced by a competitive market process for the construction of new power plants, utility conservation programs and contracts to purchase fuel. Conservation measures could be supplied by energy service companies. Gas merchants could provide gas and energy conservation directly to ultimate customers, if they had access to LDC pipelines. With a competitive market established to sell gas and energy services, contracts and conservation measures would not require cost-of- service regulation.
Sutherland, R.J.
Economics of producing fuel pellets from biomass
An engineering economic analysis of a biomass pelleting process was performed for conditions in North America. The pelletization of biomass consists of a series of unit operations: drying, size reduction, densifying, cooling, screening, and warehousing. Capital and operating cost of the pelleting plant was estimated at several plant capacities. Pellet production cost for a base case plant capacity of 6 t/h was about $51/t of pellets. Raw material cost was the largest cost element of the total pellet production cost followed by personnel cost, drying cost, and pelleting mill cost. An increase in raw material cost substantially increased the pellet production cost. Pellet plants with a capacity of more than 10 t/h decreased the costs to roughly $40/t of pellets. Five different burner fuels - wet sawdust, dry sawdust, biomass pellets, natural gas, and coal were tested for their effect on the cost of pellet production. Wet sawdust and coal, the cheapest burner fuels, produced the lowest pellet production cost. The environmental impacts due to the potential emissions of these fuels during the combustion process require further investigation.
Mani, S.; Sokhansanj, S.; Bi, X.; Turhollow, A. [University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC (Canada). Dept. of Biology & Chemical Engineering
Exponential Conditional Volatility Models
- relation function (ACF) is less straightforward than it is for a GARCHmodel, analytic expressions can be obtained and these expressions are more general. Speci?cally, formulae for the ACF of the (absolute values of ) the observations raised to any power can... proposes an exponential link function for the conditional mean in gamma and Weibull distributions. As well as setting out the conditions for the asymptotic theory to be valid, expressions for moments, ACFs and multi-step forecasts are derived. Leverage...
Harvey, Andrew
Preliminary Screening -- Technical and Economic Assessment of Synthesis Gas to Fuels and Chemicals with Emphasis on the Potential for Biomass-Derived Syngas
In principle, syngas (primarily consisting of CO and H2) can be produced from any hydrocarbon feedstock, including: natural gas, naphtha, residual oil, petroleum coke, coal, and biomass. The lowest cost routes for syngas production, however, are based on natural gas, the cheapest option being remote or stranded reserves. Economic considerations dictate that the current production of liquid fuels from syngas translates into the use of natural gas as the hydrocarbon source. Nevertheless, the syngas production operation in a gas-to-liquids plant amounts to greater than half of the capital cost of the plant. The choice of technology for syngas production also depends on the scale of the synthesis operation. Syngas production from solid fuels can require an even greater capital investment with the addition of feedstock handling and more complex syngas purification operations. The greatest impact on improving the economics of gas-to liquids plants is through (1) decreasing capital costs associated with syngas production and (2) improving the thermal efficiency with better heat integration and utilization. Improved thermal efficiency can be obtained by combining the gas-to-liquids plant with a power generation plant to take advantage of the availability of low-pressure steam. The extensive research and development efforts devoted to syngas conversion to fuels and chemicals are documented in a vast amount of literature that tracks the scientific and technological advancements in syngas chemistry. The purpose of this report is to review the many syngas to products processes and summarize the salient points regarding the technology status and description, chemistry, catalysts, reactors, gas cleanliness requirements, process and environmental performances, and economics. Table 1 lists the products examined in this study and gives some facts about the technology as well as advantages and disadvantages. Table 2 summarizes the catalysts, process conditions, conversions, and selectivities for the various syngas to products processes. Table 3 presents catalyst poisons for the various products.
Spath, P. L.; Dayton, D. C.
Economic Sector Data for Modeling the Impact of Less Ignition ...
... U S. Department of Agriculture. Economic Researcti Service. National Economics Division Tobacco Outlook and Situation Report. Washington DC. ...
Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (Saskatchew...
Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (Saskatchewan, Canada) Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (Saskatchewan, Canada) Eligibility...
Community Development Block Grant/Economic Development Infrastructure...
GrantEconomic Development Infrastructure Financing (CDBGEDIF) (Oklahoma) Community Development Block GrantEconomic Development Infrastructure Financing (CDBGEDIF) (Oklahoma) <...
Regional variation in solar energy economic performance
The Los Alamos/UNM solar economic performance code (EASE-III) is used to indicate the extent of production function variations as applied to a Trombe wall solar design incorporated in a new home. The economic performance of the solar heated residence is compared to the alternative non-solar home heated by the characteristic conventional fuel of each region. These economic results are used to discuss the impact of subsidy programs.
Brunton, D.; Kirschner, C.; Ben-David, S.; Roach, F.
Solar economic analysis: an alternative approach
Conventional economic analysis which utilizes the discounted present value criterion is examined from a critical perspective. It is found that this technique has a number of limiting characteristics which contribute to the lack of general usage of economic analysis for evaluating passive solar installations. Within this context an alternative approach is suggested for determining the economic desirability of such investments. This latter method, compound future worth analysis, is found to be both more understandable and flexible.
Thayer, M.A.; Brunton, D.; Noll, S.A.
Southern California Leading Economic Indicator August 2009 Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton
Southern California Leading Economic Indicator August 2009 © Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton Adrian R. Fleissig, Ph.D. Department of Economics, California State University Fullerton Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES
Southern California Leading Economic Indicator February 2008 Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton
Southern California Leading Economic Indicator February 2008 © Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton Adrian R. Fleissig, Ph.D. Department of Economics, California State University Fullerton Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES
Southern California Leading Economic Indicator September 2006 Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton
Southern California Leading Economic Indicator September 2006 © Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton Adrian R. Fleissig, Ph.D. Department of Economics, California State University Fullerton Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES
Southern California Leading Economic Indicator November 2009 Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton
Southern California Leading Economic Indicator November 2009 © Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton Adrian R. Fleissig, Ph.D. Department of Economics, California State University Fullerton Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES
Southern California Leading Economic Indicator February 2010 Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton
Southern California Leading Economic Indicator February 2010 © Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES), California State University Fullerton Adrian R. Fleissig, Ph.D. Department of Economics, California State University Fullerton Institute for Economic and Environmental Studies (IEES
Technical, economic and risk analysis of multilateral wells
The oil and gas industry, more than at any time in the past, is highly affected by technological advancements, new products, drilling and completion techniques, capital expenditures (CAPEX), operating expenditures (OPEX), risk/uncertainty, and geopolitics. Therefore, to make a decision in the upstream business, projects require a thorough understanding of the factors and conditions affecting them in order to systematically analyze, evaluate and select the best choice among all possible alternatives. The objective of this study is to develop a methodology to assist engineers in the decision making process of maximizing access to reserves. The process encompasses technical, economic and risk analysis of various alternatives in the completion of a well (vertical, horizontal or multilateral) by using a well performance model for technical evaluation and a deterministic analysis for economic and risk assessment. In the technical analysis of the decision making process, the flow rate for a defined reservoir is estimated by using a pseudo-steady state flow regime assumption. The economic analysis departs from the utilization of the flow rate data which assumes a certain pressure decline. The financial cash flow (FCF) is generated for the purpose of measuring the economic worth of investment proposals. A deterministic decision tree is then used to represent the risks inherent due to geological uncertainty, reservoir engineering, drilling, and completion for a particular well. The net present value (NPV) is utilized as the base economic indicator. By selecting a type of well that maximizes the expected monetary value (EMV) in a decision tree, we can make the best decision based on a thorough understanding of the prospect. The method introduced in this study emphasizes the importance of a multi-discipline concept in drilling, completion and operation of multilateral wells.
Arcos Rueda, Dulce Maria
PERI Green Economics | Open Energy Information
PERI Green Economics PERI Green Economics Jump to: navigation, search Tool Summary LAUNCH TOOL Name: PERI Green Economics Agency/Company /Organization: Political Economy Research Institute Sector: Energy Focus Area: Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Buildings Phase: Create a Vision, "Evaluate Options and Determine Feasibility" is not in the list of possible values (Bring the Right People Together, Create a Vision, Determine Baseline, Evaluate Options, Develop Goals, Prepare a Plan, Get Feedback, Develop Finance and Implement Projects, Create Early Successes, Evaluate Effectiveness and Revise as Needed) for this property., Prepare a Plan Resource Type: Publications, Lessons learned/best practices User Interface: Website Website: www.peri.umass.edu/green_economics0/
Economic Development Incentive Program (Massachusetts) | Department of
Economic Development Incentive Program (Massachusetts) Economic Development Incentive Program (Massachusetts) Economic Development Incentive Program (Massachusetts) < Back Eligibility Agricultural Commercial Construction Fuel Distributor Industrial Installer/Contractor Institutional Investor-Owned Utility Municipal/Public Utility Nonprofit Retail Supplier Systems Integrator Transportation Utility Savings Category Alternative Fuel Vehicles Hydrogen & Fuel Cells Buying & Making Electricity Water Home Weatherization Solar Wind Program Info State Massachusetts Program Type Corporate Tax Incentive Provider Office of Business Development The Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) is a tax incentive program designed to foster job creation and stimulate business growth throughout the Commonwealth. Participating companies may receive state and
Economics and the Ising model - CECM
Dec 24, 2003 ... The context of economics renames these variables to mirror features important in the study of social impact. Word of mouth in neighbour�...
Sandia National Laboratories: News: Economic Impact
Sandia National Laboratories has a robust and widespread economic impact. Spending by the Labs exceeds $2 billion a year. Nearly $1 billion goes to the procurement of ...
The Economics of Green Building | ENERGY STAR
The Economics of Green Building Secondary menu About us Press room Contact Us Portfolio Manager Login Facility owners and managers Existing buildings Commercial new construction...
Economic and Environmental Analysis of Photovoltaic Energy ...
Mar 22, 2012 ... Economic and Environmental Analysis of Photovoltaic Energy ... However, their approach is based on a specific net tariff system that was used�...
UCSD Biomass to Power Economic Feasibility Study
Biofuels,�LLC� UCSD�Biomass�to�Power� Economic�Feasibility�Figure�1:�West�Biofuels�Biomass�Gasification�to�Power�rates..��������. ��31� UCSD�Biomass�to�Power�?�Feasibility�
Cattolica, Robert
on electronic equipment�, ASHRAE Transactions, 97, 455-463.and recently published ASHRAE standards. 2. Economizer useconcentrations still met the ASHRAE standards. However,
Shehabi, Arman
Essays in Labor and Development Economics
of studies on job training and program evaluation in thethe Effect of Training Programs,� Review of Economics andof the Evaluation of Training Programs,� Journal of the
Mutsalklisana, Charles Saharuk
2012 Reservation Economic Summit | Department of Energy
Economic Summit Indian Energy & Energy Infrastructure to be Showcased at RES 2012 in Las Vegas Glossary of Energy Related Terms 2012 Renewable Energy Technology Conference...
NIST Budget, Planning and Economic Studies
*. Bookmark and Share. Budget, Planning and Economic Studies. ... Table providing the NIST budget summary for FY 2012 - FY 2014. FY 2013. ...
Economic Development - Oak Ridge National Laboratory | ORNL
Economic Development Entrepreneurial Programs. Partnerships staff believes that one of the very best ways to translate ORNL R&D into the commercial marketplace is to ...
Mountain Association for Community Economic Development - Solar...
Water Heater Loan Program Mountain Association for Community Economic Development - Solar Water Heater Loan Program Eligibility Commercial Residential Savings For Heating &...
NREL: Jobs and Economic Competitiveness - Jobs Analysis
on understanding how investments in clean energy technology deployment impact jobs creation and economic output at the national, state and community level. NREL's jobs analyses...
NETL: U.S. Economic Competitiveness
States' dependence on petroleum, a significant fraction of which consists of foreign oil imports, for supplying fuels and chemicals essential to the country's economic...
Brownfields Revitalization and Economic Development Program ...
icon Twitter icon Brownfields Revitalization and Economic Development Program (South Dakota) This is the approved revision of this page, as well as being the most...
Condensing economizers increase the thermal efficiency of boilers by recovering sensible and latent heat from exhaust gas. These economizers are currently being used commercially for this purpose in a wide range of applications. Performance is dependent upon application-specific factors affecting the utility of recovered heat. With the addition of a condensing economizer boiler efficiency improvements up to 10% are possible. Condensing economizers can also capture flue gas particulates. In this work, the potential use of condensing economizers for both efficiency improvement and control of particulate emissions from small, coal water slurry-fired boilers was evaluated. Analysis was done to predict heat transfer and particulate capture by mechanisms including: inertial impaction, interception, diffusion, thermophoretic forces, and condensation growth. Shell-and-tube geometries were considered with flue gas on the outside of Teflon-covered tubes. Experimental studies were done with both air- and water-cooled economizers refit to a small boiler. Two experimental arrangements were used including oil-firing with injection of flyash upstream of the economizer and direct coal water slurry firing. Firing rates ranged from 27 to 82 kW (92,000 to 280,000 Btu/hr). Inertial impaction was found to be the most important particulate capture mechanism and removal efficiencies to 95% were achieved. With the addition of water sprays directly on the first row of tubes, removal efficiencies increased to 98%. Use of these sprays adversely affects heat recovery. Primary benefits of the sprays are seen to be the addition of small impaction sites and future design improvements are suggested in which such small impacts are permanently added to the highest velocity regions of the economizer. Predicted effects of these added impactors on particulate removal and pressure drop are presented.
Inference for Extremal Conditional Quantile Models, with an Application to Market and Birthweight Risks
Quantile regression is an increasingly important empirical tool in economics and other sciences for analyzing the impact of a set of regressors on the conditional distribution of an outcome. Extremal quantile regression, ...
Chernozhukov, Victor
Advanced Fuel Cycle Economic Analysis of Symbiotic Light-Water Reactor and Fast Burner Reactor Systems
The Advanced Fuel Cycle Economic Analysis of Symbiotic Light-Water Reactor and Fast Burner Reactor Systems, prepared to support the U.S. Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI) systems analysis, provides a technology-oriented baseline system cost comparison between the open fuel cycle and closed fuel cycle systems. The intent is to understand their overall cost trends, cost sensitivities, and trade-offs. This analysis also improves the AFCI Program�s understanding of the cost drivers that will determine nuclear power�s cost competitiveness vis-a-vis other baseload generation systems. The common reactor-related costs consist of capital, operating, and decontamination and decommissioning costs. Fuel cycle costs include front-end (pre-irradiation) and back-end (post-iradiation) costs, as well as costs specifically associated with fuel recycling. This analysis reveals that there are large cost uncertainties associated with all the fuel cycle strategies, and that overall systems (reactor plus fuel cycle) using a closed fuel cycle are about 10% more expensive in terms of electricity generation cost than open cycle systems. The study concludes that further U.S. and joint international-based design studies are needed to reduce the cost uncertainties with respect to fast reactor, fuel separation and fabrication, and waste disposition. The results of this work can help provide insight to the cost-related factors and conditions needed to keep nuclear energy (including closed fuel cycles) economically competitive in the U.S. and worldwide. These results may be updated over time based on new cost information, revised assumptions, and feedback received from additional reviews.
D. E. Shropshire
Borders as membranes :metaphors and models for improved policy in border regions.
Political borders are controversial and contested spaces. In an attempt to better understand movement along and through political borders, this project applied the metaphor of a membrane to look at how people, ideas, and things ''move'' through a border. More specifically, the research team employed this metaphor in a system dynamics framework to construct a computer model to assess legal and illegal migration on the US-Mexico border. Employing a metaphor can be helpful, as it was in this project, to gain different perspectives on a complex system. In addition to the metaphor, the multidisciplinary team utilized an array of methods to gather data including traditional literature searches, an experts workshop, a focus group, interviews, and culling expertise from the individuals on the research team. Results from the qualitative efforts revealed strong social as well as economic drivers that motivate individuals to cross the border legally. Based on the information gathered, the team concluded that legal migration dynamics were of a scope we did not want to consider hence, available demographic models sufficiently capture migration at the local level. Results from both the quantitative and qualitative data searches were used to modify a 1977 border model to demonstrate the dynamic nature of illegal migration. Model runs reveal that current US-policies based on neo-classic economic theory have proven ineffective in curbing illegal migration, and that proposed enforcement policies are also likely to be ineffective. We suggest, based on model results, that improvement in economic conditions within Mexico may have the biggest impact on illegal migration to the U.S. The modeling also supports the views expressed in the current literature suggesting that demographic and economic changes within Mexico are likely to slow illegal migration by 2060 with no special interventions made by either government.
Malczynski, Leonard A.; Passell, Howard David; Forster, Craig B. (University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT); Cockerill, Kristan (Cockerill Consulting, Boone, NC)
Economics of Increased Power Flow
This report focuses on methodologies for evaluating the costs and benefits of the diverse technologies that can be used either individually or jointly to increase the flow of power through the transmission system. It begins by describing a broad slate of potential technologies and approaches for increasing transmission capacity and improving system efficiency and then provides an overall framework for assessing the benefits and costs of these technologies. Later sections cover the practical implementatio...
US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ELECTRONIC COMMERCE PROCEDURES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS Version 1.0 May 1, 1998 PROCEDURES What follows prescribes the general procedures and policies to be followed when Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is used for transmitting requests for quote, quotations, purchase orders, or other business information in lieu of creating one or more paper documents normally associated with conducting business with the Government. See the Terms and Conditions section below for a list of the standard FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and DEAR (Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation) clauses and provisions mandated to be included in Government contracting actions. The Terms and Conditions together with any clauses specified in the specific contract transaction,
Our work focuses on the use of microorganisms to recover petroleum hydrocarbons that remain entrapped after current recovery technologies reach their economic limit. Capillary forces between the hydrocarbon and aqueous phases are largely responsible for trapping the hydrocarbons in the pores of the rock and large reductions in the interfacial tension between the hydrocarbon and aqueous phases are needed for hydrocarbon mobilization (1-3, 10, 11). Microorganisms produce a variety of biosurfactants (4), several of which generate the ultra low interfacial tensions needed for hydrocarbon mobilization (4, 5, 8). In particular, the lipopeptide biosurfactant produced by Bacillus mojavensis strain JF-2 reduces the interfacial tension between hydrocarbon and aqueous phases to very low levels (herring sperm DNA, E. coli DNA or synthetic DNA (single or double stranded) to Medium E all supported anaerobic growth of JF-2. Further, we found that JF-2 required all four deoxyribonucleosides (deoxyadeonosine, deoxyguanosine, deoxycytidine and thymidine) for growth under strict anaerobic conditions. The requirement for the deoxyribonucleosides did not occur under aerobic growth conditions. DNA was not used as a sole energy source; sucrose was required for anaerobic growth and biosurfactant production in DNA-supplemented Medium E. In addition to DNA or deoxyribonucleosides, nitrate, amino acids and vitamins were all required for anaerobic growth of JF-2. Bacillus mojavensisT (ABO21191), Bacillus mojavensis, strain ROB2 also required DNA or deoxyribonucleosides for anaerobic growth. The improved anaerobic growth of Bacillus mojavensis JF-2 was a prerequisite for studies that will lead to improved anaerobic biosurfactant production.
M.J. McInerney; M. Folmsbee; D. Nagle
Advanced Fuel Cycle Economic Tools, Algorithms, and Methodologies
The Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI) Systems Analysis supports engineering economic analyses and trade-studies, and requires a requisite reference cost basis to support adequate analysis rigor. In this regard, the AFCI program has created a reference set of economic documentation. The documentation consists of the �Advanced Fuel Cycle (AFC) Cost Basis� report (Shropshire, et al. 2007), �AFCI Economic Analysis� report, and the �AFCI Economic Tools, Algorithms, and Methodologies Report.� Together, these documents provide the reference cost basis, cost modeling basis, and methodologies needed to support AFCI economic analysis. The application of the reference cost data in the cost and econometric systems analysis models will be supported by this report. These methodologies include: the energy/environment/economic evaluation of nuclear technology penetration in the energy market�domestic and internationally�and impacts on AFCI facility deployment, uranium resource modeling to inform the front-end fuel cycle costs, facility first-of-a-kind to nth-of-a-kind learning with application to deployment of AFCI facilities, cost tradeoffs to meet nuclear non-proliferation requirements, and international nuclear facility supply/demand analysis. The economic analysis will be performed using two cost models. VISION.ECON will be used to evaluate and compare costs under dynamic conditions, consistent with the cases and analysis performed by the AFCI Systems Analysis team. Generation IV Excel Calculations of Nuclear Systems (G4-ECONS) will provide static (snapshot-in-time) cost analysis and will provide a check on the dynamic results. In future analysis, additional AFCI measures may be developed to show the value of AFCI in closing the fuel cycle. Comparisons can show AFCI in terms of reduced global proliferation (e.g., reduction in enrichment), greater sustainability through preservation of a natural resource (e.g., reduction in uranium ore depletion), value from weaning the U.S. from energy imports (e.g., measures of energy self-sufficiency), and minimization of future high level waste (HLW) repositories world-wide.
David E. Shropshire
Using Hydrated Salt Phase Change Materials for Residential Air Conditioning Peak Demand Reduction and Energy Conservation in Coastal and Transitional Climates in the State of California.
??The recent rapid economic and population growth in the State of California have led to a significant increase in air conditioning use, especially in areas� (more)
Lee, Kyoung Ok
Mineralogy under extreme conditions
We have performed measurements of minerals based on the synchrotron source for single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, inelastic scattering, spectroscopy and radiography by using diamond anvil cells. We investigated the properties of iron (Fe), iron-magnesium oxides (Fe, Mg)O, silica(SiO{sub 2}), iron-magnesium silicates (Fe, Mg)SiO{sub 3} under simulated high pressure-high temperature extreme conditions of the Earth's crust, upper mantle, low mantle, core-mantle boundary, outer core, and inner core. The results provide a new window on the investigation of the mineral properties at Earth's conditions.
Shu, Jinfu (CIW)
Three Essays on Environmental and Development Economics
more likely to have air conditioning; hence, the cumulativefootage, central air conditioning, ownership, and type ofcooling loads, i.e. , air conditioning use. Electric power
Chong, Howard G.
The Economics of Solar Electricity ?
The benefits and costs of increasing solar electricity generation depend on the scale of the increase and on the timeframe over which it occurs. Short-run analyses focus on the cost-effectiveness of incremental increases in solar capacity, holding the rest of the power system fixed. Solar�s variability adds value if its power occurs at high-demand times and displaces relatively carbon-intensive generation. Medium-run analyses consider the implications of non-incremental changes in solar capacity. The cost of each installation may fall through experience effects, but the cost of grid integration increases when solar requires ancillary services and fails to displace investment in other types of generation. Long-run analyses consider the role of solar in reaching twentyfirst century carbon targets. Solar�s contribution depends on the representation of grid integration costs, on the availability of other low-carbon technologies, and on the potential for technological advances. By surveying analyses for different time horizons, this paper begins to connect and integrate a fairly disjointed literature on the economics of solar energy.
Erin Baker; Meredith Fowlie; Derek Lemoine; Stanley S. Reynolds; Erin Baker; Meredith Fowlie; Derek Lemoine; Stanley S. Reynolds
Clean, economical, underwater (hydrocarbon) storage
A consortium consisting of Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft A.G., Phoenix Gummiwerke A.G., Strabag Bau-A.G., and Bugsier Reederei und Bergungs-A.G. offers a plausible solution to the large-scale underwater storage of hydrocarbons. Up to 20 storage compartments of 8000 cu m capacity can be assembled for a capacity of 160,000 cu m. Each compartment is divided in half by a nylon-reinforced polyurethane diaphragm which isolates oil or other products on one side from sea-water ballast on the other side. As oil is pumped into storage on one side of the diaphragm, the diaphragm moves and ballast on the other side is displaced to the sea. Ballast re-enters the compartment during unloading. The system can enable small offshore platforms to produce more economically. Cargo tankers load at 8000 cu m/hr. The tanks will be used in 200 m or greater water depths. The loading station is installed in a buoy 30 m below the water surface.
�Energy Efficiency Improvements: Do they Pay?�
The authors acknowledge and appreciate the comments and suggestions as provided by mentors Martha The past decade has seen a marked increase in our awareness of the effect of climate change on the global environment. Real estate is directly responsible for 43 % of all annual carbon emissions related to energy consumption. Yet in the commercial real estate markets our attention has been primarily focused on new construction and green buildings as the solution to improve our carbon footprint. In this study we attempt to quantify the economic gains associated with investment in energy efficiency improvements (EEI) for commercial real estate. We discuss reasons and challenges associated with taking on this endeavor. Benchmarking the performance of these improvements is discussed through an explanation of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. A series of projects for which investment in EEI has been conducted are reviewed and suggest that economic gains can be significant for these improvements. While data limitations preclude the ability to generalize our results, we believe they demonstrate an area of real estate investment that should not be overlooked. Results of the study will appeal to owners and operators of commercial real estate, as well as tenants who occupy space in these buildings. 2
Brian A. Ciochetti; Mark D. Mcgowan
Improving Relocatable Classroom HVAC For Improved IEQ And Energy...
Improving Relocatable Classroom HVAC For Improved IEQ And Energy Efficiency Title Improving Relocatable Classroom HVAC For Improved IEQ And Energy Efficiency Publication Type...
Economic Development Impacts of 20% Wind (Poster)
Meeting 20% of the nation's electricity demand with wind energy will require enourmous investment in wind farms, manufacturing, and infrastructure. This investment will create substantial economic development impacts on local, regional, and national levels. This conference poster for Windpower 2007 outlines the various economic development impacts from a 20% wind scenario.
Kelly, M.; Tegen, S.
Workshop on internet economics (WIE2011) report
The second Workshop on Internet Economics [2], hosted by CAIDA and Georgia Institute of Technology on December 1-2, 2011, brought together network technology and policy researchers with providers of commercial Internet facilities and services (network ... Keywords: economics, internet, network management
kc claffy
that supported nearly 1,600 jobs and $111 million in employee compensation. This report documents the economic. The economic impacts estimated in this report are business volume, employee compensation, employment's presence in the state in 2007 generated a total business volume impact in excess of $579 million
Mohaghegh, Shahab
Jobs and Economic Development Impacts (Postcard)
The U.S. Department of Energy's Wind Powering America initiative provides information on the Jobs and Economic Development Benefits model. This postcard is a marketing piece that stakeholders can provide to interested parties; it will guide them to the Jobs and Economic Development Benefits model section on the Wind Powering America website.
Bureau of Business and Economic Research College of Business and Economics
market, health, economic development, industry analysis, public finance, forecasting and other related research areas. More information about the BBER can be found at www.bber.wvu.edu. Responsibilities in economics or resource economics with specialization in regional, health, public finance, energy, public
World Economic Forum | Open Energy Information
World Economic Forum World Economic Forum Jump to: navigation, search Logo: The World Economic Forum (WEF) Name The World Economic Forum (WEF) Address World Economic Forum Switzerland 91-93 route de la Capite, CH-1223 Cologny/Geneva Switzerland Year founded 1971 Website http://www.weforum.org Coordinates 46.2169537°, 6.18583° Loading map... {"minzoom":false,"mappingservice":"googlemaps3","type":"ROADMAP","zoom":14,"types":["ROADMAP","SATELLITE","HYBRID","TERRAIN"],"geoservice":"google","maxzoom":false,"width":"600px","height":"350px","centre":false,"title":"","label":"","icon":"","visitedicon":"","lines":[],"polygons":[],"circles":[],"rectangles":[],"copycoords":false,"static":false,"wmsoverlay":"","layers":[],"controls":["pan","zoom","type","scale","streetview"],"zoomstyle":"DEFAULT","typestyle":"DEFAULT","autoinfowindows":false,"kml":[],"gkml":[],"fusiontables":[],"resizable":false,"tilt":0,"kmlrezoom":false,"poi":true,"imageoverlays":[],"markercluster":false,"searchmarkers":"","locations":[{"text":"","title":"","link":null,"lat":46.2169537,"lon":6.18583,"alt":0,"address":"","icon":"","group":"","inlineLabel":"","visitedicon":""}]}
An economical production of alcohol fuels from biomass, a feedstock low in carbon and high in water content, is of interest. At Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), a Liquid Phase Low Temperature (LPLT) concept is under development to improve the economics by maximizing the conversion of energy carrier atoms (C,H) into energy liquids (fuel). So far, the LPLT concept has been successfully applied to obtain highly efficient methanol synthesis. This synthesis was achieved with specifically designed soluble catalysts, at temperatures < 150 C. A subsequent study at BNL yielded a water-gas-shift (WGS) catalyst for the production of hydrogen from a feedstock of carbon monoxide and H{sub 2}O at temperatures < 120 C. With these LPLT technologies as a background, this paper extends the discussion of the LPLT concept to include methanol decomposition into 3 moles of H{sub 2} per mole of methanol. The implication of these technologies for the atom-economical pathways to methanol fuel cell from biomass is discussed.
Economic analysis of a simulated alley cropping system for semi-arid conditions, using micro computers
Returns were simulated for the semi-arid areas in Mackakos District, Kenya (bimodal rainfall distribution, 600 mm/yr) comparing the present system (maize and beans intercropped twice a year) with a Leucaena leucocephala hedgerow system. Although some of the assumptions contain a large element of uncertainty, the results were promising enough for the system to be considered further. 4 references.
Hoekstra, D.A.
[en] TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF MEDIUM SIZED SOLAR-ASSISTED AIR-CONDITIONING IN BRAZIL.
??[pt] No Brasil, devido ao clima tropical, muita energia el�trica � utilizada em sistemas de ar condicionado. Devido � excelente irradia��o solar que incide na� (more)
Remembering the Bad Old Days: Human Rights, Economic Conditions, and Democratic Performance in Transitional Regimes
Serbia/Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina are missing forof course, the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina demonstrated to all
Klingemann, Hans-Dieter; Hofferbert, Richard
Lab Breakthrough: Desiccant Enhanced Evaporative Air Conditioning |
Desiccant Enhanced Evaporative Air Conditioning Desiccant Enhanced Evaporative Air Conditioning Lab Breakthrough: Desiccant Enhanced Evaporative Air Conditioning May 29, 2012 - 5:22pm Addthis This breakthrough combines desiccant materials, which remove moisture from the air using heat, and advanced evaporative technologies to develop a cooling unit that uses 90 percent less electricity and up to 80 percent less total energy than traditional air conditioning. This solution, called the desiccant enhanced evaporative air conditioner (DEVAP), also controls humidity more effectively to improve the comfort of people in buildings. View the entire Lab Breakthrough playlist. What are the key facts? Recent materials advances and liquid desiccant advances to design the compact and cost-effective DEVAP system. DEVAP uses 90 percent less electricity and up to 80 percent less
Lab Breakthrough: Desiccant Enhanced Evaporative Air Conditioning Lab Breakthrough: Desiccant Enhanced Evaporative Air Conditioning Lab Breakthrough: Desiccant Enhanced Evaporative Air Conditioning May 29, 2012 - 5:22pm Addthis This breakthrough combines desiccant materials, which remove moisture from the air using heat, and advanced evaporative technologies to develop a cooling unit that uses 90 percent less electricity and up to 80 percent less total energy than traditional air conditioning. This solution, called the desiccant enhanced evaporative air conditioner (DEVAP), also controls humidity more effectively to improve the comfort of people in buildings. View the entire Lab Breakthrough playlist. What are the key facts? Recent materials advances and liquid desiccant advances to design the compact and cost-effective DEVAP system.
Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1970* QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1970* SHORT TITLE This title may be cited as the "Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970" Sec. 4371. Congressional findings, declarations, and purposes (a) The Congress finds - (1) that man has caused changes in the environment; (2) that many of these changes may affect the relationship between man and his environment; and (3) that population increases and urban concentration contribute directly to pollution and the degradation of our environment. (b)(1)The Congress declares that there is a national policy for the environment which provides for the enhancement of environmental quality. This policy is evidenced by statutes heretofore enacted relating to the prevention, abatement, and control of environmental pollution, water and land resources, transportation, and economic and
Blade Manufacturing Improvement Project: Final Report
The Blade Manufacturing Improvement Project explores new, unique and improved materials integrated with innovative manufacturing techniques that promise substantial economic enhancements for the fabrication of wind turbine blades. The primary objectives promote the development of advanced wind turbine blade manufacturing in ways that lower blade costs, cut rotor weight, reduce turbine maintenance costs, improve overall turbine quality and increase ongoing production reliability. Foam Matrix (FMI) has developed a wind turbine blade with an engineered foam core, incorporating advanced composite materials and using Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) processes to form a monolithic blade structure incorporating a single molding tool. Patented techniques are employed to increase blade load bearing capability and insure the uniform quality of the manufactured blade. In production quantities, FMI manufacturing innovations may return a sizable per blade cost reduction when compared to the cost of producing comparable blades with conventional methods.
Retrofits for Improved Heat Rate and Availability: Circulating Water Heat Recovery Retrofits
Circulating water heat recovery is a means of directly increasing the thermal efficiency of a power plant. If only fuel savings are considered, the economic benefit is often only marginal. However, when increased megawatt output and heat-rate improvements are included in the economic analysis, such retrofits can be attractive, with break-even fuel costs sometimes approaching $1/million Btu.
Sampling Conditioned Hypoelliptic Diffusions
A series of recent articles introduced a method to construct stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs) which are invariant with respect to the distribution of a given conditioned diffusion. These works are restricted to the case of elliptic diffusions where the drift has a gradient structure, and the resulting SPDE is of second order parabolic type. The present article extends this methodology to allow the construction of SPDEs which are invariant with respect to the distribution of a class of hypoelliptic diffusion processes, subject to a bridge conditioning. This allows the treatment of more realistic physical models, for example one can use the resulting SPDE to study transitions between meta-stable states in mechanical systems with friction and noise. In this situation the restriction of the drift being a gradient can also be lifted.
Hairer, Martin; Voss, Jochen
Boiler Condition Assessment Guideline
This report Boiler Condition Assessment Guideline provides a concise overview of procedures developed by the Electric Power Research Institute EPRI to help power plant operators cost-effectively determine the extent of degradation and remaining life of key boiler components. The Guideline draws from EPRIs detailed area-specific guidelines, which in turn are based on extensive research findings by EPRI, member companies, and other organizations. This Guideline offers a starting point for power plant perso...
High voltage pulse conditioning
Apparatus for conditioning high voltage pulses from particle accelerators in order to shorten the rise times of the pulses. Flashover switches in the cathode stalk of the transmission line hold off conduction for a determinable period of time, reflecting the early portion of the pulses. Diodes upstream of the switches divert energy into the magnetic and electrostatic storage of the capacitance and inductance inherent to the transmission line until the switches close.
Stringfield, R.M.; Wheat, R.M. Jr.
Springfield, Ray M. (Sante Fe, NM); Wheat, Jr., Robert M. (Los Alamos, NM)
Conditional SIC-POVMs
In this paper we examine a generalization of the symmetric informationally complete POVMs. SIC-POVMs are the optimal measurements for full quantum tomography, but if some parameters of the density matrix are known, then the optimal SIC POVM should be orthogonal to a subspace. This gives the concept of the conditional SIC-POVM. The existence is not known in general, but we give a result in the special cases when the diagonal is known of the density matrix.
D. Petz; L. Ruppert; A. Szanto
Petz, D; Szanto, A
Fuel gas conditioning process
A process for conditioning natural gas containing C.sub.3+ hydrocarbons and/or acid gas, so that it can be used as combustion fuel to run gas-powered equipment, including compressors, in the gas field or the gas processing plant. Compared with prior art processes, the invention creates lesser quantities of low-pressure gas per unit volume of fuel gas produced. Optionally, the process can also produce an NGL product.
Lokhandwala, Kaaeid A. (Union City, CA)
Air Handling Unit Supply Air Temperature Optimization During Economizer Cycles
Most air handling units (AHUs) in commercial buildings have an air economizer cycle for free cooling under certain outside air conditions. During the economizer cycle, the outside air and return air dampers are modulated to seek mixing air temperature at supply air temperature setpoint. Mechanical cooling is always required when outside air temperature is higher than the supply air temperature setpoint. Generally the supply air temperature setpoint is set at 55�F for space humidity control. Actually the dehumidification is not necessary when outside air dew point is less than 55�F. Meanwhile the space may have less cooling load due to envelope heat loss and/or occupant schedule. These provide an opportunity to use higher supply air temperature to reduce or eliminate mechanical cooling and terminal box reheat. On the other hand the higher supply air temperature will require higher air flow as well as higher fan power. Therefore the supply air temperature has to be optimized to minimize the combined energy for fan, cooling and heating energy. In this paper a simple energy consumption model is established for AHU systems during the economizer and then a optimal supply air temperature control is developed to minimize the total cost of the mechanical cooling and the fan motor power. This paper presents AHU system energy modeling, supply air temperature optimization, and simulated energy savings.
Xu, K.; Liu, M.; Wang, G.; Wang, Z.
Crude Oil Price Forecasting with an Improved Model Based on Wavelet Transform and RBF Neural Network
The fluctuation of oil price decides the security of energy and economics. So the crude oil price forecasting performs importantly. In the paper, we apply the improved model based on Wavelet Transform and Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network to ...
Wu Qunli; Hao Ge; Cheng Xiaodong
HTGR Application Economic Model Users' Manual
The High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) Application Economic Model was developed at the Idaho National Laboratory for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant Project. The HTGR Application Economic Model calculates either the required selling price of power and/or heat for a given internal rate of return (IRR) or the IRR for power and/or heat being sold at the market price. The user can generate these economic results for a range of reactor outlet temperatures; with and without power cycles, including either a Brayton or Rankine cycle; for the demonstration plant, first of a kind, or nth of a kind project phases; for up to 16 reactor modules; and for module ratings of 200, 350, or 600 MWt. This users manual contains the mathematical models and operating instructions for the HTGR Application Economic Model. Instructions, screenshots, and examples are provided to guide the user through the HTGR Application Economic Model. This model was designed for users who are familiar with the HTGR design and Excel and engineering economics. Modification of the HTGR Application Economic Model should only be performed by users familiar with the HTGR and its applications, Excel, and Visual Basic.
A.M. Gandrik
The objective of this program is to conduct a technology development program to advance the state-of-the-art in ceramic Oxygen Transport Membranes (OTM) to the level required to produce step change improvements in process economics, efficiency, and environmental benefits for commercial IGCC systems and other applications. The IGCC program is focused on addressing key issues in materials, processing, manufacturing, engineering and system development that will make the OTM a commercial reality. The objective of the OTM materials development task is to identify a suitable material that can be formed into a thin film to produce the target oxygen flux. This requires that the material have an adequate permeation rate, and thermo-mechanical and thermo-chemical properties such that the material is able to be supported on the desired substrate and sufficient mechanical strength to survive the stresses involved in operation. The objective of the composite OTM development task is to develop the architecture and fabrication techniques necessary to construct stable, high performance, thin film OTMs supported on suitable porous, load bearing substrates. The objective of the process development task of this program to demonstrate the program objectives on a single OTM tube under test conditions simulating those of the optimum process cycle for the power plant.
Ravi Prasad
This quarterly technical progress report will summarize work accomplished for Phase 2 Program during the quarter April to June 2003. In task 1 OTM development has led to improved flux and strength performance. In task 2, robust PSO1d elements have been fabricated for testing in the pilot reactor. In task 3, the lab-scale pilot reactor has been operated for 1000 hours with improved success. In task 7, economic models substantial benefit of OTM IGCC over CRYO based oxygen production.
Dan Miller Associate, Industrial and Economic Development
Name, Phone, e-mail address Name, Phone, e-mail address Dan Miller Associate, Industrial and Economic Development Dan Miller joined Oak Ridge National Laboratory in January, 2010 as an Associate in Industrial Partnerships and Economic Development. His responsibilities include leading and supporting initiatives in the energy storage portfolio focused on technology commercialization, economic development, and industrial partnerships. He also manages ORNL's relationships with companies involved in the Oak Ridge Science & Technology Park and is actively recruiting additional companies to locate there. Prior to joining ORNL, Dan was a Licensing Associate in Rice University Office of Technology Transfer, where he managed the patent portfolio of the university's physical science technologies.
Attachment K TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Attachment K TERMS AND CONDITIONS AWARD # #12;TERMS AND CONDITIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE ............................................................................... 24 i #12;TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. Grant Agreement This project is being funded with a grant from, the Terms and Conditions, and all attachments. These Terms and Conditions are standard requirements
Improved Perturbation Theory for Improved Lattice Actions
We study a systematic improvement of perturbation theory for gauge fields on the lattice; the improvement entails resumming, to all orders in the coupling constant, a dominant subclass of tadpole diagrams. This method, originally proposed for the Wilson gluon action, is extended here to encompass all possible gluon actions made of closed Wilson loops; any fermion action can be employed as well. The effect of resummation is to replace various parameters in the action (coupling constant, Symanzik coefficients, clover coefficient) by ``dressed'' values; the latter are solutions to certain coupled integral equations, which are easy to solve numerically. Some positive features of this method are: a) It is gauge invariant, b) it can be systematically applied to improve (to all orders) results obtained at any given order in perturbation theory, c) it does indeed absorb in the dressed parameters the bulk of tadpole contributions. Two different applications are presented: The additive renormalization of fermion masses, and the multiplicative renormalization Z_V (Z_A) of the vector (axial) current. In many cases where non-perturbative estimates of renormalization functions are also available for comparison, the agreement with improved perturbative results is significantly better as compared to results from bare perturbation theory.
M. Constantinou; H. Panagopoulos; A. Skouroupathis
The Use of WBM to Improve ROP in HTHP/Hard Rock Environments
Modern day oil & gas well costs are driven by drilling performance as time becomes the dominant capital expense source. The ability to lower drilling costs becomes paramount when tight economic margins and high uncertainties/risk exist. Penetration rate decreases drastically in ultra deep formations, and substantial time is spent drilling the deepest section of these wells. Therefore, significant cost savings may be obtained through an improvement in penetration rate in deep formations. This paper shows that in HTHP (High Temperature High Pressure) hard shale/sand environments that PDC (Polycrystalline Diamond Compact) bits paired with water based mud experience 88% improvement in penetration rate than those paired with oil based mud. With this improvement in drilling rate, well costs can be substantially reduced making future ultra-deep hydrocarbon accumulations economically producible. Also observed was a drastic decrease in penetration rate in PDC bits with oil base mud which led to the use of diamond impreg bits, as the water base with PDC still maintained respectable penetration rates. The conventional penetration rate controls are still applicable in this case, but there exists a fundamental difference between the rock/fluid interactions of each mud type. Bit type, operating conditions, formation characteristics, and bit hydraulics are shown to not be the dominant influencing factor of this performance trend. The water base fluids examined have higher filtrate rates than the oil base fluids. However, a consistent data set of increasing filtrate rate corresponding to increasing penetration rate cannot be derived. Therefore filtration characteristics remain as a possible and partial influencing factor behind this data. Future experimental research is needed to confirm or disprove this theory. At this time the actual cause of this behavior is unknown, however the trend has been established showing water base drilling fluids performance versus oil base in the HTHP/hard rock environment.
Kraussman, Andrew
Impact of improved building thermal efficiency on residential energy demand
The impact of improved building shell thermal efficiency on residential energy demand is explored in a theoretical framework. The important economic literature on estimating the price elasticity of residential energy demand is reviewed. The specification of the residential energy demand model is presented. The data used are described. The empirical estimation of the residential energy demand model is described. (MHR)
Adams, R.C.; Rockwood, A.D.
Economic comparison of cogeneration/combined-cycle alternatives for industry
This paper examines various cogeneration alternatives available today and provides an economic comparison for a range of conditions that will enable the most significant factors to be considered in the selection of cogeneration alternatives, and to determine which alternatives are most suitable for the particular application. The cogeneration methods considered are: a combustion turbine electric generating unit followed by an unfired heat recovery steam generator, a combustion turbine electric generating unit followed by a supplementary fired heat recovery steam generator, a combustion turbine electric generating unit followed by a fully fired boiler, a combined-cycle combustion turbine electric generating unit followed by a supplementary fired high-pressure heat recovery boiler delivering steam to a noncondensing steam turbine-generator, a combined-cycle combustion turbine electric generating unit followed by a fully fired boiler delivering steam to a noncondensing steam turbine-generator, and a conventional coal-fired boiler and a noncondensing steam turbine-generator. It is concluded that over a wide range of financial and operating conditions, almost all of the cogeneration/combined-cycle alternatives are more economical than continued operation of an existing conventional boiler generating steam only.
Cahill, G.J.; Germinaro, B.D.; Martin, D.L.
Improving the efficiency of binary cycles
The performance of binary geothermal power plants can be improved through the proper choice of a working fluid, and optimization of component designs and operating conditions. This paper summarizes the investigations at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) which are examining binary cycle performance improvements for moderate temperature (350 to 400 F) resources. These investigations examine performance improvements resulting from the supercritical vaporization and countercurrent integral condensation of mixed hydrocarbon working fluids, as well as the modification of the turbine inlet state points to achieve supersaturated turbine vapor expansions. For resources, with the brine outlet temperature restricted, the use of turbine exhaust recuperators is examined. The reference plant used to determine improvements in plant performance in these studies operates at conditions similar to the 45 MW Heber binary plant. The brine effectiveness (watt-hours per pound of brine) is used as an indicator for improvements in performance. The performance of the binary cycle can be improved by 25 to 30% relative to the reference plant through the selection of the optimum working fluids and operating conditions, achieving countercurrent integral condensation, and allowing supersaturated vapor expansions in the turbine. 9 refs., 5 figs.
Mines, G.L.; Bliem, C.J.
Community Economic Analysis Guide | Open Energy Information
Community Economic Analysis Guide Community Economic Analysis Guide Jump to: navigation, search Tool Summary LAUNCH TOOL Name: Community Economic Analysis How-to manual Agency/Company /Organization: R. Hustedde, R. Shaffer, G. Pulver Phase: Create a Vision, Determine Baseline User Interface: Website Website: www.epa.gov/greenkit/pdfs/howto.pdf 100 page manual on how to analyze a community's economy. Useful for those not interested in building a detailed model. Retrieved from "http://en.openei.org/w/index.php?title=Community_Economic_Analysis_Guide&oldid=332592" Categories: Tools Community Energy Tools What links here Related changes Special pages Printable version Permanent link Browse properties About us Disclaimers Energy blogs Linked Data Developer services OpenEI partners with a broad range of international organizations to grow
Economizers; a Field Perspective and Case Studies
Economizers; a Field Perspective and Case Studies Economizers; a Field Perspective and Case Studies Speaker(s): David Sellers Date: January 18, 2011 - 12:00pm Location: 90-3122 Seminar Host/Point of Contact: Liping Wang Economizers are a common HVAC process with the potential to deliver significant energy savings by using outdoor air cooling to offset internal loads. But evidence from the field suggests that their track record is not good in terms of delivering those savings. This talk will provide a field perspective on some of the issues behind the poor track record, frequently illustrated with mini-case studies, and will conclude with a case study of a dysfunctional economizer in a cold environment and how the problem it was having was corrected by applying some of the concepts discussed earlier in the talk
EIA - AEO2010 - Trends in Economic Activity
Trends in Economic Activity Trends in Economic Activity Annual Energy Outlook 2010 with Projections to 2035 Trends in Economic Activity Real gross domestic product returns to its pre-recession level by 2011 AEO2010 presents three views of economic growth (Figure 31). The rate of growth in real GDP depends on assumptions about labor force growth and productivity. In the Reference case, growth in real GDP averages 2.4 percent per year. Figure 31. Average annual growth rates of real GDP, labot force, and productivity in three cases, 2008-2035 Click to enlarge » Figure source and data excel logo Figure 32. Average annual inflation, interest, and unemployment rates in three cases, 2008-2035 Click to enlarge » Figure source and data excel logo Figure 33. Sectoral composition of industrial output growth rates in three cases, 2008-2035
NREL: Wind Research - Analyzing Economic Development Through...
Analyzing Economic Development Through Wind Power July 22, 2013 Audio with Audio with Eric Lantz, NREL Senior Research analyst (MP3 3.0 MB). Download Windows Media Player. Time:...
Puerto Rico- Economic Development Incentives for Renewables
The 2008 Economic Incentives for the Development of Puerto Rico Act (EIA) provides a wide array of tax incentives and credits that enable local and foreign companies dedicated to certain business...
Essays on genetic variation and economic behavior
This thesis is a collection of papers in which behavior genetic methods are used to shed light on individual differences in economic preferences, behaviors and outcomes. Chapter one uses the classical twin design to provide ...
Cesarini, David Alexander
Megacities : sustainability, transport, and economic development
The connections between sustainability, transport, and economic development are and will remain essential in the governance of cities. Sustainability concepts include valuing and preserving the earth's resources so that ...
Tobias, Justin Charles, 1980-
Coal prices have been far less volatile than natural gas prices.Coal Prices Figure 9 is similar to Figure 8 except the natural gas pricesCoal Wind Hybrid: Economic Analysis interested in natural gas prices
Phadke, Amol
Coal mining technology, economics and policy 1989
This book contains papers reported on a conference on Coal Mining Technology, Economics and policy 1989. Topics covered include: automation and controls; coal policy; coal preparation; Environment; and Management.
The economics of investing in green buildings
This thesis discusses economics of green buildings. The need to reduce greenhouse gases emissions became clear. Buildings account for a large part of the greenhouse gases emissions, changing the atmosphere's composition. ...
Rizk, Charbel Maroun
published ASHRAE standards. 2. Economizer use caused sharp increases in particle concentrations when, the annual average concentrations still met the ASHRAE standards. However, concentration were still above is minimal (ASHRAE 40%) since most air is typically r
Essays in public economics and political economy
This thesis studies topics in public economics in developed and developing countries, including health insurance regulation, public goods provision and inequality and welfare measurement. The first chapter analyzes the ...
Pinkovskiy, Maxim L
Taking Economics Seriously in US Energy Policy
Taking Economics Seriously in US Energy Policy Speaker(s): Severin Borenstein Date: October 22, 2009 - 12:00pm Location: 90-3122 Description: From environmental externalities, to...
Publication Price Quantity Total Economic Outlook Studies
to Work in WV 2010 20.00$ $ Other Studies >> The Economic Impact of the Natural Gas Industry and the Marcellus Shale Development in West Virginia in 2009 20.00$ ___________ >> Consensus Coal Production
Malaysia: economic transformation advances oil palm industry
Malaysia is currently the world�s largest exporter of palm oil although it is the second-largest producer of the oil after neighboring Indonesia. Malaysia: economic transformation advances oil palm industry Inform Magazine Biofuels and Bioproducts and Bi
HVAC Energy Recovery Design and Economic Evaluation
ENRECO has prepared this paper on HVAC energy recovery to provide the engineer with an overview of the design engineering as well as the economic analysis considerations necessary to evaluate the potential benefits of energy recovery.
Kinnier, R. J.
Economic characteristics of a smaller, simpler reactor
Reduced load growth and heightened concern with economic risk has led to an expressed utility preference for smaller capacity additions. The Modular High Temperature Reactor (MHTGR) plant has been developed as a small, simple plant that has limited financial risk and is economically competitive with comparatively sized coal plants. Competitive economics is achieved by the simplifications made possible in a small MHTGR, reduction in the quantity of nuclear grade construction and design standardization and certification. Assessments show the MHTGR plant to have an economic advantage over coal plants for plant sizes from 270 MWe to 1080 MWe. Financial risk is limited by small unit sizes and short lead times that allow incremental deployment. Evaluations show the MHTGR incremental deployment capability to reduce negative cash flows by almost a factor of 2 relative to that required by a single large nuclear plant.
LaBar, M.; Bowers, H.
Essays on contract theory and behavioral economics
This thesis is a collection of essays on contract theory and behavioral economics. Chapter 1 proposes a model of choice under risk based on imperfect memory and self-deception. The model assumes that people have preferences ...
Gottlieb, Daniel, Ph. D. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Technical Demonstration and Economic Validation of Geothermally...
in Texas and the Gulf Region, creating a strong stimulus for economic growth and job creation while also enhancing U.S. energy security, providing a new option for states to...
Economic Development Project Districts (Indiana) | Department...
may petition legislative bodies to designate economic development project districts in cities with populations between 80,500 and 500,000. Such districts may be established if it...
Techno-Economics & Life Cycle Assessment (Presentation)
This presentation provides an overview of the techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) capabilities at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and describes the value of working with NREL on TEA and LCA.
Dutta, A.; Davis, R.
Essays in the theory of economic growth
This thesis is a collection of three theoretical essays on institutions and economic growth. Chapter 1 considers a particular institution: ethnicity. Ethnic, religious and tribal divisions are empirically associated with ...
Lester, Ashley
Essays in development economics and political economy
This thesis is a collection of three empirical essays on issues in economic development, with a focus ,on political economy and the labor market in India. Chapter 1] analyzes the effect of television coverage on political ...
Datta, Saugato
at�the�bottom�of�the��Gasifier_Economics��tab. ��� Finally,�to�as�a�directly�heated�gasifier. �Control�of�the� movement�in�a�directly�heated�gasifier�can�be�problematic. � In�
2010 Sandia Economic Impact on New Mexico
2010 Sandia Economic Impact on New Mexico 2010 data is based on Sandia's fiscal year beginning 100109 and ending 93010. While Sandia spends a large portion of its funding...
International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy
Journal of Energy Economics and Policy Journal of Energy Economics and Policy Vol. 3, No. 1, 2013, pp.60-74 ISSN: 2146-4553 www.econjournals.com 60 Carbon Emissions Caps and the Impact of a Radical Change in Nuclear Electricity Costs Benjamin D. Leibowicz Management Science and Engineering Department, Stanford University, United States. Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Maria Roumpani Management Science and Engineering Department,
Wind Energy and Economic Development in Nebraska
This fact sheet summarizes a recent report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Economic Development Benefits from Wind Power in Nebraska: A Report for the Nebraska Energy Office, which focuses on the estimated economic development impacts in Nebraska from development and operation of wind power in the state as envisioned in the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) report, 20% Wind Energy by 2030.
Lantz, E.
An inverse theorem on 'economic' maps
We prove that the bound from the theorem on 'economic' maps is best possible. Namely, for m>n+d we construct a map from an n-dimensional simplex to an m-dimensional Euclidean space for which (and for any close map) there exists a d-dimensional plane whose preimage has cardinality not less than the upper bound [(dn+n+1)/(m-n-d)]+d from the theorem on 'economic' maps. Bibliography: 16 titles.
Bogataya, Svetlana I; Bogatyi, Semeon A; Kudryavtseva, Elena A
The objective of this program is to conduct a technology development program to advance the state-of-the-art in ceramic Oxygen Transport Membranes (OTM) to the level required to produce step change improvements in process economics, efficiency, and environmental benefits for commercial IGCC systems and other applications. The IGCC program is focused on addressing key issues in materials, processing, manufacturing, engineering and system development that will make the OTM a commercial reality. The objective of the OTM materials development task is to identify a suitable material that can be formed into a thin film to produce the target oxygen flux. This requires that the material have an adequate permeation rate, and thermo-mechanical and thermo-chemical properties such that the material is able to be supported on the desired substrate and sufficient mechanical strength to survive the stresses involved in operation. The objective of the composite OTM development task is to develop the architecture and fabrication techniques necessary to construct stable, high performance, thin film OTMs supported on suitable porous, load bearing substrates. The objective of the process development task of this program to demonstrate the program objectives on a single OTM tube under test conditions simulating those of the optimum process cycle for the power plant. Good progress has been made towards achieving the DOE-IGCC program objectives. Two promising candidates for OTM materials have been identified and extensive characterization will continue. New compositions are being produced and tested which will determine if the material can be further improved in terms of flux, thermo-mechanical and thermo-chemical properties. Process protocols for the composite OTM development of high quality films on porous supports continues to be optimized. Dense and uniform PSO1 films were successfully applied on porous disc and tubular substrates with good bonding between the films and substrates, and no damage to the substrates or films.
Nuclear Power's Role in Meeting Environmental Requirements: Evaluation of E-EPIC Economic Analysis
This study assesses the potential use, on a competitive economic basis, of next-generation advanced nuclear generating technology under a range of possible regulatory and market conditions. It provides an evaluation of the potential environmental benefits of advanced nuclear technology in the U.S. electric generating mix.
Rethinking the economics of global warming
Most of the debates over the impact of the greenhouse effect have centered around the reliability of computer models and have neglected considerations of the economic effects of attempts to reduce global warming. Economic models have certain limitations but the input of cost benefit analysis is needed for arriving at suitable policies for lowering anthropogenic input into warming of the earth. Care must be used in extrapolating from data of time periods which are inappropriate. Estimates of costs of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions also must include possible benefits; at present this is not being done. Economic models must address differences in the distribution of global warming's consequences over time and geographical space. The costs of delaying or accelerating reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions need to be included in policy considerations. A global agreement must not adversely affect developing countries. Faulty assumptions of the effect of market forces on costs impair economic models. We have to recognize that economic and environmental goals need not be incompatible. If economic models are viewed as possible scenarios and not as predictions, then these scenarios can be useful in determining policies for reducing the greenhouse effect without harming populations and their economies.
Miller, A.; Mintzer, I.; Brown, P.G. (Univ. of Maryland, College Park (USA))
The Rise and Fall of Economic History at MIT
This paper recalls the unity of economics and economics at MIT before the Second World War, and their divergence thereafter. Economic history at MIT reached its peak in the 1970s with three teachers of the subject to ...
Characterization of Thermal Effects in Pyranometers: A Data Correction Algorithm for Improved Measurement of Surface Insolation
Pyranometers are reliable, economical radiometers commonly used to measure solar irradiances at the surface in a long-term, monitoring mode. This paper presents a discussion of the response of these instruments to varying environmental conditions,...
Brett C. Bush; Francisco P. J. Valero; A. Sabrina Simpson; Lionel Bignone
Proctor Engineering Group, Ltd. (PEG) and Carrier-Aeroseal LLP performed an investigation of opportunities for improving air conditioning and heating system performance in existing light commercial buildings. Comprehensive diagnostic and improvement tools were created to address equipment performance parameters (including airflow, refrigerant charge, and economizer operation), duct-system performance (including duct leakage, zonal flows and thermal-energy delivery), and combustion appliance safety within these buildings. This investigation, sponsored by the National Energy Technology Laboratory, a division of the U.S. Department of Energy, involved collaboration between PEG and Aeroseal in order to refine three technologies previously developed for the residential market: (1) an aerosol-based duct sealing technology that allows the ducts to be sealed remotely (i.e., without removing the ceiling tiles), (2) a computer-driven diagnostic and improvement-tracking tool for residential duct installations, and (3) an integrated diagnosis verification and customer satisfaction system utilizing a combined computer/human expert system for HVAC performance. Prior to this work the aerosol-sealing technology was virtually untested in the light commercial sector--mostly because the savings potential and practicality of this or any other type of duct sealing had not been documented. Based upon the field experiences of PEG and Aeroseal, the overall product was tailored to suit the skill sets of typical HVAC-contractor personnel.
Abram Conant; Mark Modera; Joe Pira; John Proctor; Mike Gebbie
Your Improvement Suggestions Requested
... Once you have joined, click on the Subgroup tab and chose Improvement Day 2010. By E-mail. If you can't create a LinkedIn ...
Agricultural Improvement Loan Program
The Agricultural Improvement Loan Program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture through the Minnesota Rural Finance Authority (RFA) and provides loans to farmers for...
Conditional sterility in plants
The present disclosure provides methods, recombinant DNA molecules, recombinant host cells containing the DNA molecules, and transgenic plant cells, plant tissue and plants which contain and express at least one antisense or interference RNA specific for a thiamine biosynthetic coding sequence or a thiamine binding protein or a thiamine-degrading protein, wherein the RNA or thiamine binding protein is expressed under the regulatory control of a transcription regulatory sequence which directs expression in male and/or female reproductive tissue. These transgenic plants are conditionally sterile; i.e., they are fertile only in the presence of exogenous thiamine. Such plants are especially appropriate for use in the seed industry or in the environment, for example, for use in revegetation of contaminated soils or phytoremediation, especially when those transgenic plants also contain and express one or more chimeric genes which confer resistance to contaminants.
Meagher, Richard B. (Athens, GA); McKinney, Elizabeth (Athens, GA); Kim, Tehryung (Taejeon, KR)
Battery condition indicator
A battery condition indicator is described for indicating both the charge used and the life remaining in a rechargeable battery comprising: rate multiplying and counting means for indirectly measuring the charge useed by the battery between charges; means for supplying variable rate clock pulse to the rate multiplying and counting means, the rate of the clock pulses being a function of whether a high current consumption load is connected to the battery or not; timing means for measuring the total time in service of the battery; charge used display means responsive to the rate multiplying and counting means for providing an indication of the charge remaining in the battery; and age display means responsive to the timing means for providing an indication of the life or age of the battery.
Fernandez, E.A.
1975 energy conditions in the South
This report depicts energy supply and demand conditions in the South in 1975 and highlights differences in production and utilization patterns relative to the United States (some of the consumption data is for 1974). Significant changes during the previous three years are noted to provide continuity with the predecessor report, Energy Conditions in the South: 1972. The most important changes are the substantial increase in nuclear generation of electricity, the absolute and relative decline in oil and gas production, and the increase in per capita energy consumption relative to the nation. Each state within the region is described in detail to ascertain important sub-regional differences in energy conditions. The intent is to provide a description rather than analysis of regional energy patterns, noting variations and emphasizing the comparative advantages of the South. Such a presentation can yield insight into the future role of the region in contributing to the economic growth and welfare of the nation as its natural resource base is depleted and the transition to alternative energy sources is made.
Rice, P.L.
Energy Capture with Optimized Photovoltaic Cells under Low Lighting Conditions
The optimization of photovoltaic devices for versatile conditions is necessary to improve the energy capture for indoor applications, such as self sufficient sensors. However, the design rules of standard outdoor solar cells are not applicable for cells ... Keywords: energy harvesting, indoor photovoltaics, low lighting conditions, photovoltaic cells
Karola Ruhle, Leonhard M. Reindl, Martin Kasemann
Benefits and costs of improved IEQ in offices
Benefits and costs of improved IEQ in offices Benefits and costs of improved IEQ in offices Title Benefits and costs of improved IEQ in offices Publication Type Journal Article Year of Publication 2011 Authors Fisk, William J., Douglas R. Black, and Gregory Brunner Journal Indoor Air Volume 21 Issue 3 Pagination 357-367 Keywords dampness and mold, health, ieq improvement, offices, temperature, ventilation Abstract This paper estimates some of the benefits and costs of implementing scenarios that improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in the stock of U.S. office buildings. The scenarios include increasing ventilation rates when they are below 10 or 15 L/s per person, adding outdoor-air economizers and controls when absent, eliminating winter indoor temperatures greater than 23 °C, and reducing dampness and mold problems. The estimated benefits of the scenarios analyzed are substantial in magnitude, including increased work performance, reduced sick building syndrome symptoms, reduced absence, and improved thermal comfort for millions of office workers. The combined potential annual economic benefit of a set of non-overlapping scenarios is approximately $20 billion. While the quantitative estimates have a high uncertainty, the opportunity for substantial benefits is clear. Some IEQ improvement measures will save energy while improving health or productivity, and implementing these measures should be the highest priority.
Trust: Economic Notions and its role in Money and Banking.
??This thesis has two aims; to explore the economic notions of trust to develop a coherent understanding of trust within economics and to apply this� (more)
Hughes, Peter T.
NREL: Jobs and Economic Development Impacts (JEDI) Models - About...
Coal Model The Jobs and Economic Development Impacts (JEDI) Coal model allows the user to estimate economic development impacts from coal power generation projects. Applying a...
Wind Powering America Webinar: Wind Power Economics: Past, Present...
Power Economics: Past, Present, and Future Trends Wind Powering America Webinar: Wind Power Economics: Past, Present, and Future Trends November 23, 2011 - 1:43pm Addthis Wind...
U.S. Energy Secretary Bodman Highlights the Economic Incentives...
U.S. Energy Secretary Bodman Highlights the Economic Incentives of Energy Efficiency at the Pittsburgh Energy Summit 2006 U.S. Energy Secretary Bodman Highlights the Economic...
Illustrative Calculation of Economics for Heat Pump and "Grid...
Illustrative Calculation of Economics for Heat Pump and "Grid-Enabled" Water Heaters Illustrative Calculation of Economics for Heat Pump and "Grid-Enabled" Water Heaters Rate...
Web-Based Economic and Environmental Optimization of Microgrids
Web-Based Economic and Environmental Optimization of Microgrids Title Web-Based Economic and Environmental Optimization of Microgrids Publication Type Conference Paper LBNL Report...
Energy Storage Systems 2007 Peer Review - Economics Presentations...
Economics Presentations Energy Storage Systems 2007 Peer Review - Economics Presentations The U.S. DOE Energy Storage Systems Program (ESS) held an annual peer review on September...
Economic Evaluation of Climate Change Adaptation Projects: Approaches...
Economic Evaluation of Climate Change Adaptation Projects: Approaches for the Agricultural Sector and Beyond Jump to: navigation, search Tool Summary Name: Economic Evaluation of...
About Fermilab | Fermilab Fact Sheets | Archives | Economic Impacts
Economic Impacts Economic Impact FY2010 FY2009 FY2008 FY2007 Procurement Distribution Payroll by Zip Code last modified 0207...
Reassessing Wind Potential Estimates for India: Economic and...
Reassessing Wind Potential Estimates for India: Economic and Policy Implications Title Reassessing Wind Potential Estimates for India: Economic and Policy Implications Publication...
Sandia National Laboratories: Sandia/California Economic Impact...
SandiaCalifornia Economic Impact Summary Making an impact Sandia generates nearly 1 billion in economic output in California with nearly half coming from the San Francisco Bay...
White House Council of Economic Advisers and Energy Department...
White House Council of Economic Advisers and Energy Department Release New Report on Resiliency of Electric Grid During Natural Disasters White House Council of Economic Advisers...
Marine & Hydrokinetic Power Model The Jobs and Economic Development Impacts (JEDI) Marine and Hydrokinetic (MHK) model allows users to estimate economic development impacts from...
NREL Report Highlights Positive Economic Impact and Job Creation...
Agencies You are here Home NREL Report Highlights Positive Economic Impact and Job Creation from 1603 Renewable Energy Grant Program NREL Report Highlights Positive Economic...
Energy Implications of Economizer Use in California Data Centers
Us Department Contacts Media Contacts Energy Implications of Economizer Use in California Data Centers Title Energy Implications of Economizer Use in California Data Centers...
Economic resource allocation in system simulation and control design
to an economic simulation problem(ESP)[32]. This chapter isan economic design problem ( ESP)[32]. A particularly simplesimulation problem (ESP) as designing the simulation of a
Li, Faming
Resource and Energy Investment Program - First Peoples Economic...
Resource and Energy Investment Program - First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc. (Manitoba, Canada) Resource and Energy Investment Program - First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc....
Model The Jobs and Economic Development Impacts (JEDI) Photovoltaics (PV) model allows users to estimate economic development impacts from PV projects. JEDI PV has default...
DOE Announces Webinars on Economic Impacts of Offshore Wind,...
DOE Announces Webinars on Economic Impacts of Offshore Wind, Clean Energy Financing Programs, and More DOE Announces Webinars on Economic Impacts of Offshore Wind, Clean Energy...
Fractured elites : the politics of economic crisis in Mexico
Economic crises are such powerful socioeconomic disasters that, not surprisingly, they are usually explained by powerful socioeconomic pressures, such as global financial speculation, structural economic failure, or populist ...
Schlefer, Jonathan King
Development of a Secure, Economic and Environmentally friendly...
a Secure, Economic and Environmentally friendly Modern Power System (Smart Grid Project) Jump to: navigation, search Project Name Development of a Secure, Economic and...
OPSAID improvements and capabilities report.
Process Control System (PCS) and Industrial Control System (ICS) security is critical to our national security. But there are a number of technological, economic, and educational impediments to PCS owners implementing effective security on their systems. Sandia National Laboratories has performed the research and development of the OPSAID (Open PCS Security Architecture for Interoperable Design), a project sponsored by the US Department of Energy Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (DOE/OE), to address this issue. OPSAID is an open-source architecture for PCS/ICS security that provides a design basis for vendors to build add-on security devices for legacy systems, while providing a path forward for the development of inherently-secure PCS elements in the future. Using standardized hardware, a proof-of-concept prototype system was also developed. This report describes the improvements and capabilities that have been added to OPSAID since an initial report was released. Testing and validation of this architecture has been conducted in another project, Lemnos Interoperable Security Project, sponsored by DOE/OE and managed by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL).
Halbgewachs, Ronald D.; Chavez, Adrian R.
Simulations and economic analyses of desiccant cooling systems
The progress to date in the development and analysis of computer simulations of solar-powered desiccant cooling using an axial-flow disc-type dehumidifier wheel, solar-powered space heating, and electrically driven, standard vapor-compression air-conditioning systems for residential use is documented. Computer simulations for both solar and conventional heating and cooling systems were performed for 12-month heating and cooling seasons. Annual thermal performance and the resulting life cycle costs for both types of systems were analyzed and compared. The heating/cooling season simulations were run for five U.S. cities representing a wide range of climatic conditions and insolation. With the informaion resulting from these simulations, the optimum air-conditioning system was chosen to maximize the conservation of fossil fuels and minimize operating costs. Because of the increasing use of residential air conditioning employing electrically driven vapor-compression coolers, the five locations were studied to determine if it would be beneficial (in terms of both economics and fossil fuel displacement) to displace fossil-fuel-powered vapor-compression coolers and natural gas space heaters with solar-powered heating and desiccant cooling systems.
Shelpuk, B. C.; Hooker, D. W.; Jorgensen, G. J.; Bingham, C. E.
Three Essays on Energy Economics and Forecasting
This dissertation contains three independent essays relating energy economics. The first essay investigates price asymmetry of diesel in South Korea by using the error correction model. Analyzing weekly market prices in the pass-through of crude oil, this model shows asymmetric price response does not exist at the upstream market but at the downstream market. Since time-variant residuals are found by the specified models for both weekly and daily retail prices at the downstream level, these models are implemented by a Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) process. The estimated results reveal that retail prices increase fast in the rise of crude oil prices but decrease slowly in the fall of those. Surprisingly, retail prices rarely respond to changes of crude oil prices for the first five days. Based on collusive behaviors of retailers, this price asymmetry in Korea diesel market is explained. The second essay aims to evaluate the new incentive system for biodiesel in South Korea, which keeps the blend mandate but abolishes tax credits for government revenues. To estimate changed welfare from the new policy, a multivariate stochastic simulation method is applied into time-series data for the last five years. From the simulation results, the new biodiesel policy will lead government revenues to increases with the abolishment of tax credit. However, increased prices of blended diesel will cause to decrease demands of both biodiesel and blended diesel, so consumer and producer surplus in the transport fuel market will decrease. In the third essay, the Regression - Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (REGSARIMA) model is employed to predict the impact of air temperature on daily peak load demand in Houston. Compared with ARIMA and Seasonal Model, a REGARIMA model provides the more accurate prediction for daily peak load demand for the short term. The estimated results reveal air temperature in the Houston areas causes an increase in electricity consumption for cooling but to save that for heating. Since the daily peak electricity consumption is significantly affected by hot air temperature, this study makes a conclusion that it is necessary to establish policies to reduce urban heat island phenomena in Houston.
Shin, Yoon Sung
Improved plug valve
An improved plug valve wherein a novel shape for the valve plug and valve chamber provide mating surfaces for improved wear characteristics is described. The novel shape of the valve plug is a frustum of a body of revolution of a curve known as a tractrix, a solid shape otherwise known as a pseudosphere.
Wordin, J.J.
Improved wire chamber
An improved gas mixture for use with proportional counter devices, such as Geiger-Mueller tubes and drift chambers. The improved gas mixture provides a stable drift velocity while eliminating wire aging caused by prior art gas mixtures. The new gas mixture is comprised of equal parts argon and ethane gas and having approximately 0.25% isopropyl alcohol vapor. 2 figs.
Atac, M.
Improvements in solid desiccant cooling
The DINC (Direct-Indirect Evaporative Cooling) cycle was proposed in 1986 by Texas A and M researchers. The idea was to combine the benefits of direct and indirect evaporative cooling with desiccant dehumidifying using a rotating solid silica-gel dehumidifier. Recent parametric studies completed for the Texas Energy Research in Applications Program have developed a computer design for a nominal 3-ton system that would minimize the energy consumption (both thermal and electric) while maintaining a sensible heat ratio of 75% or less. That optimum design for the original 1986 DINC cycle was modified to improve its energy efficiency. The modifications described in this paper were: (1) staging the desiccant regeneration air and (2) recirculation of the primary air to the secondary side of the indirect evaporative cooling. Computer simulations were run to study the effect of the modifications on the performance of the system. American Refrigeration Institute (AIR) standard conditions (Ambient air at 35C, 40% R.H. and Room air at 26.7C, 50% R.H.) were used for all the modifications. Results were also compared to the familiar Pennington (ventilation) cycle. The study indicated that recirculating the indirect evaporative cooler air only degenerated the performance. However, staging a portion of the regeneration air could improve the thermal coefficient of Performance by 25% over the non-staged DINC cycle. Compared to a similar staged-regeneration Pennington cycle it is a 16% improvement in thermal COP and the sensible heat ratio was 70%.
Waugaman, D.; Kini, A.; Kettleborough, C.F. (Texas A and M Univ., College Station (United States))
Attachment J TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Attachment J TERMS AND CONDITIONS AWARD # PON-10-603 #12;TERMS AND CONDITIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................... 24 i #12;TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. Grant Agreement This project is being funded with a grant from is comprised of the grant funding award, the Terms and Conditions, and all attachments. These Terms
Measurement, Analysis, and Improvement
6 Measurement, Analysis, and Improvement Process 11_0304 Page 1 of 6 6 Measurement, Analysis, and Improvement Process 11_0304 Page 1 of 6 EOTA - Business Process Document Title: Measurement, Analysis, and Improvement Process Document Number: P-006 Rev 11_0304 Document Owner: Elizabeth Sousa Backup Owner: Melissa Otero Approver(s): Melissa Otero Parent Document: Q-001, Quality Manual Notify of Changes: EOTA Employees Referenced Document(s): P-008 Corrective-Preventive Action Process, P-004 Business System Management Review and REG-003 Records Register P-006 Measurement, Analysis, and Improvement Process 11_0304 Page 2 of 6 Revision History: Rev. Description of Change A Initial Release 08_0416 Changed verbiage in Step 6 to, "CAR/PAR/IO using P-008, Corrective-Preventive Action & Improvement Opportunity"
Milestone Plan Process Improvement
Milestone Plan Process Improvement Milestone Plan Process Improvement Milestone Plan Process Improvement Background In response to our community's concern over the milestone plan (MP) process within the system, the STRIPES Project Office initiated an in-depth evaluation of the required steps and issues surrounding this process. We concluded that the MP process could be improved for most users by tuning the system configuration. With the approval of both the STRIPES Executive Steering Committee and the STRIPES Project Office, we launched the MP Process Improvement Initiative. After many meetings with members of the STRIPES Team and Working Group, we are ready to "go-live" with this initiative. On October 1 st , 2012 the new MP process will be implemented for use by most field offices.
Lessons from conditionality provisions for southnorth cooperation on climate change
be observed where there is an understanding that future funding of projects depends on their current performance. Continuity of programs is frequently cited as an important requirement for their successful implementation. As for the conditional aid system... ) there: MONA database and IEO staff estimates (*3) there: MONA database and IEO staff estimates (*4) PRGFs; 20 selected countries only The worldwide economic and debt crisis during the 1980s was particularly severe for developing countries. This led...
Sippel, M; Neuhoff, Karsten
Fuel conditioning process
A fuel conditioning process and apparatus for use where natural gas is compressed by a field compressor driven by a natural gas powered engine. The fuel portion of the compressed raw natural gas is passed through an adsorption vessel containing an adsorbent material capable of adsorbing impurities. The outlet gas from the adsorption vessel is accumulated and mixed for averaging and controlling the heating value of the outlet gas used for fuel. Regeneration of the adsorption material, when employing multiple adsorption vessels, is accomplished by connecting one adsorption vessel to the suction side of the compressor, purified gas from another adsorption vessel in adsorption service is backflowed through the loaded adsorption vessel to desorb the previously adsorbed impurities, the flow of the compressed raw natural gas to the other adsorption vessel is terminated and the pressure within the two adsorption vessels is equalized. The regenerated adsorption vessel is then repressured with the compressed raw natural gas prior to returning it to the adsorption mode.
McGill, J. C.; Alley, J. R.; Coombs, D. W.
Team Middlebury On How to Create Buildings That Improve Communities
Team Middlebury On How to Create Buildings That Improve Communities Team Middlebury On How to Create Buildings That Improve Communities Socially, Economically, and Environmentally Team Middlebury On How to Create Buildings That Improve Communities Socially, Economically, and Environmentally July 8, 2013 - 4:36pm Addthis Team Middlebury at their Spring Build of the InSite, a 954 sq. ft. solar-powered home that's set to compete in the 2013 Solar Decathlon. Cordelia, Team Manager, is pictured sixth from the right. Team Middlebury at their Spring Build of the InSite, a 954 sq. ft. solar-powered home that's set to compete in the 2013 Solar Decathlon. Cordelia, Team Manager, is pictured sixth from the right. Cordelia Newbury Team Manager, InSite: Team Middlebury Solar Decathlon Looking back on my experience with the Solar Decathlon, I am a firm
Economic viability of heat pump desuperheaters for supplying domestic hot water
The heat reclaimer is a heat exchange device that removes superheat from the refrigerant gas in a heat pump or central air conditioning unit and uses that extracted energy to heat water for domestic uses. This analysis examines the energy-saving potential and economic benefit of the heat reclaimer. Energy savings were calculated using a modified bin analytical technique. Economic viability was determined using the simple payback criterion. The analysis was performed for 28 cities in the United States to gain an understanding of the relationship between energy savings, economic viability, and climate. The results of the assessment indicate that the heat reclaimer has payback periods greater than seven years when compared with oil- or gas-fired water heating systems. Because of the long payback periods, the heat reclaimer does not appear to be economically feasible for these applications. However, when compared to electric-resistance water heating units, the heat reclaimer is economically viable, especially in areas where the air conditioning load is substantial or where the price of electricity is high.
Olszewski, M.
Improved control strategies correct main fractionator operating problems
Heat and mass balance control of refinery main fractionators can be improved through simple process design changes. Metering flows of internal reflux streams improves unit operability and controllability. Modifying the process system design to measure small internal reflux flow is another inexpensive way to control main fractionators. Three case histories show how simple design changes in refinery main fractionators can solve advanced control problems, thus changing product yields and improving refinery economics. The three cases are a delayed coker, a crude unit, and a FCC unit.
Golden, S.W. [Process Consulting Services Inc., Dallas, TX (United States)
Economic Voting: Enlightened Self�Interest and Economic Reference Groups.� Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Midwest Political Science Association
One of the more robust ndings over the last 50 years in research on elections has been the importance of macroeconomic conditions on voting in U.S. presidential elections. An important nding in that research was made by Steven Weatherford in a 1978 article demonstrating that working class voters are more sensitive to economic conditions than are middle class voters in their vote choice. Weatherford's result was based on the 1956 through 1960 elections. We extend Weatherford's analysis for the 1956 thru 1992 elections. We are unable to produce evidence that poor voters are consistently more sensitive to the economy than are middle class and rich voters in their electoral behavior. We also o er a new theory of economic voting. We propose that voters vote based on the economic performance of their economic reference group- rather than on their own personal nances or on the state of the national economy. We o er a very preliminary and very crude initial test of this theory using NES data for 1956 to 1992.
Jonathan Nagler; Jennifer Niemann
Economic Evaluation Guide for alternative transportation fuels
The production of this Economic Evaluation Guide is one activity of AVFCAP. The guide is intended for use by project managers and fleet operators in the public sector. Public fleets have been identified as one of the most likely areas where ATFs will first gain widespread use, because of existing and impending state and federal legislative mandates, as well as for practical reasons such as centralized servicing and refueling. The purpose of this guide is to provide balanced decision-support information to project managers who are considering conducting, or currently managing, ATF demonstration programs. Information for this guide was gathered as part of a related AVFCAP activity, the development of an Information Resource Database. Economic issues related to the development and implementation of ATF programs at the local government level are extremely complex, and require an analysis of federal policies and national and international economics that is generally beyond the scope of local government project managers. The intent of this guide is to examine the information available on the economic evaluation of ATFs, and identify key elements that will help local governments realistically assess the potential costs and savings of an ATF program. The guide also discusses how these various economic factors are related, and how local government priorities affect how different factors are weighed.
de Percin, D.; Werner, J.F. Jr.
Simulation demonstrates economics of minnelusa polymer floods
Defining some variables with a probability distribution can establish more precisely the economic value of such projects as polymer flooding in the Minnelusa formation. An enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) project often presents a difficult investment decision. The substantial risks and performance uncertainties must be carefully weighted against the investment costs. a Monte Carlo simulation model was used to characterize the incremental economics of a Minnelusa polymer flood. The principal questions addressed in this paper are: What is the likelihood of the EOR project being an economic success What is the expected economic benefit of the polymer flood With representative field parameters and price projections, the typical Minnelusa polymer flood was found to have a 93% chance of economic success. The expected monetary value (EMV) for the project is $1.6 million. This expected net gain results from the incremental cost of about $50,000 for additional surface equipment and about $480,000 for chemicals. Although each project must be evaluated on its own merits, these results present a strong case of considering polymer-augmented floods in the Minnelusa.
Hochanadel, S.M. (Tiorco Inc., Englewood, CO (US)); Schuyler, J.R.
Can combining economizers with improved filtration save energy and protect equipment in data centers?
be relatively minor. Building design fan curves indicate ausing fan curves specific to the HVAC design at the dataFan power requirements were calculated, using the mechanical design
Development of economical improved thick film solar cell contact. Final report, September 1978-April 1979
The potential for economy and efficiency has been demonstrated for the thick film metallization process using screen printing for solar cell electrodes. However, process reliability and materials economy remain deficient. It is believed that these deficiencies can be removed by the use of ink formulations designed specifically for silicon solar cells, departing from ceramic technology tradition and utilizing all metal systems. The objectives of this investigation are as follows: 1) eliminate the glass frit which has been the conventional liquid phase sintering medium and adhesive for metallization inks; 2) provide an appropriate metal which can serve as the liquid phase sintering medium; 3) find a chemical constituent which effectively removes the native oxide from the silicon during the firing step, which can be made part of the ink, and which either becomes fugitive or remains an inert part of the matured metallization; and 4) maintain cognizance of the cost objectives of the LSA Project in selecting materials and processes. Progress is reported. (WHK)
Ross, B.
Development of economical improved thick film solar cell contact. Extension final report, April-December 1979
In the second half of the investigation of all metal screened electrodes, the focus was on base metal pastes in addition to further work with the silver systems. Contact resistance measurements were refined. A facility allowing firing in hydrogen and other atmospheres was acquired. Several experiments were made applying screenable pastes to solar cells. Doping investigations emphasized eutectic alloys reduced to powders. Metal systems were reviewed. A previously published vapor pressure curve for silver fluoride was corrected. Base metal experiments were done with nickel and copper using lead and tin as the frit metals. Severe adhesion problems were experienced with hydrogen atmospheres in all metal systems. A two step firing schedule was devised based upon experimentation which gave evidence that the silver fluoride-silicon dioxide reaction was modified by the presence of hydrogen. It was found that nitrogen prefiring allowed the silver fluoride dissociation and oxide removal without causing catastrophic oxidation of the base metal powders. The subsequent hydrogen firing step reduced oxides tht had formed and gave the proper sintered structure. Electrodes were coherent, adherent, and solderable in both nickel lead and copper lead systems. Towards the end of the contractual period aluminum-silicon and aluminum-germanium eutectic doping additions to copper pastes were tried on 2 1/4'' diameter solar cell back contacts, both with good results (eta = 9.4% AM1 uncoated).
Development of economical improved thick film solar cell contact. Quarterly report No. 1
Materials were surveyed to provide candidates for an all metal electrode paste system. These consisted of a major constituent metal powder, a low melting metal powder suitable for a liquid phase sintering medium, and a powder material suitable as an etchant for silicon dioxide at sintering temperatures. By means of thermal gravimetric analysis a suitable binder was identified for low temperature fired inks. The all metal ink concept was first demonstrated with the silver system to avoid the problems of limited process windows encountered with base metal systems. A number of solid materials capable of selectively etching silicon dioxide at modest temperatures were identified. One of these, silver fluoride, has yielded very good results, wetting the silicon surface after removing a thick (3000 A) silica layer. Silver pastes containing the above materials have been prepared. A paste with silver fluoride was screened onto N-type silicon with 5..cap omega..cm resistivity. The resulting contact pads had excellent adhesion but were not electrically ohmic. Another metal ink paste, incorporating boric acid, gave substantially lower resistances; however, it would not pass a 1-hour boiling DI water immersion without losing scratch resistance.
Ross, B.; Mentley, D.
The fuel cycle economics of improved uranium utilization in light water reactors
A simple fuel cycle cost model has been formulated, tested satisfactorily (within better than 3% for a wide range of cases)
Abbaspour, Ali Tehrani
Congestion on the Internet : operator responses, economic analysis, and improving the network architecture
Our thesis presents the results of monitoring traffic management techniques of network providers. We find that in addition to complete blocking of traffic flows on some transport layer ports, providers are also actively ...
Bauer, Steven J. (Steven Joseph), 1976-
Applying risk informed methodologies to improve the economics of sodium-cooled fast reactors
In order to support the increasing demand for clean sustainable electricity production and for nuclear waste management, the Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor (SFR) is being developed. The main drawback has been its high capital ...
Nitta, Christopher C
Establishing Economic Effectiveness through Software Health-Management
More than two thirds of the annual software budget of large-scale organizations dealing with complex software systems is spent on the perfection, correction, and operation of existing software systems. A significant part of these running costs could be saved if the software systems that need to be constantly extende, maintained and operated were in a better technical condition. This paper proposes Software Health-Checks as a method to assess the technical condition of existing software systems and to deduce measures for improving the health of software in a structured manner. Since 2006 numerous commercial software systems with a total of 30 MLOC, implemented in various technologies, were already checked with this method. The actions suggested as a result of these Software 'Health-Checks', repeatedly yielded dramatic performance improvements, risk reductions and cost savings between 30% and 80%.
Pizka, M; Panas, T
Survey of the Economics of Hydrogen Technologies
the Economics of the Economics of Hydrogen Technologies September 1999 * NREL/TP-570-27079 C.E.G. Padró and V. Putsche National Renewable Energy Laboratory 1617 Cole Boulevard Golden, Colorado 80401-3393 NREL is a U.S. Department of Energy Laboratory Operated by Midwest Research Institute * * * * Battelle * * * * Bechtel Contract No. DE-AC36-98-GO10337 National Renewable Energy Laboratory 1617 Cole Boulevard Golden, Colorado 80401-3393 NREL is a U.S. Department of Energy Laboratory Operated by Midwest Research Institute * * * * Battelle * * * * Bechtel Contract No. DE-AC36-98-GO10337 September 1999 * NREL/TP-570-27079 Survey of the Economics of Hydrogen Technologies C.E.G. Padró and V. Putsche Prepared under Task No. HY921013 NOTICE This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States
Economic Aspects of Small Modular Reactors
Economic Aspects of Small Modular Reactors March 1, 2012 Introduction The potential for SMR deployment will be largely determined by the economic value that these power plants would provide to interested power producers who would evaluate their prospects in relation to other options for generating electricity. To help better understand this proposition, DOE enlisted the Energy Policy Institute at Chicago in 2010 to conduct an economic analysis of SMRs based upon what is known today. Their findings were summarized in a paper by Robert Rosner and Stephen Goldberg, released in December, 2011, titled "Small Modular Reactors - Key to Future Nuclear Power Generation in the U.S." This brief paper will highlight some of the key finding from the study
Ground Improvement Techniques for Liquefaction ...
... For some pipe systems, such as gas lines, it may be economical to ... was verified through finite element numerical analysis and centrifuge model tests ...
Economic Considerations of Nuclear Desalination in Korea
The objective of this study is to assess the economics of SMART (System-integrated Modular Advanced Reactor) desalination plant in Korea through DEEP (Devaluation Economic Evaluation Program). SMART is mainly designed for the dual purpose of producing water and electricity with the total capacity of 100 MWe which 10 MWe is used for water production and the remains for the electric generation. SMART desalination plant using MED (Multi-Effect Distillation) process is in the stage of the commercial development and its cost information is also being accumulated. In this circumstances, the economic assessment of nuclear desalination by SMART and the effect of water(or electric) supply price to the regional economy is meaningful to the policy maker. This study is focused on the case study analysis about the economics of SMART desalination plant and the meanings of the case study result. This study is composed of two parts. One is prepared to survey the methodology regarding cost allocation between electricity and water in DEEP and the other is for the economic assessment of SMART. The cost allocation methods that have been proposed or used can be classified into two main groups, one is the cost prorating method and the other is the credit method. The cost of an product item in the dual-purpose plant can be determined differently depending on the costing methods adopted. When it comes to applying credit method adopted in this thesis, the production cost of water depends on what kind of the power cost will be chosen in calculating the power credit. This study also analyses the changes of nuclear desalination economics according to the changes of the important factors such as fossil fuel price. I wish that this study can afford to give an insight to the policy maker about SMART desalination plant. (authors)
Man-Ki, Lee; Seung-Su, Kim [Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 150, Deok-jin dong, Yu-seong gu, Dae-jeon city (Korea, Republic of)
The Economics of Cybersecurity: Principles and Policy Options
Economics puts the challenges facing cybersecurity into perspective better than a purely technical approach does. Systems often fail because the organizations that defend them do not bear the full costs of failure. For instance, companies operating critical infrastructures have integrated control systems with the Internet to reduce near-term, measurable costs while raising the risk of catastrophic failure, whose losses will be primarily borne by society. As long as anti-virus software is left to individuals to purchase and install, there may be a less than optimal level of protection when infected machines cause trouble for other machines rather than their owners. In order to solve the problems of growing vulnerability and increasing crime, policy and legislation must coherently allocate responsibilities and liabilities so that the parties in a position to fix problems have an incentive to do so. In this paper, we outline the various economic challenges plaguing cybersecurity in greater detail: misaligned incentives, information asymmetries and externalities. We then discuss the regulatory options that are available to overcome these barriers in the cybersecurity context: ex ante safety regulation, ex post liability, information disclosure, and indirect intermediary liability. Finally, we make several recommendations for policy changes to improve cybersecurity: mitigating malware infections via ISPs by subsidized cleanup, mandatory disclosure of fraud losses and security incidents, mandatory disclosure of control system incidents and intrusions, and aggregating reports of cyber espionage and reporting to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Tyler Moore
Cycle Chemistry Improvement Program
The purity of water and steam is central to ensuring fossil plant component availability and reliability. This report, which describes formal cycle chemistry improvement programs at nine utilities, will assist utilities in achieving significant operation and maintenance cost reductions.
An Improved Humidity Sensor
A common feature of all capacitance humidity sensors is their undesirable hysteresis effect due to the unequal adsorption and desorption of water vapor on the surfaces of their dielectric porous materials. To eliminate this error, an improved ...
Shixuan Pang; Hartmut Gra�l; Horst J�ger
economic means to permanently store CO
economic means to permanently store CO economic means to permanently store CO 2 in unmineable coal seams. Prior to the injection, horizontal coalbed methane (CBM) wells were drilled approximately 1,200 to 1,800 feet underground in a five-spot pattern over a 200-acre area in the unmineable Upper Freeport coal seam. As part of this $13 million field trial, which is being conducted under the collaboration of the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), West Virginia University, and CONSOL Energy, Inc., CO 2 will be injected at a pressure of up to 700 pounds per square inch (psi)
Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach: Wind Economic Development
Development Development This page provides software applications and publications to help individuals, developers, local governments, and utilities make decisions about wind power. Projecting costs and benefits of new installations, including the economic development impacts created, is a key element in looking at potential wind applications. Communities, states, regions, jobs (i.e., construction, operations and maintenance), the tax base, tax revenues, and others can be positively affected. These benefits are in addition to the impacts for the owner or developer. Wind, A Montana County's Plan to Reverse a Declining Tax Base and Expand Economic Opportunities Thumbnail of the Cascade County Wind Power brochure. Cascade County, Montana, Commissioner Peggy Beltrone, initiated an
Advanced Fuel Cycle Economic Sensitivity Analysis
A fuel cycle economic analysis was performed on four fuel cycles to provide a baseline for initial cost comparison using the Gen IV Economic Modeling Work Group G4 ECON spreadsheet model, Decision Programming Language software, the 2006 Advanced Fuel Cycle Cost Basis report, industry cost data, international papers, the nuclear power related cost study from MIT, Harvard, and the University of Chicago. The analysis developed and compared the fuel cycle cost component of the total cost of energy for a wide range of fuel cycles including: once through, thermal with fast recycle, continuous fast recycle, and thermal recycle.
David Shropshire; Kent Williams; J.D. Smith; Brent Boore
Coke gasification costs, economics, and commercial applications
The disposition of petroleum coke remains a problem for modern high conversion refineries. Market uncertainty and the price for coke can prevent the implementation of otherwise attractive projects. The commercially proven Texaco Gasification Process remains an excellent option for clean, cost effective coke disposition as demonstrated by the new coke gasification units coming on-line and under design. Previous papers, have discussed the coke market and general economics of coke gasification. This paper updates the current market situation and economics, and provide more details on cost and performance based on recent studies for commercial plants.
Jahnke, F.C.; Falsetti, J.S.; Wilson, R.F. [Texaco, Inc., White Plains, NY (United States)
Cost and economic impact of tire reserve load requirements. Final report, July-October 1980
Inadequate maintenance of proper tire inflation by consumers and low tire reserve loads by auto manufacturers have contributed to unsafe driving conditions and tire failure. This report assesses the cost and economic impact of increased minimum tire reserve load requirements on the auto and tire industries, and the feasibility of regulation implementation for 3, 5, 7, 10, and 12% tire reserve loads. These are analyzed for the years 1981 through 1984. The costs and projections are based on the conditions found in the 1980 vehicle fleet and tire population and upon industry projections of future conditions.
Viergutz, O.; Marek, S.; Kelley, C.; Wakeley, H.
Direct Digital Control in Air Conditioning Systems for Energy Efficiency
With the rapid development of Intelligent Buildings (IB), the Building Automation System (BAS) has come to control and manage the equipment in the building more and more scientifically, economically and rationally, which can not only raise the function and the level of the building, but also save energy. At present, air-conditioning design in internal commercial buildings is becoming more complex and enormous. The proportion of air conditioning systems in the whole building is getting larger. In order to control and manage the air-conditioning systems effectively and take full use of energy-saving technology, we apply computer control to the system of air automation control. This paper discusses direct digital control (DDC) in the air conditioning system in buildings.
Liu, W.; Ye, A.; Li, D.
Material to Efficiently and Economically Obtain Microorganism and Microalgae
Technology provides an economical and efficient process to harvest microorganisms like microalgae from its growth media.
Renewable energy consumption and economic efficiency: Evidence from European countries
This paper examines the relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic efficiency. For this reason