Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The numerous challenges facing the North American electric utility industry were discussed. In addition to competition, electric utilities are faced with low demand growth, public pressure to avoid adding transmission and distribution capacity, and strict environmental requirements. In view of these developments, large central generation additions that have been industry norm until recently, do not always make economic sense in the current environment. Instead, smaller, distributed additions to generating capacity is becoming the new norm. Small-scale on-site generating capacity has the added advantage of reducing the need for expensive high-voltage transmission lines. The Ballard generation system described here is a modular, efficient fuel cell-based solution to implementing distributed power concepts. The system is natural gas fueled, with low noise, vibration and emissions. Apart from its other advantages, it provides ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Electrical power is generated by steam turbines (steam being produced by coal, oil, gas or nuclear reactors), hydro units, gas turbines, internal combustion engines, jet engines, and pumped storage plants. Nuclear Power Plants generate only 15% of the total electrical power in the US. Nuclear Power Plants being cheaper to run are generally base loaded. The pumped-storage and gas turbine plants have ideal characteristics for peaking duty. In the pumping mode, pumped storage plants are used to provide additional system load and in the generating mode, they supply reactive power during peak load demands. Gas turbine plants have higher running costs, but are used as peaking units with a fast start capability. Fossil power plants need a minimum of 1 hour to stabilize expansion in the boiler and turbine generator. Due to a more competitive power supply market due to deregulation, most of the utilizes plan generation only for the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Developing a modern electric power sector is necessary for economic growth and development to proceed. Institutions to implement an IRP (integrated resource planning) process do not exist in many countries. Hainan`s economy is growing rapidly with a concomitant increase in electricity demand. This is an ideal time in Hainan`s development to implement an IRP process. The challenge is for Hainan to develop institutions and incentive mechanisms for HEPCO (Hainan Electric Power Co.) to adopt cost-based pricing, run DSM programs, construct renewable generating plants, etc. One proposal is to great a Hainan government-wide IRP committee.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Several nematode species have now attained ‘model organism’ status, yet there remain many niches in basic biological inquiry for which nematodes would be ideal model systems of study....Full Text Available

CERN Document Server

System identification is a necessity in control theory. Classical control theory usually considers processes with integer order transfer functions. Real processes are usually of fractional order as opposed to the ideal integral order models. A simple and elegant scheme is presented for approximation of such a real world fractional order process by an ideal integral order model. A population of integral order process models is generated and updated by PSO technique, the fitness function being the sum of squared deviations from the set of observations obtained from the actual fractional order process. Results show that the proposed scheme offers a high degree of accuracy.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper we consider properties of the ideal gas of classical (nonquantum) tachyons.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

As controlled clinical vocabularies assume an increasing role in modern clinical information systems, so the issue of their quality demands greater attention. In order to meet the resulting stringent...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In a future power system with a high proportion of distributed and intermittent generation, it will be difficult and costly to ensure short-term security of supply if demand is unable to react to fluctuations on the supply side. At present, most power consumers in the EU, with the exception of the largest consumers such as energy intensive industries, buy their power on fixed tariffs. Fixed tariffs provide no incentives for consumers to alter their patterns of power consumption. This calls for more interaction between the supply and demand sides, which in turn would allow better matching of demand to intermittent supply. The development of cheap and reliable electronic communication technologies has made this a realistic option, so we are left with the general question of how the demand side can become more active in the future power market. Liberalisation of the wholesale power ...

Science.gov (United States)

This final scientific report documents the Industrial Technology Program (ITP) Stage 2 Concept Development effort on Data Center Energy Reduction and Management Through Real-Time Optimal Control (RTOC). Society is becoming increasingly dependent on information technology systems, driving exponential growth in demand for data center processing and an insatiable appetite for energy. David Raths noted, 'A 50,000-square-foot data center uses approximately 4 megawatts of power, or the equivalent of 57 barrels of oil a day1.' The problem has become so severe that in some cases, users are giving up raw performance for a better balance between performance and energy efficiency. Historically, power systems for data centers were crudely sized to meet maximum demand. Since many servers operate at 60%-90% of maximum power while only utilizing an average of 5% to 15% of their capability, there are ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

It is maintained that special features of FFTF make it an ideal system to test sodium boiling detection techniques by acoustic/neutronic methods and to test the response of acoustic/neutronic sensors to vibrations. It is shown that accumulated research results indicate that such tests in FFTF are feasible, predictable, promising and safe. (author).

CERN Document Server

In this paper we have studied the relation between the intutionistic fuzzy left (respectively right) ideals of {\\Gamma}-semiring and that of operator semiring. Thereafter, we have established that the Lattices of all intutionistic fuzzy left (respectively right) ideal of {\\Gamma}-semiring is equivalent to that of Left operator semiring. We proved that Then there exist an inclusion preserving bijection ({\\mu}_{A,}\\u{psion}_{A})$\\rightarrow$({\\mu}_{B}^{+'},\\u{psion}_{B}^{+'}) between the lattices of all intuitionistic fuzzy right ideals (respectively intuitionistic fuzzy ideals) of S and the lattices of all intuitionistic fuzzy right ideals (respectively intuitionistic fuzzy ideals) of L. Where ({\\mu}_{A},\\u{psion}_{A}) is an intuitionistic fuzzy right (respectively intuitionistic fuzzy ideals) ideal of S. Also we ...

Science.gov (United States)

The report discusses the capabilities of equipment vendors to supply and install the quantity of flue gas desulfurization systems required to meet alternative standards for coal-fired steam generators. It analyzes limiting factors affecting supply capabilities (such as the availa...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The general types of pumped-storage plants and considerations for determining their need, use, and selection are presented. A brief discussion of TVA's experience on two pumped-storage schemes is included. Pumped-storage plants have become an integral part of many hydropower systems. Most of these systems use pumped-storage plants to meet power requirements during the peak load demands. In any application, large or small, the expected load demand and supply source must be identified to select the best scheme required for the particular system.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

California utilities have been exploring the use of critical peak prices (CPP) to help reduce needle peaks in customer end-use loads. CPP is a form of price-responsive demand response (DR). Recent experience has shown that customers have limited knowledge of how to operate their facilities in order to reduce their electricity costs under CPP (Quantum 2004). While the lack of knowledge about how to develop and implement DR control strategies is a barrier to participation in DR programs like CPP, another barrier is the lack of automation of DR systems. During 2003 and 2004, the PIER Demand Response Research Center (DRRC) conducted a series of tests of fully automated electric demand response (Auto-DR) at 18 facilities. Overall, the average of the site-specific average coincident demand reductions was 8% from a variety of building types and facilities. Many electricity customers have ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe successful use of zirconia ceramics in orthopedic surgery led to a demand for dental zirconium-based implant systems. Because of its excellent biomechanical characteristics,...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ventilation systems must ensure high room air quality with minimum energy consumption in all states of operation. Systems for ventilation on demand are increasing their market share. (orig./MSK) [Deutsch] Oberste Aufgabe von Raumlufttechnischen Anlagen ist die Sicherstellung guter Raumluftqualitaet bei minimalem Energieverbrauch unter allen Betriebsbedingungen. Um dieses Ziel zu erreichen, setzt sich am Markt zunehmend die bedarfsgeregelte Lueftung durch. (orig./MSK)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Geothermal heat pump systems are a promising new energy technology that has shown rapid increase in usage over the past ten years in the United States. These systems offer substantial benefits to customers and utilities in energy (kWh) and demand (kW) savings. The purpose of this study was to determine what existing monitored data was available mainly from electric utilities on heat pump performance, energy savings and demand reduction for residential, school, and commercial building applications. Information was developed on the status of electric utility marketing programs, barriers to market penetration, incentive programs, and benefits.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) has been proposed several years ago as an approach for quantitative analysis of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra. Recently developed refinement of the spectral processing method is described in the present work. Accurate quantitative results have been demonstrated for several metallic alloys. However, the degree of accuracy that can be achieved with Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy analysis of generic samples still needs to be thoroughly investigated. The authors have undertaken a systematic study of errors and biasing factors affecting the calculation in the Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy spectra processing. These factors may be classified in three main groups: 1) experimental aberrations (intensity fluctuations and inaccuracy in the correction for spectral efficiency of a detection system), 2) inaccuracy in theoretical parameters used for ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The line width of atom, situated near ideally conducting point or inside cone cavity in ideal conductor is analyzed. It is shown that the effect of point is decreased according to decreasing of its aperture angle

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this study, the authors evaluated how much price changes in food and energy - two basic living expenditures competing for consumers' budgets - would affect consumer welfare. We first estimated a US complete demand system to quantify the interdependent demand relationships among 11 categories of consumption expenditures. Among the estimates, the own price elasticities of both food and energy are relatively inelastic, a finding that explains the dynamics of the recent soaring food and energy prices. The estimated demand elasticities were then incorporated into the measurement of Hicksian compensating variation to analyse the consumer welfare effects of price changes in food and energy. The results indicated that an increase in food and energy prices would increase compensated expenditures...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wet limestone scrubbing is once again becoming a popular technology for removal of sulfur dioxide (SO{sub 2}) from power plant emissions. Critical to the operation of wet limestone flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems is accurate chemical analysis of scrubber solids. The analytical technique of thermogravimetry is ideal for this application, as the instrument can give precise readings of the principal scrubber solids components, calcium sulfite/sulfate hemihydrate, calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum), and unused calcium carbonate. The data provides plant chemists, engineers, and operators with information needed to fine-tune scrubber operation and detect process upsets. (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Single photon tomography using lipophilic tracers provides tomographic representations of regional blood flow. To penetrate a healthy blood-brain barrier requires that radiotracers either are fat-soluble or have an affinity for one of the selective blood-brain barrier transport systems. In recent years there has been an increasing interest to explore the ideal physical characteristics of "9"9"mTc for diagnostic problems of brain diseases. The development of radiopharmaceuticals for brain imaging including the intensively studied "9"9"mTc-propyleneamineoxime derivatives is discussed. (author).

CERN Document Server

An ideal introduction to the entire process of setting up a Web site using PHP (a scripting language), MySQL (a database management system), and Apache (a Web server)* Programmers will be up and running in no time, whether they're using Linux or Windows servers* Shows readers step by step how to create several Web sites that share common themes, enabling readers to use these examples in real-world projects* Invaluable reading for even the experienced programmer whose current site has outgrown the traditional static structure and who is looking for a way to upgrade to a more efficient, user-f

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As the Electric Power Industry is actively preparing for a restructured future where retail wheeling is practiced ideally and efficiently in a competitive market-based environment, concerns may arise legitimately on how system reliability and integrity can be ensured in an environment where markets have an enhanced role. As these concerns may be justified, at least for a transition period, this paper presents a proposal which outlines how the generally accepted requisite capacity, energy, and ancillary services standards may be satisfied through market reliance and minimal coordination by a Reliability Monitoring and Ancillary Services Managing Entity or Independent System Operator. A Strawman detailing one -- and by no means the only -- future scenario inspired by the recent NEPOOL restructuring discussions in New England is presented to demonstrate that market-based competition and flexibility are compatible with a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A study was conducted to determine the impacts of climate change on the transportation sector in a regional context. The purpose was to analyze potential climate change impacts on demand for freight transportation in Atlantic Canada through its association with other sectors of the regional economy. Freight transportation is designed to meet transportation demands of commodity producers who must deliver their goods to final users. Since it is a by-product of profit maximization and cost minimization by producers of all types of commodities in various sectors of the economy, this study modelled climate change impacts as productivity shocks in relevant sectors of the economy. A computerized simulation was then used to determine how the consequences of these shocks influence the demand for freight transportation. This was accomplished by collecting climate related data in Atlantic Canada as well as aggregate economic data that ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Many governments around the world are focusing on emissions reduction through energy efficiency improvements, particularly on the demand side. Although Integrated Resource Planning (IRP), which considers both supply-side and demand-side options, had been a useful tool in the planning process for the power industry, its effectiveness has been challenged recently with the restructuring of the power sector that has occurred in China and elsewhere around the world. The paper proposes Integrated Resource Strategic Planning (IRSP) as an alternative to IRP in a deregulated power sector. IRSP takes the resource planning process one step further to the national level. In this paper, the authors demonstrate the tremendous potential for efficiency improvements on both the supply and demand sides of the power sector in China with IRSP. The results show that between 2009 and 2020, the potential for electricity savings will reach about ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Degradation of contacts of the electronic equipment at the raised temperatures is connected with active diffusion redistribution of components contact - metalized systems (CMS) and phase production on interphase borders. One of systems diffusion barriers (DB) are polycrystalline silicide a film, in particular silicides of the titan. Reception disilicide the titan (TiSi_2) which on the parameters is demanded for conditions of microelectronics from known silicides of system Ti-Si, is possible as a result of direct reaction of a film of the titan and a substrate of silicon, and at sedimentation of layer Ti-Si demanded stoichiometric structure. Simultaneously there is specific problem polycrystalline diffusion a barrier (PDB): the polycrystalline provides structural balance and metastability film disilicide, but leaves in it borders of grains - easy local ways of diffusion. In clause ...

CERN Document Server

This contribution deals with identification of fractional-order dynamical systems. System identification, which refers to estimation of process parameters, is a necessity in control theory. Real processes are usually of fractional order as opposed to the ideal integral order models. A simple and elegant scheme of estimating the parameters for such a fractional order process is proposed. This method employs fractional calculus theory to find equations relating the parameters that are to be estimated, and then estimates the process parameters after solving the simultaneous equations. The said simultaneous equations are generated and updated using particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique, the fitness function being the sum of squared deviations from the actual set of observations. The data used for the calculations are intentionally corrupted to simulate real-life conditions. Results show that the proposed scheme offers a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Grid connected photovoltaic systems is one of the most promising applications of photovoltaic systems. These systems are employed in applications where utility service is already available. In this case, there is no need for battery storage because grid power may be used to supplement photovoltaic systems (PV) when the load exceeds available PV generation. The load receives electricity from both the photovoltaic array and the utility grid. In this system, the load is the total electrical energy consumption. The main objective of the present work is to optimize the electrical load pattern in Kuwait using grid connected PV systems. In this situation, the electric load demand can be satisfied from both the photovoltaic array and the utility grid. The performance of grid connected photovoltaic systems in the Kuwait climate ...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Denmark has been one of the first countries in the world to commit itself to a sustainable energy development. This has been substantiated by two official action plans from 1990 and 1996 with emphasis on energy efficiency and supply systems based on renewable energy. In year 2005, renewable energy sources are planned to cover 12-14% and in year 2030 about 35% of total Danish energy demand. This paper reviews the experiences with implementation of renewable energy in Denmark with a focus on wind power and biomass.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Better quality of thermal comfort as well as reduced heat energy demand and accordingly CO{sub 2} emission can be achieved by better heating and ventilation strategies in private buildings. The paper deals with a novel model-based measurement and automation system. It describes the implementation of better strategies under given technical circumstances. (orig.) [German] Durch Verbesserung der Heizungs- und Lueftungsstrategien im privaten Lebensbereich kann sowohl Heizenergie eingespart und damit die CO{sub 2}-Emission verringert, als auch die Raumbehaglichkeit verbessert werden. Der Beitrag behandelt ein modellgestuetztes Mess- und Automatisierungssystem, mit dem die Realisierung der verbesserten Strategien unter gegebenen technischen Randbedingungen praktisch erst moeglich wird. (orig.)

CERN Document Server

We discuss theoretically and numerically the intramolecular form factor $F(q)$ in dense polymer systems. Following Flory's ideality hypothesis, chains in the melt adopt Gaussian configurations and their form factor is supposed to be given by Debye's formula. At striking variance to this, we obtain noticeable (up to 20%) non-monotonic deviations which can be traced back to the incompressibility of dense polymer solutions beyond a local scale. The Kratky plot ($q^2F(q)$ {\\it vs.} wavevector $q$) does not exhibit the plateau expected for Gaussian chains in the intermediate $q$-range. One rather finds a significant decrease according to the correction $\\delta(F^{-1}(q)) = q^3/32\\rho$ that only depends on the concentration $\\rho$ of the solution, but neither on the persistence length or the interaction strength.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As a partial solution to the problem of increasing foreign petroleum imports,urban congestion, and air pollution from automobiles, NREL researchers have successfully demonstrated a transportation concept called Transit-On-Demand (TOD). TOD uses the global positioning system (GPS) to locate all vehicles in a fleet, two-way communications between the vehicles and a central computer-server, and advanced dispatching and routing software to control the movement of vehicles within the fleet. Reducing the vehicle-miles-travelled (VMTs) through implementing efficient transportation systems such as TOD, results in less energy being required for transportation and a decrease in the amount of required imported petroleum. Through development of an advanced world wide web site and use of the new Java{trademark} Internet programming language, the demonstration allows visitors to the web site to see updates of vehicle position on a map ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper presents the Cheng cycle system featured by variable heating/generation ratio for effective operation of cogeneration systems (CGS). In this system, a superheater and reheating burner are added to an exhaust heat recovery (EHR) boiler for conventional gas turbine CGSs, while additional injection steam piping is attached to a gas turbine. Steam is injected through manifolds mounted on the periphery of a combustion chamber, and hot gas mixture of steam and air in a combustion chamber is expanded in a turbine and converted to motive power. This technology thus can improve efficiency and output power, and can operate variably CGSs corresponding to heating and generation demands. This technology has been promoted by introducing the technology of middle class Cheng cycle CGS with 4MW class gas turbine from IPT Co., U.S.A. The first system of 6400 kW is now under production for ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper discusses the mass spectrometric system that has been developed at the ICPP (Idaho Chemical Processing Plant) to meet the multiple constraints of U accountability, high sample load, and plant process control. The measurement system must produce high-quality accountability results while maintaining high sample throughput and reasonable turnaround time. The mass spectrometric system that has evolved to meet these demands includes extensive operator training, routine quality control checks, and continuing review of performance. 7 refs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this note we describe a conceptual design of a part ofthe electron beam delivery system for FERMI@Elettra free electron laser(FEL) located between the end of the linac and the entrance to the FEL.This part includes the emittance diagnostic section, the electron beamswitchyard for two FELs called spreader and matching sections. The designmeets various constrains imposed by the existing and planned buildingboundaries, desire for utilization of existing equipment and demands forvarious diagnostic instruments.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A supplementary report to the plan for waste disposal in the Copenhagen area, Denmark. It presents a mapping of wastes and waste flow in invidual areas, a description of recycling methods and waste collection systems. In addition legislative demands and potentials are dealth with. (CLS).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Introduction.Microfluidic technology allows fast reactions in a simple experimental setup, while using very low volumes and amounts of starting material. Consequently, microfluidic technology is an ideal tool for radiolabeling reactions involving short-lived positron emitters. Optimization of the complex array of different reaction conditions requires knowledge of the different reaction parameters linked to the microfluidic system as well as their influence on the radiochemical yields. 1-(5-Deoxy-5-fluoro-?-d-arabinofuranosyl)-2-nitroimidazole ([18F]FAZA) is a frequently used radiotracer for PET imaging of tumor hypoxia. The present study describes the radiosynthesis of [18F]FAZA by means of microfluidic technology and subsequent small animal PET imaging in EMT-6 tumor-bearing mice.Methods...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Chitosan (a?-(1-4)-amino-2-deoxy-b?-D-glucan) is a deacetylated form of chitin, a polysaccharide from crustacean shells. Its unique characteristics, such as positive charge, biodegradability, biocompatibility, nontoxicity, and rigid structure, make this macromolecule ideal for an oral vaccine delivery system. We prepared reverse-phase evaporation vesicles (REVs) sandwiched by chitosan (Chi) and polyvinylic alcohol (PVA). However, in this method, there are still some problems to be circumvented related to protein stabilization. During the inverted micelle phase of protein nanoencapsulation, hydrophobic interfaces are expanded, leading to interfacial adsorption, followed by protein unfolding and aggregation. Here, spectroscopic and immunological techniques were used to ascertain the effects ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The staring point of the project was to design and construct, by taking the silvicultural point of view into account, a harvesting and processing system especially for energy-wood, containing manually driven bundling harvester, automatizing of the harvester, and automatized loading. The equipment forms an ideal method for entrepreneur`s-line harvesting. The target is to apply the system also for owner`s-line harvesting. The profitability of the system promotes the utilization of the system in both cases. The objectives of the project were: to construct a test equipment and prototypes for all the project stages, to carry out terrain and strain tests in order to examine the usability and durability, as well as the capacity of the machine, to test the applicability of the Eko-Log system in simultaneous harvesting of energy and pulp woods, and to start the marketing ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pacific Gas & Electric Co.`s (PG&E`s) Delta district, approximately 45 miles northeast of the San Francisco Bay Area, is a fast growing residential community with peak demand occurring between 6 and 7 PM in hot summer weekdays. In the early 1990s, PG&E`s system planners projected a need to build a new substation in 1996 to meet the local peak electricity demand. In 1991, as part of a new distribution planning and capital investment process, PG&E launched its innovative Model Energy Community (MEC or Delta) program to test whether the inclusion of new, experimental rates and geographically-targeted cost-effective energy-efficiency measures could reduce the local peak demand and therefore defer major substation and T&D capital investment. Two new residential TOU rates were designed and implemented in PG&E`s Delta area between 1991 and 1993. This paper discusses the market ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The first U.S. demonstration of the NGK sodium/sulfur battery technology was launched in August 2002 when a prototype system was installed at a commercial office building in Gahanna, Ohio. American Electric Power served as the host utility that provided the office space and technical support throughout the project. The system was used to both reduce demand peaks (peak-shaving operation) and to mitigate grid power disturbances (power quality operation) at the demonstration site. This report documents the results of the demonstration, provides an economic analysis of a commercial sodium/sulfur battery energy storage system at a typical site, and describes a side-by-side demonstration of the capabilities of the sodium/sulfur battery system, a lead-acid battery system, and a flywheel-based energy storage system in a power quality application.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Several technological alternatives have been studied taking into consideration that one of the biggest problems of the electric power companies is to provide electric power during the peak consumption periods, which largest contribution to the increase of the demand comes from the residential sector, especially by the use of electric showers. One of the most promising alternatives is the pre-water heating system for reduced power showers, developed by Universidade de Campinas and Companhia Paulista de Forca e Luz. The goal of this system is basically to reduce demand during the peak periods, in order to avoid heavy investments by the electric power companies in generation, transmission and distribution of electric power directed to low acquisitive power customers, a sector in which the electric power price is not enough to recover such investments. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the total ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the paper, a fuzzy decision-making methodology is presented to decide the generation schedule of long-term hydrothermal problems with explicit recognition of statistical uncertainties in system production cost data, NO{sub x} emission data, system load demand and hydro reservoir water inflows. In deciding the optimal operation, three objectives operating cost, NO{sub x} emission and unsatisfied load demand over the whole of the planning period are simultaneously minimised. Specific technique is put forth to convert the stochastic models into their deterministic equivalents. The weighted minimax method is used to simulate the tradeoff relation between the conflicting objectives in the non-inferior domain. The fuzzy set theory is exploited to choose the best operating point over the tradeoff curve. An efficient decomposition technique is applied to reduce the complexity of the problem. In each ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A computer controlled digital system, Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) is capable of providing more stable output image than conventional screen/film system. So FCR would be an ideal system for the detection of pneumoconiosis due to the constant high quality of the output films. We tried to find the optimum image processing to compensate the small size (1/2 in length of a full-size radiograph) of the output image of digital radiography. The best result for FCR was given with gamma 0.85 and 0.30 enhancement of response at spatial frequency of 0.085 cycle/mm. On the other hand, the digitally processed FCR size ILO standard films, the characteristics of which is different from FCR output films, proved to be most preferable when the image processing is made with gamma 0.85 and 0.25 enhancement at spacial frequency of 0.17 cycle/mm. If the above mentioned image processings are adopted, FCR can be used for the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This article addresses the possibility that electric utilities may not have enough generating capacity to meet the demands on their systems at some future date as a result of a recent spate of plant-construction cancellations, especially of nuclear facilities. It emphasizes that, when that time arrives, utilities will be willing to try every conceivable possibility for preserving the integrity of their systems, and offers differential pricing of electricity as one such possibility. The article also offers a regional analysis of the effect of plant cancellations and of the potential for differential pricing as a preventative of power shortages. 5 tables.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The 1.7 billion pounds of benzene produced each year in the US provide one measure of its utility. At the same time, there are a number of environmental reasons for avoiding the use of benzene in chemical manufacture. Perhaps most compelling: benzene is a potent carcinogen. Scrutiny of many of the chemicals derived from benzene reveals that each molecule contains at least one oxygen atom while benzene completely lacks oxygen atoms. Introduction of oxygen to make up for this lack can require processes that are environmentally problematic. One of the steps used to introduce oxygen atoms during manufacture of adipic acid, a component of Nylon 66, is responsible for 10% of the annual global increase in atmospheric nitrous oxide. This by-product is a causative agent of atmospheric ozone depletion and has been implicated in global warming. With support from EPA and the National Science Foundation, alternative manufacturing processes are being explored. By these new methods, chemicals usually ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Uncertainty in computer vision can arise at various levels. It can occur in the low level in the raw sensor input, and extends all the way through intermediate and higher levels. Ideally, at any level where decisions are being made on the basis of previous processing steps, a computer vision system must have sufficient flexibility for representation of uncertainty in any of these levels. The input cue representation portion of a computer vision system should maintain the information content of the original input images, while at the same time allowing for uncertainty in the identification of attributes required by other parts of the system for decision making. Processes such as edge detection, segmentation, and shape matching yield results which could bias higher level decision making, unless some framework is defined for the representation of uncertainty in the context of fuzzy set theory where ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The goal of this three-year project was to improve the production systems in use by steel foundries in the United States. Improvements in the production systems result in less rework, less scrap, and less material handling, all of which would significantly reduce the energy demands of the process. Furthermore, these improvements would allow the companies to be more competitive, more responsive to customers' needs, deliver products with less lead time and require less capital. The ultimate result is a stronger domestic steel casting industry, which uses less energy. A major portion of this research involved the deployment of student researchers at steel foundries, to study their production systems and collect data.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The molten salt reactor (MSR), which is one of the generation IV reactors, can meet the demand of transmutation and breeding. The thermodynamic properties of the molten salt system like LiF-NaF-BeF2 influence the design and construction of the fuel salt and coolant in the MSR for the new generation. In this paper, the equation of state of the ternary system 15%LiF-58%NaF-27%BeF2, over the temperature range from 873.15 to 1 073.15 K at one atmosphere pressure, is described using a modified Peng-Robinson (PR) equation. The densities of the ternary system and its components are estimated by this equation directly, and compared with the experimental data. Based on the equation of state, the other thermodynamic properties such as the enthalpy, entropy and heat capacity at constant pressure are ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Virtualized infrastructure providers demand new methods to increase the accuracy of the accounting models used to charge their customers. Future data centers will be composed of many-core systems that will host a large number of virtual machines (VMs) each. While resource utilization accounting can be achieved with existing system tools, energy accounting is a complex task when per-VM granularity is the goal. In this paper, we propose a methodology that brings new opportunities to energy accounting by adding an unprecedented degree of accuracy on the per-VM measurements. We present a system - which leverages CPU and memory power models based in performance monitoring counters (PMCs) - to perform energy accounting in virtualized systems. The contribution of this paper is threefold. First, w...

Science.gov (United States)

Information about surface soil moisture conditions is of critical importance to real-world applications such as agricultural production, water resource management, flood prediction, fire prediction, water supply, military mobility, etc.. Near-surface soil moisture is currently available from non-ideal sensor configuration observations, and two missions targeted at measuring near-surface soil moisture with ideal sensor configuration are expected before the end of the decade (the European Space Agency (ESA), Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Hydrospheric states "Hydros" mission). Though remote sensing can make spatially comprehensive measurements of surface soil moisture, it cannot provide information on the entire land surface hydrologic system, and the measurements represent only a snap shot in time. Alternatively, land surface hydrology process ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The novel optical, electronic, and/or magnetic properties of metal and semiconductor nanoparticles have resulted in extensive research on new methods for their preparation. An ideal preparation method would allow the particle size, size distribution, crystallinity, and particle shape to be easily controlled, and would be applicable to a wide variety of material systems. Numerous preparation methods have been reported, each with its inherent advantages and disadvantages; however, an ideal method has yet to emerge. The most widely applied methods for nanoparticle preparation include the sonochemical reduction of organometallic reagents,(1&2) the solvothermal method of Alivisatos,(3) reactions in microemulsions,(4-6) the polyol method (reduction by alcohols),(7-9) and the use of polymer and solgel materials as hosts.(10-13) In addition to these methods, there are a variety of methods that take advantage of the unique ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Interest in renewable energy systems that employ regenerative components to enable intermittent energy sources to service time varying loads is growing. The overall performance of these systems is intimately linked to the choice of the energy storage media and the efficiency of the energy conversion devices. Recent advances in electrolyser and fuel cell technologies may make small-scale hydrogen buffered renewable energy systems a practical reality in the near term. A research team at the University of Victoria - Institute for Integrated Energy Systems (IESVic) is developing a flexible distributed, laboratory-scale energy system called IRENE (Integrated Renewable Energy Experiment). The initial goal of this research is to explore the potential for constructing a regenerative energy system using early commercial and precommercial hydrogen storage and fuel cell ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Light duty vehicles, i.e. passenger cars and light trucks, account for approximately half of global transportation energy demand and, thus, a major share of carbon dioxide and other emissions from the transport sector. Energy consumption in the transport sector is expected to grow in the future, especially in developing countries. Cars with alternative powertrains to internal combustion engines (notably battery, hybrid and fuel-cell powertrains), in combination with potentially low carbon electricity or alternative fuels (notably hydrogen and methanol), can reduce energy demand by at least 50%, and carbon dioxide and regulated emissions much further. This article presents a comparative technical and economic assessment of promising future fuel/vehicle combinations. There are several promising technologies but no obvious winners. However, the electric drivetrain is a common denominator in the alternative powertrains and continued cost reductions ...

Science.gov (United States)

A first-principles task-based approach to the design of medical ultrasonic imaging systems for breast lesion discrimination is described. This study explores a new approximation to the ideal Bayesian observer strategy that allows for object heterogeneity. The new method, called iterative Wiener filtering, is implemented using echo data simulations and a phantom study. We studied five lesion features closely associated with visual discrimination for clinical diagnosis. A series of human observer measurements for the same image data allowed us to quantitatively compare alternative beamforming strategies through measurements of visual discrimination efficiency. Employing the Smith-Wagner model observer, we were able to breakdown efficiency estimates and identify the processing stage at which performance losses occur. The methods were implemented using a commercial scanner and a cyst phantom to explore development of spatial filters for ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In recent years, there has been increasing demand for resource-recycling of waste plastic, especially due to the introduction of legislation on recycling of materials used for packages of household goods. Methods of recycling waste plastic from household goods are currently still under development, and appropriate techniques to deal with such waste are required. Toshiba has developed a technique to dehydrochlorinate plastic containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This paper introduces our petrolization and dehydrochlorination system for waste plastic containing PVC. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The major feed-water line break accident is re-analyzed, which is based on Guangdong Daya Bay nuclear power station final safety analysis report, to justify the impacts of the decreasing of auxiliary feed-water flow rate on the safety margin in Daya Bay. The results showed that the accident analysis can meet the demands of acceptance criteria with the auxiliary feed-water flowrate decreasing from 45 m"3/h to 41.8 m"3/h, and enough safety margin is still retained

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Oman is an attractive and welcoming country, well-ordered and unpretentious. It has benefited from remarkable achievements of economic and social development since 1970. It now has a resource base that should be sufficient to keep it on continuing path of further development. However, the second 20-years of modern Oman will inevitable contain some testing challenges. These are centred in two main areas - the economic, where expenditure has already outstripped revenue and where firm controls are needed to maintain a reasonable balance; and the social, where the pressures from an increasingly literate and numerous population will demand changes to the autocratic traditional system of government. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

With the compensator-series equipment put into operation in 1992 - giving a performance of 330 Mvar - it was made possible for high-performance electronics to use a continuously variable, fully loaded power transmission line and to regulate the energy flow and minimise overcurrent losses. As well as these technical qualities, this system could offer environmental advantages for European implementation. This would avoid the need to plan and construct new high voltage transmission lines in order to meet increased demand. (orig.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Constantly increasing resource efficiency together with the broad introduction of CCS technologies is fundamental for a continuous use of fossil fuels in power generation against the background of up-coming requirements for CO2 emission reduction. In principle, CCS means up-grading conventional power plant technology with proven CO2 removal processes. However, this leads to additional losses, auxiliary power demand and cost. System integration, development or at least adaption of components and processes are the main requirements in this context. Different technology solutions and recent developments will be addressed as well as challenges when implementing in demonstration projects.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As wastewater travels through a sewer system it undergoes changes in composition. The changes in composition may be caused by chemical, physical and/or biological processes. At present engineers do not take into consideration the impacts of these processes on the wastewater quality when designing wastewater treatment systems. However, the impact of these processes on the chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrogen and phosphorus content of the wastewater can be significant. In the case of the biological processes, microorganisms present in the water as it travels through the sewer system are similar to those found in an activated sludge process. Given that the microorganism population and the hydraulic retention time often resembles that of an activated sludge process, it would seem only reasonable to look further into the possibility of using sewers as wastewater ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the food, chemical and safety industry there is a demand for gas detectors for process control applications, like quality control of food or leakage control in chemical plants. Gas sensor array systems have the potential to be used in this areas, with the advantage of being also affordable systems compared to other systems like gaschromatographs (GC) or infrared detectors (NIR, FTIR). One of the main drawbacks of the gas sensors is their response to non interesting ambient factors like temperature, pressure and humidity. Metal oxide sensors (MOS) have a low ambient temperature and pressure dependency. Some of them (SnO + dopands) have some sensitivity to humidity. In many cases the response of the sensors is often non-linear, which implies a concentration dependant pattern of the samples. (orig.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This document is furnished as part of the effort to develop NRC Class 1E Digital Computer Systems Guidelines which is Task 8 of USAF Rome Laboratories Contract F30602-89-D-0100. The report addresses four major topics, namely, computer programming languages, software design and development, software testing and fault tolerance and fault avoidance. The topics are intended as stepping stones leading to a Draft Regulatory Guide document. As part of this task a small scale survey of software fault avoidance and fault tolerance practices was conducted among vendors of nuclear safety related systems and among agencies that develop software for other applications demanding very high reliability. The findings of the present report are in part based on the survey and in part on review of software literature relating to nuclear and other critical installations, as well as on the authors' experience in these areas.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The operation of pumped-storage plants (PSP) is based on the daily load variations of power demand. It performs power generation at peak load times during the day, and pumps water up into the reservoir during the off-peak times at night. In the Taipower system in Taiwan, there are two pumped storage plants with ten units. These had a total installed capacity of 2,602 MW or a 12 percent capacity at the end of 1995. The plants were able to reduce system generation costs and improve reliability. A Pumped-Storage Plant Benefit Analysis (PSPBA) program was established using the principle of economic dispatch in 1985. This paper explains the rules of the program, the analysis results of the past 10 years, and a a cost benefit evaluation. It was found that the advantages of PSP are not only in supplying the power for peak load, but also in decreasing the total fuel cost. 5 figs., 4 refs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In order to investigate the behaviour of the turbine control system during strong pendulum motions, an analysis is carried out using a digital computer program by which the reactor, the turbine, the generator and, in a simplified way, the network can be simulated to the necessary degree. Plotter pictures can show the main physical quantities. In all cases, the turbine control system should be able to distinguish between strong pendulum amplitude with acceleration of the rotational angles and sudden release criteria. This demand can be satisfied by a simple adjustment in the Kraftwerk Union turbine control system. Only a few seconds after shut-off of a severe network failure, the turbines are back to their rated power, thus contributing to reliability of supply in this critical network situation. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We show that the eigenvalue equations describing a cylindrical ideal magnetophydrodynamicsw (MHD) plasma interacting with a thin resistive wall can be put into the standard mathematical form: ??? = ??? ?. This is accomplished by using a finite element basis for the plasma, and by adding an extra degree of freedom corresponding to the electrical current in the thin wall. The standard form allows the use of linear eigenvalue solvers, without additional interations, to compute the complete spectrum of plasma modes in the presence of a surrounding restrictive wall at arbitrary separation. We show that our method recovers standard results in the limits of (1) an infinitely resistive wall (no wall), and (2) a zero resistance wall (ideal wall).

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent of consumer demand for patient-oriented pharmacy services. Data, collected via a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 300 households,...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We introduce a weak order ideal property that suffices for establishing the Evans-Griffith Syzygy Theorem. We study this weak order ideal property in settings that allow for comparison between homological algebra over a local ring R versus a hypersurface ring R =R/(x^n). Consequently we solve some relevant cases of the Evans-Griffith syzygy conjecture over local rings of unramified mixed characteristic p, with the case of syzygies of prime ideals of Cohen-Macaulay local rings of unramified mixed characteristic being noted. We reduce the remaining considerations to modules annihilated by p^s, s>0, that have finite projective dimension over a hypersurface ring.

Science.gov (United States)

... turbine blade heat-transfer and study the heat-transfer augmentation in idealized geometry and its ... responsible for heat transfer augmentation. ...

CERN Document Server

A process has been proposed to increase the efficiency of an ideal Otto cycle via a quantum heat engine that has no cooler reservoir. We show that such a process is not feasible.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper presents efforts to date and prospective goals towards development of a modelling and analysis framework which is comprehensive enough to address the global climate crisis, and detailed enough to provide policymakers with concrete targets and achievable outcomes. In terms of energy efficiency policy, this requires coverage of the entire world, with emphasis on countries and regions with large and/or rapidly growing energy-related emissions, and analysis at the 'technology' level-building end use, transport mode or industrial process. These elements have not been fully addressed by existing modelling efforts, which usually take either a top-down approach, or concentrate on a few fully industrialized countries where energy demand is well-understood. Inclusion of details such as appliance ownership rates, use patterns and efficiency levels throughout the world allows for a deeper understanding of the demand for energy ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Recognizing the importance of energy as a vital component in economic development, the Taiwanese government has been continuously revising its energy policy, seeking to balance economic development, energy supply, and environmental protection (3E). Some measures, in an attempt to achieve the 3E balance, were previously implemented in Taiwan; nevertheless, some unresolved issues departing from certain core principles of Taiwan's sustainable energy policy and an international initiative for a low carbon society remain. The aim of this paper is to examine the energy supply and demand structure of Taiwan and the present status of individual energy carriers (including coal, petroleum, natural gas and electricity). In addition, it investigates the current energy policy framework and its implementation in Taiwan, identifies unresolved issues regarding sustainable energy development, and formulates key policy solutions for certain identifiable problems to enable the ...

CERN Document Server

The most striking feature of quantum mechanics is the existence of superposition states, where an object appears to be in different situations at the same time. Up to now, the existence of such states has been tested with small objects, like atoms, ions, electrons and photons, and even with molecules. Recently, it has been even possible to create superpositions of collections of photons, atoms, or Cooper pairs. Current progress in optomechanical systems may soon allow us to create superpositions of even larger objects, like micro-sized mirrors or cantilevers, and thus to test quantum mechanical phenomena at larger scales. Here we propose a method to cool down and create quantum superpositions of the motion of sub-wavelength, arbitrarily shaped dielectric objects trapped inside a high--finesse cavity at a very low pressure. Our method is ideally suited for the smallest living organisms, such as viruses, which survive under low vacuum pressures, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The use of n-alkanethiolate self-assembled monolayers on gold has blossomed in the past few years. These systems have functioned as models for common interfaces. Thiolate monolayers are ideal because they are easily modified before or after deposition. The works contained within this dissertation include interfacial characterization (inbred reflection absorption spectroscopy, ellipsometry, contact angle, scanning probe microscopy, and heterogeneous electron-transfer kinetics) and various modeling scenarios. The results of these characterizations present ground-breaking insights into the structure, function, and reproducible preparation of these monolayers. Surprisingly, three interfacial properties (electron-transfer, contact angle, and ellipsometry) were discovered to depend directly on the odd-even character of the monolayer components. Molecular modeling was utilized to investigate adlayer orientation, and suggests that these effects are ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Projected scenarios for the proposed Yucca Mountain repository include significant periods of time when high relative humidity atmospheres will be present, thus the reaction processes of interest will include those known to occur under these conditions. The ideal natural analog for the proposed Yucca Mountain repository would consist of natural borosilicate glasses exposed to expected repository conditions for thousands of years; however, the prospects for identifying such an analog are remote, but an important caveat for using natural analog studies is to relate the reaction processes in the analog to those in the system of interest, rather than a strict comparison of the glass compositions. In lieu of this, identifying natural glasses that have reacted via reaction processes expected in the repository is the most attractive option. The goal of this study is to quantify molecular water diffusion in the natural analogs obsidian and tektites. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Measurements of the Kapitza conductance to liquid helium II across the (100) surface of single crystals of copper are presented. The temperature range of these measurements was 1.6-- 2.1 K. The sample surfaces were subjected to several different treatments. Some surfaces were cleaned by low-energy argon ion bombardment, annealed in an ultrahigh-vacuum system, and preserved under vacuum until purified liquid helium was admitted. Other surfaces were intentionally damaged by machining and/or exposure to the atmosphere. The conductance after these latter treatments was found to be about a factor of three higher than that of the more ideally cleaned and annealed surfaces, and a significant difference in the temperature dependence of the conductance was also observed. Conductances were reproducible for similarly treated surfaces and correlated with surface damage determined by x-ray diffraction. The relationship of these results to the numerous ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this paper, an investigation was performed on a failure pressure vessel, which was as an anti-freezing heater for General Gas Storage and Distribution (SGZ) system. Evident and serious deformation was observed on the body of the vessel. A metallurgical investigation was conducted to establish the mechanism and cause of deformation of the anti-freezing heater at Daya Bay PWR station in China. The investigation, which was performed on specimens cut from the most serious area deformed of the vessel, included macroscopic examination and microscopy examination. The results of the examinations showed that some lamellar pearlite in the microstructure were already spheroidized. It was confirmed that the vessel was operated at high temperature. Stress analysis for the vessel was conducted. And it was confirmed that, in ideal conditions, the vessel would be deformed at around 420 C. The overall results of the investigation showed that the failure of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Burnable poisons are used in nuclear reactors to produce a more level distribution of power in the reactor core and to reduce to necessity for a large control system. An ideal burnable poison would burn at the same rate as the fuel. In this study, separation of neutron-absorbing isotopes was investigated in order to eliminate isotopes that remain as absorbers at the end of fuel life, thus reducing useful fuel life. The isotopes Gd-157, Dy-164, and Er-167 were found to have desirable properties. These isotopes were separated from naturally occurring elements by means of plasma separation to evaluate feasibility and cost. It was found that pure Gd-157 could save approximately $6 million at the end of four years. However, the cost of separation, using the existing facility, made separation cost- ineffective. Using a magnet with three times the field strength is expected to reduce the cost by a factor of ten, making isotopically separated burnable ...

CERN Document Server

We present new results from accurate and fully general-relativistic simulations of the coalescence of unmagnetized binary neutron stars with various mass ratios. The evolution of the stars is followed through the inspiral phase, the merger and prompt collapse to a black hole, up until the appearance of a thick accretion disk, which is studied as it enters and remains in a regime of quasi-steady accretion. Although a simple ideal-fluid equation of state with \\Gamma=2 is used, this work presents a systematic study within a fully general relativistic framework of the properties of the resulting black-hole--torus system produced by the merger of unequal-mass binaries. More specifically, we show that: (1) The mass of the torus increases considerably with the mass asymmetry and equal-mass binaries do not produce significant tori if they have a total baryonic mass M_tot >~ 3.7 M_sun; (2) Tori with masses M_tor ~ 0.2 M_sun are measured for binaries ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hybrid models for solving unit commitment problem have been proposed in this paper. To incorporate the changes due to the addition of new constraints automatically, an expert system (ES) has been proposed. The ES combines both schedules of units to be committed based on any classical or traditional algorithms and the knowledge of experienced power system operators. A solution database, i.e. information contained in the previous schedule is used to facilitate the current solution process. The proposed ES receives the input, i.e. the unit commitment solutions from a fuzzy-neural network. The unit commitment solutions from the artificial neural network cannot offer good performance if the load patterns are dissimilar to those of the trained data. Hence, the load demands, i.e. the input to the fuzzy-neural network is considered as fuzzy variables. To take into account the uncertainty in load demands, a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A substantial global market for advanced power systems is expected to develop early in the next century for both repowering and new capacity additions, Although natural gas-fueled systems, such as gas turbines, are expected to dominate in the 1990`s, coal-fueled systems are expected to emerge in the 2000`s as systems of choice for base-load capacity because of coal`s lower expected cost. Stringent environmental regulations dictate that all advanced power systems must be clean, economical, and efficient in order to meet both the environmental and economic performance criteria of the future. Recognizing these needs, the DOE strategy is to carry out an effective RD&D program, in partnership with the private sector, to demonstrate these technologies for commercial applications in the next century. These technologies are expected to capture a large portion of the future power ...

Science.gov (United States)

A novel bioelectrochemical membrane reactor (BEMR), which takes advantage of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) and microbial fuel cells (MFC), is developed for wastewater treatment and energy recovery. In this system, stainless steel mesh with biofilm formed on it serves as both the cathode and the filtration material. Oxygen reduction reactions are effectively catalyzed by the microorganisms attached on the mesh. The effluent turbidity from the BEMR system was low during most of the operation period, and the chemical oxygen demand and NH(4)(+)-N removal efficiencies averaged 92.4% and 95.6%, respectively. With an increase in hydraulic retention time and a decrease in loading rate, the system performance was enhanced. In this BEMR process, a maximum power density of 4.35 W/m(3) and a current density of 18.32 A/m(3) were obtained at a hydraulic retention time of 150 min and external resister of 100 ?. The ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The present article will review recent advances in focused ion beam (FIB) technology. With increasing demands for scale of integration, microfabrication technology is becoming more important and various new microfabrication tools and processing techniques are desired. FIB is one of the promising tools for future microfabrication technology. This provides maskless patterning capability, which is of importance for process simplification, nanofabrication and in the development of in situ vacuum processing. In situ vacuum processing systems are being developed by combining FIB and a molecular beam epitaxy system. Radiation damage may limit applications of FIB. However, it was demonstrated that low energy FIB (<1 keV) with very high brightness was reached and promising results for low damage processing have been obtained. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Contamination and blockages of the cooling tubes in the turbine condenser disturb the heat transfer, thereby causing power losses at the turbine and increasing the fuel demand. Corrosions cause tubing leakages which require operating downtimes and reduce the lifetime of the pipes. Tube cleaning systems and backflushing cooling water filters eliminate these problems. Nevertheless it can come to coatings in the condenser tubes, if the tube cleaning equipment does not operate optimally or if coarse dirt is entered. Under this aspect, the author of the contribution under consideration reports on these problems on the basis of practical examples. The author gives references to the optimized operation of the tube cleaning system and the cooling water filtration.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rice husk generated as a by-product of rice processing is an important energy resource. The availability of this resource in India has been assessed and the technologies for exploitation of its energy potential in rice processing industry discussed. Nomographs have been developed for estimation of the husk required to meet the energy demand of parboiling, drying and milling operations. The unit cost of electricity using rice husk gasifier-based power generation systems has been calculated and its financial feasibility assessed in comparison with utility-supplied and diesel-generated electricity. With the cost and efficiency data assumed here, the unit cost of electricity produced by rice husk gasifier-dual fuel engine-generator system varies between Rs 2/kWh and Rs 7/kWh. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The introduction of automation technology into the analytical laboratory holds the promise of higher efficiency, improved productivity, and lower costs. However, the conventional ''laboratory robot'' widely used today may not offer the work envelope or reliability required in a high workload laboratory performing quality control or environmental analytical services. To address this need, a demonstration workcell was assembled utilizing an industrial-class robotics system to automate a standard EPA acid digestion protocol. With further development of graphical user interfaces and error recovery software, the technology will significantly enhance the ability of laboratories to meet increasingly complex environmental demands. 7 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this paper, the performance of customer-owned distributed generation (DG) units is quantified from different perspectives through an uncertainty study. A Monte Carlo-based method is applied to assess the stochastic operation of the customer-owned DG units in the power distribution system. Several cases are studied to analyze the impact on system performance of using such generators, with the emphasis on benefits. The results of the studied cases show that proper operation of customer-owned DG units placed close to significant consumption centers offers several benefits which lead to significant energy savings and improvement in the performance indices while maintaining the cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, based on the energy demand, different electricity price scenarios considering a co...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This thesis examines the design of a propulsion system for a series hybrid vehicle and includes the study of an energy storage unit using double-layer capacitors and a lightweight soft-switched converter system, and two new components in series hybrid vehicles. The development of environmentally sustainable vehicles is more urgent now given the fact that pollution levels are ever increasing. No electric vehicle has yet been developed that can compete with a normal vehicle based only on internal combustion engines. The dilemma lies in the difficulty of storing the amount of energy needed and supply it a high power levels. An attractive and viable option to reducing pollution and maintaining good performance may lie in hybrid electric-powered vehicles. The double-layer power capacitors are an interesting option because of their high power density and long lifetime. The devices are new and assembling large energy storage units must be thoroughly ...

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cooling of residential California buildings contributes significantly to electrical consumption and peak power demand mainly due to very poor load factors in milder climates. Thermal mass can be utilized to reduce the peak-power demand, downsize the cooling systems, and/or switch to low-energy cooling sources. Large thermal storage devices have been used in the past to overcome the shortcomings of alternative cooling sources, or to avoid high demand charges. The manufacturing of phase change material (PCM) implemented in gypsum board, plaster or other wall-covering material, would permit the thermal storage to become part of the building structure. PCMs have two important advantages as storage media: they can offer an order-of-magnitude increase in thermal storage capacity, and their discharge is almost isothermal. This allows the storage of high amounts of energy without significantly changing the ...

Science.gov (United States)

We describe the development of a fully coupled climate model configuration where the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) has been coupled with the VERDE (Visualizing Energy Resources Dynamically on the Earth) analysis modules that compute the response of the electric grid to temperature drivers. The VERDE model includes datasets characterizing the 26,500 sub-stations and 6,000 power generation stations fuel mix, efficiency, service areas, and future performance and these have been geo-located on a 1.4 degree latitude by 1.4 degree longitude CCSM grid (T85). The total electric customers have been computed using conversions derived from economic structure and population data. The carbon emissions per customer and the power generation in megawatts electric (MWe) have also been placed on reconciled 1 km, 4 km and the T85 climate model grid. The CCSM temperature for the present and future have been extracted from the climate model output and placed on the same grid as ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Acceptance testing of mammographic imaging systems technical is the first approach in order to guarantee that mammograms will be achieved with the minimum radiation dose compatible with an image quality suitable for diagnose purposes. The aim of this study is to assess the practical applicability of different protocols in acceptance test of digital mammographic systems. This study has been carried out on the results of the acceptance tests of five flat panel digital mammographic systems. Parameters established in the systems technical specifications and those evaluated in the consulted protocols were tested. Due to the fact that the legislation in our country does not demand to consider a specific protocol, the results obtained were also compared considering different existing protocols. Results show discrepancies between manufacturers limiting values and those established in the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A CIEP analysis of the recent development of demand and supply for crude oil indicates that the mismatch in supply and demand growth could cause tighter oil markets than we already experience today. In the World Energy Outlook 2007, the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned of a possible 'energy crunch'. But what was anticipated to happen in the first part of the next decade has been fast-forwarded to today, more than 5 years earlier, and could shake the very foundation of our energy systems if no action is undertaken. Without exaggeration, the recent developments in the international oil market are ground-breaking: a little over a year ago, in January 2007, the West Texas Intermediate crude oil price (WTI) traded for USD50 dollar a barrel. Within a year, the price doubled to USD100 per barrel in January 2008 and pushed through to over USD135 in June 2008, against the backdrop of the fresh market supposition about ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this work theoretical investigations are carried out for cooling systems, which are used in fuel cell vehicles. This work focuses mainly on the capability of increasing the heat rejection rate by using new alternative cooling systems and by improving the conventional cooling system. Fuel cell vehicles have a higher demand of heat rejection to the ambient than comparable vehicles with combustion engine. The performance of conventional liquid cooling systems, especially at high loads and high ambient temperatures, is often not sufficient anymore. Hence, cooling systems with improved performance are necessary for fuel cell vehicles. The investigations in this work are based on DaimlerChrysler's ''A-Class'' having a PEM-Fuel Cell system integrated. Specific computational models are developed for ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

'Full text:' The use of fuel cell technology in military applications will depend on safe, high energy density systems being developed. An important part of using this technology is also the development of alternative hydrogen producing fuels with high energy densities and are easy to transport. Fuel cells are now a very large R and D effort for several military applications around the world. The major reason is because of the high power demands needed requires electrical energy sources that far exceed the capabilities of batteries currently being fielded for portable applications. Fuel cells are regarded as highly efficient, tactical energy converters that can be adapted for wide range of power requirements. They are potentially the lowest weight power source when coupled with batteries or capacitors to form hybrid systems. Generally electrical power is needed to support a number of applications from ultra-high power for ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

As need for development of marginal and deepwater oil fields grows, demand increases for floating production vessels (FPVs) such as floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) units; spread-moored production semi-submersibles; and turret-moored production vessels. The FPV may be purpose-built; or an existing vessel such as an exploration drilling semi-sub or ship-shape vessel may be modified to suit the purpose. In either case, requirements for tensioning systems for the mooring lines on the FPV are quite unique, and are not without the potential for problems when traditional chain windlasses or wire rope systems are employed. This two-part article discusses the range of available technologies and systems for tensioning mooring lines on FPVs. It examines problems of size, weight and safety associated with some available designs; and it considers in detail a specific family of new units. Part 1, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Development of the Conawapa-Winnipeg power transmission complex in Manitoba includes five interrelated transmission and conversion facilities. Environmental and socio-economic assessment work done to date on one component of this system (the upgrading of the Southern Receiver System) is described. This system is composed of a network of high voltage transmission lines and station facilities serving power demand in Winnipeg and southern Manitoba. The upgrading involves three main elements: energizing a second 230 kV ac circuit on an existing tower line running from the proposed Riel Station site to the existing St. Vital Station; constructing a new double-circuit 230 kV tower line on the same existing right-of-way between St. Vital and the Riel site area; and installing an additional transformer and other necessary equipment at St. Vital and other stations affected by the upgrade. The environmental ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: The nuclear renaissance, anticipated by AREVA in the beginning of the century is now happening in several countries around the world. The fundamentals being the increasing demand of energy, the volatility of fossil fuel prices, the awareness of climate change threat connected with the extensive use of fossil fuels. The EPRTM reactor present significant improvements compared to previous generation reactors enabling to reach an outstanding safety level (redundancy of safety systems, airplane crash resistance), to improve the economics (extended plant lifetime, flexibility and availability during operation and, increased efficiency and fuel utilization) while limiting the impact on workers and the environment. Several countries have been implementing the transition to third generation reactors. The presentation will analyze different examples in order to draw the lessons learned from this first wave and to set-up the criteria for a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The CDF II eXtremely Fast Tracker (XFT) is the trigger processor which reconstructs charged particle tracks in the CDF II central outer tracking chamber. The XFT tracks are also extrapolated to the electromagnetic calorimeter and muon chambers and are associated to electromagnetic clusters and muon stubs to generate trigger electron and muon candidates. The steady increase of the Tevatron instantaneous luminosity and the resulting higher occupancy of the chamber demanded an upgrade of the original system, which performed tracking only in the transverse plane of the chamber and was consequently affected by a significant level of fake tracks. In the upgraded XFT, tracking is reinforced by using additional data from the stereo layers of the chamber to reduce the level of fake tracks and to perform three-dimensional track reconstruction. A review of this upgrade is presented.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This third Missouri River Basin Commission report on Status of Electric Power in the Missouri River Basin provides information on the status of electric power generation, future needs, and potentials for meeting these needs. Information for this 1980 update is based upon available published information up to and including December 31, 1979. State and federal members of the Missouri River Basin Commission provided information for sections of the report and on legislative activities. Information is included on the planning and projected costs of hydro, nuclear and fossil-fuel power plants, pumped-storage plants, transmission systems, projected power demands, the environmental, socio-economic-cultural impacts of electric power generation, and regulations affecting energy development. (LCL)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The goal of this study is to determine whether physicists at the Russian Nuclear Weapons Institute can profitably service the need for computer aided drug design (CADD) programs. The Russian physicists` primary competitive advantage is their ability to write particularly efficient code able to work with limited computing power; a history of working with very large, complex modeling systems; an extensive knowledge of physics and mathematics, and price competitiveness. Their primary competitive disadvantage is their lack of biology, and cultural and geographic issues. The first phase of the study focused on defining the competitive landscape, primarily through interviews with and literature searches on the key providers of CADD software. The second phase focused on users of CADD technology to determine deficiencies in the current product offerings, to understand what product they most desired, and to define the potential demand for such a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The research committee of the Atomic Energy Society of Japan on water chemistry standard aims at establishing the private standard of water chemistry of nuclear power plants. The committee gathers up 'BWR water chemistry management manual', 'PWR primary system water chemistry management manual' and 'PWR water chemical analysis standard method', and furthermore aims at the standardization of those in future. Looking back on the committee's activities for the past four years, latest results of research of water chemistry mainly contributing to safe and reliable nuclear power plants were described with the future perspective of water chemistry and a demanded break-through. (T.T.)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The use of thermal energy in the West German sugar industry has fallen by nearly half in the last twenty years. At the same time, automation and new technologies have led to an increase in the consumption of electric energy. In many cases, the equilibrium of combined heat and power has been upset. That equilibrium is, however, a fundamental precondition of the economical energy management of a sugar factory. Electrical engineers and sugar technologists have looked at the situation in the sugar industry form different points of view and have presented interesting ideas - in some instances already put into practice - to solve the problem. Examination of the electricity consumption of alternative processes, systems and pieces of equipment used in sugar manufacturing, from the beet yard to the sugar house, has revealed marked differences and considerable potential savings. (orig.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A large number of proven technical solutions exists for the use of renewable energies. However, their dissemination is still too slow to meet the political goal of substituting for 8-15% of the primary energy demand in the European Union by the year 2010. Even renewable energy systems (RES) with an economic potential are only partly exploited. The FIRE research project financed partly in the JOULE program analyses and compares the means of financing RES in Austria, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom to put forward best practice recommendations so that renewable energy depolyments will occur at a faster rate. FIRE addresses to politicians, to potential investors and to project-developers. (orig./RHM)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Tomographic Gamma Scanning (TGS) technique is a relatively new method in the field of non-destructive assay (NDA) of radioactive waste. The TGS technique combines High Resolution Gamma Spectrometry (HRGS) with Three-Dimensional (3-D) low spatial resolution transmission and emission image reconstruction techniques to achieve assay goals. When compared to the traditional methods such as Segmented Gamma Scanning (SGS), the TGS technique can yield better accuracies for cases where the radionuclide is distributed non-uniformly in a heterogeneous matrix. The TGS technique is ideally suited for low-to-moderate density waste matrices, say 1.0 g cm{sup -3} or below for 55 US gal. drums, although it can be extended to higher densities by using alternative approaches to the design or analyses. Recently Canberra Industries designed, built and characterized four such TGS systems for nuclear power plant applications. Many of the design features and the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The hydroelectric industry's recognition of the importance of avoiding unexpected failure, or forced outages, led to the development of probabilistic, or risk-based, methods in order to attempt to quantify exposures. Traditionally, such analysis has been carried out by qualitative assessments, relying on experience and sound engineering judgment to determine the optimum time to maintain, repair or replace a part or system. Depending on the nature of the problem, however, and the level of experience of those included in the decision making process, it is difficult to find a balance between acting proactively and accepting some amount of risk. The development of a practical means for establishing the probability of failure of any part or system, based on the determination of the statistical distribution of engineering properties such as acting stresses, is discussed. The capacity-demand analysis methodology, coupled ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The increasing complexity of the real-time data acquisition and processing systems (TDAQ: the so called Trigger and Data AcQuisition systems) in high energy physics calls for an appropriate evolution of development tools. This work is about the interplay between in principle specifications of TDAQ systems and their actual design and realization on a concrete hardware and software platform. The basis of our work is to define a methodology for the development of TDAQ systems that meets the specific demands for the development of such systems. The result is the detailed specification of a 'methodological framework' based on the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and designed to manage a development process. The use of this UML-based methodological framework progressively leads to the setting up of a 'home-made' framework, i.e. a ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A railgun has an armature driven between two rail-like conductors. In other words, it is a linear drive device system that drives airframes by using the Lorentz`s force. The system is expected as a next-generation high-speed transport means, or as a means to create such ultimate fields as ultra-high pressures, ultra-high temperatures, and ultra-ferromagnetic fields. This paper is a report on investigations on the relevant technological trends as surveyed by the investigation committee at the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan using research reports published inside and outside the country. The reported themes cover explanations from the construction to the pulse power supply that forms the core of the technology, problems in switching, recent status of research and development, and to application fields. Compatibility in the high-level electrical and mechanical performances demanded in the railgun is not as easy as ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The development of a silicon carbide (SiC) heat exchanger is a critical step in the development of the Externally-Fired Combined Cycle (EFCC) power system. SiC is the only material that provides the necessary combination of resistance to creep, thermal shock, and oxidation. While the SiC structure materials provide the thermomechanical and thermophysical properties needed for an efficient system, the mechanical properties of the SiC tubes are severely degraded through corrosion by the coal combustion products. To obtain the necessary service life of thousands of hours at temperature, a protective coating is needed that is stable with both the SiC tube and the coal combustion products, resists erosion from the particle laden gas stream, is thermal shock resistant, adheres to SiC during repeated thermal shocks (start-up, process upsets, shut-down), and allows the EFCC system to be cost competitive. This ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Reliability and Availability Data System (RADS) is a database and analysis code, developed by the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC). The code is designed to estimate industry and plant-specific reliability and availability parameters for selected components in risk-important systems and initiating events for use in risk-informed applications. The RADS tool contains data and information based on actual operating experience from U.S. commercial nuclear power plants. The data contained in RADS is kept up-to-date by loading the most current quarter's Equipment Performance and Information Exchange (EPIX) data and by yearly lods of initiating event data from licensee event reports (LERS). The reliability parameters estimated by RADS are (1) probability of failure on demand, (2) failure rate during operation (used to calculate failure to ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Norway is a member of Annex 29, 'Ground-Source Heat Pump Systems Overcoming Technical and Market Barriers' (2004-2006), organized under the umbrella of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the IEA Heat Pump Programme (HPP). The 7 participating countries are Austria (Operating Agent), Canada, Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the USA. The Norwegian participation is financed by ENOVA SF, and SINTEF Energy Research is responsible for planning and carrying out the Norwegian activities. This report provides a status for ground-source heat pump (GSHP) systems in Norway with regard to state-of-the-art technology, installation examples, geological data, costs and market opportunities. A Norwegian Internet home page for ground-source heat pump systems (www.energy.sintef.no/prosjekt/Annex29) is also presented. GSHP systems in Norway are classified as direct systems (groundwater and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

There is an urgent need to improve the reliability of screening cargo containers for illicit nuclear material that may be hidden there for terrorist purposes. A screening system is described for detection of fissionable material hidden in maritime cargo containers. The system makes use of a low intensity neutron beam for producing fission; and the detection of the abundant high-energy #gamma# rays emitted in the #beta#-decay of short-lived fission products and #beta#-delayed neutrons. The abundance of the delayed #gamma# rays is almost an order of magnitude larger than that of the delayed neutrons normally used to detect fission and they are emitted on about the same time scale as the delayed neutrons, i.e., #approx#1 min. The energy and temporal distributions of the delayed #gamma# rays provide a unique signature of fission. Because of their high energy, these delayed #gamma# rays penetrate loW--Z cargoes much more readily than the delayed ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Film boiling is the mode if boiling during which the hot surface is separated from the vaporizing liquid by a nearly continuous film vapor. Film boiling is usually considered a very undesirable boiling regime since it is a relatively quiet and inefficient mode of heat transfer, particularly as compared to nucleate boiling. It is customary to analyze the two-phase flow regime of laminar flow film boiling by assuming the two-phase flow regime of laminar flow film boiling by assuming an idealized vapor film flow characterized by a smooth liquid-vapor interface. However, during stable flow film boiling, the wavy nature of the liquid-vapor interface and its role in local heat and mass transport have been largely ignored. The vapor interface is rarely stationary. Interfacial waves may substantially augment the heat transfer rates throughout the layer. The present analysis treats stagnation point flow film boiling on a sphere immersed in a subcooled liquid. The effect of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

It is still a vision at the time being, but wind power and electric cars may complement each other efficiently: Batteries are charged when the power demand of the grid has been saturated. In case of sudden demand peaks, the stored power is transmitted back into the grid. (orig.)

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Choice procedures have indicated that the relative reinforcing effectiveness of opioid drugs increases during opioid withdrawal. The demand curve, an absolute measure of reinforcer value, has not been...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The t-butyldimethylsilyl group is shown to be an ideal protecting group for the 2T-hydroxyl function of ribonucleosides during the synthesis of ribonucleotides using any of nine commonly used condensing...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Background and Objectives:Sound enamel manifests peak transparency in the near-IR (NIR) at 1310-nm, therefore the near-IR is ideally suited for high contrast imaging...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Atrial septal defect closure is now routinely performed using a percutaneous approach under echocardiographic guidance. Centrally located, secundum defects are ideal for device closure but there is...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The overarching goal of medical training is to nurture the growth of knowledgeable, caring and insightful clinicians guided by the ideals of medical professionalism. Recent definitions of professional...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The conventional IMRT planning process involves two stages in which the first stage consists of fast but approximate idealized pencil beam dose calculations and dose optimization and the second...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

Demand for compact instrumentation, portable field equipment, and new electromagnetic weapons is

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Delivering the promise of personalised medicine is the challenge that the current generation of scientists face. The variations in human physiology and disease are considerable, and designing appropriate strategies to deliver what has been promised will require access to tissue from a large number of volunteers. The NHS provides an ideal infrastructure for sample acquisition, but requires two things to make this available?public consent and support for extra manpower and administration. There is a disconnection between the NHS and tissue based research that needs to be addressed on a number of levels to provide a translational platform. This should enable the path to be beaten to provide the ideal tailored treatment for future patients; one that preserves quality of life by curing the dise...

CERN Document Server

We develop a framework based on microeconomic theory from which the ideal gas like market models can be addressed. A kinetic exchange model based on that framework is proposed and its distributional features have been studied by considering its moments. Next, we derive the moments of the CC model (Eur. Phys. J. B 17 (2000) 167) as well. Some precise solutions are obtained which conform with the solutions obtained earlier. Finally, an output market is introduced with global price determination in the model with some necessary modifications.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A primary and basic question prevails in the methanol industry - What will be the global demand for methanol, for the expanded production of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), during the next few years This article attempts to answer the question by discussing the global market; supply and demand factors; the market in North America, Western Europe, Far East and Asia, South America, and other regions; and the uncertainties that remain.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A closed economic system was assumed for the Veneto Region (Italy) in order to define an appropriate input-output model and assess the future economic and environmental impacts of proposed actions for energy source development and economic growth. Present and forecasted energy demands (to the year 2000) were determined by energy source, e.g., natural gas, coal, petroleum and hydropower for the different consuming sectors - agriculture, transportation, industry, etc. Forecasts were made of the air pollution expected as a result of different types of energy and technology inputs for each sector. These considered planned retrofits towards clean combustion systems. Costs were estimated for the implementation of proposed pollution abatement measures, as well as, for the effects of energy use related environmental damage and measures to restore the environment. Some of the factors taken into account were: the regional impacts of ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reactor Regulating System (RRS) of TAPP-3 and 4 (540 MWe PHWR) addresses issues of elaborate Flux Tilt Control as applied to large Reactor Cores in addition to the traditional Bulk Power (Actual Power) Control. The control of Bulk and Zonal Power by RRS through the use of Zonal Control Compartments (ZCCs) has been successfully demonstrated in the Indian PHWRs for the first time. Features like automation in Demand Power Maneuvering, Manual Movement of Reactivity Devices through the Human Machine Interface (HMI) and the supervised withdrawal of Shut-off Rods during Auto Criticality are also included. Special algorithms to measure and control the individual Zone Power and Bulk Power also form part of RRS algorithms. This paper describes the salient features of RRS of TAPP-3 and 4 and the improvement carried out based on the feedback of past 1 year of operation of TAPP-4 at around 90 % FP. (author)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Demands for electric power system, which include not only minimization of generation cost but also protection of environmental condition and maintenance of transmission security, have been diversified The priority of these objectives may change according to load change, weather, and other conditions. Since these objectives are usually in a trade-off relationship and generally non-commensurable, it is difficult to handle by conventional optimization of a single objective function. This report describes multi-objective scheduling of thermal power system. The adaptability of three performance indicies, such as economic efficiency, NO{sub x} emission, and transmission security, to operators are defined by membership functions in fuzzy set theory. coordinated solution in which the adaptability of operators is maximized can be obtained by maximizing the fuzzy decision-making function composed of the adaptability index for each ...

Science.gov (United States)

Environmental characteristics of conceptual fusion-reactor systems based on magnetic confinement are examined quantitatively, and some comparisons with fission systems are made. Fusion, like all other energy sources, will not be completely free of environmental liabilities, but the most obvious of these-- tritium leakage and activation of structural materials by neutron bombardment-- are susceptible to significant reduction by ingenuity in choice of materials and design. Large fusion reactors can probably be designed so that worst-case releases of radioactivity owing to accident or sabotage would produce no prompt fatalities in the public. A world energy economy relying heavily on fusion could make heavy demands on scarce nonfuel materials, a topic deserving further attention. Fusion's potential environmental advantages are not entirely ''automatic'', ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gas Distribution Companies have long paid great attention to improving the quality of gas supply service to the consumer. This has involved them in an on-going attempt to successfully define and establish a clear computer assisted replacement programme which, when drawn up on a reliability basis, may also prove cost effective. The reasons which drive any gas line replacement programme are mainly related to the necessity: to improve the gas network asset so as to face a striking expected growth in gas demand; to refurbish old distribution systems with the purpose not only to increase the reliability and continuity of gas supply but also to reduce the rate of maintenance costs due to frequent repair works; to prevent the possibility of massive replacement works for a progressing ageing of the network. This paper will present the computer assisted procedure being implemented by Italgas. It ranks well defined network areas which urgently need ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The overall aim is to develope programme modules for a Danish integrated computer system for projecting buildings and to ensure that Danish programmes are compatible with international systems. The programmes to be integrated here were AutoCAD and SCRIBE-models and the simulation programme tsbi3 for the calculation of indoor climate conditions, power demand and energy consumption in buildings. For the calculation of humidity and temperature conditions in constructions a certain amount of integration is carried out with the MATCH programme (Moisture And Temperature calculations for Constructions of Hygroscopic materials). The activities embodied in the pilot projects are described in this working report in addition to the individual computer programmes and prototypes, and examples and diagrams are presented. The programmes included are a geometry programme for the calculation of areas, lengths and volumes, a programme for ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The onshore Potiguar basin has nowadays around 5.000 artificial lifting petroleum wells, distributed into 80 fields located on the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Ceara, representing approximately 8% of the national oil production. For that, well maintenance service, realized by Workover Rigs, is essential to preserve the oil productivity of the reservoirs on these fields. However, as the number of rigs is lower than to the number of wells needing maintenance, the task of administrating the management of such equipment according to the demand created by the wells, generates an optimization problem. The decision for a rig intervention on a well depends on parameters such as flow rate, depth, wasted time on intervention, distance from the rig to the next well, type of operation, rig capacity, environmental risks, etc. The objective of this paper is to present an interactive Computational System for Support Decision to the optimized management ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Energy conservative building design has triggered greater interests in developing flexible and sophisticated air conditioning systems capable of achieving enhanced energy-savings potential without sacrificing the desired thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ). This research work greatly aimed at achieving enhanced energy conservation, good thermal comfort and better IAQ for space conditioning with the application of combined variable refrigerant volume (VRV) and variable air volume (VAV) air conditioning (A/C) systems. Experimental investigation on the proposed combined air conditioning system with the application of intelligent fuzzy logic controller was performed for summer and winter climatic conditions to substantiate the energy-savings capability. The proposed system experimentally analyzed under fixed ventilation, demand controlled ventilation (DCV) and combined DCV and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

There is an increasing interest in using novel methods to generate electrical energy using wind and solar energy sources. Unfortunately, such energy sources are intermittent, and, therefore, conventional sources must still be available to meet demand during critical periods. In addition, renewable energy technologies are still expensive in general, although extensive research programs are being conducted to overcome this disadvantage. Hence, reliability, economic assessment and environmental impacts are three objectives to be satisfied simultaneously when designing either an autonomous or a grid-connected hybrid power generation system. The installation of any of these two systems should, undoubtedly, be preceded by an assessment of the available resources at the candidate site. In addition, many other factors are to be studied, including economics of transmission lines, site constraints, distances etc. In this thesis, the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

An update of Toronto Hydro's smart metering program was presented. Electricity demand is expected to keep increasing, and there is presently insufficient generation to match supply needs in Ontario. The smart metering program was introduced to aid in the Ontario government's energy conservation strategy, as well as to address peak supply problems that have led to power outages. It is expected that the smart metering program will reduce provincial peak supply by 5 per cent, as the meters support both time-of-use rates and critical peak pricing. Over 800,000 smart meters will be supplied to customers by 2007, and all 4.3 million homes in Toronto will have a smart meter by 2010. In order to meet targets for 2010, the utility will continue to install more 15,000 meters each month for the next 4 years. While the Ontario government has planned and coordinated the rollout and developed smart metering specifications and standards, Toronto Hydro is ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A family of industrial irradiators is being developed by AECL to cover an electron-beam energy range from 5 to 18 MeV at beam powers between 20 and 250 kW. The IMPELA family of irradiators is designed for push button, reliable operation. The major irradiator components are modular, allowing for later upgrades to meet increased demands in either electron or X-ray mode. Interface between the control system, irradiator availability and dose quality assurance is in conformance with the most demanding specifications. The IMPELA irradiators use a klystron-driven, standing-wave, L-band accelerator structure with direct injection from a rugged, triode electron gun. Direct control of the accelerating field during the beam pulse ensures constant output beam energy, independent of beam power. The first member of the family, the IMPELA 10/50 (10 MeV, 50 kW), is in the final stages of assembly at Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories. The ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A laboratory model of a TPV generator in the kilowatt range was developed and tested. It was based on methane/oxygen combustion and a spectrally matched selective emitter/collector pair (ytterbia emitter-silicon PV cell). The system demonstrated a power output of 2.4 kilowatts at an overall efficiency of 4.5{percent} without recuperation of heat from the exhaust gases. Key aspects of the effort include: (1) process development and fabrication of mechanically strong selective emitter ceramic textile materials; (2) design of a stirred reactor emitter/burner capable of handling up to 175,000 Btu/hr fuel flows; (3) support to the developer of the production silicon concentrator cells capable of withstanding TPV environments; (4) assessing the apparent temperature exponent of selective emitters; and (5) determining that the remaining generator efficiency improvements are readily defined combustion engineering problems that do not necessitate breakthrough technology. The ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nowadays, computational fluid dynamics is being applied in many fronts to improve the understanding of the flow and heat transfer behaviour in engineering applications. Unfortunately, there are not so many computational investigations regarding the ventilation and temperature distribution in discs-brakes. In this respect, this study presents a (CFD) analysis is carried out to investigate temperature distributions and flow patterns through disc brakes. The final goal is the development of shapes that optimize heat dissipation rates dictating the stopping capability of disc brakes. High performance discs brakes have a variety of cooling channels and the optimization of these passages is a challenging task for the manufacturing industry. High values of heat transfer coefficients of disc-brake configurations, are the most critical quantities during the design phase of new braking systems. In this context, a parametric study of the influence of the fin orientation ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Focused ion beam (FIB) microscopes have become well-established in the semiconductor industry during the past decade, and are rapidly gaining attention in the field of materials science, both as a tool for producing site specific, parallel sided transmission electron microscope (TEM) specimens and as stand alone specimen preparation and imaging systems. FIB secondary electron imaging (SEI) of nickel-based alloys, such as commercially produced Alloy 600 (approximately Ni 15Cr 10Fe 0.5C), has been demonstrated to show a high degree of sensitivity to the presence of deformation in the alloy, and FIB secondary ion imaging (SII) is particularly useful for identifying the presence of grain boundary corrosion, as secondary ion yields from metallic specimens can increase by three orders of magnitude in the presence of oxygen. This 'oxygen enhanced yield', makes FIB SII ideal for detection of corrosion at grain boundaries down to thicknesses of only a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper reports the results of a fine-probe EDS microanalytical study of cellular precipitation in a Cu-Ti binary alloy. Compositional profiles across the solute depleted Cu-rich FCC lamellae and the Cu_4Ti lamellae within isothermally formed cellular colonies were measured in a FEG-TEM from thin-foil specimens prepared by conventional electropolishing and by a technique using a Ga"+ focused ion-beam (FIB). The Cliff-Lorimer ratio method, with an absorption correction, was employed to quantify the compositions. Two FIB samples were prepared with different orientations of the lamellae with respect to the ion-milling direction. The compositional profiles across the Cu-rich FCC lamellae and the Cu_4Ti compound lamellae in both the FIB-prepared samples and the electropolished sample were, within experimental error, numerically equivalent. The composition of the Cu_4Ti compound phase lamellae was very close to the ideal stoichiometric composition of 20 at% Ti. It is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In robotics inverse dynamics is a standard control concept for highly nonlinear multibody systems. It is shown, however, that inverse dynamics results in a high energy demand. Therefore, linear energy efficient state feedback controllers are designed in a way that a performance index representing the energy consumption is minimized. At the same time inequality constraints such as control error and limited input variables have to be met. For the control design an analytical solution by pole placement is presented as well as a numerical controller optimization. This control design includes small motions in the neighborhood of the operating point. Then, linear controllers are tested with respect to control error and energy consumption when undergoing large displacement motion. It is shown that linear state feedback can only save energy if large control errors are accepted. Therefore, nonlinear systems are optimized as a whole ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The data center in this study had a total floor area of 8,580 square feet (ft{sup 2}) with one-foot raised-floors. It was a rack lab with 440 racks, and was located in a 208,240 ft{sup 2} multi-story office building in San Jose, California. Since the data center was used only for testing equipment, it was not configured as a critical facility in terms of electrical and cooling supply. It did not have a dedicated chiller system but served by the main building chiller plant and make-up air system. Additionally, it was served by a single electrical supply with no provision for backup power. The data center operated on a 24 hour per day, year-round cycle, and users had all hour full access to the data center facility. The study found that data center computer load accounted for 23% of the overall building electrical load, while the total power consumption attributable to the data center including allocated cooling load and lighting was 30% of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ammonia borane (AB) and sodium borohydride (SBH) are candidate materials for on-board hydrogen storage that can be dehydrogenated upon demand. The rheological properties of the dehydrogenated by-products are important to quantify their removal and transportability from the hydrogen storage system. This paper presents visco-elastic property (elastic stiffness and viscous damping) measurements of the spent fuels obtained from AB hydrolysis, hydrothermolysis and thermolysis; and SBH hydrolysis. Smaller stiffness and larger mobility (or smaller viscous damping) indicate better transportability of the spent fuel. In addition, flow property (dynamic angle of repose and avalanching time) measurements for the hydrolysis spent fuels of AB and SBH are also presented. Comparing with the SBH hydrolysis spent fuel, the AB hydrolysis spent fuel had a lower stiffness and larger mobility, as well as lower angles of dynamic repose and avalanche power peaks, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ways of reducing the excessive energy consumption in the Polish sugar industry are examined. The three main areas where energy reduction measures might be taken are: reducing the process heat demand which arises from the need to evaporate excess water from the juice supplied to the crystallisers; improving the effectiveness of the thermal system by moving from the present four-effect evaporation to five-effect evaporation and using crystallisation vapours for juice heating; replacing old steam boilers with more efficient units. Most Polish sugar factories are relatively small, however, and the energy saving measures, all of which require the installation of more modern equipment, are not economically feasible in the short term. Moreover, the stringent limits on atmospheric emissions which come into effect in 1998 will require factories to use low-sulphur coal and install costly glue-gas cleaning equipment. With limited funds available this may ...

Science.gov (United States)

Clinical circumstances often demand flexibility in electrodiagnostic procedures. We present a clinical case that required alteration of our routine full-field electroretinography technique. The patient presented with reports of allergy to Xylocaine (lidocaine) and refused the use of any type of topical anesthetic drops. This conflicted with our routine ERG method that combines the use of the Henkes Lovac hard contact lens and the topical anesthetic Alcaine (proparacaine hydrochloride). We acquired a successful electroretinogram without topical anesthesia by using a "piggy-back" system involving the interposition of a soft hydrophilic contact lens between the cornea and the recording hard lens. The procedure yielded excellent ERG recordings and was well tolerated. This non-routine technique was also compared to our standard ERG technique using a normal volunteer. It appears that this proposed "piggy-back" technique is a useful alternative to ...

Environmental Research Database

Objectives1. To develop new photoactive materials and fabricate demonstration QD (quantum dot) solar cells. This will be achieved by:~%~1.1. Materials preparation and characterisation of QD/polymer systems~%~1.2. Optimising structures of QDs, nanorods and polymer for quantum yield and charge transfer~%~1.3 Fabricating demonstration QD/polymer solar cells and measuring power conversion efficiencies~%~2. To demonstrate multiexciton generation (MEG) and harvesting within nanostructured QDs. This will involv [continued...]DescriptionWidespread implementation of photovoltaic electricity to meet changing energy demands requires a step-change in the cost of photovoltaic power. This proposal assembles a consortium of chemists, physicists, materials scientists and electrical engineers from The University of Manchester and Imperial College London to address this need through the development of new low-cost, high-efficiency, demonstration solar cells for ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP) concept was originally developed in the 1940`s. Recently, because of increasing energy costs, utility interest, and the development of simple and durable ground source heat exchangers, GHP`s have gained international attention as a proven means of energy conservation and electrical peak power demand reduction. GHP systems require installation of a buried heat exchanger to utilize the nearly constant ground temperature making them more efficient than conventional air source heat pumps. However, the high installation cost for both residential and commercial applications is a major obstacle to their market penetration. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) through its sponsors, the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of Defense (DOD), has embarked on a research program to find ways to reduce GHP installation costs and improve performance, thereby increasing their market penetration. The major elements of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report documents a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model of the economy of Haiti, emphasizing energy use in agriculture. CGE models compare favorably with econometric models for developing countries in terms of their ability to take advantage of available data. The model of Haiti contains ten production sectors: manufacturing, services, transportation, electricity, rice, coffee, sugar cane, sugar refining, general agriculture, and fuelwood and charcoal. All production functions use functional forms which permit factor substitution. Consumption is specified for three income categories of consumers and a government sector with a linear expenditure system (LES) of demand equations. The economy exports four categories of products and imports six. Balanced trade and capital accounts are required for equilibrium. Total sectoral allocations of land, labor and capital are constrained to equal the quantities of these inputs in the Haitian ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

There are many factors contributing to the changes taking place within the electric utility industry. The environmental pressures on the industry are substantial and include the global warming issue, hazardous and nuclear waste challenges, air toxicities, and the electromagnetic field controversy. An issue of special concern is deregulation of the industry, which brought with it retail wheeling, wholesale wheeling, transmission access, and market-based pricing, all of which have greatly shaken the industry. The changes are expected to happen quickly. This is quite different from the 31 years it took to deregulate the telecommunications industry, the 15 to 20 years for railroads, the 9 years for the natural gas industry, and the 2 years for the airline industry. Historically there has been a general willingness among the utilites to share information through collaborative research. Research and development is viewed as a cost and not an investment in the electric utility business. This ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

During 17 years since the start of operation of the first commercial LWR in Japan, many LWRs have experienced various corrosion damages, but the causes of them were clarified, and the counter-measures were executed effectively in actual plants, as the results, the cause of corrosion damage decreased remarkably, and now, the high rate of operation has become to be maintained. In this paper, the major cases of corrosion damage experienced in LWRs in Japan and foreign countries, the causes of them and the countermeasures, the problems of hereafter and so on are described. The corrosion damage of metallic materials in the environment of LWRs occurs in the parts in contact with high temperature, high pressure water and steam, such as stainless steel piping in the primary cooling system of BWRs, and nickel alloy heating tubes of steam generators, carbon steel feed water piping and zirconium alloy fuel cladding tubes in PWRs. Recently, accompanying the advance of LWR ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The focus of the present Great Lakes water quality agreement between Canada and the United States is on transboundary pollution and particularly the injury to health and property from exposures to persistent toxic substances. Several scientists and policy advisors have suggested, on the basis of the Ecosystem Approach and systems theory, that the agenda should move on to other demanding topics, such as the introduction of exotic species, biodiversity, habitat restoration, fisheries management, sustainable development, and governance of the Great Lakes basin. None of these issues, however, poses the same scale of threat to national sovereignty and bilateral interests as does transboundary pollution. Thus, none warrants the degree of attention that has been and should be paid, despite declining budgets, to assessing and controlling releases of persistent toxic substances that continue to injure fish, wildlife, and human health. Instead, it is ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

For IGCC, the primary investment is too high due to the demand of high gasification efficiency. For PFBCC, the thermal efficiency is too low due to the relatively low turbine inlet temperature and the hot working medium of the gas turbine is not easy to clean. A new scheme is proposed for coal fired combined cycle to overcome the main drawbacks of IGCC and PFBCC. The research targets are developing a new cycle construction of coal fired combined cycle to raise the efficiency and reduce the primary investment. Actually, the new scheme is a synthesis of some existing proposals. It adopts partial gasification to reduce the primary investment of the gasification equipment. The un-gasified surplus solid is then fed to a pressurized fluidized bed boiler, but adopting Curtiss Wright type external combustion to lower the ash content in the working medium. The gas fuel from the partial gasifier is combusted in a top combustor to further increase the working medium ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The popularity of UAVs has increased dramatically because of their successful deployment in military operations, their ability to preserve human life, and the continual improvements in wireless communication that serves to increase their capabilities. We believe the usefulness of UAVs would be dramatically increased if formation flight were added to the list of capabilities. Currently, sustained formation flight with a cluster of UAVs has only been achieved with two nodes by the Multi-UAV Testbed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (Park, 2004) Formation flight is a complex operation requiring the ability to adjust the flight patterns on the fly and correct for wind gusts, terrain, and differences in node equipment. All of which increases the amount of inner node communication. Since one of the problems with MANET communication is network congestion, we believe a first step towards formation flight can be made through improved inner node communication. We have investigated ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The report presents an integrated software system developed at the Norwegian Electric Power Research Institute (EFI), for production scheduling, maintenance handling, network security analysis, inflow forecasting, and load forecasting. The integrated software is being developed with focus on hydro-dominated power supply systems. In specific terms it is expected that application of the software will improve the operational decisions, and make the planning process more effective. The optimal scheduling of hydro resources poses severe computational problems in system operations planning. This necessitates problem decomposition. In the EFI approach, planning is split into three main levels: long-term, mid-term and short-term planning. The long-term planning aims at evaluating the seasonal and pluriannual handling of regional storages in view of firm power supply obligations, inflow statistics, main hydraulic and electric ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Addition of Gadolinium Nitrate as chemical shim to moderator heavy water of 540 MWe PHWR, at 15 mg/kg level (at a pH of 5.0) is practiced for reactor shutdown purposes. Presently a strong acid cation exchanger column is used for this purpose. During this operation, the moderator pH of 3.8, with the IX column outlet pH of ?3.5-3.6 was observed against the technical specification demand that when Gd is present, the pH of moderator must be in the range of 5.0-5.5. In order to achieve an iso-pH regime during Gd removal, studies were conducted using a mixed bed of strong acid cation resin plus a weak base anion resin (loaded in the volume ratio of 1 : 6), backed up in the same column (bottom most layer) by a 5 % nitric acid loaded weak base resin and topped by a strong acid cation resin (uppermost layer) simulating system flow velocity and percentage loading of resin. Using such a column it is demonstrated that Gd removal could be achieved ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This paper extends the analytical procedure described in another paper in these proceedings to analyze a variety of compact and light-weight OSC-designed radioisotope-heated generators. Those generators employed General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) modules and a converter containing sixteen AMTEC cells of OSC`s revised five-tube design with enhanced cell wall reflectivity described in a companion paper in these proceedings. OSC found that the performance of the generator is primarily a function of the thermal insulation between the outside of the generator`s 16 cells and the inside of its wall. After examining a variety of insulation options, it was found that the generator`s performance is optimized by employing a hybrid insulation system, in which the space between the cells is filled with fibrous Min-K insulation, and the generator walls are lined with tapered (i.e., graded-length) multifoil insulation. The OSC design results in a very compact generator, with ...

Environmental Research Database

SummaryIntended Outputs: Identification and evaluation, using participatory approaches, of demand management options:*Technical*Allocative and market based*Impact on target beneficiariesSupporting measures required when introducing water demand management options above:*Extension services & training*Water licences/rights*Institutional changes*Legal measures and regulation*Education*Support in diversifying to less water demanding activities*S [continued...]ObjectivesIdentification of the most appropriate demand management strategies for ground water abstraction, where aquifiers are being over-exploited, ensuring sustainable livelihoods of the vulnerable and poor are safeguarded. Poverty reduction strategies for areas where groundwater is being over-exploited.DescriptionProject Background: Groundwater is the principal source of both irrigation and domestic water supplies in many arid and semi-arid ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The partial project SR 2039/4 investigates organizational demands and factors of the man-organization interface. Thee study is divided into the sections inventory of rules and guidelines; evaluation of organizational structures and modes of operation, and working out of demand characteristics and evaluation criteria. The objective consists in representing, analyzing and evaluating the efficiency structure of sequence organization, and deriving practice-relevant concept proposals in order to optimize the man-organization interface. In this regard, the working out of control mechanisms for the evaluation of organizational sequences is of considerable importance as a kind of working aid. (orig./DG).

Science.gov (United States)

... Third World Arms Proliferation and Forced Entry Operations: Circumstances Demanding the Creation of a Standing Joint Task Force Headquarters. ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Mitochondria are the major sites where energy is produced in the cell. Functions of organs such as the heart which has high energy demand are seriously affected by dysfunction of mitochondria....Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

We present an innovative approach to estimating residential irrigation water demand for a large metropolitan area using GIS data, weather station data, and a water budget modeling approach commonly used by plant scientists and landscape management professionals. An important question addressed by our study is how a growing urban forest affects the overall irrigation water demand of a semiarid metropolitan area. To estimate the amount of water required by residential landscaping, we consider water demand to be a function of the areal extent of residential landscaping (i.e. tree/shrub or turf grass), the water-loss rate for different landscaping types, the efficiency with which the landscape is irrigated, and local climatic factors (i.e. reference evapotranspiration and precipitation). We es...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Because resistance to new insecticides may develop rapidly and cross resistance is often encountered, even between insecticides of different classes, there is a continual demand for the development...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

In response to changes in workload, the heart grows or shrinks. Indeed, the myocardium is capable of robust and rapid structural remodeling. In the setting of normal, physiological demand, the...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Two complementary computer programs have been developed for forecasting the demands and evaluating the costs of proposed radiographic facilities. The models are employed here in analyses of the sensitivity...Full Text Available

Science.gov (United States)

... 3 Illustration of the hidden terminal problem in ... satellite downlink subject to stochastic power demands ... be immediately served, queueing effects are ...

Science.gov (United States)

Mar 1, 2011... properties to a complex model demanding full combustion kinetics, transport properties, and poppet valve flow characteristics. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Application of an optimization technique to extract the non-ideal parameters of gas absorption with chemical reactions process was described. The gas absorption was modeled using mass transfer theory to represent the realistic behaviors of an absorber. The model was a highly non-linear iterative model which correlated the overall rate of absorption as the function of unknown non-ideal parameters, including the physical liquid mass transfer coefficient and the wetted interfacial area of of packings. The optimization program was developed to minimize the sum of squares of relative errors between the model predictions and the experimental data. Four sets of experimental data (case studies) with different operating conditions were used for extracting parameters. Comparisons between predicted and experimental measured overall absorption rate were in good agreement, average absolute value of relative errors not exceeding 5.4 %. 18 refs., 3 tabs., 4 ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Ideal free distribution (IFD) models are perhaps the group of mathematical models of behavior that have been the most widely and successfully applied by empiricists. These models can be applied to nearly any situation in which consumers compete?by any mechanism?for resources that are patchily distributed in their environment. Although IFD models have come to be broadly accepted, experiments that simultaneously test more than a single prediction are rare. Instead, investigators normally either test (1) for a relationship between the distribution of consumers and the distribution of resources or (2) whether average fitnesses are equal across resource patches. We conducted experiments with pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris) feeding on two patches of fava beans (Vicia faba L.) to fully in...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

On-power refuelling is an integral feature of PHWR units. The most notable aspect of refuelling system of 540 MWe PHWR (TAPP-3 and 4) is that the FM Head is based on rack and pinion mechanism for B-ram and C-ram of Ram assembly. Latch ram used during plug operations, is assembled in between B-ram and C-ram and is moved by a ballscrew driven by oil hydraulic motors. This unique design has been employed for the first time in a PHWR unit. In comparison, B-ram is ballscrew driven and C-ram is moved by heavy water hydraulic force in FM Heads of 220 MWe PHWR units. Over the years, a number of design improvements have been carried out in the 220 MWe Fuelling Machines to meet the challenge of increasing demands of higher refuelling rates. However, in 540 MWe unit, the average refuelling rate for an equilibrium core is nearly twice that of 220 MWe units. Apart from other assemblies in FM Head, the performance of Ram assembly plays a key role in meeting ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In front of the risks linked with the increase of the greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, the decision makers must take into consideration first, the scientific advice of climatic change experts, and second, the considerable inertia of the climatic system. Thus, any action implemented so far will have an impact all along the 21. century and later whatever the future human activities. The aim of this memento is to sensibilize the decision makers about the possible consequences of their choice in terms of volume of greenhouse gases and of medium- and long-term evolution: 1 - stakes, role of local decision-makers (greenhouse effect and climatic change, France's international commitment, stakes, liabilities of local decision makers, decentralization laws, local plans of fight against greenhouse effect, public information and dialogue); 2 - urbanism and transports (urban displacements, alternatives to individual cars, collective transportation ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NASA and DOE plan a cooperative team effort with industry, government laboratories and universities to develop a near term, low cost, low power (100 watt electric class), low mass (<10 kg), advanced radioisotope space power source (ARPS) and in the process reduce the plutonium-related costs as well. The near term is focused on developing an advanced energy converter to use with the General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS). The GPHS was developed and used for the current radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs). Advanced energy converter technologies are needed as a more efficient replacement for the existing thermoelectric converters so that the space radioisotope power source mass and cost can be reduced. a more advanced technology space radioisotope power system program is also planned that addresses a longer-term need. Twenty first century robotic scientific information missions to the outer planets and beyond are planned to be accomplished with ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A new opportunity to improve the safety and efficiency of environmental restoration operations, using robotics has emerged from advances in industry, academia, and government labs. Self-Guided Vehicles (SGV`s) have recently been developed in industry and early systems have already demonstrated much, though not all, of the functionality necessary to support driverless transportation of waste within and between processing facilities. Improved materials databases are being developed by at least two DOE remediation sites, the Fernald Environmental Management Project (FEME) in the State of Ohio and the Hanford Complex in the State of Washington. SGV`s can be developed that take advantage of the information in these databases and yield improved dispatch, waste tracking, report and shipment documentation. In addition, they will reduce the radiation hazard to workers and the risk of damaging containers through accidental collision. In this document, features of remediation ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: Verification of the dose delivered to a patient during radiotherapy is an important quality assurance procedure, however this is rarely performed due to the extra time involved. Electronic portal images (EPIs) are currently acquired at many centres during radiotherapy treatment for positioning verification. These could be utilised for dose verification provided 1) an accurate prediction of the dose transmitted through the patient to the EPID can be produced for the patients' radiotherapy beams, and, 2) the EPID image can be converted to an accurate measured dose. Ideally, the radiotherapy planning system (RTPS) would be used to produce the predicted dose as part of the planning procedure. The aim of this project is to investigate whether the convolution-superposition model of the Pinnacle RTPS can accurately calculate dose transmitted through a patient and deposited in a phantom at a large source to surface distance. The dose ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mitsubishi Research Institute has analyzed the energy demand of a typical Japanese city, Yokohama, as well as the distribution of fossil-energy flow, and the final consumption by sectors. It has evaluated the effectiveness of various energy conservation measures, (e.g., cogeneration, electric cars, insulation,...) in countering the global warming trend. This study defines a viable methodology which may be utilized, in the future, in examining the effectiveness of environmental policies. (TEC). 1 tab., 4 figs.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Landscape visive pollution due to photo-biodegradable plastic bags is assessed in an ideal case, the most favorable to their use. The result is that mean permanent visive pollution is 100 times higher than established norms. Both photo and biodegradability of plastic bags in the real world are discussed. The conclusion is that photo-biodegradability does not solve the problem of landscape visive pollution due to plastic bags.

CERN Document Server

This comprehensive guide offers several tried and true steps to help you successfully manage the complex process of developing free software. Topics include project management, developer motivation, technical infrastructure to support collaboration, and project promotion. Producing Open Source Software is ideal for developers starting their own free software projects, or people who simply want to participate in the process.

Wastenet

...Butley river and Ore estuary, Boyton Marshes attracts breeding wading birds in spring and ducks, geese and swans in winter. It's also ... During spring and autumn, it is an ideal place to see migrant wading birds, gulls and terns. Insh Marshes Insh ... Spring is also an excellent time to visit. Leighton Moss Leighton Moss is the largest reedbed in north-west England, and home ... When they leave in spring, wading birds take centre stage. Watch it all take place from our viewing centre and hide,...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In a reactor environment, the surface of a limiter or wall is primarily determined by the mechanism of erosion and deposition of surface material. It should be possible to use pellet injection to reduce net erosion to zero everywhere if low-Z materials are used for the surface. Erosion rates can, in general, be minimized by large area limiters and high plasma temperatures, which transmit power to the walls with less sputtering. Under ideal steady state conditions the wall surface is dominated by metallurgical effects in the wall.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Due to legal restrictions, the German hard coal mining company Deutsche Steinkohle AG (DSK) is obliged to conduct a monitoring on surface changes (subsidence) caused by mining activity (e.g. topographic surface, groundwater, water, flora and fauna, soil). To fulfill legal demands and to do this effectively, process chains by use of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Geo-Informationssystems (GIS) have been established. Photogrammetric methods are used to generate high resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEM) from which in combination with subsidence data geometrical changes at the topographic surface are deduced. The potential use of active sensors (Laser Scanning and Synthetic Aperture Radar Systems) to deduct DEM has been investigated. The applicability of SAR satellite data to detect and observe subsidence and resulting movements - point wise or with spatial extent - using differential SAR Interferometry (dInSAR) as well as persistent ...

Science.gov (United States)

Autophagy is an intracellular recycling route in eukaryotes whereby organelles and cytoplasm are sequestered in vesicles, which are subsequently delivered to the vacuole for breakdown. The process is induced by various nutrient-responsive signaling cascades converging on the Autophagy-Related1 (ATG1)/ATG13 kinase complex. Here, we describe the ATG1/13 complex in Arabidopsis thaliana and show that it is both a regulator and a target of autophagy. Plants missing ATG13 are hypersensitive to nutrient limitations and senesce prematurely similar to mutants lacking other components of the ATG system. Synthesis of the ATG12-ATG5 and ATG8-phosphatidylethanolamine adducts, which are essential for autophagy, still occurs in ATG13-deficient plants, but the biogenesis of ATG8-decorated autophagic bodies does not, indicating that the complex regulates downstream events required for autophagosome enclosure and/or vacuolar delivery. Surprisingly, levels of the ATG1a and ATG13a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

By using a model dielectric matrix in electron self-energy evaluations the computational effort of a quasiparticle band-structure calculation for a semiconductor is greatly reduced. Applications to various systems with or without inversion symmetry, having narrow or wide band gaps, and semiconductor alloys demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of the method. Calculations have been performed for thirteen semiconducting or insulating materials: Si, LiCl, AlP, AlAs, AlSb, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InP, InAs, InSb, and the Al_0_._5Ga_0_._5As and In_0_._5_3Ga_0_._4_7As alloys. Excellent agreement with experimental results is obtained for the quasiparticle energies for these materials. The only three exceptions, E(#GAMMA#_1_c) of AlP, E(L_1_c) of AlAs, and E(L_1_c) of AlSb are discussed and attributed to various experimental uncertainties. Several other quasiparticle-excitation-related properties are also examined in this work. The many-body corrections to the eigenvalues of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Canadian oilfields are a prime breeding ground for talent, technology and industrial management. This paper described how Canadian talent was recognized in 2001 for three major projects which included a cold-ocean production platform in the Sea of Okhotsk in Siberia, a mountain pipeline project in South America, and an in-situ underground extraction technology in the oilsands of Alberta. The cold-ocean production platform project was recruited by Sakhalin Energy Investment Co., an international consortium originally led by Marathon Oil Co which is now led by Royal Dutch Shell. The oil production platform is stationed 16 kilometres offshore of Sakhalin Island in the Sea of Okhotsk. Sakhalin Energy bought and converted the Molikpaq, an innovative platform made in the 1980s for the Beaufort Sea by Gulf Canada Resources Ltd. The second project included Calgary's Hydroconsult EN3 Services Ltd. which was responsible for the construction of the 940-km GasAtacama 24-inch diameter ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In Japan, the development of next-generation Light Water Reactor has been launched since April 2008. The development program will be completed in 2015. The purpose of development is to cope with the replacement for existing nuclear power plants after 2030 in Japan and the expanding demand for nuclear power in the world; 'Nuclear Renaissance.' The reactor also aims to be global standard at around 2030. The requirements for global standard and domestic users have been investigated through the feasibility study of past 2 years, 2006-2007, and six innovative features or 'Core-Concepts' were established as follows. A) Reactor core system with uranium enrichment above 5% for significant decrease of spent fuel discharge and prominent higher availability B) Long-life materials and innovative water chemistry technologies for 80 years plant lifetime and significant reduction of occupational dose C) Seismic isolation technologies to standardize plant ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Presently, high wind potentials in remote areas may not be utilized for electricity production due to limited grid transmission capacity and/or difficulties in matching the electricity production with the demand. The overall project objective is to help overcome these bottlenecks, i.e. to identify and analyze methods and technologies for making it viable to utilize more of the wind potential in remote areas. The suggestion is to develop a power control concept for wind turbines which will even out the power fluctuations and make it possible to increase the wind energy penetration. The main options are to combine wind power with a pumped hydro power storage or with an AC/DC converter and battery storage. The AC/DC converter can either be an `add-on` type or it can be designed as an integrated part of a variable speed wind turbine. The idea is that combining wind power with the power control concept will make wind power more firm and possible to connect to weaker ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The MiniBooNE experiment [1] is motivated by the LSND observation, [2] which has been interpreted as {nu}{sub {mu}} {yields} {nu}{sub e} oscillations, and by the atmospheric neutrino deficit, [3,4,5] which may be ascribed to {nu}{sub {mu}} oscillations into another type of neutrino. MiniBooNE is a single-detector experiment designed to: obtain {approx} 1000 {nu}{sub {mu}} {yields} {nu}{sub e} events if the LSND signal is due to {nu}{sub {mu}} {yields} {nu}{sub e} oscillations, establishing the oscillation signal at the > 5{sigma} level as shown in Fig. 1.1; extend the search for {nu}{sub {mu}} {yields} {nu}{sub e} oscillations significantly beyond what has been studied previously if no signal is observed; search for {nu}{sub {mu}} disappearance to address the atmospheric neutrino deficit with a signal that is a suppression of the rate of {nu}{sub {mu}}C {yields} {mu}N events from the expected 600,000 per year; measure the oscillation parameters as shown in Fig. 1.2 if ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Since information has been regarded os a physical entity, the field of quantum information theory has blossomed. This brings novel applications, such as quantum computation. This field has attracted the attention of numerous researchers with backgrounds ranging from computer science, mathematics and engineering, to the physical sciences. Thus, we now have an interdisciplinary field where great efforts are being made in order to build devices that should allow for the processing of information at a quantum level, and also in the understanding of the complex structure of some physical processes at a more basic level. This thesis is devoted to the theoretical study of structures at the nanometer-scale, 'nanostructures', through physical processes that mainly involve the solid-state and quantum optics, in order to propose reliable schemes for the processing of quantum information. Initially, the main results of quantum information theory and quantum computation are ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This study estimates the electricity demand function for the residential sector of South Korea with the aim of examining the effects of improved energy efficiency, structural factors and household lifestyles on electricity consumption. In the study, time series data for the period from 1973 to 2007 is used in a structural time series model to estimate the long-term price and income elasticities and annual growth of underlying energy demand trend (UEDT) at the end of the estimation period. The result shows a long-term income elasticity of 1.33 and a long-term price elasticity of -0.27% with -0.93% as the percentage growth of UEDT at the end of the estimation period. This result suggests that, in order to encourage energy efficiency in the residential sector, the government should complement the market based pricing policies with non-market policies such as minimum energy efficiency standards and public enlightenment.