Electricity Generation Capability Research Articles

Wind power distribution over the ocean

Probability distribution and power density of wind speed over global oceans are computed from eight years of QuikSCAT measurements. They describe the variation and higher moments of wind speed that are critical in relating the non‐linear effects of wind on electric power generation capability, shipping hazard, and air‐sea exchanges in heat, water, and greenhouse gases. The power density distribution confirms our general knowledge of atmospheric circulation related to mid‐latitude storm tracks, trade winds, and monsoons. It also reveals regions of high wind power associated with flow distortion by land, wind channeled by land topography, and buoyancy effect on turbulent stress driven by ocean fronts.

The AREVA HTR fuel cycle: An analysis of technical issues and potential industrial solutions

The AREVA high temperature reactor (HTR) is a modular 600 MWt high temperature gas-cooled reactor that provides up to 950 °C process helium for power generation and/or hydrogen production. Energy facilities based on this technology will consist of up to four AREVA HTR modules achieving high thermodynamic efficiency with a total possible electrical generation capability of 1200 MWe. At the heart of the AREVA HTR is the TRISO-coated low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel which is assembled into fuel compacts that are inserted into prismatic graphite fuel elements. The intent of this paper is to examine the AREVA HTR fuel and fuel cycle from two perspectives. First, from the “front-end” perspective, the available fuel cycle-related options are examined along with the basis for the subsequent choice of fuel type and cycle. Second, from the “back-end” perspective, the generation and management of spent fuel and graphite waste is examined along with the strategies and options available for disposition or disposal. The AREVA HTR has the inherent flexibility to accommodate many fuel types and to permit full cost-effective optimization. The reasons for this flexibility are presented and the main advantages and disadvantages of the various fuels cycle are discussed. The reference fuel cycle for the AREVA HTR is then introduced and its main features are given. Additionally, non-proliferation attributes of the AREVA HTR technology are also examined. The amount of spent fuel and graphite waste generated by the AREVA HTR is governed by the burn-up capability of the fuel and the longevity of the adjacent graphite reflector blocks. As currently envisioned, the AREVA HTR will need to be refueled every 18 months, with 50% of the core being replaced. Additionally, the graphite reflector blocks will need to be replaced at regular intervals. Given a 60-year design life, approximately 20,000 spent fuel elements and 10,000 graphite reflectors blocks will be generated. The near-term and long-term options for dealing with these waste streams are examined and, as with the front end of the fuel cycle, a reference strategy for spent fuel and graphite waste proposed.

Thermoelectric power generation in a thermoacoustic refrigerator

Commercially available solid-state thermoelectric devices may be used for their electrical power generation capabilities when coupled to a thermoacoustic refrigerator or heat pump. General performance characteristics as well as bulk thermal conductivity for a selection of thermoelectric elements was first found by using a two-plate apparatus to maintain a constant temperature difference across the element. Further studies of an element’s performance when placed in series with the thermoacoustic refrigerator’s heat exchangers will be presented. Design considerations for using thermoelectric elements in a no-moving parts electrical power generation scheme will be discussed.

Real-world design as a one-semester undergraduate project: example of a robust and low-cost solar lantern

The purpose of this project was to develop a rugged and efficient solar lantern. The lantern was designed to meet the requirements of persons who reside in areas in which access to the electrical grid is limited and whose resources do not permit import of electrical generation capabilities. A representative of a missionary organization operating in Africa developed the original set of specifications for the solar lantern. It will be used by the local school children for doing homework in the evening. These specifications prioritized reliability, ease of operation, rugged construction, portability, and low cost. The resulting design was realized in a single prototype. The design and construction of the prototype was completed as a student/faculty project in the Junior Engineering Clinic course at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. It was funded and directed by ETM Solar Works, a New York-based corporation.

An Efficient Energy Generation and Distribution Scheme for Hyper-Tether Field Applications

The authors are proposing a new type of tethered mobile robot system for field-working as shown in Fig. 1. This system can be useful in many practical applications such as: landmine detection and removal: weed removal: agriculture: forestry and construction works. where immediate application of robotic systems is demanded. This paper in particular. deals with one of the fundamental problems of such a practical robotic system: the energy source. An efficient solution is sough in this research. which consists of an engine driven mobile platform with electricity generation capability. The main difference with traditional approaches. is the fact all the members of this system (Fig. 1) are connected by high-strength tethers with built-in electrical conductors (hyper-tether concept [1]). This means that electricity can be shared among them without the need of atra cabling. Other advantageous features of this system. as well as mechanical implementation for an autonomous electricity generating mobile robot are explained in this paper.

Conversion of EX T‐AGOS 14

ABSTRACT The USNS Worthy had been a T‐AGOS 13 Class ocean surveillance ship equipped with a Surveillance Towed Array Sonar system (SURTASS) to collect, process and transmit underwater acoustic signal data to shore facilities for evaluation. Decommissioning of the entire class and removal of the SURTASS system left a vessel with a considerable useful service life, abundant electrical generation capability, and accommodations and working spaces. These features meshed well with the U.S. Geological Survey's need for a research vessel. Preliminary conversion plans and preparation of detailed alteration drawings and specifications were completed. However, after USGS acceptance of the unconverted vessel from the reserve fleet, funding constraints delayed conversion indefinitely, and lay‐up of the vessel was a likely probability.Fortunately, at this time, Raytheon Range Systems Engineering (RSE) was in need of a platform for the Kwajalein Mobile Range Safety System (KMRSS) for the U.S. Army at Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA). The characteristics of the Worthy met KMRSS requirements with a sufficient margin to allow a joint usage agreement and incorporation of features for future USGS use in the conversion design.This paper describes both the USGS and KMRSS vessel design and KMRSS conversion effort.

On-line utility tie power factor control

Large industrial operations with internal electrical generation capabilities and parallel utility ties have always worked to control watt and VAr flows across their tie lines. In today's economic climate, the ability to control tie line operation can significantly impact a facility's bottom line. In a power system expansion, Union Camp Corporation's Savannah pulp and paper mill installed a tie line power factor control system that has proven to be reliable and effective. It uses load tap changers on two pairs of utility tie transformers to maintain control within the guidelines of the utility contract. It is implemented by a programmable logic controller (PLC) and other nonproprietary hardware. An analysis of this project illustrates how this scheme can be implemented on simple or complex power systems.

Time for a reassessment

Increased reliance on nuclear power needs to be reassessed, says the author. The general decline in confidence in the nuclear industry, coupled with public recognition of widespread safety deficiencies affecting the country's nuclear installations, raises the possibility that an eventual phase-out of nuclear power will become national policy. Another major accident such as at TMI would enhance the probability of such a phase-out. An examination is made of the consequences of turning away from nuclear power in the event that such a course is ultimately taken. Subjects covered are: nuclear power's limited overall potential, nuclear power's limited (and shrinking) role, the impact of nuclear plant shutdown, the vast potential for improvements in energy efficiency, and alternatives to central-station power plant additions. Mr. Nadis concludes that, over the long run, nuclear power's expected contribution can be replaced. He says adoption of available, cost-effective measures designed to upgrade the end-use productivity of energy and electricity can significantly delay the need for enlarged electrical-generation capability until flexible, energy-efficient, and environmentally benign technologies can be introduced. 26 references. (MCW)