Installation Cost Of System Research Articles

06/02182 Techno-economic feasibility of energy supply of remote villages in Palestine by PV-systems, diesel generators and electric grid: Mahmoud, M. M. and Ibrik, 1. H. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2006, 10, (2), 128–138.

The escalation of the renewable energy capacity growth rate in remote pastoral Western Australian (WA) off-grid stand-alone power supply (SPS) systems over the last decade was extraordinary. The expansion was encouraged by subsidised renewable energy technologies, enabling components and system installation costs. This research quantifies and explores the changes over time of rated outputs of renewable and conventional energy components, and energy demand in SPS systems in pastoral WA over the last 30 years. This research revealed parallel increases in conventional generation unit output ratings, renewable energy capacity, and energy demand over the past decade. Whilst recent developments are encouraging, there remain many technical, social, economic and regulatory barriers to overcome the small-scale renewable energy SPS system industry in WA. A lack of mandatory standards has resulted in a minority of poor SPS systems and some aggravated owners in regions where reliability and reputation are paramount. After investing many tens of thousands of Australian dollars (AUD) on new capital equipment, minor system integration issues are becoming a frustratingly common cause of system failure for remote SPS system owners.

Concentrator photovoltaic technologies: Review and market prospects

After more than three decades of exploring a dizzying variety of ways to concentrate sunlight onto solar cells with mirrors or lenses, Concentrator photovoltaics (CPV) technologies are finally entering the market - a market for 100 kW systems and larger. Robert McConnell, Sarah Kurtz, and Martha Symko-Davies from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) report on recent market prospects and new record CPV cell efficiencies that portend the emergence of CPV systems in the next 2-5 years at installed system costs of $3 per watt.

Development of techno-economic integrated models: LFSGR and aerobic composting for municipal waste management

In the present study, integrated models have been developed to find out the most appropriate cost of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal using two potential and widely used methodologies, viz. landfill system with gas recovery (LFSGR) and aerobic composting (AC). Objective functions with important costs and benefits including externalities were developed to find out the net unit cost of disposal. Multivariate functional models have been developed for each activity of the objective functions. These integrated techno-economic models can be used not only to determine the most appropriate cost of waste disposal, but also to explain the interparametric linkages and even to compare the potentiality and suitability of a particular methodology for a set of conditions. This can give valuable information that can enhance environmental management leading to sustainable development.In the simulation studies carried out, LFSGR with its proven energy generating potential from MSW in the form of landfill gas, was found to perform better than aerobic composting (AC) for rates of waste generation greater than 1,000–2,000 t/d (tons per day). LFSGR showed a better performance irrespective of the landfill collection system installation and operation costs. For both methodologies, unit cost of disposal was most sensitive to land rent followed by, in the case of LFSGR, the organic content.

Performance Prediction of a Sub-Slab Heat Exchanger for Geothermal Heat Pumps

A large portion of the installation cost of a ground-coupled heat pump system is for the excavation necessary for ground coil placement. One possible method of reducing this cost is to place the ground coils beneath the slab floor of the building. This configuration of ground coil placement has not been specifically addressed in previous research. Freezing of the soil must be avoided in such a system. To simulate the temperature response of the surrounding soil to heat pump operation, a computer model was developed which incorporates line source theory in the form of a system of rings. The fluid temperature change along the length of the coil was used to determine the distribution of the ground load throughout the ring system. The model includes an adiabatic upper boundary, seasonal soil temperature variation, and thermal interference throughout the system. Using these results, the minimum soil temperature over a season was predicted. Based on these results, design recommendations for ground coil installation are provided based on available area, soil type, heat extraction rate, depth of coil beneath the slab floor, and depth of slab floor below grade. These include recommendations for pipe spacing, flow direction, and a method to determine whether this type of system is feasible for installation in a particular location.

Investment Returns from Three Sub-surface Microirrigation Tubing Spacings

Sub-surface microirrigation (SMI) tubing costs make up 33 to 60% of total purchase and installation costs of the system, depending on tubing spacing. Purchase and installation costs of SMI systems can be lowered by $290/acre by increasing tubing spacing from 3 to 9 ft. Yields may be reduced due to less uniform placement of water in the crop root zone. The net present values (NPVs) of three SMI tubing spacings were estimated for systems irrigating corn (Zea mays L.) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The analysis included investment costs for purchasing and installing the irrigation system but did not include water source development costs. Irrigated yield responses and irrigation applications came from field experiments conducted from 1986 to 1995 at Suffolk, VA, on an Uchee loamy sand (loamy, siliceous, thermic Arenic Hapludult) with inclusions of Emporia loamy sand (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Hapludult). The 6-ft tubing spacing had the highest NPV of $14/acre. The low NPV indicates it is unlikely to be profitable when water source development costs are included. NPVs of 3-ft and 9-ft spacings were -$28 and -$104/acre, respectively. Six-foot spacing had lower yields and lower investment costs than 3-ft spacing. Increasing the proportion of corn in the rotation lowered the advantage of 6-ft spacing. Higher peanut and corn prices or reduced tubing prices narrowed the difference in NPVs between 3-ft and 6-ft spacings. Six-foot tubing spacing results in highest returns when SMI is used for corn-peanut rotations on sandy soils in Virginia/North Carolina.

98/03053 Reducing the manufacturing cost of tubular SOFC technology

In recent years, Westinghouse Electric Corporation has made great strides in advancing tubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology towards commercialization by the year 2001. In 1993, Westinghouse initiated a program to develop a `MWe Class` (1-3 MWe) pressurized SOFC (PSOFC) gas turbine (GT) combined cycle power system for distributed power applications because of its: (1) ultra high efficiency (approx. 63% net AC/LHV CH{sub 4}), (2) its compatibility with a factory packaged, minimum site work philosophy, and (3) its cost effectiveness. Since then two cost studies on this market entry product performed by consultants to the U.S. Department of Energy have confirmed Westinghouse cost studies that fully installed costs of under $1300/kWe can be achieved in the early commercialization years for such small PSOFC/GT power systems. The paper will present the results of these cost studies in the areas of cell manufacturing cost, PSOFC generator manufacturing cost, balance-of-plant (BOP) cost, and system installation cost. In addition, cost of electricity calculations will be presented.

Reducing the manufacturing cost of tubular solid oxide fuel cell technology

In recent years, Westinghouse Electric Corporation has made great strides in advancing tubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology towards commercialization by the year 2001. In 1993, Westinghouse initiated a program to develop a `MWe-Class' (1–3 MWe) pressurized SOFC (PSOFC)/gas turbine (GT) combined cycle power system for distributed power applications because of its (1) ultra-high efficiency (∼63% net AC/LHV CH4), (2) its compatibility with a factory packaged, minimum site work philosophy, and (3) its cost effectiveness. Since then two cost studies on this market entry product performed by consultants to the US Department of Energy have confirmed Westinghouse cost studies that fully installed costs of under $1300/kWe can be achieved in the early commercialization years for such small PSOFC/GT power systems. The paper will present the results of these cost studies in the areas of cell manufacturing cost, PSOFC generator manufacturing cost, balance-of-plant (BOP) cost, and system installation cost. In addition, cost of electricity calculations will be presented.

Gel‐Filled Boots for Corrosion Protection of Shipboard Waveguide Joints

ABSTRACT The Port Hueneme Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center (PHD NSWC) recently completed a study of corrosion prevention methods designed to protect weapon system waveguides. Due to the nature of waveguides, the connecting flange joints are highly susceptible to aqueous and galvanic corrosion. The study found that molded plastic boots filled with silicone gel provided an excellent seal and protective barrier against the marine environment, far surpassing the capabilities of previous methods, including polysulfide (Class 1 Hazardous Material) and sealing tape. In both shipboard and laboratory tests, the gel‐filled boots lowered the corrosion protection system installation costs and extended maintenance periodicity.

Network Geographic Information System for Landfill Siting

A prototype network geographic information system (GIS) was developed to: (i) improve the effectiveness of a complex municipal solid waste landfill siting procedure; (ii) make siting-related information available to the general public; (iii) assist local environmental protection agencies in maintaining a GIS; and (iv) facilitate the central environmental protection agency in managing, instructing and evaluating the progress of a local siting. Siting analysis is performed with computerized mapping analysis to save time and effort of data processing. A multimedia network interface is provided for 24-hour local or remote access to the system from anywhere on the Internet. This networking capability allows a user without tools to utilize the system and to avoid the cost of system installation and training appropriate personnel to manage the system. Moreover, a case study for Miaoli is described. Environmental, social, economic and engineering feasibility issues are evaluated for the suitability of a candidate landfill site. © 1997 ISWA

NETWORK GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR LANDFILL SITING

A prototype network geographic information system (GIS) was developed to: (i) improve the effectiveness of a complex municipal solid waste landfill siting procedure; (ii) make siting-related information available to the general public; (iii) assist local environmental protection agencies in maintaining a GIS; and (iv) facilitate the central environmental protection agency in managing, instructing and evaluating the progress of a local siting. Siting analysis is performed with computerized mapping analysis to save time and effort of data processing. A multimedia network interface is provided for 24-hour local or remote access to the system from anywhere on the Internet. This networking capability allows a user without tools to utilize the system and to avoid the cost of system installation and training appropriate personnel to manage the system. Moreover, a case study for Miaoli is described. Environmental, social, economic and engineering feasibility issues are evaluated for the suitability of a candidate landfill site.

Anaerobic Digester Survey of California Dairy Producers

We conducted a survey to identify for the US Environmental Protection Agency examples of and reasons for the failure of many previously installed methane recovery systems. Six dairy producers participated in this survey. Installation costs of systems ranged from $100,000 to $950,000. Three producers have continued their dairy operations but no longer use methane recovery technology. Two producers were favorable to the technology but no longer operate a dairy. Of those surveyed, only one producer continues to use methane recovery technology. Identified problems associated with unsuccessful operations included poor design, collection of manure in a wet form, and incomplete cooperation from electric companies. Producers found that the technology required intense management and was economically risky. Increased cooperation between electric companies and small producers of electricity and greater prices paid for electricity might provide positive economic incentives that would encourage methane recovery and electricity generation. One producer indicated that the benefits from anaerobic digester technology to be emphasized to potential users were income from sales of final solids and that nutrient value of both solid and liquid effluent streams as fertilizer sources.

Optimum design of a photovoltaic powered pumping system

Photovoltaic (PV) powered pumping systems are relatively simple and reliable, hence they are applied worldwide. Two conventional techniques are curently in use; the first is the directly coupled technique where a PV array is directly coupled to a d.c. motor-pump group, and the second is the battery buffered PV pumping system where a battery is connected across the array to feed the d.c. motor driving a pump. Recently, a third system is proposed to make use of the advantages of the previously mentioned conventional systems. It is the switched mode PV powered pumping system. The switched mode PV powered pumping system couples the pumping system to the PV array directly when the storage battery is fully charged as explained in Ref. [5]. The objective of such a system is the maximum utilization of available solar radiation to minimize the cost per pumped cubic meter from a given water depth. For a given location, four main parameters affect the design of this system; (1) d.c. motor-pump group parameters, (2) PV array size, (3) battery storage size and (4) water storage tank size. The system designer has to determine the previously mentioned four parameters so that the minimum cost per pumped cubic meter is achieved. It is found that some factors are more effective in reducing the cost than others. The PV array size is the predominant factor, while the battery storage and water tank sizes have relatively less effect. The system installation cost is considered in the detailed economic analysis discussed in this work.

Ceramic membrane treatment of petrochemical wastewater

AbstractCeramic alumina microfiltration membranes were evaluated for treatment of 3 aqueous streams containing heavy metals, oils, and solids at petrochemical manufacturing facilities. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first reported use of ceramic alumina membranes for process water and wastewater treatment in a U.S. petrochemical plant.In a pilot test at a vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) plant, precipitated heavy metal solids were filtered with the membranes. On another stream at that site, the ceramic membrane pilot system successfully treated emulsions of 1, 2‐dichloroethane (EDC), water, and solids. Membrane filtration of a linear alkyl benzene (LAB) oily wastewater stream produced water with less than 5 ppmw oil and grease, after pretreatment with HCl and ferric chloride.A preliminary financial analysis shows that the installed system cost for a ceramic membrane unit is comparable to other membrane technologies, while operating costs are anticipated to be lower. Specific process conditions that are particularly amenable to treatment by ceramic membrane microfiltration are also given in the paper.

Halon replacement chemicals: Perspectives on the alternatives

Halon 1301 has served as a be all and end all fire extinguishing chemical for 20 plus years. Its rapid extinguishing action, coupled with its low toxicity, low installed system cost and cleanliness, had made many addicts to its use in place of the traditional not-in-kind alternative approaches (water, carbon dioxide, powders, and foams). Unfortunately for the fire protection community, it, along with all other chlorine and bromine containing halogens, is being phased out of production and use due to its now well established contribution to adverse impact on stratospheric ozone. The history of the theory and experimental verification of ozone depletion and the state of local, national and global regulations pertaining to the control of ozone depleting substances will not be addressed here except for the following observation: The realization by Rowland and Molina in 1973 (published in 1974) that stratospheric chlorine could destroy ozone occurred at around the same time that halon 1301 was becoming a major factor in industrial and commercial fire protection.

Economic Analysis of Combining Partial House Brooding and Use of Off-Peak Energy for Poultry Production

Two alternatives to brooding poultry are presented that use off-peak electric energy and partial house brooding. System I uses electric heating mats embedded in a floor of concrete slabs, while System II circulates heated water through a network of PVC pipe resting on the litter surface. The predicted costs of the alternative systems were compared to the cost of LP gas brooding with pancake brooders using 1986 energy use data from curtain sidewall broiler housing in Georgia. LP gas brooding had lower operating costs than the two alternative brooding systems if LP gas was available at $0.12/L ($.45/gal) assuming off-peak electric energy was available at $0.035/kWh. If the price of LP gas were at its 1985 average of $0.23/L ($0.85/gal), System I would have predicted savings of $6.70/1000 birds over LP gas brooding, while System II would have predicted savings of $8.14/1000 birds. If the off-peak electric rate was $0.035/kWh, LP gas prices of $0.28/L ($1.05/gal) and $0.22/L ($0.84/gal) would be necessary to pay back installation and interest costs of Systems I and II, respectively, in 5 years.

Break-Even Cost for Incorporating Photovoltaic Generation into the TVA Power System

The conditions and timetable under which TVA would consider installing and/or integrating photovoltaic systems into its generation mix were examined. It was found that a central station PV plant could be justified in a given year if its initial installed system cost was equal to or less than the values given in Tables I and II. These values were based on given amortization, OM and $1.52 per installed peak watt for tracking flat plate systems. Optimal geographic location in the TVA region of such a plant could increase the breakeven prices about 10 percent.

SHIPBOARD COGENERATION — A SECOND GENERATION DESIGN APPROACH

ABSTRACTOn the CG‐47 class, gas turbine electric generators are operating in a shipboard cogeneration system in conjunction with a successful and reliable waste heat recovery system which provides steam for auxiliary services. The current application philosophy for waste heat recovery from gas turbine auxiliary engines aboard Navy ships, however, has reached a technological plateau.The development and implementation of a second generation waste heat recovery system (WHRS) design could produce substantial benefits for future naval shipboard applications. This paper discusses methods of optimizing the interface between the gas turbine and the waste heat boiler, relocating boiler components, utilizing natural instead of forced circulation in the boiler, and reducing the complexity of feedwater treatment subsystems.Implementaion of integrated design features for a second generation waste heat recovery system could result in increased steam production, reduced boiler and auxiliary space requirements, reduced weight, and a lower shipboard center of gravity. In addition, a reduction in installed system cost and manhours spent on water treatment and routine shipboard maintenance could be obtained, along with significant, continued shipboard energy savings.

Sugarcane Yield Response to Subsurface Drainage for an Alluvial Soil

ABSTRACT A field study was conducted on an alluvial soil in Louisiana to determine the yield response of sugarcane to various subsurface drainage treatments that included three drain spacings (6.1, 12.2, and 24.4 m) and two drain depths (0.9 and 1.4 m). Annual rainfall was above the long-term mean during one year (1975) of the three-year study and was much lower than mean annual rainfall during the other two years (1974, 1976). All subsurface drainage systems adequately controlled the water table. Sugarcane and sugar yields for the subsurface drained treatments were significantly higher than yields for the undrained treatment during the wet year (1975) when the water table in the undrained treatment was very high during much of the year. The lower yield for the undrained treatment during the wet year was due primarily to lower plant population. Although yield increases were obtained for only one year, the magnitude of the increase for that year was large enough to defray a significant portion of the system installation cost

(Invited) Cost Estimates for Flat Plate and Concentrator Collector Arrays

At the outset of the U.S. National Photovoltaic Program, it was envisioned that a large-scale deployment of grid-connected systems would be essential for photovoltaics to have a significant impact on the solution of the energy problem. To achieve this large-scale deployment, the installed system cost must break even with the net monetary return in terms of deferred energy cost and/or the cost of energy sold back to the grid. However, the current module and installation costs are significantly higher than what are economically viable. Therefore, during the past several years the reduction of the installed module cost has been the major emphasis of the Program. The cost estimates for three candidate photovoltaic systems (1) flat plate, (2) linear-focus Fresnel concentrator, and (3) point-focus Fresnel concentrator showed that the installed cost of all three systems would be economically viable provided that various technology advancements are achieved and production volume increases as expected.

Solar Power And Colour Graphic Displays Highlight Harmattan-Elkton Automation System

Abstract A computer-based automation system has been installed in the Harmattan Elkton oil and gas fields to provide control, data monitoring and production optimization for the gas injection, gas production, oil production, water-flood and water disposal facilities. The system incorporates design features unique to oil and gas-fields in Western Canada. Included in these features is a specially designed operator control panel which allows the field operators to communicate with the system by the use of colour graphic display terminals on a level which is convenient, easy to use and requires a minimum of operator training. Solar-powered remote locations which incorporated low-energy transducers and a low power on-off duty cycle for the telemetry equipment are another feature which resulted in reduced system installation costs. Introduction Over the past decade, production automation systems in Canada have made significant advances from the slow hardwired systems of yesteryear through to the high-capacity computer-based systems of today. The present systems have come about through a process of evolution utilizing techniques developed and refined on previous systems while often pioneering new concepts and techniques which would be used on future systems. The Harmattan Elkton automation system demonstrates this evolution process by incorporating new concepts unique to production automation systems in Western Canada, while at the same time using many features proven out on previously developed projects. As it is beneficial to the oil industry in general to share experiences gained through the use of new techniques, this paper will deal only in general terms regarding the over-all automation system and shall instead concentrate on those new concepts which were incorporated into this system. The two areas which will be covered on an in-depth basis are the operation and utilization of the graphic display terminals at the central station and the design and operation of the solar power systems installed at many of the remote terminal locations. Production Facilities In order to appreciate the scope of this project, a brief description of the Harmattan-Elkton production facilities is required. The Harmattan-Elkton field, covering approximately 40 sq. miles, is located 6S miles northwest of Calgary, Albert?. Oil and gas production in the field is obtained from a Mississippian carbonate reservoir with original in-place reserves of approximately ZOO MM STB and 1 trillion SCF of associated gas. Gas production within the field is also obtained from a Devonian (D-3) reef reservoir. Oil production facilities include 58 oil-wells, an associated Fieldgate system of 12 satellites and a central oilfield battery. The gas production facilities include 10 gas wells producing to a gas cycling plant, 9 gas injection wells and 8 gas wells producing to a sales gas plant. Also associated with the over-all field operations are a waterflood system and a water disposal system. In addition, 4 wells producing sour gas from a deeper zone (D-3) feed into a sour gas plant. Objectives of Automation Although this paper is not intended to analyze the economics of automation, primary operational objectives were required to be satisfied in order to produce an economically viable system.