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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Use of ERTS-1 DCS in the management and control of water resources systems

The ERTS-1 experimental hydrologic Data Collection Platform System that has been established at the New England Division (NED), the reasons for getting involved with the experiment, some of the initial problems associated with the data collection hardware, and a preliminary conclusion based on operating experiences are reviewed. The New England Region includes the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. The entire area consists of approximately 97,000 sq. km. (60,000 square miles), half of which is in the state of Maine. The limits of the NED are all of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont to the western limits of the Connecticut River basin, Massachusetts, Connecticut to the western edge of the Housatonic River basin and Rhode Island. All reservoirs have flood control as a primary purpose. Other uses include water supply, recreation and low flow augmentation. However, none of the reservoirs are presently operated for hydroelectric power, navigation, or irrigation purposes. Basically then, flood control regulation is NED's primary concern.

Finegan, J. W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1975

US Army Corps of Engineers requirements and programs

Plans by the Corps of Engineers to utilize data collection systems to support their mission of development, utilization, and conservation of the water resources of the Nation, flood control, water management, hydroelectric power, maintenance of navigable waterways, reservoir construction, and river basin control are briefly addressed.

Jarman, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Cost and size estimates for an electrochemical bulk energy storage concept

Preliminary capital cost and size estimates were made for an electrochemical bulk energy storage concept. The electrochemical system considered was an electrically rechargeable flow cell with a redox couple. On the basis of preliminary capital cost estimates, size estimates, and several other important considerations, the redox-flow-cell system emerges as having great promise as a bulk energy storage system for power load leveling. The size of this system would be less than 2 percent of that of a comparable pumped hydroelectric plant. The capital cost of a 10-megawatt, 60- and 85-megawatt-hour redox system is estimated to be $190 to $330 per kilowatt. The other important features of the redox system contributing to its load leveling application are its low adverse environmental impact, its high efficiency, its apparent absence of electrochemically-related cycle life limitations, and its fast response.

Warshay, M.↗
NASA NTRS1975

A sensitivity analysis of regional and small watershed hydrologic models

Continuous simulation models of the hydrologic behavior of watersheds are important tools in several practical applications such as hydroelectric power planning, navigation, and flood control. Several recent studies have addressed the feasibility of using remote earth observations as sources of input data for hydrologic models. The objective of the study reported here was to determine how accurately remotely sensed measurements must be to provide inputs to hydrologic models of watersheds, within the tolerances needed for acceptably accurate synthesis of streamflow by the models. The study objective was achieved by performing a series of sensitivity analyses using continuous simulation models of three watersheds. The sensitivity analysis showed quantitatively how variations in each of 46 model inputs and parameters affect simulation accuracy with respect to five different performance indices.

Ambaruch, R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The application of hydrometeorological data obtained by remote sensing techniques for multipurpose reservoir operations

Watershed snowpack and streamflow data obtained and transmitted by (ERTS) satellite were used in the operational and water management decisions in the Salt River Project. Located in central Arizona, the Project provides water and electric power for the more than 1.1 million residents of the Salt River Valley. The water supply source is a 33,670 square kilometer (13,000 square mile) watershed and 250 deep well pumps. Six storage reservoirs, four of which have hydroelectric capability, located on two river systems have a storage capacity of over 246,600 hectare-meters (2,000,000 AF.). Information from the watershed during the normal runoff period of December to May and more especially during critical periods of high runoff and minimum reservoir storage capacity is necessary for the reservoir operation regimen. Extent of the snowpack, depth of snow, and the condition of the pack were observed in aerial flights over the watershed.

Warskow, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Cost and size estimates for an electrochemical bulk energy storage concept

Preliminary capital cost and size estimates were made for an electrochemical bulk energy storage concept for a redox-flow-cell system. Preliminary calculations showed that the redox-flow-cell system has great promise as a bulk energy storage system for power load leveling. The size of the system was estimated to be less than 2 percent of the size of a comparable pumped hydroelectric storage plant.

Warshay, M.↗
NASA NTRS1975

A look at Alaskan resources with Landsat data

Landsat data remains a vital tool for the management of resources in Alaska. Utilization of these data by many agencies in Alaska trends toward the solution to operational problems in a wide spectrum of disciplinary applications. Four examples of current applications are reviewed briefly: mapping of coastal sediment plumes, mapping of coastal zone ecosystems, mapping of landform and ground cover for proposed national parks and forests, and evaluation of seismic risks for a proposed hydroelectric project.

Miller, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Tectonic structure of Alaska as evidenced by ERTS imagery and ongoing seismicity

The author has identified the following significant results. At least three seismically active faults were identified which had not been previously mapped. One of these passes near the proposed site of a hydroelectric project on the Susitna River. Evidence of the state's past deformational history was obtained, indicating that right lateral offset has occurred sequentially from the northern part of the state to the southern. An apparent fault passes near Fairbanks, and is presumably the source of much seismic activity in the area.

Gedney, L. D.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Retransmission of hydrometric data in Canada

The author has identified the following significant results. The LANDSAT program has demonstrated that polar orbiting satellites can be used to relay hydrologic data from any part of Canada to a user without difficulty and at low cost. These data can be used for many operational purposes, the most important of which were identified as follows: hydroelectric power plant operation; water supply for municipalities, industries, and irrigation; navigation; flood forecasting; operation of flood control structures and systems; and recreation.

Halliday, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Energy resources of the developing countries and some priority markets for the use of solar energy

Energy consumption for the developed and non-developed world is expressed as a function of GNP. An almost straight-line graph results when energy consumption statistics are treated in this manner. The richest countries consume the most energy, and the poorest countries the least. It therefore follows that greater energy production in the developing countries (leading to greater energy consumption) will contribute to their economic growth. Energy resources in the developing countries are compared, including: solid fossil fuels, crude oil, natural gas, oil shale, and uranium. Mention is also made of the potential of renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, in the underdeveloped world; and it is these resources which offer the greatest possibilities for economic improvement if the money is forthcoming, i.e., from the world bank, to fund the necessary technology.

Siddiqi, T. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Satellite Power System (SPS) environmental impacts, preliminary assessment

Present power plant assessment factors are used to present satellite power system (SPS) impacts. In contrast to oil, gas, nuclear and coal fueled power plants, the SPS and hydroelectric power plants produce air, water, and solid waste emissions only during the construction phase. Land use impacts result from the placement of rectennas used for microwave receiving and rectifying. Air quality impacts of the SPS resulting from the construction phase amount to 0.405 metric tons per megawatt year. Solid wastes impacts are 0.108 metric tons per year of operation. Other impacts such as those caused by heavy lift launch vehicle sites are also discussed.

Livingston, F. R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Snow mapping from space platforms

The paper considers problems of optimum resolution, periodicity, and wavelength bands used for snow mapping. Analog and digital methods were used for application of satellite data; techniques were developed for producing steamflow forecasts, hydroelectric power generation regulation data, irrigation potentials, and information on the availability of drinking water supplies. Future systems will utilize improved spectral band selection, new spectral regions, higher repetition rates, and more rapid access to satellite data.

Itten, K. I.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Powerplant Thermal-Pollution Models

Three models predict nature of thermal plumes from powerplant discharge into water. Free-surface model accomodates major changes in ocean currents. Rigid-model accurately predicts changes in thermal plume caused by other inputs and outputs, such as pumped-water storage and hydroelectric-plant discharges. One-dimensional model predicts approximate stratification in lake with such inputs and outputs over a long period.

Lee, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The SYSGEN user package

The user documentation of the SYSGEN model and its links with other simulations is described. The SYSGEN is a production costing and reliability model of electric utility systems. Hydroelectric, storage, and time dependent generating units are modeled in addition to conventional generating plants. Input variables, modeling options, output variables, and reports formats are explained. SYSGEN also can be run interactively by using a program called FEPS (Front End Program for SYSGEN). A format for SYSGEN input variables which is designed for use with FEPS is presented.

Carlson, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

WTS-4 system verification unit for wind/hydroelectric integration study

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) initiated a study to investigate the concept of integrating 100 MW of wind energy from megawatt-size wind turbines with the Federal hydroelectric system. As a part of the study, one large wind turbine was purchased through the competitive bid process and is now being installed to serve as a system verification unit (SVU). Reclamation negotiated an agreement with NASA to provide technical management of the project for the design, fabrication, installation, testing, and initial operation. Hamilton Standard was awarded a contract to furnish and install its WTS-4 wind turbine rated at 4 MW at a site near Medicine Bow, Wyoming. The purposes for installing the SVU are to fully evaluate the wind/hydro integration concept, make technical evaluation of the hardware design, train personnel in the technology, evaluate operation and maintenance aspects, and evaluate associated environmental impacts. The SVU will be operational in June 1982. Data from the WTS-4 and from a second SVU, Boeing's MOD-2, will be used to prepare a final design for a 100-MW farm if Congress authorizes the project.

Watts, A. W.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A life history method for estimating convective rainfall

The remote sensing of rain amounts is of great interest for a great variety of operational applications, including hydrology, hydroelectricity and agriculture is discussed. The microwave radiometer represents the most obvious technique, however, poor spatial and temporal resolution, together with the problems associated with the estimation of effective rain layer height make visible and IR techniques more promising at the present time. Based on bivariate frequency distribution of brightness versus temperature, brightness enhancing or infrared technique alone may be inadequate to deduce details of convective activity. It is implied that better estimates of rainfall will come from visible and IR observations combined than from either used alone. The technique identifies clouds with high probability of rain as those which have large optical and presumably physical thickness as measured by the visible albedo in comparison with their height, determined by the intensity of the IR emission.

Martin, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Assessment Planning and Evaluation of Renewable Energy Resources: an Interactive Computer Assisted Procedure

Adaptation and derivation were used to develop a procedure for assessing the availability of renewable energy resources on the landscape while simultaneously accounting for the economic, legal, social, and environmental issues required. Done in a step-by-step fashion, the procedure can be used interactively at the computer terminals. Its application in determining the hydroelectricity, biomass, and windpower in a 40,000 acre study area of Western Massachusetts shows that: (1) three existing dam sites are physically capable of being retrofitted for hydropower; (2) each of three general areas has a mean annual windspeed exceeding 14 mph and is conductive to windpower; and (3) 20% of the total land area consists of prime agricultural biomass while 30% of the area is prime forest biomass land.

Aston, T. W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Seattle's System for Evaluating Energy Options

In 1975, the City Council developed a blueprint called "Energy 1990" for meeting Seattle's future electric energy needs. Priorities for addressing or offsetting expected growth in demand are in order: (1) conservation; (2) hydroelectricity; (3) other renewable sources such as wind, biomass, solar, and geothermal energy; (4) abundant nonrenewable resources such as coal, and (5) other renewables. An energy resources planning group was formed and a data base was established. Resource options were investigated and the recommendations were published.

Logie, P.↗