Economic and engineering implications of the Project Independence 1985 geothermal energy output goal and the associated sensitivity analysis
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Mukhopadhyay, A. K.↗
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Results for “Economic”
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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Economic optimization of the energy transport component of a large distributed solar power plant
A solar thermal power plant with a field of collectors, each locally heating some transport fluid, requires a pipe network system for eventual delivery of energy power generation equipment. For a given collector distribution and pipe network geometry, a technique is herein developed which manipulates basic cost information and physical data in order to design an energy transport system consistent with minimized cost constrained by a calculated technical performance. For a given transport fluid and collector conditions, the method determines the network pipe diameter and pipe thickness distribution and also insulation thickness distribution associated with minimum system cost; these relative distributions are unique. Transport losses, including pump work and heat leak, are calculated operating expenses and impact the total system cost. The minimum cost system is readily selected. The technique is demonstrated on six candidate transport fluids to emphasize which parameters dominate the system cost and to provide basic decision data. Three different power plant output sizes are evaluated in each case to determine severity of diseconomy of scale.
Turner, R. H.↗
Simplified and refined structural modeling for economical flutter analysis and design
A coordinated use of two finite-element models of different levels of refinement is presented to reduce the computer cost of the repetitive flutter analysis commonly encountered in structural resizing to meet flutter requirements. One model, termed a refined model (RM), represents a high degree of detail needed for strength-sizing and flutter analysis of an airframe. The other model, called a simplified model (SM), has a relatively much smaller number of elements and degrees-of-freedom. A systematic method of deriving an SM from a given RM is described. The method consists of judgmental and numerical operations to make the stiffness and mass of the SM elements equivalent to the corresponding substructures of RM. The structural data are automatically transferred between the two models. The bulk of analysis is performed on the SM with periodical verifications carried out by analysis of the RM. In a numerical example of a supersonic cruise aircraft with an arrow wing, this approach permitted substantial savings in computer costs and acceleration of the job turn-around.
Ricketts, R. H.↗
An operational procedure for predicting the most economical use of condenser cooling modes
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Harper, W. L.↗
The economics of solar powered absorption cooling
Analytic procedure evaluates cost of combining absorption-cycle chiller with solar-energy system in residential or commercial application. Procedure assumes that solar-energy system already exists to heat building and that cooling system must be added. Decision is whether to cool building with conventional vapor-compression-cycle chiller or to use solar-energy system to provide heat input to absorption chiller.
Bartlett, J. C.↗
Economical synthesis of potassium superoxide
High-frequency discharge in oxygen can be used to prepare superoxides of alkali and alkaline-earth metals. Since no direct-current discharge at the electrodes is present, no sputtering can contaminate the product, hence a high conversion efficiency.
Bell, A. T.↗
Hybrid propulsion system with a gyro component for economic and dynamic operation
The design of a hybrid drive with gyro components is described and its drive components for a medium class private car are discussed. The gyro component affects the short-period output of the drive by accelerating and slowing down and -- because of the mechanical transfer of kinetic energy between the gyro and the vehicle -- it affects also the energy balance in the case of intermittent operation. Energy can be taken in as desired either in the form of fuel or as fuel and current. A high energy recovery efficiency as well as the favorable operating range of the interval combustion engine makes it possible to reduce the fuel consumption per unit distance travelled to almost half that for a private car with a traditional engine.
Giera, B.↗
Study of the potential for improving the economics of hydrogen liquefaction through the use of centrifugal compressors and the addition of a heavy water plant
An approach to the liquefaction of hydrogen was developed which permits the application of standard centrifugal compressors in place of reciprocating machines. A second fluid, such as propane, is added to the hydrogen prior to compression to form a mixture having a molecular weight much greater than that of hydrogen alone, so that a standard centrifugal compressor can be used. After compression, the mixture is cooled to cryogenic temperature levels where the propane condenses out of the mixture and is separated as a liquid. Since a small amount of deuterium is produced during hydrogen liquefaction, the potential of recovering deuterium and selling it as a co-product was investigated. Deuterium, in the form of heavy water, can be used in certain nuclear reactors as a neutron moderator to reduce the neutron velocity and enhance the probability of neutron collision with uranium nucleii.
Baker, C. R.↗
Lecture notes in economics and mathematical system. Volume 150: Supercritical wing sections 3
Application of computational fluid dynamics to the design and analysis of supercritical wing sections is discussed. Computer programs used to study the flight of modern aircraft at high subsonic speeds are listed and described. The cascades of shockless transonic airfoils that are expected to increase the efficiency of compressors and turbines are included.
Bauer, F.↗
A study of some economic factors relating to the development and implementation of a satellite power system
Areas are examined relating to the design, development and implementation of a satellite power system (SPS): an analysis of the effect of energy R&D programs in general and SPS in particular on optimal fossil fuel consumption patterns, a study of alternative uses of SPS technologies, and a study of the electric power market penetration potential for SPS. It is shown that a credible program of R&D on long-range energy alternatives leads to lower optimal prices for fossil fuels, resulting in large short-term benefits accruing to the specific program elements. Several alternative uses of SPS technologies were identified; however the markets for these technologies are generally quite diffuse and difficult to assess. The notable exception is solar array technology which has, potentially, a very large non-SPS market. It is shown that the market for SPS units derives from two components of demand: the demand created by growth in the electrical energy demand which leads to an increased demand for baseload generating capacity, and a demand created by the need to replace retiring capacity.
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Economic analysis of low cost silicon sheet produced from Czochralski grown material
This study shows that the lower limits for manufacturing add-on costs to convert polysilicon to wafers is in the range of $22 to $26/sq m with the cost about equally divided between the crystal growth and wafering processes. However, the $22 to $26/sq m cost limit should be viewed as an asymptote since it is based on multicharge or continuous growth configurations, solidification rates in excess of 2 Kg/hr, multiblade wafering and a slice plus kerf of .045 cm. It should also be emphasized that the results of this study are based on as-sawn wafers, 100% yields (growth and slicing) and no profit. To the first approximation, the limiting cost factors are crucible material and furnace parts for growth and blade material and slurry for slicing.
Koliwad, K. M.↗
Economic trade-offs between the performance of collector thermal performance tests on a Solar Simulator as opposed to outdoor testing
In 1976 a large Solar Simulator was designed and installed at Marshall Space Flight Center. This Solar Simulator is the largest of its type in the country and has a 'working' area of 4 ft x 8 ft. Recently completed comparison tests show excellent correlation with data collected in the natural sun. The Solar Simulator has been in operation since September 1976 and the costs of operation are now determinable together with the cost of design and construction. The authors compare the total operational costs of obtaining test data using the simulator with analogous costs of testing in the natural sun. In addition, productivity is compared.
Reily, J. C.↗
Technical and economic evaluation of advanced air cargo system concepts
The paper reviews NASA air cargo market studies, reports on NASA and NASA-sponsored studies of advanced freighter concepts, and identifies the opportunities for the application of advanced technology. The air cargo market is studied to evaluate the timing for, and the potential market response to, advanced technology aircraft. The degree of elasticity in future air freight markets is also being investigated, since the demand for a new aircraft is most favorable in a price-sensitive environment. Aircraft design studies are considered with attention to mission and design requirements, incorporation of advanced technologies in transport aircraft, new cargo aircraft concepts, advanced freighter evaluation, and civil-military design commonality.
Whitehead, A. H., Jr.↗
Economics of ion propulsion for large space systems
This study of advanced electrostatic ion thrusters for space propulsion was initiated to determine the suitability of the baseline 30-cm thruster for future missions and to identify other thruster concepts that would better satisfy mission requirements. The general scope of the study was to review mission requirements, select thruster designs to meet these requirements, assess the associated thruster technology requirements, and recommend short- and long-term technology directions that would support future thruster needs. Preliminary design concepts for several advanced thrusters were developed to assess the potential practical difficulties of a new design. This study produced useful general methodologies for assessing both planetary and earth orbit missions. For planetary missions, the assessment is in terms of payload performance as a function of propulsion system technology level. For earth orbit missions, the assessment is made on the basis of cost (cost sensitivity to propulsion system technology level).
Masek, T. D.↗
Simple, economical solar collector
Hot air solar collector designed for economy and simplicity is assembled from only three parts: (1) molded urethane foam body, (2) flat sheet metal collector panel and (3) transparent cover. Large arrays may be assembled by inserting male fittings of each collector into female fitting of adjacent collector.
Anthony, K.↗
Lightweight, economical solar concentrator
Concentrator consisting of aluminized polymeric film stretched over parallel tensioned wires that can be used with or without tracking drive promises to reduce cost of commercial and residential solar heating systems.
Simpson, J. G.↗
Economical solder connections to thin films
Soldering procedure, successfully tested for attaching leads to silicon solar cells, cover-glasses, is simple, inexpensive, and very effective in forming stable connection. Procedure uses solder of indium alloyed with either silver or tin.
Bass, J. A.↗
Vehicle Design Evaluation Program (VDEP). A computer program for weight sizing, economic, performance and mission analysis of fuel-conservative aircraft, multibodied aircraft and large cargo aircraft using both JP and alternative fuels
The NASA Langley Research Center vehicle design evaluation program (VDEP-2) was expanded by (1) incorporating into the program a capability to conduct preliminary design studies on subsonic commercial transport type aircraft using both JP and such alternate fuels as hydrogen and methane;(2) incorporating an aircraft detailed mission and performance analysis capability; and (3) developing and incorporating an external loads analysis capability. The resulting computer program (VDEP-3) provides a preliminary design tool that enables the user to perform integrated sizing, structural analysis, and cost studies on subsonic commercial transport aircraft. Both versions of the VDEP-3 Program which are designated preliminary Analysis VDEP-3 and detailed Analysis VDEP utilize the same vehicle sizing subprogram which includes a detailed mission analysis capability, as well as a geometry and weight analysis for multibodied configurations.
Oman, B. H.↗