The Design and Fabrication of an Alternative Drive System to Reduce Heliostat Manufacturing and Installation Costs

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle Chavez ◽  
Evan Sproul ◽  
Joshua Christian ◽  
Kendra Valdez ◽  
Ian Luders ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Drive System ◽  
Automated Testing ◽  
Alternative Drive ◽  
Clean Energy Source ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Production And Operation ◽  
Mexico Tech

The limited supply and environmental impact of fossil fuels has become an urgent problem. To aid in overcoming this problem a team from New Mexico Tech (NMT) is improving existing heliostat technology to create a more cost-effective and mobile heliostat design. The team has devised an innovative patent pending liquid-ballast heliostat drive system which reduces the cost of heliostat drive mechanics, utilizes a cost-effective mirror design, and eliminates an unnecessary support pedestal. By implementing this new design the team will help to create a more economically viable, clean energy source that will benefit all energy consumers as well as the environment. The team’s goal is to create a heliostat that reduces the cost of production and operation by thirty percent. In doing so, the team must also meet strict accuracy and lifetime specifications created by Sandia National Labs (SNL) and NMT. In pursuit of meeting these specifications the team is currently completing fabrication of a prototype. Using this prototype the team will evaluate drive system performance through semi-automated testing. After testing, the team will continue the design process with the ultimate goal of creating multiple improved prototypes.

Can Coal Contribute to Sustainable Development?

2005 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 767-779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Wicks ◽  
Malcolm Keay
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Cost Penalty ◽  
The Cost

Coal is not always seen as a route to sustainable development; renewable energy, energy efficiency and a move away from fossil fuels are what people usually have in mind. The paper argues that such a view is incomplete. One of the key development challenges facing the 21st century is to ensure wider access to clean energy. There are 1.6 billion people currently lacking electricity and the enormous benefits it brings in terms of poverty reduction and improved quality of life. Coal has been the route to electrification for millions in the developing world – China alone secured electricity access for over 700 million people between 1980 and 2000 in a system based 84 percent on coal. Clean technologies generally involve higher costs. Can the higher environmental expectations of the 21st century be met without denying or delaying access to electricity for millions in need? The paper identifies ways in which the cost penalty and other barriers to the introduction of clean coal-based technologies can be overcome. Higher efficiencies reduce both costs and emissions – the universal deployment of existing commercial best practice would produce savings equivalent to those from the Kyoto protocol. Emerging coal-based technologies enable cost-effective carbon dioxide emissions reductions. Co-firing of coal and renewables is often the most effective route to enabling resources such as biomass and solar power to be exploited. In the longer run, carbon sequestration offers huge potential for near zero emissions power at costs comparable with or lower than the alternatives. The conclusion is that no single fuel source provides the answer to sustainable development; a range of options is needed. Cleaner coal-based technologies must be one of those options: they can meet both immediate development goals and longer-term climate change imperatives.

scholarly journals Economic Analysis of Sequestering Carbon in Green Ash Forests in the Lower Mississippi River Valley

2003 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 731-740
Author(s):  
Ching-Hsun Huang ◽  
Gary D. Kronrad ◽  
Shiaolin D. Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Mississippi River ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Electric Utility ◽  
Wood Products ◽  
Green Ash ◽  
Carbon Credits ◽  
Lower Mississippi River ◽  
The Cost

Since the U.S. is the largest emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2), it has become crucial to develop options that are both cost effective and supportive of sustainable development to reduce atmospheric CO2. Electric utility companies have the options of reducing their use of fossil fuels, switching to alternative energy sources, increasing efficiency, or offsetting carbon emissions. This study determined the cost and profitability of sequestering carbon in green ash plantations, and the number of tons of carbon that can be sequestered. The profitability of green ash is $2,342 and $3,645 per acre on site indices (measurement of soil quality) 65 and 105 land, respectively, calculated with a 2.5% alternative rate of return (ARR). These figures shift to –$248 and –$240 calculated with a 15.0% ARR. If landowners who have an ARR of 2.5% can sell carbon credits for $10 per ton of carbon, profits will increase by $107 per acre on poor sites and $242 on good sites. Over one rotation (cutting cycle), 38.56 net tons of carbon can be sequestered on an acre of poor quality land and 51.35 tons on good quality land. The cost of sequestering carbon, without including revenues from timber production and carbon credits, ranges from a high of $15.20 per ton on poor sites to $14.41 on good sites, calculated with a 2.5% ARR; to a high of $8.51 per ton on poor sites to $7.63 on good sites, calculated with a 15.0% ARR. The cost of storing carbon can be reduced significantly if the trees can be sold for wood products.

Nuclear Power in the United Kingdom—the End of the Beginning?

1993 ◽  
Vol 207 (4) ◽  
pp. 223-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
J G Collier
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Pressurized Water ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Future ◽  
And Performance ◽  
United Kingdom Government ◽  
Clean Energy Source

Nuclear power is a young technology that has developed within a political environment of ever-changing priorities. In the United Kingdom, Government-led central planning of electricity supply has given way to market forces and the future of nuclear power depends on its ability to compete in this competitive environment as well as its wider public acceptance. In only three years, the disciplines of private sector competition have transformed the economics of United Kingdom nuclear operations and the new generation of pressurized water reactor (PWR) at Sizewell is set to lead the world in safety and performance. Taken together with the growing recognition of the need to protect the local and global environment from the products of the combustion of fossil fuels, the prospects for the future of nuclear power as the major clean energy source for the twenty-first century have never been better.

scholarly journals Different forms of hydrogen production: a review and future perspectives

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-58
Author(s):  
Grazielle Cristina de Araujo ◽  
Jair Antonio Cruz Siqueira ◽  
Loreci Zanardini ◽  
João Felipe Peixoto Marques ◽  
Rafaela Lazzarin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Source ◽  
Hydrogen Production ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Greenhouse Gases ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Biohydrogen Production ◽  
Research Centers ◽  
Future Perspectives ◽  
Clean Energy Source

There was a significant increase in the concern with climate issues, among them highlighted as the derivation of greenhouse gases from the burning fossil fuels, leading several research centers and researchers to seek new sources of less polluting energy, independent of the burn-based matrix of fuels. In this context, the present work has as main presenter a literature review, perspective and comparisons regarding the use of hydrogen as a clean energy source, presenting three main ways of obtaining it: a) through electrolysis using renewable sources; b) biohydrogen production, based on the photosynthesis of plants and algae; c) production through biodigesters.

Comparative Analysis of Fuel Cell and Photovoltaic Panels as Electrical Sources for RO Desalination Domestic Scale Systems

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed A. Abdel-Rehim ◽  
Bahy S. A. Abdel-Mesih ◽  
Jamal E. Alostaz
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cells ◽  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Photovoltaic Effect ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
System A ◽  
Cost Of Energy ◽  
Domestic Use ◽  
Sustainable Societies ◽  
Clean Energy Source ◽  
The Cost

Fuel cells and photovoltaic cells are two promising technologies for green sustainable societies. Both are technologies that are capable of producing electricity but with different techniques. A solar cell converts light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. On the other hand, a fuel cell converts the chemical energy from the reaction between oxygen and a fuel into electricity and water. The fuel used is hydrogen which can be produced using solar energy. Both devices have different working principles, operation requirements, and efficiencies. However, they share the end goal of producing electricity from a non-fossil clean energy source. The main objective of this work is to investigate whether fuel cells or solar cells are more feasible for domestic use by considering the available technologies and information. The comparison is based on the electricity produced by the two technologies provided the same input of energy from the sun. The research focuses on the electrical output, their efficiencies, and the cost of purchasing, operation, and thus the cost of energy produced from the whole system. A desalination domestic scale system based on Reverse Osmosis (RO) technique was proposed as an application to consume this energy.

scholarly journals Metal Organic Frameworks Based Materials for Heterogeneous Photocatalysis

Molecules ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 2947 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu-Na Zhao ◽  
Guangbo Wang ◽  
Dirk Poelman ◽  
Pascal Van Der Voort
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Sustainable Energy ◽  
Metal Organic Frameworks ◽  
Co2 Reduction ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Heterogeneous Photocatalysis ◽  
Chemical Systems ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Metal Organic ◽  
Clean Energy Source

The increase in environmental pollution due to the excessive use of fossil fuels has prompted the development of alternative and sustainable energy sources. As an abundant and sustainable energy, solar energy represents the most attractive and promising clean energy source for replacing fossil fuels. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are easily constructed and can be tailored towards favorable photocatalytic properties in pollution degradation, organic transformations, CO2 reduction and water splitting. In this review, we first summarize the different roles of MOF materials in the photoredox chemical systems. Then, the typical applications of MOF materials in heterogeneous photocatalysis are discussed in detail. Finally, the challenges and opportunities in this promising field are evaluated.

scholarly journals The Cost-effectiveness of a Point-of-Care Paper Transaminase Test for Monitoring Treatment of HIV/TB Co-Infected Persons

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Radha Rajasingham ◽  
Nira R Pollock ◽  
Benjamin P Linas
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Clinical Monitoring ◽  
Automated Testing ◽  
Decision Analytic Model ◽  
Laboratory Monitoring ◽  
Life Years ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Background Persons with HIV and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection require transaminase monitoring while on hepatotoxic medications. A novel paper-based, point-of-care transaminase test is in development at an anticipated cost of $1 per test. Methods To project long-term clinical outcomes and estimate the cost-effectiveness of using a paper-based fingerstick test to monitor for drug-induced liver injury (DILI), as compared with automated testing and with no laboratory monitoring. The design was a decision analytic model, including deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Data sources were observational cohorts and a validation study of the paper-based test. The target population was HIV/TB co-infected persons in South Africa on antiretroviral therapy who were initiating TB therapy. Interventions: (1) clinical (no laboratory) monitoring; (2) monitoring using the paper-based test with a ≥120 IU/mL threshold for positivity; (3) monitoring using the paper-based test with a ≥200 IU/mL threshold for positivity; (4) monitoring using the paper-based test using 1 of 3 categories: <120 IU/mL, 120 to 200 IU/mL, and >200 IU/mL (“bin placement”); (5) monitoring using automated ALT testing using the same 3 categories (“automated testing”). The outcome measures were discounted quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Results The ICER of automated testing was $5180/QALY. Use of the paper-based test with the bin placement strategy was cost-effective compared with clinical monitoring alone. Conclusion At its current performance, monthly DILI monitoring by bin placement using the paper-based test was cost-effective, compared with clinical monitoring, in HIV/TB co-infected persons in South Africa.

Feasibility of Using More Geothermal Energy to Generate Electricity

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaufui Vincent Wong ◽  
Nathanael Tan
Keyword(s):  
Geothermal Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
High Pressures ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Geothermal System ◽  
Superheated Water ◽  
Flat Side ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Cost

Human population is ever-increasing and thus, demand for energy is escalating. Consequently, seeking clean methods of producing electricity is a most crucial endeavor at this time. The shrinking reserves of oil have added urgency to the matter. One other recognized source of renewable energy besides wind, water and solar (WWS) is geothermal energy, which has been proven to be useful in baseload power generation, a significant advantage over WWS. As compared to fossil fuels, geothermal energy is not subjected to the supply and cost fluctuations of which fuels are at risk. To date, there have been a number of innovative procedures explored to use geothermal energy to produce electricity. A relatively innovative yet not uncommon method has been to use hot solid rocks to heat water and pump the superheated water to use in power plants. These rocks are generally underground and at higher temperatures due to their proximity to volcanoes or natural geothermal vents. The water goes deeper down into the earth’s crust to become superheated by the rocks, and then is pumped out to power turbines, and subsequently returned into the ground to repeat the process. In Krafla, Iceland, during their Icelandic Deep Drilling Project (IDDP) in 2009, a borehole was accidentally dug into the magma at 2100 meters. The temperature of this magma was about 900–1000°C. A steel casing with perforations on the flat side was cemented into the well bottom. This design was to slow the heat flow, and superheated steam was made for the following two years till July 2012. The steam reached temperatures of 450°C and was at high pressures. Krafla was the world’s first magma-enhanced geothermal system to generate electricity. This paper will explore the feasibility of using geothermal power plant methods as a sustainable source of clean energy. Geothermal energy has tremendous potential if the right methods can be found to tap that potential, as well as if the cost may be brought down by innovation and demand. In addition, an innovative method which already exists in some form, is proposed in the current review, to harness more geothermal energy for use.

scholarly journals Ocean Energy - A Clean Energy Source

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phuoc Quy Phong Nguyen ◽  
Van Huong Dong
Keyword(s):  
Energy Source ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
World Ocean ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Ocean Energy ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
The World ◽  
The Status ◽  
Clean Energy Source

The world is constantly seeking new sources of energy to replace the use of coal and fossil fuels to generate electricity. And a strong source of energy from the ocean is one of the hopes of scientists around the world. Ocean energy is an endless renewable energy source for making electricity used for the world. Marine technology was once considered too expensive to be a viable source of alternative clean energy, especially compared to already developed products such as wind and solar. However, with the increased price of oil and the issues of global warming and national security, U.S. coastal sites are looking to add ocean energy to their renewable energy portfolios. This paper gives an overview of ocean energy technologies, focusing on two different types: wave, tidal. It outlines the operating principles, the status, and the efficiency and cost of generating energy associated with each technology.

scholarly journals Assessment of Battery Storage Technologies for a Turkish Power Network

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (13) ◽  
pp. 3669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Cagatay Kocer ◽  
Ceyhun Cengiz ◽  
Mehmet Gezer ◽  
Doruk Gunes ◽  
Mehmet Aytac Cinar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Demand ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Power Network ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Battery Energy Storage Systems ◽  
High Investment ◽  
Clean Energy Source ◽  
Battery Energy ◽  
Storage Technologies ◽  
The Cost

Population growth has brought an increase in energy demand and cost that has a meaningful impact on personal and government expenses. In this respect, governments attach importance to investments in renewable energy resources (RER), which are a sustainable and clean energy source. However, the unpredictable characteristics of RER are a major problem for these clean sources and RER need auxiliary assets. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are one of the promising solutions for these issues. Due to the high investment cost of BESS, governments act cautiously about accepting and implementing BESS in their power network. Recently, with the improvement of technology, the cost of BESS has been reduced, and therefore battery technologies have begun to be applied to conventional systems. In this study, first, we will review and discuss the current globally state-of-the-art BESS and their applications. Later, attention will be turned to a country-specific study for Turkey.

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