scholarly journals A Cost/Performance Evaluation of Advanced Low-Cost Heliostat Reflective Facets

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julius Yellowhair ◽  
Charles E. Andraka
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Computer Code ◽  
System Level ◽  
Optical Performance ◽  
Cost Performance ◽  
Performance Metric ◽  
Cost Of Energy ◽  
Flat Mirror ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Metal Back

Heliostat reflective facets have traditionally been constructed with glass/silver and a metal back support. During the past year, Sandia National Laboratories evaluated low-cost materials and alternative manufacturing methods to construct facets with the goal of reducing current facet cost by at least 25% while maintaining surface slope errors at 1 milli-radians rms or below. Several companies developed prototype facet samples, which were optically evaluated at Sandia and compared to baseline facet samples using a proposed cost-to-performance metric. A cost-performance metric for comparing facets was developed by modeling and optimizing a 200 MWe power tower plant scenario in DELSOL, a computer code for system-level modeling of power tower systems. We varied the slope error on the facets and adjusted the cost on the facets to maintain the constant plant levelized cost of energy. The result of these models provides a chart of the facet optical performance and the allowable facet cost for a constant plant LCOE. The size of the prototype facet samples ranged from 1.4 to 3 m2. The measured optical slope errors were between 1 and 2 milli-radians rms when compared to a flat mirror design shape. Despite slope errors greater than 1 mrad rms, some of the prototype samples met the cost goals for this project using the cost-performance metric. Next steps are to work with the companies to improve the manufacturing processes and further reduce the cost and improve on the optical performance to reach DOE SunShot goal of $75/m2 for heliostats.

Optical-Mechanical Analysis of Parabolic Trough Solar Concentrators to Support Commercial Development

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Biggio ◽  
Rachel Backes ◽  
Jennifer Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Mechanical Analysis ◽  
Optical Performance ◽  
Parabolic Trough ◽  
Commercial Development ◽  
Spatially Resolved ◽  
Cost Of Energy ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Cost

The thermal performance of parabolic trough concentrating solar collectors depends on both the structural and optical characteristics of the design. In order to reduce the cost of energy, advanced concentrating structures must significantly reduce the cost of collectors while maintaining good optical performance. This paper discusses a Finite Element Ray Tracer (FERT) that has been developed specifically to support the commercial design process. This is achieved by tying the whole of the support structure directly to its optical effects. Consequently, the optical performance metrics go beyond the typical reflector slope error RMS or average intercept factor to present the designer with spatially resolved analysis of localized performance. By incorporating this analytical method into the structural design process, collector cost and performance can be balanced efficiently and rapidly, allowing for an accelerated design period. At times, this insight has driven better, albeit unexpected, design decisions. The paper presents an overview of the development process that Abengoa R&D uses to take advantage of its analytical optical analysis capability throughout all phases of a project, as well as a review of its implementation. A selection of case studies is also presented to illustrate how FERT enables the designer to identify local areas of concern, diagnose the cause, and quickly develop possible redesign strategies. Finally, the significance of various parameters within the ray tracer are discussed.

Embedded Flexible Hybrid Electronics for the Internet of Things

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 (1) ◽  
pp. 000006-000013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Val R. Marinov
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
System Level ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Physical Form ◽  
Pick And Place ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Internet Of Things ◽  
Generation Technology

The Internet of Things (IoT) “things” are often times described as active or smart devices and objects augmented with sensing, processing, and network capabilities. These smart objects are in the heart of the IoT concept but they alone cannot realize the full potential of IoT. The most ubiquitous objects in the IoT ecosystem, those that reside at the lowest system level and interact with the higher-level smart object, are based on the passive RFID technology. In the form of wireless passive sensors these objects are found in smart packaging, they form the backbone of the structural health monitoring systems, they provide non-invasive and continuous monitoring of physiological parameters, etc. RFID capability is already added to everyday items in the physical form of adhesive “smart” labels, enabling them to become “citizens” of the IoT ecosystem, but this “add-on“ approach increases the implementation cost and oftentimes impacts negatively the host item's form factor and appearance. It also does very little in terms of security and counterfeit prevention. On the other hand, the key economic factor that drives the deployment of the IoT is the cost at the end points. Therefore, the future of the IoT depends on developing an ultra-low-cost technology solution that can mass-produce low cost, RFID-enabled IoT objects on flexible substrates, ready for integration into everyday items. In some cases, such as in intelligent packaging, these objects will be non-obstructive and seamlessly integrated in their hosts. This integration will minimize the cost of implementation and will provide an insurmountable barrier to counterfeiters as they will need access to sophisticated and capital-intensive technologies in order to be able to alter or replicate the product's embedded configuration. Presented are two disruptive processes for packaging of ultrathin flexible hybrid electronic systems with ICs as thin as 15–20 μm and as small as 250 μm per side. The first generation technology is a modification of the conventional pick-and-place technique and has been already demonstrated on a commercial-grade roll-to-roll assembly line with packaging rates exceeding 10,000 cph. The second generation technology uses a laser beam to scan and transfer ultrathin, ultra-small ICs for high-precision assembly onto various flexible and rigid substrates. It provides packaging rates significantly exceeding those of the conventional pick-and-place equipment. Reported are also results from integrating the resulting ultrathin flexible hybrid electronic devices into thin materials such as paper and plastics.

scholarly journals Vacuum magnetic levitation transport: definition of optimal characteristics

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 18-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
V M Fomin ◽  
V I Zvegintsev ◽  
D J Nalivaichenko ◽  
Y A Terent’ev
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Magnetic Levitation ◽  
Aerodynamic Drag ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Balance Of Power ◽  
Cost Of Energy ◽  
Wide Circle ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Working Parameters ◽  
The Cost

Known to a wide circle of specialists of the transport, the concept of "Evacuated Тube Тransport Technology" (ET3) [1] is an energy efficient complex magnetic levitation, vacuum and superconducting technology for high-speed ground transportation. The concept is presented as the most effective solution to problem increase the speed and capacity of the transport system c is acceptable the cost of moving passengers and cargo, and low cost of energy. To determine the optimal ranges of working parameters of the considered transportation system the analysis of the characteristics of the rarefied environment. Based on considerations of balance of power the cost of maintaining the vacuum in the system and to overcome aerodynamic drag throughout the speed range of the vehicle (TC) (500÷6500 km/h) it is shown that the lower bound of the optimal depth of vacuum to the vacuum environment, for the vehicle to relatively low speeds, is 25÷80 PA. For vehicles with speeds close to the maximum I would like to have the pressure of 1 PA or less.

Cost Performance Tradeoff Study of Wind Systems: Grid-Scale Storage

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Navid Goudarzi ◽  
John Rudesill ◽  
Alex Pavlak
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Storage Capacity ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Performance ◽  
Cost Of Energy ◽  
Gas System ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Capacity Cost ◽  
Natural Gas System ◽  
Performance Tradeoff

Variability and uncertainty are the primary challenges for power generation from intermittent, non-dispatchable energy sources. This stochastic behavior could significantly increase the cost of energy. An earlier work developed an interdisciplinary economic model using three-year (2011–2013) wind/load data from two different sites, Pennsylvania New Jersey Maryland Interconnection LLC (PJM) in USA and EirGrid in Ireland. Results showed a wind plus natural gas system can reduce emission as much as 50% below that of an all-natural gas system, with only a slight increase in system cost. Energy storage can be a key element in obtaining energy and cost savings, together with providing availability, reliability, and security of energy supply to consumers. In this paper, grid-scale storage parameters variations (storage capacity, cost, and efficiency) are explored to obtain levelized cost trends for wind systems with storage.

III-V Multi-junction solar cells and concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (5-6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon P. Philipps ◽  
Andreas W. Bett
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
System Level ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Levelized Cost Of Electricity ◽  
Viable Solution ◽  
High Efficient ◽  
Cost Issue ◽  
The Cost

AbstractIt has been proven that the only realistic path to practical ultra-high efficiency solar cells is the monolithic multi-junction approach, i.e., to stack pn-junctions made of different semiconductor materials on top of each other. Each sub pn-junction, i.e., sub solar cell, converts a specific part of the sun’s spectrum. In this way, the energy of the sunlight photons is converted with low thermalization losses. However, large-area multi-junction solar cells are still far too expensive if applied in standard PV modules. A viable solution to solve the cost issue is to use tiny solar cells in combination with optical concentrating technology, in particular, high concentrating photovoltaics (HCPV), in which the light is concentrated over the solar cells more than 500 times. The combination of ultra-high efficient solar cells and optical concentration lead to low cost on system level and eventually to low levelized cost of electricity, today, well below 8 €cent/kWh and, in the near future, below 5 €cent/kWh. A wide variety of approaches exists for III-V multi-junction solar cells and HCPV systems. This article is intended to provide an overview about the different routes being followed.

A frontier-based hierarchical clustering for airport efficiency benchmarking

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 486-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Héctor Rodríguez-Déniz ◽  
Augusto Voltes-Dorta
Keyword(s):  
Hierarchical Clustering ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Variable Weighting ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Factor Shares ◽  
Input Prices ◽  
Improve Cost

Purpose – When large samples are used to estimate airport efficiency, clustering is a necessary step before carrying out any benchmarking analysis. However, the existing literature has paid little attention to developing a robust methodology for airport classification, instead relying on ad hoc techniques. In order to address this issue, this paper aims to develop a new airport clustering procedure. Design/methodology/approach – A frontier-based hierarchical clustering procedure is developed. An application to cost-efficiency benchmarking is presented using the cost function parameters available in the literature. A cross-section of worldwide airports is clustered according to the relevant outputs and input prices, with cost elasticities and factor shares serving as optimal variable weights. Findings – The authors found 17 distinct airport clusters without any ad hoc input. Factors like the use of larger aircraft or the dominance of low-cost carriers are shown to improve cost performance in the airport industry. Practical implications – The proposed method allows for a more precise identification of the efficiency benchmarks, which are characterized by a set of cophenetic distances to their “peers”. Furthermore, the resulting classification can also be used to benchmark other indicators linked to airport costs, such as aeronautical charges or service quality. Originality/value – This paper contributed to airport clustering by providing the first discussion and application of optimal variable weighting. In regard to efficiency benchmarking, the paper aims to overcome the limitations of previous papers by defining a method that is not dependent on performance, but on technology, and that can be easily adapted to large airport datasets.

Advance Protection for Three Phase Induction Motor using Microcontroller Atmega32

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 172
Author(s):  
Karan S Belsare ◽  
Gajanan D Patil
Keyword(s):  
Induction Motor ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Short Circuit ◽  
Cost Factor ◽  
Protection Scheme ◽  
Three Phase ◽  
The Cost

A low cost and reliable protection scheme has been designed for a three phase induction motor against unbalance voltages, under voltage, over voltage, short circuit and overheating protection. Taking the cost factor into consideration the design has been proposed using microcontroller Atmega32, MOSFETs, relays, small CTs and PTs. However the sensitivity of the protection scheme has been not compromised. The design has been tested online in the laboratory for small motors and the same can be implemented for larger motors by replacing the i-v converters and relays of suitable ratings.

Optical properties of a thin layer of the Vanadium dioxide at the metal state

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 2303-2310
Author(s):  
Abderrahim Benchaib ◽  
Abdesselam Mdaa ◽  
Izeddine Zorkani ◽  
Anouar Jorio
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Thin Layer ◽  
Vanadium Dioxide ◽  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Index Of Refraction ◽  
Cost Of Energy ◽  
Infra Red ◽  
Metal State ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Reversible Phase

The vanadium dioxide VO₂ currently became very motivating for the nanotechnologies’ researchers. It makes party of the intelligent materials because these optical properties abruptly change semiconductor state with metal at a critical  temperature θ = 68°C. This transition from reversible phase is carried out from a monoclinical structure characterizing its semiconductor state at low temperature towards the metal state of this material which becomes tétragonal rutile for  θ ˃ 68°C ; it is done during a few nanoseconds. Several studies were made on this material in a massive state and a thin layer. We will simulate by Maple the constant optics of a thin layer of VO₂ thickness z = 82 nm for the metal state according to the energy ω of the incidental photons in the energy interval: 0.001242 ≤ ω(ev) ≤ 6, from the infra-red (I.R) to the ultra-violet (U.V) so as to be able to control the various technological nano applications, like the detectors I.R or the U.V,  the intelligent windows to  increase  the energy efficiency in the buildings in order to save the cost of energy consumption by electric air-conditioning and the paintings containing nano crystals of this material. The constant optics, which we will simulate, is: the index of refraction, the reflectivity, the transmittivity, the coefficient of extinction, the dielectric functions ԑ₁ real part and  ԑ₂  imaginary part of the permittivity complexes ԑ of this material and the coefficient absorption. 

Janus – A New Approach to Air Combat Pilot Training

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (4) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
Georges Bridel ◽  
Zdobyslaw Goraj ◽  
Lukasz Kiszkowiak ◽  
Jean-Georges Brévot ◽  
Jean-Pierre Devaux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Training System ◽  
Embedded Sensors ◽  
Pilot Training ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Combat Aircraft ◽  
Air Combat ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Advanced jet training still relies on old concepts and solutions that are no longer efficient when considering the current and forthcoming changes in air combat. The cost of those old solutions to develop and maintain combat pilot skills are important, adding even more constraints to the training limitations. The requirement of having a trainer aircraft able to perform also light combat aircraft operational mission is adding unnecessary complexity and cost without any real operational advantages to air combat mission training. Thanks to emerging technologies, the JANUS project will study the feasibility of a brand-new concept of agile manoeuvrable training aircraft and an integrated training system, able to provide a live, virtual and constructive environment. The JANUS concept is based on a lightweight, low-cost, high energy aircraft associated to a ground based Integrated Training System providing simulated and emulated signals, simulated and real opponents, combined with real-time feedback on pilot’s physiological characteristics: traditionally embedded sensors are replaced with emulated signals, simulated opponents are proposed to the pilot, enabling out of sight engagement. JANUS is also providing new cost effective and more realistic solutions for “Red air aircraft” missions, organised in so-called “Aggressor Squadrons”.

Budgetary Authority and Coalition Management

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Chaisty ◽  
Nic Cheeseman ◽  
Timothy J. Power
Keyword(s):  
Resource Dependence ◽  
Economic Resources ◽  
System Level ◽  
Energy Prices ◽  
Economic Crises ◽  
Government Transparency ◽  
Discretionary Spending ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Coalition Size

This chapter considers how presidents use their budget powers and the allocation of targeted discretionary spending to manage their coalitions. It considers the costs of budget tool deployment (in terms of time, controversy, and economic resources), and the factors that affect these costs: system-level factors (government transparency, federalism, personal-vote elections), coalition-level factors (coalition size, fragmentation, and heterogeneity), and conjunctural factors (economic crises and energy prices). It explores these factors with cases of budget tool deployment in Ukraine, Ecuador, and Russia. The Ecuadorean and Russian cases illustrate the divergent effects of resource dependence on the cost of budget tool dependence. Finally, it uses data from MP surveys to show the high value that legislators attribute to budget tools, and to illustrate how the composition of coalitions affects the costs that presidents are likely to face.

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