As a follow-up, DOE EERE-joined by the Gas Research Institute-is now publishing this document, Gas-Fired Distributed Energy Resource Technology Characterizations. The Gas Research Institute (GRI) has long had a considerable program of R&D aimed at developing commercially viable natural-gas-fired distributed generation systems and transitioning them to commercial partners. Because of this R&D, DOE invited GRI to collaborate on this report, and GRI designated its primary contractor, the Gas Technology Institute, as technical reviewer of the technology characterization chapters. This report describes the current status and future potential of six natural gas-fired distributed energy resource technologies through the year 2030. The six DER power technologies are: Reciprocating engines Small industrial gas turbines (1 MW to 40 MW) Microturbines Small steam turbines Fuel Cells Stirling engines While these technologies are capable of utilizing a variety of fuels in a range of applications, the focus for these characterizations are in electric power and combined heat and power (CHP) applications using natural gas. 1.2 Technology Characterization Approach A three-step approach was used to develop the TCs. In the first step, the best available information was compiled by the authors, based on their knowledge and experience from years of direct involvement in distributed energy, and then reviewed by experts to produce a set of six draft distributed energy TCs. The next step involved extensive peer review of the TCs data. An initial peer review was conducted over the Internet using a password-protected Web site during a three-month period. Invited participants were asked to provide detailed review of one or several TCs based on their areas of expertise. Reviewers included technology manufacturers, equipment

No abstract

No abstract

Introduction: Consumption of snacks and food can be reduced by placing them further away from an individual, known as the Proximity Effect. This effect is generally thought to be robust, and observable between when snacks are presented at 20cm and 70cm. It is assumed that this effect occurs without conscious awareness or processing, but no study has experimentally tested whether the effect occurs via non-conscious processing. Method: A sample of 84 individuals is targeted, with each individual being assigned to one of four conditions via computerised random number sequence. A 2(Distance; 20cm, 70cm) x 2(Attention State; Distraction/Video, Control/No Video) between subjects design is implemented, with all individuals being presented with a bowl containing 250g of M&M’s. Individuals will either be asked to watch a 5-minute video clip, or sit quietly for 5 minutes. Snack consumption is measured at two levels: likelihood of consumption (any snack consumed vs none consumed), and actual consumption (continuous, measured in grams). Snacks will be removed after the 5 minute period, with individuals then being asked to complete a short questionnaire. Analysis: A binary logistic regression will be conducted to test for differences in likelihood of consumption. Actual consumption will be analysed through a 2x2 ANCOVA. Covariates of Perceived Effort and Visual Salience will be included in models for both analyses to assess the influence of these factors. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted for when outliers, those who were aware of the study intent, and those influenced by their environment are removed from analysis. All outcomes will be reported.Discussion: The proposed study will assess whether individuals consume more snacks when presented closer (proximity effect), as well as if consumption is higher when watching a short video clip, and the interaction between the two factors. Outcomes of the study will allow researchers to determine whether the proximity effect is likely to occur via non-conscious processing and without conscious awareness, or whether the effect occurs while individuals are aware of their behaviour. The results may influence future research and choice architects to ensure less-healthy snacks are placed further away if individuals are distracted with another stimulus to prevent mindless eating.

No abstract