Overview of energy-conservation research opportunities

Abstract

This document is a study of research opportunities that are important to developing advanced technologies for efficient energy use. The study's purpose is to describe a wide array of attractive technical areas from which specific research and development programs could be implemented. Research areas are presented for potential application in each of the major energy end-use sectors. The analysis is unique in that it employs a systematic process for both identifying and screening candidate energy conservation research areas. The study team was comprehensive in its review of aggregate energy consumption and employed explicit criteria to evaluate the technology research areas. This study was completed for the Division of Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies (ECUT) in the Department of Energy. The division's mission is to identify and research long-range technology concepts that are attractive for more efficient energy use. To meet its goals, the ECUT staff has established a planning and systems analysis project that was responsible for conducting this study. This report is one of a series of studies in support of the ECUT research planning effort. Other documents in the series contain assessments of energy conservation technology areas, methods to appraise research projects for support, and data reference sources.

Turbulence and energy conversion research

“…~1ixing may be a key factor determining reaction rates, which are basic to the design of reactors. Aspects of mixing are important in drying applications as well; these applications are seldom optimized due to the lack of detailed knowledge about drying rates (Hopp et al 1981). The significance of work on fluidization mixing may be even greater in the future, because handling solids will probably become much more important, as lower-grade fuels and ores are increasingly utilized.…”

ECUT energy data reference series: lightweight materials for ground transportation

“…Not all the power (energy) available at the crankshaft is available to propel the automobil~. Two percent (2%) is necessary to operate such components as the alternator, air pump, cooling fan and water pump, and 0.5% (Hopp 1981) for power steering, if used; 1. 5% is dissipated as losses at the transmission and differential gea rs; 1.…”