Literature on the subject of converting oil- and gas-burning boilers to coal is summarized. The literature is divided into three sections dealing with boiler modifications, coal handling and ash removal systems, and environmental control requirements.

Candidate power conversion systems and criteria for comparing these systems are listed. The elements of each conceptual design and standard approaches to equipment design are described. The methods used to calculate heat and mass balances and the data used in the calculations are described. The method used in developing the economics of each system is described and factors such as construction wage rates common to all systems are included. Standard methods for developing the conceptual designs and corresponding economics are defined so that the results of each system study can be readily compared to those of the others. The candidate conversion systems are: multistage flash/binary; two stage flash with scrubbing; total flow; multistage flash/direct contact (Bechtel patented process); four stage flash/binary; binary with direct contact heat exchangers; hybrid-flash/binary; hybrid-flash/total flow; and flash/dual cycle binary. (MHR)

The objective of this research program is to investigate the technical and economic feasibility of producing solar-cell-quality sheet silicon by coating one surface of carbonized ceramic substrates with a thin layer of large-grain polycrystalline silicon from the melt. Significant progress was made in silicon on ceramic (SOC) solar cell performance. SOC cells having 1 cm/sup 2/ active areas demonstrated measured conversion efficiencies as high as 7.2 percent. Typical open circuit voltages (V/sub oc/) and short circuit current densities (J/sub sc/) were 0.51 volt and 20 mA/cm/sup 2/ respectively. Since the active surface of these solar cells is a highly reflective ''as-grown'' surface, one can expect improvement in J/sub sc/ after an anti-reflection (AR) coating is applied. It is significant that single-crystal comparison cells, also measured without benefit of an AR coating, had efficiencies in the 8.5 percent range with typical V/sub oc/'s and J/sub sc/'s of 0.54 volt and 23 mA/cm/sup 2/, respectively. Therefore, improvement in cell design and junction diffusion techniques should increase the efficiency of both the SOC and single-crystal cells. During this quarter the dip coating facility was inadvertently contaminated, but has since been restored to a purity level exceeding its original state. With this facility, silicon …

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The regulatory framework of the commercial marine transportation industry is defined and these regulations are evaluated in terms of their energy impact. The approach used in the evaluation of the energy impacts of regulations and tariffs was structured around three sequential steps: identification of agencies and organizations that impact the commercial marine transportation industry; identification of existing or proposed regulations that were perceived to have a significant energy impact; and quantification of the energy impacts. Each of these three steps is described in detail. The report is organized around nine chapters. Chapter I contains an introduction and summary of the results and conclusions. Chapter II describes the regulatory structure of the commercial marine transportation industry and includes: a description of the role of each organization and the legislative basis for their jurisdiction; and an identification of major areas of regulation and those areas that have an energy impact. Chapters III through IX each address one of the seven existing or proposed regulatory or legislative actions that have an energy impact. The results of each of these seven case studies are summarized. (MCW)

The initial economic evaluation is provided of the alternatives to natural gas consumption identified in the first quarterly report. Using estimates of well costs, well flow, well life, temperature, enthalpy, and rates of return on invested capital, the cost of brine production has been estimated in terms of a demand charge and an energy charge. Capital costs of geothermal flash steam and binary systems from 5 to 30 gross MW capacities have been estimated utilizing a modified Battele Pacific Northwest Laboratories GEOCOST computer program. Fossil fuel costs, geothermal brine costs, and rate of inflation have been projected through 1997. Using these data, the thermal cycle efficiencies, and the capital cost data, the projected annual cost savings and the internal rate of return, as a function of the amount of fossil fuel displaced by geothermal energy, have been calculated and preliminary conclusions have been drawn based on this overall economic evaluation. In addition to an overall economic evaluation, an individual energy utilization evaluation was undertaken. Using estimates of capital costs, energy costs, and energy conversion efficiencies, a total unit charge rate in $/Hp-hr was assigned to each existing equipment driver and each proposed energy alternative to determine the best method for …

The initial economic evaluation is provided for the alternatives to natural gas consumption previously identified. Using estimates of well costs, well flow, well life, temperature, enthalpy, and rates of return on invested capital, the cost of brine production has been estimated in terms of a demand charge and an energy charge. Capital costs of geothermal flash steam and binary systems from 5 to 30 Gross MW capacities have been estimated utilizing a modified Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories GEOCOST computer program. Fossil fuel costs, geothermal brine costs, and rate of inflation have been projected through 1997. Using these data, the thermal cycle efficiencies, and the capital cost data, the projected annual cost savings and the internal rate of return, as a function of the amount of fossil fuel displaced by geothermal energy, have been calculated and preliminary conclusions have been drawn based on this overall economic evaluation. In addition to an overall economic evaluation, an individual energy utilization evaluation was undertaken. Using estimates of capital costs, energy costs, and energy conversion efficiencies, a total unit charge rate in $/Hp-hr was assigned to each existing equipment driver and each proposed energy alternative to determine the best method for substituting geothermal energy for …

The results of tests performed to evaluate the performance of selected high-speed flywheel bearings and shaft seals are reported, and work performed on the development of a high-speed composite flywheel rotor is described. The overall program objective is to develop a composite flywheel system for primary energy storage in a flywheel powered vehicle. These initial tests were intended to evaluate the performance of full-size composite rotor elements, high-speed bearings and shaft seals for that system under conditions simulating as closely as possible those anticipated in a finished vehicle. Performance of the angular contact ball bearings is reported to be satisfactory at all speeds; a simplified lubrication system is recommended for second generation hardware. Performance of the ferrofluidic shaft seals is reported to be marginal, as they failed to hold a hard vacuum at the maximum design speed. Several concepts for improved seals are offered for second generation hardware. The test objectives for the high-speed composite flywheel rotor were not achieved due to dynamic instability problems with the test hardware. Recommendations are offered for the design of second generation hardware, and a scope of activities is proposed for the second phase of this program.

The Phase I tasks of a project for the development of an energy storing flywheel powerplant for a short-range commuter vehicle were directed towards evaluating and characterizing specific technologies associated with the flywheel propulsion system that were considered to be critical to the successful development of the proposed commuter car. The vehicle flywheel would be designed to operate between 20,000 and 41,000 rpm, storing a total of 16 kw-hrs at the maximum speed of 41,000 rpm. Vertical spin axes were selected so that normal vehicle cornering would not induce gyroscopic forces on the flywheel bearings. Two rotors would turn in opposite directions so that any gyroscopic forces produced by vehicle pitch or roll motions would be balanced within the flywheel assembly and not reflected to the chassis. Each rotor would be assembled from six identical modules stacked on a common shaft, each module being of multi-rim construction. In Phase I, the rotor testing was limited to the outer (most highly stressed) rims from a single module. The bearings and seals were tested under load conditions simulating those expected from a complete six module rotor. The flywheel system failed to achieve target speed and exhibited whip-like instability of the shaft/hub/spoke combination. …

A group of hospitals, clinics, research facilities, and medical education facilities, known as the HEAL Complex, was chosen as the site (in New Orleans) for the demonstration of a Grid-Connected Integrated Community Energy System (ICES). The contract work included a preliminary energy supply/demand assessment of the Demonstration Community, a preliminary feasibility analysis and conceptual design of a candidate Demonstration System, preliminary assessment of institutional factors, preparation of a detailed work management plan for subsequent phases of the demonstration program, firming-up of commitments from participating parties, and reporting thereon. This Phase I study has indicated that a central ICES plant producing steam, chilled water, and by-product electricity to serve the HEAL Complex is technically and economically feasible to the extent that Phase II, Detailed Feasibility and Preliminary Design, should be implemented. (MCW)

The HEAL Complex in New Orleans will serve as a Demonstration Community for which the ICES Demonstration System will be designed. The complex is a group of hospitals, clinics, research facilities, and medical educational facilities. The five tasks reported on are: preliminary energy analysis; preliminary institutional assessment; conceptual design; firming-up of commitments; and detailed work management plan.

This report represents the results of the first year of study on the heat treatment of organics to increase its biodegradability by anaerobic bacteria for the microbial production of methane. The purpose of this study is to develop a means for increasing the yield and reducing the cost of methane, a useful energy source. The procedures being evaluated are heat treatment at temperatures up to 250/sup 0/C, under pH ranges of 1 to 13. Included in this report are results on: (1) lignocellulose digestion and acclimation to its products from heat treatment; (2) the fate of waste activated sludge and its cellular nitrogenous compounds; and (3) the biodegradability of model compounds likely to be formed during heat treatment.

The development of underground coal gasification is traced through a discussion of the significant, early experiments with in situ gasification. Emphasized are the features of each experiment that were important in helping to alter and refine the process to its present state. Experimental details, coal characteristics, and gasification data are supplied for many of the experiments. 69 refs.

A uniform procedure is presented for the acceptance testing of alternator controller in the Kilowatt Isotope Power System. (LCL)

The addition of polycarbonate sheet to albedo detectors for electrochemical etching provides a simple, inexpensive way to reduce the spectral sensitivity of the personnel dosimeter without losing the albedo features of sensitivity and ease of automation. The ECEP technique also provides the dosimetrist with the potential for identifying conditions of body orientation that might otherwise lead to significant error in dosimeter evaluation.

The technical and economic feasibility of using low temperature geothermal brine in place of steam from conventional sources for industrial multi-effect evaporation and crystallization was studied. Work on the following is described: candidate industry evaluation, including process flow diagrams, heat and material balances; conceptual engineering, and a visit to Leslie Salt plant. The economic analysis includes economic groundrules established, capital and operating costs derived, and a cost comparison of geothermal vs. fossil fuel plants. Other topics covered are: the analysis of fuel savings by use of geothermal resources; the analysis of environmental impact of geothermal vs. fossil fueled plants; and a comparison of feed-and-bleed process with other geothermal heat utilization processes. (MHR)

Progress is reported in the following studies on analysis and evaluation of potential raw materials: preliminary pretreatment studies using wheat straw; extraction of wheat straw with alcohol and water at elevated temperatures; extraction of ground wood with alcohol and water at elevated temperatures; and, delignification of newsprint with ethylene glycol. Other research in progress includes studies on: utilization of hemicellulose sugars; process design and economics of hydrolysis processes and ethanol fermentation; and, pilot plant process development and design, including cell-recycle systems for cellulase production, continuous hydrolysis, countercurrent hydrolysis, and ethanol fermentation studies. (JGB)

A 3000 foot diamond drill hole was drilled in the Conway Granite in Redstone, New Hampshire. A comprehensive detailed petrographic and physical study of this core was made. The purpose of this study is to supply a sound data base for future geothermal and uranium-thorium studies of the drill core. An estimate of the heat flow potential of the Redstone drill hole gives a heat flow of 1.9 HFU. If only the red phase of the Conway Granite had been intersected the heat flow may have been as much as 2.7 HFU, reaching a temperature of 260/sup 0/C at 6 km. The drill hole intersected four lithologies; the green and red phase of the Conway Granite, the Albany quartz syenite and a medium-grained, hastingsite-biotite granite. The red phase has the highest and most irregular radioactivity. The irregularity is mainly due to minor variations in lithology. The drill core intersected several alteration zones up to a thickness of 150 feet. These alteration zones represent passage of low to medium temperature fluids which might have been mineralized. The Conway Granite has the physical and chemical characteristics necessary for the formation of vein type uranium deposits. The presence of unexplained radiometric anomalies lends …

Separate abstracts were prepared for 11 sections of this report.

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The arc saw, a newly developed tool, is a toothless circular saw which cuts by means of an electric arc. Cutting speeds between 20 to 30 cm/sup 2//S and depths up to 45 cm are possible. There is no mechanical contact between blade and work piece, no binding, and no blade breakage. The arc saw will be applied to the rapid and remote disassembly of multiple ton, contaminated stainless steel vessels.

Thirteen papers are included. Three were represented by extended abstracts and are listed by title. Separate abstracts were prepared for ten papers. (MHR)

Supplemental information pertaining to the generic environmental impact statement on the Pu recycling process for mixed oxide light-water cooled reactors (GESMO) was requested from several sources. In particular, the role of alternate sources of energy was to be explored and the implications of these alternate sources to the question of Pu recycle in LWRs were to be investigated. In this vein, solar energy as an alternate source is the main subject of this report, along with other information related to solar energy. The general conclusion is that solar energy should have little effect on the decisions concerning GESMO.

The background, operation, and need for solar thermal powered pumps for irrigation is reviewed, and a compilation of 38 literature references with summaries is presented. (WHK)