Tests are continuing on the shatter-resistant weathercase models and small samples. Extensive studies of composite materials has resulted in characterization of the epoxy weathercase materials mechanical properties over a wide range of temperatures and lifetime. Progress is reported on the design of the full scale prototype termination.

A water source heat pump has been designed that is capable of operating over the range from 40 to 110/sup 0/F entering water temperature and has a heating coefficient of performance greater than six in the upper portion of this range. A computerized heat pump balance program was written to allow the performance of either a water-to-water or a water-to-air heat pump to be predicted in either the heating or cooling mode. A detailed program description, flow charts, and sample outputs are appended. The balance program was used to specify components for a high efficiency water-to-water and a high efficiency water-to-air heat pump. Performance predictions for both units in heating and in cooling are included. The water-to-water and water-to-air performance predictions were compared. The water-to-air approach was clearly superior. A detailed design and layout was done for the three solar-assisted water-to-air heat pump. A horizontal configuration was chosen for marketability reasons. The design was made consistent with high quantity production equipment available in our factories and should result in the lowest possible manufacturing cost. A key question to be answered in this project is whether a reciprocating compressor can operate without damage at the high suction pressures characteristic to the …

Progress has been ahead of planned expectations in three instances: (a) achievement of 4 mA/cm/sup 2/, short circuit current density in a MIS structure solar cell under AM1 illumination; (b) fabrication of large area (4 cm/sup 2/) MIS cells with external J/sub sc/ > 3 mA/cm/sup 2/; and (c) deposition of p/sup +/ layers by B/sub 2/H/sub 6/ gas phase doping. A program status table is included. Reproducible n layers are now routinely deposited by sputtering in Ar, H/sub 2/, and PH/sub 3/ gases. The major remaining obstacle to the goal of a 3.5% cell is the deposition of a quality i-layer. Although information deduced from infrared absorption and Raman data indicates that most of the hydrogen is bonded in the SiH configuration, the photoconductivity of the intrinsic material requires marked improvement. Two forms of magnetron sputtering, planar and cylindrical, are being exploited. The planar deposition system has the advantage that experimental costs are low; the cylindrical system is easily scalable to large product throughput. Schematic illustrations of the two systems and descriptions of apparatus modifications incorporated are included.

The requirements for the design and test of terrestrial solar cell modules for one phase of DOE's Low-Cost Solar Array Project are presented. Intermediate-load modules designed to meet this specification will generally have the following design features and characteristics: (1) nominal operating voltage (V/sub no/) between 5 Vdc and 20 Vdc; (2) ability to be series-connected to worst-case open-circuit voltages of 1000 Vdc; (3) dimensions not exceeding 1.22 m x 2.44 m (4 ft x 8 ft); (4) flat-plate configuration (non-concentrating); and (5) output power referenced to nominal operating conditions and V/sub no/. In addition to module design and performance requirements, a series of characterization and qualification tests are also specified.

We have completed our evaluation of candidate longwall mines available for study in the Rocky Mountain Coal Province. This report summarizes our views and evaluation of two candidate mines, the Allen Mine in Weston, Colorado, and the Hawk's Nest Mine in Somerset, Colorado. WCC visited the Allen and the Hawk's Nest Mines, and rated them in order of preference for subsidence monitoring according to criteria given in this report. Based on these evaluations and related discussions with the Technical Project Officer, the Hawk's Nest Mine appears to be the preferred mine for subsidence monitoring, because it is the only candidate mine offering two adjacent longwall panels for monitoring wherein a full subsidence profile may be obtained for at least one of the panels. Selection of this mine requires that provisions be made for monitoring 2000 ft of overburden, whereas our proposal addressed a mine with 600 ft of overburden. Changes in instrumentation which may permit the project to remain within the current budget were investigated and are discussed.