This report, designed for use within the utility community, offers informative descriptions of some of the more relevant organizations engaged in providing information concerned with utility rate regulation. Eighteen information profiles are structured to include the name, address, and telephone number of each of the organizations, and where appropriate, personnel who should be contacted for assistance. A brief synopsis of relevant data indicates type of information and services available to users.

Initial studies on the design, construction and testing of a wood-burning low pressure Stirling air engine of 100 W output are reported. The design is essentially complete. Forty percent of the engine parts have been fabricated. (LCL)

Motorola's low cost poly silicon program is described. In the process, SiF/sub 4/, a low cost by-product is reacted with mg silicon to form SiF/sub 2/ gas which is polymerized. The (SiF/sub 2/)/sub x/ polymer is heated forming volatile Si/sub x/F/sub y/ homologues which disproportionate (C.V.D.) on a silicon particle bed forming silicon and SiF/sub 4/. During the initial phases of the investigation the silicon analysis procedure relied heavily on S.S.M.S. and E.S. analysis. This analysis demonstrated that major purification had occurred and some samples were indistinguishable from semiconductor grade silicon (except possibly for phosphorus). However, more recent electrical analysis via crystal growth reveals that the product contains compensated phosphorus and boron. Work on the control or removal of the electrically active donors and acceptors could yield a product suitable for solar application. The low projected product cost and short energy payback time suggest that the economics of this process will result in a cost less than the J.P.L./D.O.E. goal of $10/Kg (1975 dollars). Finally, assuming a successful demonstration of a pilot facility, the process appears to be readily scalable to a major silicon purification facility as was proposed by Motorola and R. Katzen.

Polymer coated spherical targets have been irradiated by the Shiva laser system in an effort to compress the contained 10 mg/cc DT fuel to super liquid densities. Glass microspheres of 140 ..mu..m ID and 5 ..mu..m wall thickness with polymer coatings 15 ..mu..m to 100 ..mu..m thick have been irradiated with laser pulses of 4 kilojoules in 200 psec FWHM. Target performance was diagnosed with neutron yield measurements, radiochemistry, Argon line imaging, and x-ray imaging techniques. Ball in plate targets achieved greater implosion symmetry than free-standing ball targets. With yields of 10/sup 7/ to 10/sup 8/ neutrons, targets reached DT fuel compressions of several times liquid density.

An existing time-dependent numerical model (OGRE) has been modified to examine the time frames associated with repressuring the formation rocks surrounding a generic nuclear waste repository following the operational period when wastes are being stored. The model is two-dimensional in the vertical plane, and assumes that the entire regime is saturated, but the repository is at one atmosphere during the operational period. For the physical and geometric parameters assumed, the results of a simulation of the time necessary to repressurize the formation after the operational period was 421.5 years. These results were in close agreement with a steady-state calculation performed by Golder Associates, Inc., in 1977. The fact that the time-dependent model results were close to the steady-state calculation resulted from the use (in the model) of a very small compressibility value, which caused the simulation to reach a steady-state condition in a relatively short time. Based on these studies, the magnitude of the system (water plus matrix) compressibility is of great importance in determining whether the time for repressurization can be determined from analytical methods or requires the use of a time-dependent numerical model.

A laboratory stainless steel reactor has been constructed and installed to study the hydrogenation of SiCl/sub 4/, 3 SiCl/sub 4/ + 2 H/sub 2/ + Si in equilibrium 4 SiHCl/sub 3/. The pressure reactor is designed to operate at pressures up to 500 psig and at temperatures up to 600/sup 0/C. After pressure and leak tests, the apparatus was started-up for the hydrogenation experiments. Temperature and flowrate measurements were calibrated. A safety review showed that the apparatus functioned smoothly and satisfactorily as designed. Experiments on the hydrogenation of SiCl/sub 4/ were carrried out during the last two weeks of September. A series of experiments on the hydrogenation of SiCl/sub 4/ was carried out at reactor pressure of 300 psig and 500 psig. Reaction temperature varies from 450/sup 0/C to 550/sup 0/C. Some preliminary reaction kinetic data and equilibrium data were collected. More hydrogenation experiments are in progress.

This report provides test results on the thermal performance of an Owens-Illinois Sunpak liquid, evacuated tube, solar collector under simulated conditions. The test was conducted using the Marshall Space Flight Center Solar Simulator in accordance with the test requirements specified in ASHRAE 93-77 (Method of Testing to Determine the Thermal Performance of Solar Collectors) and the procedures contained in MTCP-FA-SHAC-400 (Procedure for Operation of the MSFC Solar Simulator Facility). The tests were performed on a module used on the early demonstration projects. A current production module is undergoing tests with results to be in a subsequent report.

Corrosion rates were established by measuring the weight loss of a sample completely immersed in tap water for specified periods of time. Tests were conducted for periods ranging from 21 to 1824 hours at ambient temperature in sealed 125-ml containers. The weight changes observed revealed that the corrosion of delta plutonium by tap water in a closed system occurs through two separate processes. Each results in a different average corrosion rate. Initially a typical diffusion-controlled surface reaction was observed which resulted in an average corrosion rate of 0.264 mg(cm/sup 2/.h). The second corrosion process begins when cracking and flaking of the corrosion product layer occurs. This results in an increase in the corrosion rate to 0.52 mg/(cm/sup 2/.h). 3 figures, 2 tables.

Due to the decreased supply of petroleum and the large quantity of import oil, there exists sufficient economic justification to develop a biomass-liquid fuel industry. Geothermal energy uniquely fits the biomass production and conversion requirements. To accelerate industrial development of biomass-to-liquid fuel conversion using geothermal energy, a national program is required. Because of the INEL's unique experience in moderate-temperature geothermal applications, they should take the lead in this program. Based on an extensive survey of the biomass conversion field, areas of needed work were identified and a program plan was developed. This plan separates the INEL role into two parts. (1) Commercial Support--Existing technology can be commercially applied to provide a portion of the liquid fuel needs. To accelerate development, INEL needs to provide technical and management support to existing programs such as direct assistance, loan guarantees, PONs, and PRDAs. (2) Technical Development--Application of new geothermal technology in the production and conversion of biomass can increase the quantity of domestically produced liquid fuel. The program plan identifies needed work down to the task level. Three cost account levels are identified: (1) Biomass-to-Liquid Fuel Technology, (2) Biomass-to-Liquid Fuel Advanced Technology Demonstration, and (3) Biomass-to-Liquid Fuel Commercial Support. The end item is …

The operation of the emergency core cooling system and its related steam-binding problems in pressurized water reactors are the subject of a cooperative study by the United States, Germany, and Japan. Lawrence Livermore Laboratory and EG and G, Inc., San Ramon Operations, are responsible for the design, hardware, and software of the 80.8-mm and 113-mm spool piece measurement systems for the German Primarkreislauf (PKL) Test Facility at Kraftwerk Union in Erlangen, West Germany. Four PKL spool pieces each containing a flow turbine, drag screen, three-beam densitometer, and pressure and temperature probes were constructed and tested to measure single-phase and two-phase steam and water flow parameters. Individual phase velocities, mass flow rates, and densities were calculated from the analytical relationships presented. These calculated and measured parameters were compared to those parameters determined from the test facility instrumentation at Wyle Laboratories. Error analyses were performed, and individual test results were presented for both horizontal and vertical flows. The various flow regimes tested included annular mist, slug, froth, stratified wavy, and homogeneous flow of water or superheated steam.

Heat engine/electric hybrid vehicles offer the potential of greatly reduced petroleum consumption, compared to conventional vehicles, without the disadvantages of limited performance and operating range associated with pure electric vehicles. This report documents a hybrid vehicle design approach which is aimed at the development of the technology required to achieve this potential, in such a way that it is transferable to the auto industry in the near term. The development of this design approach constituted Phase I of the Near-Term Hybrid Vehicle Program. The major tasks in this program were: mission analysis and performance specification studies; design tradeoff studies; and preliminary design. Detailed reports covering each of these tasks are included as appendices to this report. A fourth task, sensitivity studies, is also included in the report on the design tradeoff studies. Because of the detail with which these appendices cover methodology and results, the body of this report has been prepared as a brief executive summary of the program activities and results, with appropriate references to the detailed material in the appendices.

The Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) vacuum chamber cover is sealed by 0-rings without the aid of mechanical fasteners. Under vacuum loading and component weights, the edges lifted no more than 0.005 in. (by a SAP4 computer code analysis). This report explains the model used for this investigation and, in addition, shows the maximum deflection expected at the center of the cover is less than 0.047 in. Also, no stresses are expected to exceed 13,700 psi.

Results of the previous one-dimensional thermal analysis of interim storage accidents are confirmed by more detailed two-dimensional calculations. Waste temperatures calculated for interim storage accidents are moderately sensitive to assumptions concerning canister spacing and are much less sensitive to boundary conditions at the canister top. For an individual 100 m from a transportation accident involving solidified high-level waste, the expected dose from gamma radiation is on the order of or smaller than the other possible exposures in the same accident. For the calculation of expected doses to the worst-situated individual in accidents: Expected population dose should remain the primary measure of pre-emplacement risk in order to maintain comparability of consequences of different types of accidents.

This report documents the results and conclusions of the PDS II, Phase I, preliminary design of a 10 MWe OTEC power system, using enhanced plate type heat exchangers, and of representative 0.2 MWe test articles. It further provides the documentation (specifications, drawings, trade studies, etc.) resulting from the design activities. The data and discussions of the technical concepts are organized to respond to the PDS II, Phase II proposal evaluation criteria. This volume, which specifically addresses the three evaluation categories (heat exchangers, rotating machinery, and power system configuration and performance) is an integral part of the Phase II plans (proposal) which describe the technical approach to delivering test articles to OTEC-1. In addition, there is a section which addresses power system cost and net energy analysis and another which discusses the results of stainless steel feasibility studies. Supporting documentation is contained in two appendix volumes.

This volume contains the specifications and drawings prepared in support of the preliminary design of a 10MWe OTEC power system using enhanced plate type heat exchangers. Included are: (1) the specification tree; (2) system specification; (3) 10 MWe heat exchangers; (4) nitrogen storage, conditioning and supply subsystem specification; (5) ammonia storage, conditioning and supply specification; (6) electrical power distribution and control subsystem specification; (7) equipment valves, instruments and live lists and specifications; (8) drawing tree; (9) drawing package; and (10) 0.2 MWe test articles procurement specifications. (WHK)

The trade studies, calculations, and reports which provide the rationale for design conclusions for the 10 MWe OTEC power system are presented in this volume. These appendices include: (1) system design and optimization model; (2) system off-design performance computer model; (3) seawater system dynamics; (4) system mechanical design studies; (5) electrical design studies; (6) structural design studies; (7) tube cleaner design report and proposed brush test program; (8) heat exchangers: mechanical design; (9) heat exchangers: thermal hydraulic computer model; (10) heat exchangers: manufacturing flow plan; (11) heat exchangers: installation and removal procedures; (12) heat exchangers: stainless steel conceptual design; (13) heat exchangers: cost studies; (14)heat exchangers: materials selection and corrosion; and (15) heat exchangers: quality assurance. (WHK)

The economic performance of Trombe wall and direct gain passive solar heating designs are evaluated using the LASL/UNM solar economic performance code. Both designs are integrated into a ranch style tract home concept thereby facilitating intra-regional comparison. The economic performance of these systems is evaluated for 15 sites in the Northwest region. Space heating loads have been locally specified. System sizes have been optimized against the natural gas and electric resistance heating alternatives, the current price and future escalation of which is established for each locale. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine the maximum competitive add-on costs for each system under a specified set of energy price, solar performance and economic conditions.

The EQ3/EQ6 software package contains two computer codes (EQ3 and EQ6) and data files which form a useful tool in modeling precipitation from geothermal fluids caused by heating or cooling. The data files contain information on 140 aqueous species and nearly 150 minerals, and permit calculations over the temperature interval 0 to 350/sup 0/C. Assumption of homogeneous thermodynamic equilibrium in aqueous solution permits calculation of the driving forces for precipitation as measured by the affinity (log Q/K) for each such reaction. Further assumption of precipitation and heterogeneous equilibrium for any mineral whose affinity would otherwise exceed a value of zero permits determination of the identity of the precipitates, their masses and volumes, and the temperature ranges in which they form. The EQ3/EQ6 capability was used to determine the effects of temperature increase on formation of precipitates form Salton Sea water.

A thorough account is given of a solar pond study underway at the University of New Mexico since 1975. This report consists of the Ph.D. dissertation of Federica Zangrando entitled Observation and Analysis of a Full-Scale Experimental Salt Gradient Solar Pond. The stability condition for a non-constant gradient, doubly-diffusive system is derived and a prescription for the routine detection of potential instabilities is presented. Techniques for handling unstable regions are described. Conclusions so far strongly support the viability of the solar pond concept. Salt gradient ponds appear to have a very definite niche in the ecology of energy production.

Data are presented for investigations involving air cathodes in caustic half cells and hydrogen depolarized anodes for metal electrowinning (acid electrolytes). Studies with air depolarized Pt cathodes in caustic hardware include: progress of the RA19 type air diffusion electrode. Reference data has been obtained with this 10,500 hour old electrode; cathode performance (Reference) vs time for a standard 0.33 mg/cm/sup 2/ cathode; electrode-current collector evaluation; electrode-current collector data as a function of cell temperature; and electrode-current collector data as a function of CO/sub 2/ free air efficiency. Zinc electrowinning data have been obtained for tests involving: current density vs power consumption; current efficiency over the temperature range of from 55 to 80/sup 0/C; and the presence of Co, Fe, Cu, Ge, and Pt impurities in the electrolyte.

The YMCA Geothermal Heating project proposes to obtain approximately 57% of the total facility energy usage through direct application of the Klamath Falls KGRA. This will be accomplished through the design and construction of a retrofit and injection system for the utilization of an existing 110/sup 0/F geothermal energy source at the project site. The existing 2016 foot well will be outfitted with a turbine pump with variable speed drive. The well head will be enclosed by a 10' x 10' building. The geothermal fluid, pumped at a peak rate of 350 gpm will be transported to the YMCA Facility through 5'' diameter schedule 40 black iron pipe fitted with victaulic couplings for expansion. All underground supply pipes will be equipped with magnesium anodes for galvaic protection and will be insulted with 1'' thick calcium silicate insulation, with two layers of 45 number roofing felt applied with asphaltic compound. All supply lines within the building will be insulated with 1'' fiberglass insulation material with a cloth jacket. The fluids will pass through a heating coil and heat exchanger system to provide heat for the 30,000 square foot YMCA facility as well as for the 90,000 gallon swimming pool. The spent …

Historically, the Department of Energy and its predecessors have used and supported the development of systems safety programs, practices, and principles, finding them by and large adequate, effective, and managerially efficient. Today, attempts are bing made to resolve increasingly complex environmental, safety, and health problems by turning to increasingly complex and detailed regulation as the primary governmental answer. It is increasingly doubtful that such an approach will provide management of these issues and problems that is either effective or efficient. Challenge is issued to those in systems safety to develop and apply systems safety principles and practices more broadly to total operational systems and not just to hardware and to environmental and health protection and not just to safety, so that the total universe of environmental, safety, and health can be managed effectively and efficiently with encouragement of innovation and creativity, using a relatively brief and concise, but adequate, regulatory base.

This paper reviews many considerations in the safe handling of fluorine and the chlorine fluorides. The physical, chemical, and toxicological properties of the materials are reviewed. Proper choice of materials of construction and materials in contact with the active gases are considered. The survey includes safe practices in design and operation of experiments and processes. Soda lime traps and caustic scrubbing are reviewed for fluorine disposal methods. Finally some explosive reactions and explosive situations are discussed.

The work to be performed by The Aerospace Corporation for the DOE/TEC is confined to the following basic task areas: (1) technical support of ongoing research and development programs in energy efficient transportation systems; (2) analysis for the future commercialization of transportation technologies; (3) new concept evaluation program support; (4) technical evaluation of new concepts, inventions, and ideas; (5) assessment of technological and other factors on the implementation and utilization of transportation in the United States; and (6) program planning analysis and documentation. Brief summaries of status and progress are given for those support activities in progress through June 30, 1979. (WHK)