Convergence estimates for a locally one-dimensional finite difference scheme for parabolic initial-boundary value problems
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Two advances in the numerical techniques of utilizing the BIE method are presented. The boundary unknowns are represented by parabolas over each interval which are integrated in closed form. These integrals are listed for easy use. For problems involving crack tip singularities, these singularities are included in the boundary integrals so that the stress intensity factor becomes just one more unknown in the set of boundary unknowns thus avoiding the uncertainties of plotting and extrapolating techniques. The method is applied to the problems of a notched beam in tension and bending, with excellent results.
The development of solar concentrators in recent years have produced a wide variety of collectors for the utilization of solar energy. This paper presents the simulation techniques used to predict the optical and thermal performance of a paraboloid of revolution type solar collector. Conceptual design of a dish concentrator with a fixed receiver size is obtained by parametrically examining the significant variables.
The capabilities of a computer program are explored, and computed results are compared with data. The comparisons are restricted to two-dimensional flows. Subsonic and supersonic flows, ducted and nonducted, reacting and nonreacting, are considered. An evaluation of models used for turbulence and chemical reaction was included. Constants in the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy, turbulence model, which produces mixing in good agreement with data, are the same for all calculations. Experimental data are reported for coaxial injection at matched pressure (1 atm or 101.3 kPa) of a cold, Mach 2, hydrogen jet into a hot, Mach 2, vitiated airstream. Profiles of pitot pressure and gas composition obtained from water cooled probes are reported and compared with theoretical results.
Wind tunnel data to predict loading on antenna structures is tabulated.
Two advances in the numerical techniques of utilizing the BIE method are presented. The boundary unknowns are represented by parabolas over each interval which are integrated in closed form. These integrals are listed for easy use. For problems involving crack tip singularities, these singularities are included in the boundary integrals so that the stress intensity factor becomes just one more unknown in the set of boundary unknowns thus avoiding the uncertainties of plotting and extrapolating techniques. The method is applied to the problems of a notched beam in tension and bending, with excellent results.
A numerical solution algorithm is established for prediction of subsonic turbulent three-dimensional flows in aerodynamic configuration juncture regions. A turbulence closure model is established using the complete Reynolds stress. Pressure coupling is accomplished using the concepts of complementary and particular solutions to a Poisson equation. Specifications for data input juncture geometry modification are presented.
The effects of dynamic (moving) pointing errors on the performance of solar thermal receivers is investigated. Only point focusing types of solar collectors are considered. The key element in the study is the analytical derivation of the intercept factor that relates pointing errors to captured energy at the receiver. A detailed example using typical parameter values is modeled on the digital computer and demonstrates the theory and the dynamic nature of the problem.
Distortion outputs from structural analysis of a 64-m paraboloidal reflector are analyzed by two computer programs for their radio-frequency performance characteristics. The computed and field measured values are compared.
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A paraboloidal dish solar thermal power plant produces electrical energy by a two-step conversion process. The collector subsystem is composed of a two-axis tracking paraboloidal concentrator and a cavity receiver. The concentrator focuses intercepted sunlight (direct, normal insolation) into a cavity receiver whose aperture encircles the focal point of the concentrator. At the internal wall of the receiver the electromagnetic radiation is converted to thermal energy. A heat engine/generator assembly then converts the thermal energy captured by the receiver to electricity. Developmental activity has been concentrated on small power modules which employ 11- to 12-meter diameter dishes to generate nominal power levels of approximately 20 kWe. A comparison of advanced heat engines for the dish power module is presented in terms of the performance potential of each engine with its requirements for advanced technology development. Three advanced engine possibilities are the Brayton (gas turbine), Brayton/Rankine combined cycle, and Stirling engines.
The development and testing of concentrators, receivers, and power conversion units are reported. System design and development for engineering experiments are described. Economic analysis and market assessments for advanced development activities are discussed. Technology development issues and application/user needs are highlighted.
Vu-graphs are presented that show that applications are a viable distributed renewable power generation option. Quality energy can be produced in the form of electricity and high temperature heat. Modular systems are described that can be distributed to new or existing plants and that are mass producible with the associated economies of production.
The value analysis technique used is straightforward. Maximum allowable life-cycle system cost for the cogeneration system is determined as the sum of the present value of fuels displaced plus the present value of revenues from exported power. Each conventional fuel displaced is described by a unit cost in the first year, a uniform annual consumption rate, and a uniform annual escalation rate for unit cost. Exported energy flows are treated the same as displaced energy.
Theoretical methods (computer programs) which are available for analyzing reflector performance are of the 'forward' type. Performance parameters can be calculated after the configuration of the reflector is given. In many practical applications, however, the problem is often of the 'inverse' type. The reflector has to be designed on the basis of a given set of performance parameters. Attention is given to a systematic procedure based on simple formulas for solving such an inverse problem. Because of the simplicity of the formulas, the final results obtained from the procedure do not have great accuracy. Thus, they represent only a preliminary design, which can be refined by repeatedly using the forward-type programs.
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Sliding barrel and shutter protect against overheating. Downward movement of shutter initiated by melting of fuse wire that suspends it. Shutter lowered or raised under operator's control by depressuring or pressurizing hydraulic cylinder.
The design approach, rationale for the selected configuration, and the development status of a cost effective point-focus solar concentrator are discussed. The low-cost concentrator reflective surface design is based on the use of a thin, backsilvered mirror glass reflector bonded to a molded structural plastic substrate. The foundation, support, and drive subassembles are described. A hybrid, two-axis, Sun tracking control system based on microprocessor technology was selected. Coarse synthetic tracking is achieved through a microcomputer-based control system to calculate Sun position for transient periods of cloud cover as well as sundown and sunrise positioning. Accurate active tracking is achieved by two-axis optical sensors. Results of the reflective panel demonstration tests investigating slope error, hail impact survivability, temperature/humidity cycling, longitudinal strength/bending stiffness, and torsional stiffness are discussed.