Foreword

This report provides a study and a simulation of a feasible system configuration for the implementation of a Stirling engine for electrification of rural areas in Bolivia. The aim of the review is to determine if a hybrid system combining a biomass-fired Stirling engine and photovoltaic technology may respond to a basic electricity need. An introductory literature study about the Stirling engine technology and the energy resources and characteristics of Bolivia leads to a further proposal of the selected system for rural electrification. The chosen Stirling engine for this study is a 3 kW electric output engine combined with a PV array of 0.9 kW and a battery bank with a capacity of 1200 Ah. The power demand that must be satisfied is based on a rural village in the department of Beni with an amount of 24 households. The simulation is performed in the software Homer Energy where an energy balance between the generated power and the demand can be analysed in order to optimise the power generation strategy. Two scenarios are simulated with monthly demands of 45 and 60 kWh per household. Results from the study indicate that the decision on the size of the Stirling engine must be attached to the demand that is going to satisfy in order to avoid insufficient or excessive power production. In addition, although the PV technology allows an increase on the power demand that the system can handle and makes it more flexible, its contribution is not of the same order of the Stirling engine. The described system configuration is able to attend a demand up to 55 kWh/day and a peak power of 3.8 kW. In conclusion, Stirling engines have the potential to become a good solution for rural electrification, especially when making use of CHP strategies to increase the overall efficiency of the energy generation and fulfil both the electric and thermal demands of rural populations.

Trajectory selection for the Mariner Jupiter/Saturn 1977 project

The use of decision analysis to facilitate a group decision-making problem in the selection of trajectories for the two spacecraft of the Mariner Jupiter/Saturn 1977 Project. A set of 32 candidate trajectory pairs was developed. Cardinal utility function values were assigned to the trajectory pairs, and the data and statistics derived from collective choice rules were used in selecting the science-preferred trajectory pair

The evaluation of different pasture species in various combinations and at varying rates of nitrogen fertilization as reflected in beef cattle gains and forage yields

This thesis will report the findings obtained at the Main Experiment Station, Knoxville, Tennessee. The Knoxville phase of the project was begun in the fall of 1954 with the following objectives: 1. To evaluate orchardgrass and tall fescue pastures alone and in combinations with Ladino clover as reflected in beef gains and animal grazing days. 2. To evaluate orchardgrass and tall fescue pastures under Varying rates of nitrogen fertilization as reflected in beef gains and animal grazing days

Weight Control System

Weight Control System, a set of linked computer programs which provides weight and balance reports from magnetic tape files, provides weight control and reporting on launch vehicle programs. With minor format modifications the program is applicable to aerospace, marine, automotive and other land transportation industries

Monetary Damages under the Lanham Act: Eighth Circuit Holds Actual Confusion is Not a Prerequisite

This Note will examine the Lanham Act and the ways in which courts have interpreted it, particularly its provisions dealing with trademark infringement. This Note will then explain the concept of actual confusion and what has prompted courts to read the requirement into the Lanham Act with respect to establishing monetary awards. This Note also will provide an overview of the current split between circuits requiring proof of actual confusion and those allowing proof of likelihood of confusion to support an award of damages. Particular emphasis is placed on Eighth Circuit precedent. Finally, this Note will argue that the Eighth Circuit\u27s rejection of the actual confusion requirement will lead to fairer results by removing near insurmountable obstacles for trademark plaintiffs seeking to be compensated for wrongs perpetrated by trademark infringers

The functions of marketing as performed cooperatives

Thesis (M.B.A.)--Boston Universit

Qualifying for the Title VII Religious Organization Exemption: Federal Circuits Split over Proper Test

While the United States Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of a law permitting religious organizations to exercise a religious preference when making employment decisions, courts remain at odds over the proper test for determining whether an organization is religious. This conflict highlights the tension between Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the First Amendment\u27s religion clauses. When Congress passed Title VII, it took the first step toward its goal of eliminat[ing] all forms of unjustified discrimination in employment. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Title VII generally applies to religious organizations; however, in order to avoid offending the religion clauses, Congress added an exemption, codified in section 702 of the Act, for religious corporation[s], association[s], educational institution[s], or societ[ies] with respect to Title VII\u27s prohibition against religion-based discriminatio

Composite isogrid structures for parabolic surfaces

The invention relates to high stiffness parabolic structures utilizing integral reinforced grids. The parabolic structures implement the use of isogrid structures which incorporate unique and efficient orthotropic patterns for efficient stiffness and structural stability