Energy analysis of geothermal energy supply systems. 1st quarterly report

Progress on energy analysis of geothermal resources is reported. The power curve for a vapor dominated hydrothermal plant is shown. (MHR

Viral nanomotors for packaging of dsDNA and dsRNA

While capsid proteins are assembled around single-stranded genomic DNA or RNA in rod-shaped viruses, the lengthy double-stranded genome of other viruses is packaged forcefully within a preformed protein shell. This entropically unfavourable DNA or RNA packaging is accomplished by an ATP-driven viral nanomotor, which is mainly composed of two components, the oligomerized channel and the packaging enzymes. This intriguing DNA or RNA packaging process has provoked interest among virologists, bacteriologists, biochemists, biophysicists, chemists, structural biologists and computational scientists alike, especially those interested in nanotechnology, nanomedicine, AAA+ family proteins, energy conversion, cell membrane transport, DNA or RNA replication and antiviral therapy. This review mainly focuses on the motors of double-stranded DNA viruses, but double-stranded RNA viral motors are also discussed due to interesting similarities. The novel and ingenious configuration of these nanomotors has inspired the development of biomimetics for nanodevices. Advances in structural and functional studies have increased our understanding of the molecular basis of biological movement to the point where we can begin thinking about possible applications of the viral DNA packaging motor in nanotechnology and medical applications

Labor and energy impacts of energy conservation measures. First quarterly progress report

Work has progressed along two lines: obtaining of detailed occupation, industry, wage, and skill information; and obtaining of detailed materials and labor requirements (so-called direct requirements) for conservation and solar options. The latter is currently focused upon thermally tight single-family residences (vs. as-built). Both of these inputs will be used in conjunction with our input-output employment-energy model

Energy analysis of geothermal-electric systems

Standard energy analysis was applied to 4 types of geothermal-electric technologies: liquid dominated, hot dry rock, geopressure, and vapor dominated. It was found that all are net energy producers. Expected uncertainties are not large enough to threaten this conclusion. Vapor dominated, the only technology in current commercial use to produce electricity in the US, has the highest energy ratio (13 +- 4). These results for energy ratio are equal to or less than some from other workers. In the case of liquid dominated, environmental control technology has a considerable energy requirement

Sustainability Assessment Tools – State of Research and Gap Analysis

This paper investigates the current tools and frameworks for sustainability development assessments in industrial sectors and aims to find out the gaps between theory and practice toward sustainability assessments. An analysis of existing literature in the area of sustainability assessment tools has been complemented by interviews with experts in the area of sustainability and energy efficiency. Based on the body of knowledge and the practitioner feedback, time required and specificity are key challenges in sustainability development analysis. The paper opens the room for ideas concerning future research initiatives to overcome those drawbacks and challenge