Industrial energy conservation

Industrial processes are extraordinarily diverse, so the physical conditions for energy conservation are diverse. The opportunities for conservation also depend on the economic and technological outlook of each industry. This chapter briefly examines the subject as a whole and explores a few examples to a little depth. These issues are touched upon: the structure and trends in use of energy, the thermodynamic factors that influence energy intensity, and examples of technical change enabling the reduction of energy intensity—from operations to conservation equipment to revolutionary changes in manufacturing process. The future of the energy‐intensive industries and energy conservation is also discussed.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87547/2/347_1.pd

Computed torque control of a free-flying cooperat ing-arm robot

The unified approach to solving free-floating space robot manipulator end-point control problems is presented using a control formulation based on an extension of computed torque. Once the desired end-point accelerations have been specified, the kinematic equations are used with momentum conservation equations to solve for the joint accelerations in any of the robot's possible configurations: fixed base or free-flying with open/closed chain grasp. The joint accelerations can then be used to calculate the arm control torques and internal forces using a recursive order N algorithm. Initial experimental verification of these techniques has been performed using a laboratory model of a two-armed space robot. This fully autonomous spacecraft system experiences the drag-free, zero G characteristics of space in two dimensions through the use of an air cushion support system. Results of these initial experiments are included which validate the correctness of the proposed methodology. The further problem of control in the large where not only the manipulator tip positions but the entire system consisting of base and arms must be controlled is also presented. The availability of a physical testbed has brought a keener insight into the subtleties of the problem at hand

Sipping Fuel and Saving Lives: Increasing Fuel Economy without Sacrificing Safety

Demonstrates how new fuel-efficiency technologies make it possible, and advisable, to significantly increase the fuel economy of motor vehicles without compromising their safety

Near-term technologies for improving automotive efficiency - A review and update

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/76698/1/AIAA-1994-4227-457.pd

Industrial energy conservation and the steel industry of the United States

Energy use in industry, in particular manufacturing, is reviewed. Materials manufacture dominates. Natural gas and electricity are the main energy forms, with coal and oil now almost specialty fuels. Declining energy use per ton of production has characterized materials manufacture, especially since 1972. An in-depth examination of trends and future possibilities in energy use per ton of product is made for the steel industry. Energy use in 1983 is analyzed by stage of production and for the integrated and secondary sectors. Ongoing reductions in energy use by means of technical improvements are discussed for iron making, steel making and shaping-treating. A conservation plan is presented for an integrated mill, which could reduce energy use by 20% and total costs by $12 per ton of mill product. Finally, expectations for changes in steel industry energy intensity in the medium term are very briefly discussed.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/26563/1/0000102.pd

Plexcitons: Dirac points and topological modes

Plexcitons are polaritonic modes that result from the strong coupling between excitons and plasmons. We consider plexcitons emerging from the interaction of excitons in an organic molecular layer with surface plasmons in a metallic film. We predict the emergence of Dirac cones in the two-dimensional bandstructure of plexcitons due to the inherent alignment of the excitonic transitions in the organic layer. These Dirac cones may open up in energy by simultaneously interfacing the metal with a magneto-optical layer and subjecting the whole system to a perpendicular magnetic field. The resulting energy gap becomes populated with topologically protected one-way modes which travel at the interface of this plexcitonic system. Our theoretical proposal suggests that plexcitons are a convenient and simple platform for the exploration of exotic phases of matter as well as of novel ways to direct energy flow at the nanoscale

Preface

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/26571/1/0000110.pd

Initial experience and outcome of a new hemodialysis access device for catheter-dependent patients

ObjectiveThe effects of a new long-term subcutaneous vascular access device were studied in access-challenged patients who were poor candidates for fistulas or grafts due to venous obstruction. Bacteremia rates, patency, and function of the Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) Vascular Access Device (Hemosphere Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) were evaluated.MethodsThe HeRO device consists of a 6-mm expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft attached to a 5-mm nitinol-reinforced silicone outflow component designed to bypass venous stenoses and enter the internal jugular vein directly, providing continuous arterial blood flow into the right atrium. The HeRO device was studied in a multicenter clinical trial to test the hypothesis that access-challenged patients would experience a statistically significant reduction in bacteremia rates compared with a tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC) literature control of 2.3/1000 days. HeRO-related bacteremia rates, adequacy of dialysis, patency, and adverse events were analyzed.ResultsThe HeRO device was implanted in 36 access-challenged patients who were followed for a mean 8.6 months (9931 HeRO days). The HeRO-related bacteremia rate was 0.70/1000 days. All HeRO-related bacteremias occurred during the bridging period when a TDC was still implanted before HeRO graft incorporation. HeRO adequacy of dialysis (mean Kt/V) was 1.7. HeRO primary patency was 38.9%, and secondary patency was 72.2%.ConclusionsIn access-challenged patients, a statistically significant reduction in HeRO-related bacteremia was noted compared with TDC literature. The device had similar function and patency compared with conventional arteriovenous graft literature

Energy demand and materials flows in the economy

Many forecasts show industrial energy use growing rapidly in industrial countries. These forecasts do not adequately take into account the diminishing importance of basic materials use in the economies of mature industrial societies, the emerging shift of production based on virgin materials to developing and resource-rich countries, and the increased recycling of materials. Since the processing of materials dominates industrial energy demand, this pattern of development will upset those forecasts. While energy use by industry will grow in such countries as China, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, and Australia, it will continue to decline or stagnate in the U.S., Europe, and Japan.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/26562/1/0000101.pd

Estimation of the direct health and indirect societal costs of diabetes in the UK using a cost of illness model

AimsThe direct cost of diabetes to the UK health system was estimated at around £10 billion in 2012. This analysis updates that estimate using more recent and accurate data sources.MethodsA pragmatic review of relevant data sources for UK nations was conducted, including population-level datasets and published literature, to generate estimates of costs separately for Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. A comprehensive cost framework, developed in collaboration with experts, was used to create a population-based cost of illness model. The key driver of the analysis was prevalence of diabetes and its complications. Estimates were made of the excess costs of diagnosis, treatment and diabetes-related complications compared with the general UK population. Estimates of the indirect costs of diabetes focused on productivity losses due to absenteeism and premature mortality.ResultsThe direct costs of diabetes in 2021/22 for the UK were estimated at £10.6 billion, of which just over 40% related to diagnosis and treatment, with the rest relating to the excess costs of complications. Indirect costs were estimated at £3.3 billion.Conclusions Diabetes remains a considerable cost burden in the UK and the majority of those costs are still spent on potentially preventable complications. Although rates of some complications are reducing, prevalence continues to increase and effective approaches to primary and secondary prevention continue to be needed. Improvements in data capture, data quality and reporting, and further research on the human and financial implications of increasing incidence of Type 2 diabetes in younger people are recommended.<br/