Merchant Transmission Investment

We examine the performance attributes of a merchant transmission investment framework that relies on �market driven� transmission investment to provide the infrastructure to support competitive wholesale markets for electricity. Under a stringent set of assumptions, the merchant investment model appears to solve the natural monopoly problem and the associated need for regulating transmission companies traditionally associated with electric transmission networks. We expand the model to incorporate imperfection in wholesale electricity markets, lumpiness in transmission investment opportunities, stochastic attributes of transmission networks and associated property rights definition issues, the effects of the behaviour system operators and transmission owners on transmission capacity and reliability, co-ordination and bargaining considerations, forward contract, commitment and asset specificity issues. This significantly undermines the attractive properties of the merchant investment model. Relying primarily on a market driven investment framework to govern investment is likely to lead to inefficient investment decisions and undermine the performance of competitive markets

Reynolds number dependence of scalar fluctuations in a high Schmidt number turbulent jet

The scalar rms fluctuations in a turbulent jet were investigated experimentally, using high-resolution, laser-induced fluorescence techniques. The experiments were conducted in a high Schmidt number fluid (water), on the jet centerline, over a jet Reynolds number range of 30003000 or 6500

Stochastic geometric properties of scalar interfaces in turbulent jets

Experiments were conducted in which the behavior of scalar interfaces in turbulent jets was examined, using laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) techniques. The experiments were carried out in a high Schmidt number fluid (water), on the jet centerline, over a jet Reynolds number range of 1000<=Re<=24 000. Both two-dimensional scalar data, c(r,t) at fixed x/d, and one-dimensional scalar data, c(t) at fixed x/d and r/x, were analyzed using standard one- and two-dimensional fractal box-counting algorithms. Careful treatment was given to the handling of noise. Both long and short records as well as off-centerline measurements were also investigated. The important effect of threshold upon the results is discussed. No evidence was found of a constant (power-law) fractal dimension over the range of Reynolds numbers studied. On the other hand, the results are consistent with the computed behavior of a simple stochastic model of interface geometry

Measurements of scalar power spectra in high Schmidt number turbulent jets

We report on an experimental investigation of temporal, scalar power spectra of round, high Schmidt number (Sc ≃ 1.9 × 10^3), momentum-dominated turbulent jets, for jet Reynolds numbers in the range of 1.25 × 10^4 ≤ Re ≤ 7.2 × 10^4. At intermediate scales, we find a spectrum with a slope (logarithmic derivative) that increases in absolute value with Reynolds number, but remains less than 5/3 at the highest Reynolds number in our experiments. At the smallest scales, our spectra exhibit no k^(−1) power-law behaviour, but, rather, seem to be approximated by a log-normal function, over a range of scales exceeding a factor of 40, in some cases

Some consequences of the boundedness of scalar fluctuations

Values of the scalar field c(x,t), if initially bounded, will always be bounded by the limits set by the initial conditions. This observation permits the maximum variance ∼(c′^2) to be computed as a function of the mean value c. It is argued that this maximum should be expected in the limit of infinite Schmidt numbers (zero scalar species diffusivity). This suggests that c′/c on the axis of turbulent jets, for example, may not tend to a constant, i.e., independent of x/d, in the limit of very large Schmidt numbers. It also underscores a difficulty with the k^(−1) scalar spectrum proposed by Batchelor [J. Fluid Mech. 5, 113 (1959)]

Some consequences of intense electromagnetic wave injection into space plasmas

The future possibility of actively testing the current understanding of how energetic particles may be accelerated in space or dumped from the radiation belts using intense electromagnetic energy from ground based antennas is discussed. The ground source of radiation is merely a convenience. A space station source for radiation that does not have to pass through the atmosphere and lower ionosphere, is an attractive alternative. The text is divided into two main sections addressing the possibilities of: (1) accelerating electrons to fill selected flux tubes above the Kennel-Petscheck limit for stably trapped fluxes, and (2) using an Alfven maser to cause rapid depletion of energetic protons or electrons from the radiation belts

First personal modes of presentation and the structure of empathy

I argue that we can understand the de se by employing the subjective mode of presentation or, if one’s ontology permits it, by defending an abundant ontology of perspectival personal properties or facts. I do this in the context of a discussion of Cappelen and Dever’s recent criticisms of the de se. Then, I discuss the distinctive role of the first personal perspective in discussions about empathy, rational deference, and self-understanding, and develop a way to frame the problem of lacking prospective access to your future self as a problem with your capacity to imaginatively empathize with your future selves