Assessment of the potential of coal-fueled heat engines in total and integrated energy systems
The potential of several prime movers, especially those that use coal, is investigated for use in total and integrated energy systems in the residential and commercial sector. The prime movers considered are diesels, Stirlings, internally and externally fired gas turbines, and steam turbines. In contrast to the conventional system that uses electricity and sometimes natural gas, oil, or coal, a total energy system produces electricity, heating, and cooling to supply the needs of the community, be it a large building or a group of buildings. Total energy systems based on the prime movers listed above are compared to the conventional system for four communities that represent different ratios of residential-to-commercial area. These comparisons show the energy savings, environmental effects, and economic benefits. In general, total energy systems save energy but increase local air pollutant emissions because of increased fuel use. However, most of them will improve overall regional air quality if the comparable conventional system obtains electricity from a coal-burning utility. Economic benefits are measured by the return on investment that was calculated for two different scenarios of future energy prices. For both scenarios, neither coal- no oil-using total energy systems have a definite economic advantage.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31-109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 6046830
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/FE-81-56; ON: DE82000169
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
System analysis, design, and proof-of-concept experiment of a total energy system. Final report, May 15, 1976--June 13, 1977
Stirling total energy systems study. Final report, May 15, 1976--June 13, 1977
Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
DIESEL ENGINES
ECONOMICS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
GAS TURBINES
ICES
STEAM TURBINES
STIRLING ENGINES
TOTAL ENERGY SYSTEMS
AIR QUALITY
COAL
COMMERCIAL SECTOR
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
HEAT ENGINES
RESIDENTIAL SECTOR
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY SYSTEMS
ENGINES
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
MACHINERY
MATERIALS
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
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