07 Alternative energy sources (bioconversion energy)

96lQ3942 On the incorporation of a heat storage device in Lagranglan Relaxation based algorithms for unit commitment Bos, M. F. er al., Electrical Power & Energy Systems, May 1996, 18, (4), 207-214. The paper gives an efficient algorithm lo determine the control of an energy storage medium in the setting of a combined electricity and heat unit commitment algorithm that is lo be solved by the Lagrangian Relaxa- tion approach. The key lies in the conversion of the problem into a linear programming problem. The structure of the problem facilities a tailored solution strategy. Comparative tests results show that a prototype program yields a computation time reduction of about 50% of the time needed with an advanced general-purpose code. Details of the algorithm are given.

96103943 Opening up and transition, success and problems. Financing and reforms of the electric power sector in Latin America and the Caribbean Suding, P. H. Energy Policy, May 1996, 24, (5), 437-445. Financing problems triggered the wave of electric power sector reforms in Latin America and the Caribbean. The reforms, in turn, have changed the functioning of financing in the power sector. Financial institutions have continually adapted their instruments, existing sources of capital have stepped up investing in the sector and a new financial sources have emerged. The paper reviews the evolurion of financing and its interplay with legal and structural reforms and property rights changes in the electric power sector of Latin America and the Caribbean.

96103944 The power industry in Korea. The business envi- ronment for the partlclpatlon of the prlvate sector Sung-Bong Cho, Energy Policy, May 1996, 24, (S), 471-475. The Korean government has allowed the introduction of independent power producers (IPPs). Private firms were invited to build and operate two 500 MW bituminous coal plants and two 400 MW LNG plants. Although the stated rationale for introducing IPPs is raising efficiency through competition, the real forces that drive such a policy are the neces- sity to secure enough funds from the private sector to raise the generating capacity of the country and the need to resolve siring issues. The participat- ing firms have lo carefully review various legal factors such as laws gov- erning the electrical power business, antitrust regulations which include the Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act and credit control by the central bank, and tax laws. For the successful adoption of IPPs appropriate institu- tional changes should also be made.

96103945 Power trading - becoming a fact of life in the USA Stein, H. MPS, Modern Power Systems, Feb. 1996, 16, (2), 17-19. Reports that private power marketing is a growing phenomenon in the USA, and the growth shows no signs of slowing down. This is due to the deregulation of the power industry and how the industry will restructure itself because of deregulation.

96103946 Renewable energy why would anyone bother? Stolp, P. Proc. Solar ‘95 Corlfererlce, Hoharr, Tasmw~~, ANZSES, Bow 124, Caulfield East, Vie. 3145, Australia.

96103947 Repowering not yet living up to its promise Stein, H. MPS, Modern Power System, Apr. 1996, 16, (4), 39-40. Discusses how existing turbine-generating equipment can provide competi- tive power if retrofitted. A number of examples from the US show that this is the case, but the uncertainty over power system restructuring is holding repowering back.

96103946 ‘Smart meters’ and demand management in a utility scale renewable energy system Davis, P. Proc. Solar ‘95 Conference, Hobart, Tasmznia, ANZSES, Bo.x 124, Caulfield East, Vie. 3145, Australia. Discusses how public attention has been placed on energy efficiency and renewables as a means of achieving sustainable energy use. Relatively little attention has, however, been paid to achieving ‘capacity efficiency’ in the domestic energy sector through promoting efficient use of network capac- ity. The situation is changing with the introduction of competition to the electricity supply industry that requires explicit identification of costs.

96103949 Then and now. The perspective of the man who coined the term ‘DSM’ Gellings, C. W. Energy Policy, Apr. 1996, 24, (4), 285-288. Over the last decade, demand-side management (DSM) in the USA has transformed from a start up activity to a full blown industry. Annual DSM expenditures are now measured in billions of dollars, energy savings in billion kilowatt hours and peak load reductions in thousands of megawarts. While DSM still remains a significant part of many utilities’ strategies to meet current and future customer needs, its image has been tarnished and with the industry facing competition, its future is in doubr.

276 Fuel and Energy Abstracts July 1996

Unified power flow controller: The ultimate FACTS

Stahlkopf, K. E. MPS, Modem Power Systems, Apr. 1996, 16, (4), 57, 59, 61. The article discusses how the increasing acceleration of electricity sales will place a strain on the highly interconnected North American power grid, which will be expected to perform functions well beyond its original design capacity, at a time when there is little or no incentive for construc- tion of new transmission facilities. Similar challenges are also arising in many other areas of the world. Such changes can best be accommcdated by timelv use of advanced power flow control technologies, and the most versaiile of these is the Unified Power Flow Controller.

96103951 A utilitarian view of renewabies Presnell, K. Proc. Solar ‘95 Conference, Hobart, Tasmania, ANZSES, Box 124, Caulfield East, Vie. 3145, Australia. The Power and Water Authority of the Northern Territory R&D group has been investigating the cost of alternatives lo diesel generation at remote locations. While the picture is still not in sharp focus, evidence collected lo date confirms that renewables are cost effective in a surprising number of situations. Presents the preliminary results of this work.

96/03952 Utiiitv DSM. What have we learned? Where are we going? Nadel, S. and Geller, H. Energy Policy, Apr. 1996, 24, (4), 289-302. Utility demand-side management (DSM) programmes have been operating for aooroximatelv two decades. During this oeriod DSM has progressed from’& empha& on information an: loan’ programmes to A r&ource acquisition strategy emphasizing rebates. Now the electric utility industry is being restructured, including the role of DSM. The paper reviews the experience and lessons of the past two decades, so that as DSM is restruc- tured, we can build upon the lessons of the past. The paper then proceeds lo make some predictions about the role of DSM in the electric utility industry of the future.

96103953 Utility incentives and statistical recoupilng: An empirical analysis Duffy-Deno, K. T. and Blank, E. Energy, Jun. 1996, 21, (6), 445-454. The current system of regulating electric utilities in the U.S. provides rewards for selling more electricity. Conversely, utilities are penalized for running even the most cost-effective, energy-efficiency programmes because these programmes reduce sales and, thus, decrease utility earnings and profits. A number of mechanisms have been developed to address this problem. The author report on a systematic evaluation of one approach, called statistical recoupling, for resolving the problem. Data for the Utah service territory of Utah Power and Light are used to estimate the revenue impacts of the methodology if it had been in place during 1993 and 1994.

96103954 What roles for utliity sponsored DSM In a competi- tive environment? Keating, K. M. Energy Policy, Apr. 1996, 24, (4), 317-321. It is not just the competition, it is the uncertainty that is responsible for dramatic changes in utility planning. This includes uncertainty about the level and rules of competition that utilities will face. DSM is affected by fears of the future competition, but also by falling avoided costs, consumer resentment of the increasing costs of essential services and an unwilling- ness and/or inability of utilities and regulators to plan for the longer term. Beyond the confusion of the near term there will be a place for energy efficiency in the social agenda, regardless of whether utilities are the source of funding. The premise of this paper is that, in the interim, utilities will have the motivation and capability to maintain some ratepayer spon- sored DSM programmes. The interim driving forces will be customer ser- vice needs, operational needs and regulation.

07 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

Bioconversion Energy

96103955 Bio-fuel looks good for diesel engines MPS, Modem Power Sysrerns, Apr. 1996, 16, (4), p. 69.

Reports that during the last few years, research programmes have been looking at ways of using biomass derived oils in diesel engines for power production. Following initial engine tests, the first of these programmes are now on the verge of beginning pilot size tests.

96103956 Bioconversion of forest products industry waste celiulosics to fuel ethanol: A review Duff, S. J. and Murray, W. D. Rioresource Technology, Jan. 1996, 55, (I), l-33.