FY 1987 structural dynamics research activities will improve the understanding of how aerodynamic loads induce structural stresses and rotor and tower material fatigue. Research efforts are aimed at the development of predictive models which take into account the complex interactions of forces on wind machines. Cooperative field assessment activities with industry are used in this area to acquire the data necessary to verify theories. Advanced component development involves the application of basic science and research on aero and structural dynamics to develop components that could lead to major improvements in the energy production of advanced wind turbines. This area also includes studies on environmental effects of wind turbines, application of wind turbines as fuel savers with diesel generators for remote power generation, and on the interaction of wind machines with existing utility power systems. OCEAN ENERGY The Ocean Program conducts the research and development of ocean energy technology to a point where the private sector can make competent assessments of whether applications of the technology are viable energy supply alternatives. This will be accomplished through appropriate research on components and systems modelling. The OTEC program is guided by a long-range goal to investigate the technologies which could reduce the capital cost of the OTEC systems to $3200/kWe (1984 dollars). The program strategy focuses on reducing the technical uncertainties associated with a 5-15 MWe, near-shore OTEC system which serves as an approximation of the incremental capacity requirements of the type of markets representing the likely point of initial competitiveness for this technology. The FY 1987 budget request is $2.5 million for operating expenses. The emphasis of the FY 1987 Ocean Program will be placed on experimental verification and testing and thermodynamic research and analysis. Material and structures research and oceanographic, environmental, and geotechnical research previously undertaken have provided a data base that is useful for the two FY 1987 research areas, but do not currently require the degree of emphasis that was necessary in past years. The objective of the experimental verification and testing program is to provide a facility for private industry to conduct seawater tests and experiments which verify OTEC component functional feasibility, performance, and operational characteristics on a scale which can be extrapolated for use in modular systems applicable to small plants. The FY 1987 budget will also provide funds to upgrade the Seacoast Test Facility by expanding the capacity of its seawater systems for open-cycle OTEC experiments. One objective of the thermodynamic research and analysis program is to experimentally determine the effects of seawater and non-condensible gas on open-cycle heat and mass transfer processes. The program will also validate selected power system analytical models at a scale sufficient to extrapolate a generic understanding of how to design potentially cost-effective open and latent-heat power systems which could meet the cost goals of the program. Reaching this goal is dependent upon increasing the output of the power system and significantly reducing the life cycle cost. OTHER SOLAR ACTIVITIES The FY 1987 budget request for the efforts in support of planned research activities is $8.1 million for operating expenses and $.6 million for capital equipment. These efforts include international, technology transfer, and resource assessment programs, the Solar Energy Research Institute, and program support and direction. Technology transfer activities such as publications summarizing research results across individual investigations and performing centers are important mechanisms for transferring information to the R&D community in context and provide the basis for facilitating information exchange and dialogue. Additionally, continuing requests are received for information from a more general cross section of the public and the energy community concerning renewable energy. The FY 1987 budget request of $1.9 million for operating expenses and $.1 million for capital equipment will continue the technical and public information services at levels commensurate with solar research and development activities. The international solar energy program provides Federal organizations and industry with a vehicle for cooperative international trade development for renewable energy. DOE is responsible for chairing an interagency committee, the Committee on Renewable Energy Commerce and Trade (CORECT) which provides a forum where industry and public entities can coordinate the use of existing resources and authorities to exploit export opportunities for the domestic solar energy industry. Additionally, funds are used to conduct a program managed by the Department of Commerce which cost shares, with industry, the development and presentation of exhibitions, special trade missions and trade development services with a continuing focus on international markets of more significant potential. The FY 1987 budget request is $.5 million for operating expenses. The FY 1987 budget request of $.5 million for the Solar Energy Research Institute will fund capital improvements to the permanent DOE facilities that will improve efficiency, safety and security. Solar resource assessment activities will provide information regarding the distribution and spectral, and temporal variability of solar energy resources throughout the United States. The FY 1987 budget request for these activities is $.7 million. Coordination of these activities and other ongoing research and development activities is an important part of the program support and direction functions. FY 1987 requests of $.9 million for program support and $4.1 million for program direction funds will, among other things, provide technical and crosscutting studies of the various solar technologies, provide for updates to multi-year program plans, continue technical and programmatic dialogue with industry, and manage the diverse research activities in the national solar research program. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY The Geothermal Energy Program carries out research and development, in Program activities include applied research, technology development, and information efforts which provide the basis for the timely introduction of new concepts and products into the marketplace by the private sector. The FY 1987 budget request for the Geothermal Program is $17.9 million for operating expenses. The purpose of the geopressured research program is to define the technical characteristics and recoverability of this large resource of hot brine and methane which lies primarily beneath the U.S. Gulf Coast. The FY 1987 program includes experimental well flow testing, tests of the conversion of the combined energy content (thermal and chemical) to electricity, and supporting research on the dynamic response of geopressured reservoirs to production conditions, chemical constituents of the brine, and the possibility of land subsidence. Hydrothermal research will allow the expansion of the accessible resource base through an improved understanding of the processes for extraction and reinjection of geothermal fluids; new materials capable of withstanding high temperatures, high pressures, and highly corrosive environments; brine chemistry research leading to techniques to prevent plugging of wells and pipes; advanced power cycle technologies; field testing techniques for appraising very high temperature geothermal resevoirs at the Salton Sea Scientific Drilling Project; and the experimental study of survey methods applicable to young and andesitic volcanoes. Hard rock penetration research will be performed jointly with industry to improve the technology and reduce the uncertainty of geothermal well drilling, that currently represents about half of the cost of geothermal power and exceeds the cost of typical petroleum wells by factors of two to four due to the fact that geothermal wells are generally deeper, and encounter harder rock, higher temperatures, and more corrosive fluids than do oil and gas wells. Experimental programs include high-pressure water jets combined with rock cutters, mechanics of rock penetration, and drilling fluid loss control. Research will also be carried out to determine the depth and size of a large continental magma chamber, to evaluate alternative methods of energy conversion, and to develop materials and instrumentation capable of operations in the 1000 degree Celsius magma environment. Hot dry rock research involves the evaluation of the properties of deep crystalline rock and the development of methods to extract geothermal heat from such resources. In FY 1987, the experimental extraction of heat from the large fractured reservoir at Fenton Hill, New Mexico, will begin and research on improved diagnostic technologies including microseismic measurements will be extended to higher temperatures. GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT FUND The Geothermal Resources Development Fund was established to broaden the geothermal energy technology base by guaranteeing loans for private sector development of several state-of-the-art facilities. The FY 1987 request is $72,000, which allows for evaluating projects, restructuring existing guarantee agreements, and monitoring outstanding loans. HYDROPOWER Small-scale hydropower technology is nearing maturity, and the DOE program has succeeded in providing the necessary technology base to industry. Therefore, no funds are requested for FY 1987. Ongoing contracted analytical and technical support will begin to phase out. The remaining technology development and R&D projects will then be monitored by DOE personnel to |