Monitoring the dynamic thermal activity in Yellowstone National Park is required by the United States Congress. The continuous monitoring is important to maintain the safety of the visitors and park service personnel, plan and relocate infrastructure, and study potential impact from nearby geothermal development including oil and gas industry. This dissertation is part of a study initiated in the early 2000s to monitor the thermal activity of dynamic areas within the Park, using airborne remote sensing imagery. This study was focused in Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest geyser basin in the park, located near the northwestern rim of the Yellowstone’s caldera. The study is considered the first long-term comprehensive airborne remote sensing study in the basin which took place between August 2008 and October 2013. In this study, at least one 1-meter resolution thermal infrared image and three-band images (multispectral) were acquired and used to estimate year-to-year changes in radiant temperature, radiant flux, and radiant power from the thermal source in Norris. Presence of residual radiant flux in the ground from absorbed solar radiation and atmospheric longwave radiation was the main challenge to compere year-to-year changes in the thermal activity. This residual flux is included in the total radiant flux calculated through the remote sensing images which gives false estimates of the flux generated from the underling thermal source. Two methods were suggested in Chapters 2 and 4 of this dissertation to estimate the residual radiant flux. A method was developed in Chapter 2 to estimate the residual radiant flux in a bare ground area covered with hydrothermal siliceous sinter deposit. The method compared ground-based measurements with high spatial resolution airborne remote sensing measurements to estimate the residual radiant flux. In Chapter 4, a method was developed to estimate the residual radiant flux in the six surface classes in Norris, including bare ground, bare ground with siliceous sinter deposit, lakes and pools, river, forest, and grass. The assumptions and implications of each method were discussed to suggest a reliable method to estimate the geothermal radiant flux after subtracting the absorbed residual radiant flux. Chapter 3 provides an analysis of the four components of heat flux in the ground surface, including conduction of sensible heat, convection of sensible heat by liquid water and water vapor, and convection of latent heat by water vapor. The main purpose from the analysis was to assess the hypothesis that the convection and latent heat flux are negligible which therefore supported the results obtained from the analysis in Chapters 2 and 4.

Capital investment reduction, exergetic efficiency improvement and material compatibility issues have been identified as the primary techno-economic challenges associated, with the near-term development and deployment of thermal energy storage (TES) in commercial-scale concentrating solar power plants. Three TES techniques have gained attention in the solar energy research community as possible candidates to reduce the cost of solar-generated electricity, namely (1) sensible heat storage, (2) latent heat (tank filled with phase change materials (PCMs) or encapsulated PCMs packed in a vessel) and (3) thermochemical storage. Among these the PCM macro-encapsulation approach seems to be one of the most-promising methods because of its potential to develop more effective energy exchange, reduce the cost associated with the tank and increase the exergetic efficiency. However, the technological barriers to this approach arise from the encapsulation techniques used to create a durable capsule, as well as an assessment of the fundamental thermal energy transport mechanisms during the phase change. A comprehensive study of the energy exchange interactions and induced fluid flow during melting and solidification of a confined storage medium is reported in this investigation from a theoretical perspective. Emphasis has been placed on the thermal characterization of a single constituent storage module rather than an entire storage system, in order to, precisely capture the energy exchange contributions of all the fundamental heat transfer mechanisms during the phase change processes. Two-dimensional, axisymmetric, transient equations for mass, momentum and energy conservation have been solved numerically by the finite volume scheme. Initially, the interaction between conduction and natural convection energy transport modes, in the absence of thermal radiation, is investigated for solar power applications at temperatures (300 - 400°). Later, participating thermal radiation within the storage medium has been included in order to extend the conventional natural convection-dominated model and to analyze its influence on the melting and freezing dynamics at elevated temperatures (800 - 850°). A parametric analysis has been performed in order to ascertain the effects of the controlling parameters on the melting/freezing rates and the total and radiative heat transfer rates at the inner surface of the shell. The results show that the presence of thermal radiation enhances the melting and solidification processes. Finally, a simplified model of the packed bed heat exchanger with multiple spherical capsules filled with the storage medium and positioned in a vertical array inside a cylindrical container is analyzed and numerically solved. The influence of the inlet mass flow rate, inner shell surface emissivity and PCM attenuation coefficient on the melting dynamics of the PCM has been analyzed and quantified.

This study focuses on the experimental and theoretical analyses of radiant ceiling performance and on the use of their simulation models as commissioning tools. A steady state model of such system appears to be an appropriate tool for preliminary calculation, design and diagnosis in commissioning processes. Therefore, the main objective is to support a Functional Performance Test of the system in order to verify the radiant ceiling performance in cooling and/or heating modes. A series of experimental results obtained for seven types of cooling ceilings are used in order to validate this model. A dynamic model is also proposed to interpret the interactions of the radiant ceiling system with its environment (walls, facade, internal loads and ventilation system). This dynamic model is used to support a global commissioning procedure, to verify the radiant ceiling behavior and to evaluate the comfort conditions of the occupants. In this modeling the resultant temperature is calculated as a comfort indicator, as it depends strongly on the transient variation of the surface temperatures in the room. Dynamic tests in heating and cooling mode are used to validate the model. As an example of model application, the cooling ceiling system of a commercial building in Brussels is experimentally evaluated. Commissioning test results show that the influence of surfaces temperatures inside the room, especially the facade and ventilation are significant and that the radiant ceiling system must be evaluated together with its designed environment and not as a separate HVAC equipment.

Thesis (D.W.S.)--Institute for Worship Studies, 2007. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 262-284).

Thesis (D.W.S.)--Institute for Worship Studies, 2007. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 262-284).

Foi projetado, construído e instalado um sistema bolométrico para a análise das descargas de plasma do TCABR. Este sistema possibilita a observação da coluna de plasma através de cordas caracterizadas por diferentes direções e ângulos. Os bolômetros utilizados são fotodiodos especiais, acondicionados em câmeras dotadas de colimadores para observação do plasma. A faixa espectral da sensibilidade dos fotodiôdos abrange desde o visível até a região de raios-X moles, energia de fótons desde 7 eV até 6.000 eV. Para este diagnóstico, foi construída uma eletrônica específica para amplificação dos sinais bolométricos. A resolução temporal do diagnóstico é de 3 ms devido a interferência gerada pelo tokamak. Com este sistema, foi obtido pela primeira vez no TCABR, o perfil da potência emitida pela coluna de plasma, sendo este o principal resultado deste trabalho. Para isto, foi desenvolvido um programa destinado a inverter os dados bolométricos utilizando como princípio o método de Abel. Uma série de descargas ôhmicas ( 0,9 X \"10 POT.19\" < ne < 2,0 X 10 POT.19\" \"m POT.3\" e 67 < \"I IND.p\" < 100 kA) foram estudadas com o diagnóstico. Obteve-se para o volume da coluna uma fração Prad/Poh não maior que 30%, valor semelhante ao obtido para o tokamak TCA. Observou-se também diferenças acentuadas para o perfil de potência emitido por descargas com baixos e altos valores da corrente de plasma. Estas diferenças são atribuídas principalmente ao aumento da temperatura eletrônica. A concentração de impurezas metálicas foi calculada no eixo da coluna, obtendo-se valores entre 0,9-1,2 X \"10 POT.17\" \"m POT.-3\" / In this work, a bolometric diagnostic system was projected, built and installed in the TCABR tokamak, in order to measure the total power radiation loss from the plasma. The system allows plasma observation through 27 lines of sight with different directions and angles. The detector used was a silicon p-n junction photodiode array, for applications in the vacuum ultraviolet and the soft x-ray (XUV, energy range 7 eV to 6 keV) spectral region. An electronic system for amplification of the bolometer signal was also projected and built. This system was projected taking into account the strong electromagnetic noise due to the tokamak operation. Using this bolometric system, the shape of the emitted power was obtained for the first time in the TCABR, and this is the main result of this work. To deal with the bolometric data, we developed a program based on the Abel inversion. A serie of ohmic discharges were studied with this diagnostic. The value of the Prad/Poh obtained for this serie was below 30%, in agreement with the old TCA data. The shape for discharges with high and low plasma current were also analyzed. We find a big difference in the two cases, showing the effect of electron temperature change. The metallic impurity density on axis were calculated using the value of Prad(0) experimentally obtained. For the serie of discharges analyzed, this value remained between 0,9-1,2 X \"10 POT.17\" \"m POT.-3\"

The process of urbanization dramatically alters the landscape which can have negative effects on the environment, and thereby, places the inhabitants and the city itself at risk. The development of an urban heat island can have severe health implications for city inhabitants during prolonged heat waves. Urbanisation also alters hydrological processes, which can place urban areas at a greater threat of surface flooding during heavy rainfall. As cities are continuing to expand, and as climate change proceeds, these problems are only likely to be exacerbated and there is a need to find ways to reduce these negative effects.This thesis builds upon previous modelling work on the effect of greenspace on the climate and hydrology of Manchester, U.K. The aims were to test the predictions of this model by investigating the effect of trees and grass in reducing surface temperatures and rainfall runoff, and further investigate their effects on air and globe temperatures. Surface, globe, and air temperatures were measured on grass and concrete areas in full sun and tree shade, both under large tree canopies, and below those of a range of street tree species. The rainfall runoff from experimental plots covered in asphalt, asphalt plus a tree and grass, was also investigated. Grass reduced surface temperatures in full sun by up to 24°C, in good agreement with previous models, but permanent tree shade reduced concrete temperatures by almost as much, up to 19°C. Tree shade also reduced globe temperatures by up to 7°C, a reduction which can improve human comfort on hot day. These results indicate that both forms of vegetation will act regionally, reducing the urban heat island effect, but that trees can dramatically improve the local environmental conditions. Street trees reduced surface and globe temperatures by rather less, 12°C and 4°C respectively, though trees with a higher leaf area index provided greater cooling. Because of advection neither trees nor small areas of grass had an effect on local air temperatures.Grass was most effective vegetation type at preventing rainfall runoff, reducing runoff coefficients of the plots from around 60% on asphalt to near zero. However, tree units also reduced the runoff coefficient to around 25%, despite having a canopy that covered only a small proportion of the plot, suggesting that much of the rainfall must have infiltrated into the planting hole. These reductions are higher than predicted by previous modelling, highlighting the importance of greenspace on the hydrology of the urban environment.The results suggest that trees and grass provide complementary environmental benefits in cities, and that the benefits of trees strongly depend on species and planting conditions

This report deals with the mathematical model of the transient behaviour of an existing ethane dehydrogenation furnace which is composed of two main sections: a preheating convection section and a radiant-heated section. The correlation of pressure drop with time has been found from the available data. The fractional carbon deposition and the multiplier coefficient of a pressure drop equation have been determined by the direct search optimization technique of Hooke and Jeeves. An optimal policy for the cyclic operation of the furnace was determined by considering plant temperature profile and hydrocarbon/ steam ration as parameters for maximizing average ethylene produced per day. The effect of temperature profile on the distribution of carbon deposited along the reactor was also predicted and discussed. / Thesis / Master of Engineering (ME)

No description available.

Creating a sense of place through a comfortable indoor condition is a goal of the architectural design process. Thermal comfort is an important component of this condition. To achieve thermally comfortable environments mechanical systems such as Radiant Cooling (RC) could be used. RC systems have potential benefit of lower energy consumption when compared to other common cooling, ventilating and air-conditioning systems. Decisions related to the use of mechanical systems such as these should be considered in the early stages of design to maximize the building performance through systems integration and minimize redesign as part of the design process. RC systems have several special demands and related variables. Architects, HVAC system engineers, and decision-makers have to understand these issues and variables and their impact on the other building performance mandates. Through this understanding, these professionals can better evaluate tradeoffs to reach the desired solution of the design problem. Unfortunately, in the United States few architects and engineers have experience with RC systems which in turn limits the application of these systems. Through systematic literature review, a series of case studies, and interviews with experienced professionals, this research captures and structures knowledge related to how decisions are made concerning RC systems. Through this knowledge capturing procedure, the relevant design performance mandates, barriers and constraints, and potential advantages and benefits of radiant cooling systems are determined and mapped to a decision-support framework. This framework is graphically presented which may later be translated to a decision-support software package which could then be developed as a radiant cooling system design assistance tool for architects and HVAC engineers. / Ph. D.