EPRI Journal articles from September 1996

EPRI Journal archives from September 1996

Global climate change: sunspots revisited.
September 1, 1996... For nearly two centuries, scientists have speculated about the possible effect of sunspots on global climate, but the mechanism that might be involved has remained a matter of considerable controversy. A central question is how total solar...

Genetic engineering holds promise for affordable biomass.
September 1, 1996... In recent years, genetic engineering has been used to produce tastier tomatoes, virus-resistant squash, and cotton plants that can kill insects. Now, with support from EPRI and others, this relatively new realm of science could also help make...

Preserving biodiversity: a delicate balance. (ecosystem protection efforts by electric utilities)(includes related articles)(Cover Story)
September 1, 1996... Like the threads of a spider's web, diverse species in a natural region are interdependent. Just as the loss of a single thread in a web can weaken the whole structure, the loss of an individual species can disrupt an entire ecosystem. Electric...

New water regulations on the horizon.
September 1, 1996... THE STORY IN BRIEF Coming changes in the nation's water quality laws and regulations could impose major new requirements and substantial additional costs on utilities. Yet many proposed tougher limits on chemical discharges may lack a sound...

High value for condition assessment. (examining power plant components)(includes related article on Condition and Remaining Life Assessment)
September 1, 1996... THE STORY IN BRIEF Assessing the condition and remaining life of high-temperature power plant components can help a utility optimize inspection and maintenance schedules, make replacement decisions, and avoid premature equipment failure....

Advances in solid-oxide fuel cells.
September 1, 1996... Fuel cells - a clean noncombustion technology for producing electricity from natural gas, light hydrocarbons, or other fossil fuels - are developing as an attractive generation option for utilities. The fundamental technology was invented more...