Recent orders
Repairing or replacement of Machine.
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From:Subject: Repairing or replacement of Machine.
Zenix Corporation has two options when it comes to the machine we are using. The first option is to replace the machine or to repair it but all these will depend on the available funds. Repairing the machine will require an outflow of $ 1,500,000. To replace the machine we will need an outflow of $ 9,000,000. It is evident that the cost of repairing is lower than the cost of replacing. This will cut down the number of returns from the customers and will increase the cash flow. On the other hand the cost of replacement is much higher than the cost of repairing but this will result in generation of new sales. Both of the options are capital budgeting decision and require huge amount of investment. So it is necessary to analyze profitability of each option before making any decision. For analyzing feasibility of both options we have used net present value method, internal rate of return, profitability index and payback period method of capital budgeting. Another important point to mention is that since the cost of capital is not certain and likely to vary between 10% to 14%, so, we have performed analysis by considering various WACC or required rate of return with five points at 9%, 11%, 13%, 15% and 17%. Thus there are five different analysis is performed for all the capital budgeting methods used in the analysis.
The result of all the analysis and all the methods are all at discount rate and are in favor of replacement of machinery. The option of replacement has higher net present value, higher internal rate of return and profitability index and lower payback period. Thus if the company has funds available then it is advisable to select the option of replacement of machinery as opposed to repairing the machine. It is important to mention that discounted payback period of the replacement option is more than three years with the cost of capital of 13% and above. So according to the discounted payback criteria this decision should be taken if the company can arrange funds at a cost of 11% or lower.
Solar Energy
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Subject:
Date: Solar Energy
Introduction
This research proposal posits to establish a platform for additional research on the suitability of solar thermal technology with a focus on the efficiency of solar energy.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
In order to realize the efficiency of solar energy, there is a need to develop appropriate technologies that would address this issue. However, these technologies should be feasible and replicable in order to be of use in realizing the efficiency of solar energy. Currently, the types of technologies that are being used are costly, and practically inadequate in realizing the efficiency of solar energy. In the absence of feasible technologies that would tap into the efficiency of solar energy, the benefits of solar energy will remain a mirage.
Proposal Statement. This paper proposes to review the accessible literature regarding efficiency of solar energy with a primary focus on solar thermal technology. The projected goals are:
To explain the suitability of solar thermal technology in relation to the efficiency of solar energy.
To determine if solar thermal technology would be a suitable option for implementation concerning to the efficiency of solar energy.
Scope. The literature review will include several scholarly articles on the suitability of solar thermal technology with a focus on the efficiency of solar energy, found via the Academic Search Premier database using the keywords solar energy efficiency, and solar thermal technology and published between the years 2000 and 2009.
Organization. This proposal entails an introduction into the efficacy of solar energy. The paper illustrates the need for research into solar thermal technology with a focus on realizing the benefits of the efficiency of solar energy.
Background. There are presently two techniques for collection of solar thermal energy. Line focus collection would be the first technique. The second technique is point focus collection. It is essential to note that, line focus is cheaper, and technically less complex, although it is not as resourceful as point focus. The foundation for this technology is usually a mirror that is parabola-shaped, that revolves on a single axis during the day as it tracks the sun. Point focus method requires a sequence of mirrors that surround a middle tower, referred to as a power tower. These mirrors are intended to focus the rays of the sun against a point on the tower. This subsequently converts the heat into utilizable energy. Although point focus is initially expensive and technically nuanced, it surpasses line focus in relation to results (Romero 75).
The subsequent research will endeavor to explain many of these attributes. Following the explanations of the attributes, the research will evaluate the suitability of solar thermal technology, in relation to efficiency in solar energy. It is essential to understand that solar thermal technology is different from photovoltaic, or solar panel technology. The solar thermal electric energy production concentrates the light originating from the sun to generate heat. Consequently, that heat is utilized to ignite a heat engine, which in turn runs a generator to produce electricity. A gas or liquid may be used as working fluid that is heated by the intense sunlight. There are several working fluids that can be used such as water, salts, oil, air, helium, or nitrogen, among many. Different kinds of engines can also be used, like steam engines, gas turbines, or Stirling engines. These engines are relatively efficient, usually in the range of 30% to 40%, and are able to produce up to 100’s of megawatts (MW) of power. Photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion, in contrast, converts the sun’s light directly into electricity (Romero 63). The PV technology means that the solar panels can only be effective in daylight hours, since storing electricity is not an efficient process. It is essential to note that, storage of solar heat is a lot easier as well as, an efficient method. This makes solar thermal increasingly attractive, because of its comparable efficiency in solar energy production on a large-scale. In solar thermal technology, solar heat is stored during daytime, and subsequently transformed into electricity. On the subject of efficiency, power stations that generate solar thermal have capacities for storage that significantly improve the distribution as well as economics of solar energy (Harmon 62).
In the subject of low-costs, as well as high unconstructive environmental impact, coal leads the way. On the contrary, solar thermal power presently leads as the most appropriate cost-effective technology in relation to efficiency of solar energy on a large scale. It presently beats related PV systems also beats the cost of electricity generated from fossil fuels. With the increasingly industrializing globe, the concern is, and will at all times be, how to this technology will be more economical.
Solar thermal technology is faced with several challenges. Among these challenges, the most evident is competition with the inexpensive and abundant coal. There in need for increased international pressure for more nations to begin taxing on carbon emissions. China and the U.S. should be on the frontline in this case. This is because there is an urgent need to close down the power stations that are coal-fired which are otherwise cheap sources of energy. It is apparent that new coal power stations are opened frequently in the People’s Republic of China (Righelato 100). Obviously, this growth will ultimately have a natural limit. However, at present such consumption and expansion is unconstructively impacting on the global climate change. Concerning the advancement and development of solar thermal, the speedy growth of China and related industrializing countries will hopefully divert from the coal power plants. Large scale transformation to solar thermal technology utilization around the globe will not transpire until solar thermal technology is perceived as the cheaper option. The leaders in the solar thermal industry anticipate reaching that point in a decade (Lane 97).
An additional challenge for solar thermal technology is the quantity of land space required for efficient generation of solar energy. The requisite space ought to be a space that receives a consistent quantity of direct sunlight. The solar thermal power plants characteristically require basically 1/4 to 1 sq. Mile or more of open space. This may be viewed as a silver lining considering the negative consequences of global change in climate, as well as human activity that has made huge chunks of land desolate. This presumably desolate land would be prime space for solar thermal energy generation (Yang 26).
Research Plan. The literature review will deal with the following objectives. The first objective in the research is to explain the suitability of solar thermal technology in reference to the efficiency of solar energy. In order to realize this goal, the research will rely on secondary information from reliable peer-reviewed sources. A second objective of the literature review is to determine if solar thermal technology might be a suitable option for implementation in pursuit of efficiency of solar energy. The research will base this evaluation on the aforementioned sources as well as International Energy Agency (IEA) standards.
Trends in research methods or results identifiable in the literature. In spite of hypothetical discussions that suggest the necessity for many types of approaches to empirical inquiries, research findings show that the vast majority of research remains in quantitative paradigms. However, in this research proposal, the quantitative research method has been utilized. This research method bears two considerable advantages. Firstly, it can be carried out and evaluated speedily. Secondly, numerical data acquired by means of this approach facilitates evaluation and allows determination of the degree of conformity or divergence in the study.
Identifiable weaknesses in the research method. In quantitative research method, the researcher may overlook a significant issue. In quantitative research methods, broad statistical analysis may be required. This may be complex, due to the fact that, most scientists are not proficient statisticians. Therefore, the analysis of data may be either faulty or simply inconsistent.Topics for Future Research. Solar thermal technology has an enormous potential for improvement that ought to be fully explored. Future research should include the subject of efficiency increase, and cost reduction of the solar collectors as well as, other components utilized in generation of solar thermal energy. Particularly, system technology as well as heat storage systems are fundamental elements which ought to be developed further.
Brief On Relevance of Articles. The following are the six sources that have been utilized in this paper. The researcher has provided a brief description of the articles and reasons why, the articles are relevant in the research.
Science, Goldemberg, J. ‘Sustainable Energy Future’.
This article has been utilized in this paper since it provides important information on the subject of efficiency of solar energy. It provides a thorough analysis of examples of projects in South America whereby solar energy is preferred as the most efficient source of energy.
Interim Report, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Harmon, C. “Experience Curves of Photovoltaic Technology.”
This publication focuses on technologies concerning renewable electricity. This article is relevant in the research since it provides important information on the solar power industry, concerning efficiency of solar energy.
Solar Heat Storage, Lane, G.
One of the greatest challenges in solar energy utilization is storage. This article provides critical information on the benefits of solar thermal technology since it grants technology for storage of the solar energy. It supports the research proposal in that it considers solar thermal technology as an efficient form of solar power generation.
Science, Righelato, R. ‘Environment: Carbon Mitigation by Bio-fuels or Saving & Restoring Forests?
Although this article discusses at length on the subject of bio-fuels, it provides critical information on the benefits of solar energy in terms of its efficiency. It provides detailed analysis on why solar thermal technology is the most efficient form of solar energy production today.
Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, Transactions of the ASME, Romero, M. ‘Update on Solar Central Receiver Systems, Projects, & Technologies.’
This article is relevant in this research proposal since it provides important information concerning solar thermal technologies. It highlights the efficiency of solar energy through the utilization of solar thermal technologies.
Energy Policy, Yang, M, ‘China’s Energy Efficiency Target 2010.’
The relevance of this article ion this research is that it discusses the challenges that China faces concerning energy efficiency. It provides pertinent information concerning efficiency of solar energy.
CONCLUSION
The benefits of doing away with coal from the energy diet are numerous. If mankind desisted from burning of fossil fuels, numerous countries would be truly independent in terms of energy. Currently, solar thermal plants are under construction in several places across the globe. Solar thermal is currently, the solar electricity most economical approach. However, more development is required to compete with the cheapest fossil fuels in a lawmaking environment devoid of carbon taxes or subsidies. This paper provides a proposed research that would focus on the suitability of solar thermal technology with a focus on the efficiency of solar energy. The research that has been forthwith proposed will realize the following objectives: (1) explain the suitability of solar thermal technology with reference to the efficiency of solar energy and (2) determine if solar thermal technology might be a suitable option for implementation in the pursuit of efficiency of solar energy. The research proposal requests for further research in the subject discussed.
Works Cited
Goldemberg, J. ‘Sustainable Energy Future,’ Science. 35. 5813 (2009): pp. 808-810. Print.
Harmon, C. “Experience Curves of Photovoltaic Technology,” Interim Report, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis 25.6 (2000): 25. Print.
Lane, G. Solar Heat Storage, London: Thames & Hudson. 2007. Print.
Righelato, R. ‘Environment: Carbon Mitigation by Bio-fuels or Saving & Restoring Forests? Science 317.5840 (2007): 902. Print.
Romero, M. ‘Update on Solar Central Receiver Systems, Projects, & Technologies,’ Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, Transactions of the ASME 124. 4(2002): 63. Print.
Yang, M. ‘China’s Energy Efficiency Target 2010’, Energy Policy 36. 2 (2008): pp 561-570. Print.
prince of mars
Name
Professor
Course
Date
Introduction
Prince of mars is like many other books written in the 19th century. The novel begins with the author discovering a manuscript and remembering his uncle’s memory. Burroughs has used the instrument well to create legendary of john cater and later goes direct into the story. The first chapter is well elaborated as john cater goes to mass and discovers that he is stronger than most people there and this impresses the natives. Here Burroughs has portrayed john Cater as a strong character physically who can use his muscles to challenge anything (Burroughs, 201o). Burroughs has used a lot of time describing the outside world and this makes current readers complain of the author dumping information that does not make sense. There is no need for the reader to complain because this is the style that was used beck in those days. At the end of chapter, one John cater falls in love after meeting the princess of mars Dejah Thoris. Burroughs has portrayed John cater as an extraordinary person who is strong and has fallen in love with the princess of mars.
Burroughs has portrayed John Cater as an extraordinary person with superior strength, very attractive, intelligent and has problem solving skills. This makes him extraordinary and that there is nothing he cannot do in mars. It appears as God created Cater from 20 natural people and cater knows how to take advantage of his gift (Burroughs, 2010). He has established a strategy of moving on the low gravity of mars. He uses his knowledge of civil war battle in fighting alongside the aliens of different races. He is not amazed by the green color of people in mars. John cater learns to speak alien language despite coming from earth and the only language he knew was English.
It is not surprising that he win the trust of people around him. The few people who do not like him are evil and the reader knows that they will get punishment from Carters sword. The other part of the story is a narration of bringing carter together with Thoris. The two couples are separated on the second chapter and the author focuses on bringing them together (Burroughs, 2010). The author is a leader who leads good aliens against evil aliens. It is interesting to understand that there are honorable aliens and evil aliens.
The book is very interesting and world building even though aliens are appears more like human. This is not a failure because that is how most books were written during that time. The author has used the characters consistently hence, the reader cannot move out of the story.
John cater is a mysterious man from Virginia and was a captain who fought in the civil war on confederate side. During the end of the war, he goes looking for gold in Arizona as he encounters attacks from Apaches. He is miraculously transported to mars while he is in search for his gold. John cater disappears for nine years in mars and people on earth thinks that he is dead only to appear settling in a house in adjacent to Hudson river. Later he dies and leaves a manuscript for Burroughs and he refers to Cater as his uncle. John leaves his nephew with a manuscript, which he is not supposed to publish for anther 21 years. Cater claims that he does not remember his life before the age of 30 and he has never aged. He is skilled with a lot of strategy and weapons including firearms and weapons. He is physically attractive, with black hair and gray eyes. He is a honorable man courageous and very positive thinking in the inside.
The novel is full of sword fighting and it is an example of 20th century fiction. It is also an example of romantic mars play with science fantasy (Burroughs, 2010). The begging chapters of the book contain western elements. The setting of the story is in Mars that is imagined as a dying desert with harsh conditions. Mars vision is connected to the works of an astronomer known as Lowell whose ideas were very popular in the 19th and 20th century. This book became an inspiration to scientist who wanted to discover life out of earth. The novel is classified as science fantasy but is also contains planetary romance associated with swords and witchcraft. The difference it noted by including scientific elements. Planetary romance is evident during sword fighting and swashbuckling.
The story starts from the west just after the civil war. Carter and his friends are mining gold when Indians ambush them. Carters escape to Top Mountain when his friend is killed but mysterious gases paralyze him. Since he cannot move, he desperately looks at his body. It appears as if he has turned into a ghost and has drawn in the red planet. After getting into the planet, he notices that he is more human but has lots of strength that makes him able to walk on low gravity. He has enough energy for fighting the aliens. He is strong enough that he fights the aliens without difficulty and reaps their heads. Carter is daring as he goes to one of the alien’s incubators where he risks to be killed. Aliens are impressed by his strength and ability to fight and they carter as a prisoner. He later learns that the aliens live to fight and respect brutal actions.
Watching John cater appears to be a disaster since it is created from confusing circles. The movie has enough visual elements and good production values but its major problem is a lot of story telling. It is difficult to keep track for the many characters that are in the movie. It is quite easy for a person who has read the book princess of mars to understand the movie John Cater. This is because there is direct connection of the movie to the book (Chmielewski & Keegan, 2012). John Cater is a soldier who fought during the civil war but apparently turns to be an animal and uncontrollable. This is partly because of family problems and he is ready to fight anyone and everyone. Circumstances take him to mars where he jumps through the lighter gravity. This ability impresses the fiercest worriers including an energetic princess who is being forced by his father to marry their enemies to create a peaceful relationship. The question the reader is asking himself is whether Cater will be mixed up in battles that are not his own. This epic production is so physically real that it is difficult to tell whether it is magic.
This is a challenging movie to understand since there many changes in character. The biggest edit in the movie is 9-foot tall green aliens that inhabited world of Barsoom. The true nature of aliens should be like giant insects with bug eyes. The director of the movie tried to make the aliens appear as humans thus make them able to emote. This does not give the real picture of aliens since they do not have the intended impact to the viewers.
Conclusion
Burroughs has portrayed John cater as an extraordinary person who is strong and has fallen in love with the princess of mars. It is not surprising that he win the trust of people around him. The few people who do not like him are evil and the reader knows that they will get punishment from Carters sword. Burroughs has portrayed John Cater as an extraordinary person with superior strength, very attractive, intelligent and has problem solving skills. John cater is a mysterious man from Virginia and was a captain who fought in the civil war on confederate side. The novel is full of sword fighting and it is an example of 20th century fiction. It is also an example of romantic mars play with science fantasy. The story starts from the west just after the civil war. Carter and his friends are mining gold when Indians ambush them. Watching John cater appears to be a disaster since it is created from confusing circles. This is a challenging movie to understand since there many changes in character. The movie has enough visual elements and good production values but its major problem is a lot of story telling.
Reference
Burrughs, E. (2010). A prince of mars. Retrieved on may 27 2013 from,
<http://escapepod.org/2010/11/08/book-review-a-princess-of-mars-by-edgar-rice-burroughs/>
Chmielewski, D & Keegan, R. (2012). Why did Disney’s ‘John Carter’ flop? Retrieved on May 27 2013 from,
< http://articles.latimes.com/2012/mar/13/entertainment/la-et-john-carter-flop-20120313>