Should energy efficiency be traded off for other product attributes? : an analysis of air-conditioner regulation in Japan

This paper examines the functioning of energy efficiency standards and labeling policies for air conditioners in Japan. The results of our empirical analysis suggest that consumers respond more to label information, which benchmarks the energy efficiency performance of each product to a pre-specified target, than to direct performance measures. This finding provides justification for the setting, and regular updating, of target standards as well as their use in calculating relative performance measures. We also find, through graphical analysis, that air conditioner manufacturers face a tradeoff between energy efficiency and product compactness when they develop their products. This tradeoff, combined with the semi-regular upward revision of minimum energy efficiency standards, has led to the growth in indoor unit size of air conditioners in recent years. In the face of this phenomenon, regulatory rules were revised so that manufacturers could adhere to less stringent standards if the indoor unit size of their product remains below a certain size. Our demand estimates provide no evidence that larger indoor unit size causes disutility to consumers. It is therefore possible that the regulatory change was not warranted from a consumer welfare point of view.

Adenylate concentration and energy charge in different thallus regions and after UV radiation in brown, red and green algae

A method was developed to extract adenine nucleotides AMP, ADP, and ATP from marine macroalgal tissue to gain information on the cellular energy charge. Quantification was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Three species from the rocky shore of the island of Helgoland (German Bight) were examined: Laminaria saccharina (Phaeophyta), Chondrus crispus (Rhodophyta), and Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyta). In L. saccharina and C. crispus, the adenylate energy charge (AEC) was determined in different thallus regions. AEC varied in relation to tissue age and function. Higher AEC values typically occurred in thallus regions with meristematic activity. Furthermore, L. saccharina and U. lactuca were exposed to UV-A and elevated UV-B radiation. The AEC was calculated and the maximal quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) was determined as indicators for UV stress. In both species, the AEC remained at high values (0.72 ± 0.04), while Fv/Fm dropped rapidly. The results show that the photosynthesis of the phaeophyte is more resistant to UV radiation than the chlorophyte.

Evaluation of operation and maintenance factors limiting municipal wastewater treatment plant performance /

Mode of access: Internet.

A demonstrated approach for improving performance and reliability of biological wastewater treatment plants /

Mode of access: Internet.

Performance testing of an improved driver restraint system for subcompact cars. Volume II - final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.

Performance characteristics of automotive engines in the United States. First series--report no. 12. 1975 Perkins diesel 247 CID (4.0 liters), F.I. Interim report.

Transportation Systems Center, Cambridge, Mass.

Performance characteristics of automotive engines in the United States. First series--report no. 13. 1975 American Motors 258 CID (4.2 liters), 1V. Interim report.

Transportation Systems Center, Cambridge, Mass.

Performance characteristics of automotive engines in the United States. Second series--report no. 1. 1976 Chevrolet Vega 140 CID (2.3 liters), 2V. Interim report.

Transportation Systems Center, Cambridge, Mass.

Performance characteristics of automotive engines in the United States. Second series--report no. 2. 1976 Chevrolet 305 CID (5.0 liters), 2V. Interim report.

Transportation Systems Center, Cambridge, Mass.

Performance characteristics of automotive engines in the United States. Second series--report no. 3. 1977 Chrysler 225 CID (3.7 liters), 2V. Interim report.

Transportation Systems Center, Cambridge, Mass.

Performance characteristics of automotive engines in the United States. First series--report no. 16. 1975 Volvo 121 CID (2.0 liters), F.I. Interim report.

Transportation Systems Center, Cambridge, Mass.

Performance characteristics of automotive engines in the United States. First series--report no. 17. 1975 Buick 455 CID (7.5 liters), 4V. Interim report.

Transportation Systems Center, Cambridge, Mass.National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.

Performance characteristics of automotive engines in the United States. First series--report no. 18. 1976 Ford 400 CID (6.6 liters), 2V. Interim report.

Transportation Systems Center, Cambridge, Mass.

Performance characteristics of automotive engines in the United States. First series--report no. 19. 1975 Ford Windsor 351 CID (5.7 liters), 2V. Interim report.

Transportation Systems Center, Cambridge, Mass.

Performance characteristics of automotive engines in the United States. First series--report no. 20. 1975 Chevrolet 350 CID (5.7 liters) with Dresser variable - area Venturi system. Interim report.

Transportation Systems Center, Cambridge, Mass.