ENERGY MANAGEMENT SIMULATORS
There are now eight simulator packages available. The newest versions are the WORLD ENERGY--2006 and the U.S. ENERGY--2005 packages which are described below. Two other relatively new packages include an international version of the Energy Project 2100 software described below and a simplified version of the same software that can be run in 15 minutes or less. There is also a new U.S. Energy 2004, which is an updated and simplified version of the 2001 simulator. Each simulator puts the student in charge of some aspects of national energy management. In most cases, the primary control is over the actual resources used to provide energy. The 2001 U.S. simulator is more detailed but also requires more time to complete than the newer 2004 version. The Energy Project 2100 package is very detailed in looking at moving the energy resources from the fossil fuels to renewable energies, but because of the intrinsic 5-year time increments can be completed in a reasonably short time. The World simulator can be used for either detailed study of the international picture or in an automated mode to quickly 'see' what happens as certain key parameters (such as population growth) are adjusted--the newer 2006 version being optimized for this kind of study.
See the descriptions below for more details.
WORLD ENERGY (MODEL 2) (NEW 10-25-06)
WINDOWS and MAC (Classic Environment) (1024x768 RESOLUTION or higher)
This newest simulator is designed to quickly examine a variety of goals set either universally for all the planet or individually by the six main regions (Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Oceania). These goals include population growth, living standard, and the mix of energy resources to be used in the future. The primary aim of the simulator is to allow the user to change one or two parameters and quickly see the result this has on the future. The main interaction is therefore in setting up the initial conditions and goals for the simulation. For a more 'play time interaction' see the World Energy simulator below.
REQUIREMENTS: Win 98/ME/2000/XP, a Pentium-4 level processor (1 GHz or faster is recommended), a video card displaying at 1024x768 screen resolution and in high-color (15-16 bit) or true-color (24-32 bit) color depths. Memory requirements: 128 Megs are recommended.
UNITED STATES ENERGY (MODEL 4) (NEW 07-26-05)
WINDOWS AND MAC (OS-X needs the Classic Environment) (1024x768 RESOLUTION or higher)
The latest version of the basic U.S. Energy Management software is now available.
This new version tries to combine the best of the earlier simulators with the more recent series based on our yearly class project www.saintmarys.edu/~rtarara/ENERGY_PROJECT/ENERGY2100.htm. Some of the features of the new model include:
1) Relatively short execution time for the entire simulation.
2) A more complete and sophisticated model than previous simulations.
3) More user adjustable parameters. For example, immigration is a separate factor in population growth and can be adjusted in a number of ways.
4) New graphics.
REQUIREMENTS: Win 98/ME/2000/XP, a Pentium-4 level processor (1 GHz or faster is recommended), a video card displaying at 1024x768 screen resolution and in high-color (15-16 bit) or true-color (24-32 bit) color depths. Memory requirements: 128 Megs are recommended. Mac requirements are similar--OS 9 or emulation.
ENERGY FOR THE 22ND CENTURY: (NEW 11/30/04)
WINDOWS (1024x768 RESOLUTION or higher):
MAC VERSION (OS-X needs the Classic Environment)--(1024x768 RESOLUTION or higher):
This simulator is a much simplified version of the EnergyProject 2100 simulator described below. The entire simulation can be completed in just a few minutes. The goal, however, is the same--to provide energy into the next century without the Fossil fuels (coal can be optionally included). The simulator will emphasize the number of plants/units needed, the land use, and the capital costs involved. This simulator would be well suited for High School use.
REQUIREMENTS: Win 95/98/ME/NT4.x/2000/XP, a Pentium level processor (300 MHz or faster is recommended), a video card displaying at 1024x768 screen resolution and in high-color (15-16 bit) or true-color (24-32 bit) color depths. Memory requirements: 128 Megs are recommended. Mac requirements are similar--OS 9 or above is recommended.
INTERNATIONAL ENERGY:
(SPANISH LANGUAGE VERSION--WINDOWS ONLY--AVAILABLE)
WINDOWS (1024x768 RESOLUTION or higher):
MAC VERSION (OS-X needs the Classic Environment)--(1024x768 RESOLUTION or higher):
Based on the software described below (Energy Project 2100), this new package allows one to play different regions or countries. These include the WORLD, AFRICA, ASIA, WESTERN EUROPE, EASTERN EUROPE, SCANDINAVIA, CENTRAL AMERICA, MIDDLE EAST, AUSTRALIA, BRAZIL, CANADA, CHINA, FRANCE, GERMANY, INDIA, ITALY, JAPAN, MEXICO, NEW ZEALAND, ROMANIA, RUSSIA, SPAIN, TURKEY, UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES.
Requirements are the same as above.
SPECIAL NOTE: The INTERNATIONAL PROJECT may not run on a network because the large amount of graphic data and large number of parameters may require that the program write a temporary file. On most network setups, the user doesn't have write access. It is possible that your network administrator can allow this program to write such files or perhaps your network works differently than ours. Please check that the program does run in a network environment before using it with students.
U.S. ENERGY (MODEL 2): UPDATED 04/02/09
WINDOWS (1024x768 RESOLUTION or higher):
MAC VERSION (OS-X needs the Classic Environment) (1024x768 RESOLUTION or higher)
This is a simplified version of the model-1 simulator still available (see below). In the new version, the initial Scenario setup has been simplified, the actual play of the simulation has been simplified, and there is an option to increase the time increment to 5-years and thus permit completion of the simulation in about 1/5 the normal time. All data have been updated. This version does not contain the animated tutorials, but these can be accessed by downloading the Animated Chalkboard--Energy package. Recent updates provide a more realistic time-line for new energy technology growth.
The primary goal for the student is to maintain a standard of living close to that at the start of the simulation. While the living standard takes into account both increasing efficiency and conservation initiatives, dwindling reserves makes the process difficult.
REQUIREMENTS: Win 95/98/ME/NT4.x/2000/XP, a Pentium level processor (300 MHz or faster is recommended), a video card displaying at 1024x768 screen resolution and in high-color (15-16 bit) or true-color (24-32 bit) color depths. Memory requirements: 128 Megs are recommended. Mac requirements are similar--OS 9 or above is recommended.
US ENERGY (MODEL 3):
WINDOWS (1024x768 RESOLUTION or higher):
MAC VERSIONS (OS-X needs the Classic Environment) (1024x768 RESOLUTION or higher)
This program is an energy simulation that follows the general guidelines of my Physics 102 (Energy) class project. See www.saintmarys.edu/~rtarara/ENERGY_PROJECT/ENERGY2100.htm for details on that project. This new simulator is more compact and plays more quickly than the two simulators below. It deals more specifically with the task of replacing oil and natural gas with renewable resources by having the student decide how many wind generators, photo-voltaic panels, new dams, new nuclear plants, new geothermal plants, acres of farmland to dedicate to fuel crops, etc. The cost of all of this is a major factor and includes both debt service and the replacement costs of units that wear out. Other factors are considered such as increased efficiencies and possible conservation steps as well as the need to store some of the solar and wind energy. By using five-year steps and the ability to retain most settings, the exercise can be completed relatively quickly. There are both instruction and tutorial files as well.
Below are two screen shots from this new software.
This version is specific to the U.S. although the U.S. is included in the data set for the International Energy Project package as well. This program may or may not run in a network environment. If it fails to write a temporary file, check with your network administrator about giving the program permission to do so.
REQUIREMENTS: Win 95/98/ME/NT4.x/2000/XP, a Pentium level processor (300 MHz or faster is recommended), a video card displaying at 1024x768 screen resolution and in high-color (15-16 bit) or true-color (24-32 bit) color depths. Memory requirements: 128 Megs are recommended. Mac requirements are similar--OS 9 or above is recommended.
WORLD ENERGY SIMULATOR (model 1) FOR WIN 95/98/ME/NT4.x/2000/XP & POWERMACS
This is a 'game-style' simulator that puts the student in control of the Supply and Demand for energy throughout the world. Each of 6 regions must be maintained based on choices of Scenario which include factors such as population and economic growth rates, undiscovered resources, efficiency improvements, etc. The goal is to reach a point in the future where the energy demands can be met totally with renewable energy resources. Students are rated on whether they can minimize shortages and environmental damage. Text and animated tutorials are included along with built in instructions for play.
The resolution and color requirements are restricted--see REQUIREMENTS.
REQUIREMENTS: Win 95/98/ME/NT4.x/2000/XP, a Pentium level processor (166 MHz or faster is recommended), a video card displaying at 1024x768 or 800x600 screen resolutions and in high-color (15-16 bit) or true-color (24-32 bit) color depths. Memory requirements of 32-64 Megs are recommended--on slow machines and those with less than 32 Megs of memory, a special graphics mode can be setup to speed execution and reduce memory problems. POWERMACS--G3 or G4 is recommended but will run on most older models. 1024x768 or 800x600 resolution is required and thousands or millions of colors.
UNITED STATES ENERGY SIMULATOR (MODEL 1) FOR
WIN 95/98/ME/NT4.x/2000/XP & MACS (OS-9 or emulation)
This energy simulator concentrates on the United States. Like the World Simulator (above) the student 'plays' the game of maintaining a balance between supply and demand with an eye towards the environment. The game play in this version requires more control of the demands than in the World version. Various pre-set scenarios can be played or one can be customized to reflect certain predictions about the future. Students are rated based on how well they avoid shortages and how well they maintain the environment. Again text and animated tutorials and a built in instruction set are included.
REQUIREMENTS: Win 95/98/ME/NT4.x/2000/XP, a Pentium level processor (133MHz or faster is recommended but any Pentium or even 486 should work), a video card displaying at 640x480, 800x600, or 1024x768 screen resolutions and in high-color (15-16 bit) or true-color (24-32 bit) color depths. {1024x768 and true-color is recommended.} 256 color mode may work, but probably not on a network. Equivalent resolutions are supported on the Mac running in 'thousands' or 'millions' color modes. Classic Environment is needed under OS-X. Memory requirements: 32-64 Megs are recommended.