Researchers at the University of Minnesota have apparently discovered a better way to convert biomass into biofuel.
Here is a blurb from an article in The Minnesota Daily:
The new process creates a product known as synthesis gas, or syngas, which can be used to make artificial gasoline or be put into fuel cells to generate electricity.
“It’s called synthesis gas because it’s a gas used to synthesize useful liquids,” Schmidt said.
Dreyer, a fourth-year graduate student, said the system - called a catalytic fuel reformer - works by first heating a disk made of catalyst material to 1,000 degrees Celsius. Then soybean oil is sprayed directly onto the disk, and, as droplets hit the glowing catalyst, they blow apart. As the fragments pass through, they react with oxygen, creating syngas.
Although researchers used soybean oil and sugar to test their system, Schmidt said, the process will work for any kind of biomass.
Potential sources of biomass include trees, plants such as switchgrass or even manure.
According to the researchers, the catalytic fuel reformer is 10 to 100 times faster than conventional technology. As a result, the size of this system can be much smaller, making transportation a viable option (ie. take the reactor to where the materials are located, thus lowering transportation/environmental costs).
More research is certainly needed before we see too many real-world applications, but this definitely sounds like an interesting technology to keep our eyes on!
Again, here’s the link to the original article: U researchers develop alternative energy sources
Technorati Tags: syngas, synthesis gas, biofuel, alternative energy, hydrogen, university of minnesota, catalytic fuel reformer
Written by Bentley on November 6th, 2006 with no comments.
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Not exactly the name I’d expect for a new governmental program, but as I learned this morning this is in fact the name of a new appliance recycling program here in Ontario.
Essentially, the long and the short of it is that the province will now pick up any old inefficient fridges/freezers and take them away to be recycled for free. According to an article at CBC.ca normal disposal fees are about $110, so the program will undoubtedly generate a lot of interest.
I think this is fantastic idea! I wish this had been in place when we moved into our present home - the previous owners kindly left us with an old dilapitated refrigerator down in the basement. (Luckily my brother in-law has a large pick-up and offered to haul it away for us)
Here is an interesting blurb:
The province estimates that eliminating 1,000 inefficient refrigerators will save enough electricity to power more than 130 homes. Newer fridge models can be up to four times more energy efficient than older models.
Hydro Ottawa collected 2,500 old fridges and freezers in a pilot program last summer while London Hydro picked up 10,000 old fridges, saving an estimated 13.6 million kilowatt hours.
Here is an great video clip all about the program: A-Channel News - Beer Fridge Bounty (See the “Click Here to Get Video Story” box)
And the CBC article: Ontario launches new energy saving programs
Technorati Tags: beer fridge, beer fridge bounty, ontario government, dalton mcguinty, recycling, freezers, refrigerators
Written by Bentley on November 6th, 2006 with no comments.
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I came across an interesting little gadget via an article at Mother Earth News. It’s called the Pak-Lite, and is a very small but powerful LED flashlight.
Apparently it was originally designed as a ultra-lightweight flashlight for an extended backpacking expedition, but the idea stuck and Pak-Lite has evolved into a successful family-based business.
Clearly the marriage of ingenuity and utter simplicity, the device essentially consists of a small plastic cap with two “super bright” LED bulbs that snaps onto a 9 volt battery! It weighs in at a whopping 1.5 ounces (with battery), and has 3 settings - Off, Low & High.
Aside from the super-compact size, what’s great about this little light is that it lasts for a LONG time. In a test using a lithium battery (which lasts longer than alkaline) the Pak-Lite remained lit (on “Low” setting) for ONE FULL YEAR! I’ve accidentally left my favourite small flashlight on for one night and it had no juice by morning! According to the FAQ, the bulbs themselves are rated for a mere 100,000 hours! 
As for cost - you can get the basic model for just under $13 USD (includes battery), and a more souped-up (ie brighter/longer-lasting) version for about twice that.
I was happy to see that they ship outside the US (for an additional $3, I believe) - I think I’m going to grab a couple of these! I’m sick of my big flashlights that burn through batteries in no time flat.
I will be sure to write another post once they arrive and I’ve had the chance to test one of them out!
Be sure to check out the Official Pak-Lite Website
And here is a link to the Mother Earth News article if you are interested: Bright Light in the Palm of Your Hand
Technorati Tags: pak-lite, flashlight, LED, batteries, gadgets, backpacking
Written by Bentley on November 6th, 2006 with no comments.
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