Biodiesel is beginning to make its way into the aviation jetfuel market, several flights have already been made using various biofuel combinations. This Delfin L-29 was the first jet aircraft to fly on 100 percent biodiesel and the first to fly trans-continental on biofuel.
At the time of this writing, the current bid is over $30,000 but the reserve is not met. They'll take a MiG 21 in trade though, if you have one in the hanger.
Link: BioJet - auction has ended
Vegawatt is the next step in biofuel evolution from waste product to low priced commodity to valuable resource. Vegawatt is an onsite generator installed next to a restaurant or any food service facility that uses cooking oil. The waste oil is poured into Vegawatt and out comes electricity and preheated water, eliminating disposal costs and reducing electric bills at the same time.
The Vegawatt filters the waste vegetable oil producing a very clean fuel, though they are very specific in saying this is not biodiesel, no chemicals such as lye are needed. The diesel generator produces electricity which is delivered to the restaurant's power panel through a single wired connection. Water lines are run through the system's heat exchanger to preheat water before going to the restaurant's boiler, reducing energy needs there as well. The compact unit sits outside looking like the backup generators commonly found outside many businesses though this generator runs any time waste oil is available. The company says it is sized for a facility with 3 to 5 deep fryers.
Vegawatt eliminates disposal costs completely and, though some restaurants were selling their waste oil for 25 cents to 40 cents per gallon, the Vegawatt can save about $2.50 per gallon in electric charges depending on the energy costs in the area it's installed. The unit costs $22,000 with estimates of energy savings of $1,000 per month.
The Vegawatt is made by the Owl Power Company of Boylston, MA, founded by James Peret. Mr. Peret holds his engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
This is a great idea and makes you wonder why it took so long before someone did it.
Engine #9 at the Mount Washington Cog Railway has been converted to run a diesel engine on biodiesel instead of coal powered steam. The formal unveiling will take place September 6th.
Located on Mount Washington in New Hampshire, the Cog Railway has been taking visitors to the 6288 foot summit since 1869. It was the world's first mountain climbing cog railway. The steepest section of the climb, named Jacob's Ladder, is a 37 percent grade where the front and rear of the train are separated by an elevation difference of 13 feet. Sounds like an interesting ride!
Link: Cog Railway
Biodiesel from algae is an idea that has been around for a while and it's rapidly gaining proponents. Solazyme has now road tested a standard diesel automobile with Soladiesel, their algae derived biodiesel and report success over long distances under typical driving conditions.
Press release follows:
Solazyme, Inc., a synthetic biology company unleashing the power of aquatic microbes to create clean and scalable solutions for biofuel, industrial chemical, and health and wellness markets, today revealed the first ever algae-derived biodiesel fuel (Soladiesel™) to have undergone road testing by successfully powering a factory-standard automobile for long distances under typical driving conditions. The car and fuel will make their public debuts at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, where they are also featured in Fields of Fuel, Josh Tickell's documentary about renewable fuels. Soladiesel biodiesel is clean, renewable, environmentally sustainable and scalable.
The algal biodiesel fueling the car is made through Solazyme's proprietary process for manufacturing high-value, functionally-tailored oils from algae. This process, which uses standard industrial fermentation equipment, yields a biofuel that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and is biodegradable, nontoxic and safe. Solazyme is currently producing thousands of gallons of algal oil and recently signed a biodiesel feedstock development and testing agreement with Chevron Technology Ventures, a division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
"Biodiesel from algae changes the landscape of renewable fuels," said Jonathan Wolfson, chief executive officer of Solazyme. "The concept of algal biofuel has been discussed for decades, and Solazyme's technology finally provides a scalable solution based on proven industrial processes. This fuel is just the first example of how algal oil will help the environment through new products that offer attractive economics and performance, as well as environmental benefits."
Soladiesel exceeds both the requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) biodiesel standard D6751 and EN 14214, the European standard, which ensures that biodiesel can safely run any existing diesel engine. The car demonstrating Solazyme's biofuel at Sundance is running on its original, factory-standard diesel engine with no modifications, and is powered by the highest blend of biodiesel that engine manufacturers currently certify. By operating in the typical sub-freezing temperatures for the area in January, it also illustrates how Soladiesel provides better temperature properties than any traditional biodiesel.
"In demonstrating this new fuel alternative, we're responding to the need for a near-term solution that will also be cost effective and sustainable," added Harrison Dillon, president and chief technology officer of Solazyme. "Our technology combines all the key components: low carbon footprint, environmental sustainability, certified compatibility with existing vehicles and infrastructure, and energy security for our country."
Link: Solazyme
Related: Algae Cleans the Air Produces Biodiesel
Hummers get a lot of criticism from almost everyone these days as low mileage machines out of tune with the current energy times, after all, 8 or 9 mpg is tough to swallow with $3.00+ gasoline. So how about a biodiesel powered Hummer that gets 19 mpg with 500 hp and 900 ft lbs of torque to go along with it? Johnathan Goodwin has a conversion shop, SAE Energy, in Wichita, Kansas and his Hummers have been getting a lot of attention, too, but for a very good reason. He's the man behind the high power, high mileage, petroleum free machines being ordered by those who can afford the clean conversions. He's doing a Jeep for Arnold Schwarzenegger and converting a 1960 Lincoln for Neil Young. He's been written up in magazines and he's getting quite a reputation as the man who can do what Detroit doesn't.
Goodwin is the man responsible for the Biodiesel Chevy Impala we mentioned here before. He also does biodiesel hybrids that combine the biodiesel engines with electric motors for very high mileage and high performance.
This Hummer is a good example of his biodiesel conversions. It's completely custom, starting out as a 2006 Hummer H2, it has a 2004 body and a 2006 LBZ Duramax diesel engine and Allison 6 speed transmission. 20 inch wheels, custom interior and equipment, why give up the comfort and performance when you can be clean and green? Very cool.
Link: SAE Energy
 Do It Yourself Guide to Biodiesel: Your Alternative Fuel Solution for Saving Money, Reducing Oil Dependency, and Helping the Planet List Price: Sale Price: $10.85 You save: $5.10 (32%) Average Rating:  |