Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, the potential for generating electricity from tidal energy and waste-to-energy projects

In the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, the potential for generating electricity from tidal energy and waste-to-energy projects is promising due to its geographic and socio-economic characteristics.

1. Tidal Energy Potential

Sri Lanka is an island nation with a long coastline, including the Eastern Province, which borders the Indian Ocean. Tidal energy harnesses the movement of ocean tides, and Sri Lanka's geographical location offers certain areas with moderate tidal ranges, especially in the east and northeast. However, tidal energy projects are often capital-intensive, and their success depends on factors such as:

• Tidal range and flow: Sri Lanka doesn't have extreme tidal ranges like those in places like the Bay of Fundy, but it does have consistent tidal activity.
• Potential locations: Areas like Trincomalee and Batticaloa in the Eastern Province may be ideal for tidal energy infrastructure due to natural coastal features.
• Environmental impact: Implementing large-scale tidal energy systems could disrupt marine ecosystems, so careful planning and environmental assessments are required.

Challenges:

• High initial capital investment for infrastructure.
• Complex environmental regulations and the need for technical expertise.
• Long gestation periods for such projects to become commercially viable.

2. Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Potential

Eastern Province's growing urban centers, like Batticaloa and Trincomalee, generate significant amounts of solid waste. Waste-to-energy projects are an attractive solution to both the waste management and energy generation challenges faced by developing regions.

• Waste Generation: Rapid urbanization and population growth in the region have led to an increase in waste production. Municipal solid waste, including organic, plastic, and industrial waste, can be converted into energy via incineration, gasification, or anaerobic digestion.

• Existing Practices: In some parts of Sri Lanka, there are already waste management issues, including improper disposal and open burning. Implementing waste-to-energy projects would not only generate electricity but also reduce the burden of waste management and mitigate environmental degradation.

• Technology Options:

  • Incineration: High-energy yield from burning waste, but comes with the need for emissions controls to avoid air pollution.
  • Anaerobic Digestion: Converts organic waste into biogas, which can be used for electricity generation or converted to natural gas.
  • Gasification and Pyrolysis: More advanced methods to convert waste into syngas, which can be burned to produce electricity.

Challenges:

• Reliable waste collection and segregation systems must be in place.
• Capital and operational costs for setting up waste-to-energy plants.
• Public perception and regulatory approval related to emissions and pollution control.

Conclusion

Both tidal energy and waste-to-energy projects are viable options in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, but they come with challenges that need to be addressed, including high initial costs, environmental concerns, and technical expertise. Waste-to-energy might be more immediately practical due to the region's growing waste management needs, while tidal energy offers a long-term renewable energy solution that would require significant investment and research.

 Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a thermochemical process used to convert organic materials into a coal-like substance, typically referred to as hydrochar. This process occurs in the presence of water at elevated temperatures (typically between 180°C and 250°C) and under autogenous pressure (which is the pressure generated by the water at these temperatures). The process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the desired outcome.

Key Aspects of Hydrothermal Carbonization:

1. Feedstock:

   • HTC can process a wide variety of organic materials, including agricultural residues, sewage sludge, food waste, and even wet biomass that would be difficult to process using other thermochemical methods like pyrolysis.

2. Process Conditions:

   • Temperature: Typically 180°C to 250°C.
   • Pressure: The process occurs under the pressure generated by water at the given temperature, often between 10 and 40 bar.
   • Residence Time: The reaction time can vary from several hours to a few days, depending on the feedstock and desired properties of the hydrochar.

3. Product:

   • The primary product is hydrochar, a carbon-rich solid that can be used as a soil amendment, for energy production (as a fuel), or as a precursor for activated carbon.
   • The process also produces process water, which contains dissolved organic compounds and nutrients, and gases such as CO2.

4. Advantages:

   • HTC is particularly effective for wet biomass, as it does not require drying of the feedstock.
   • It can potentially reduce the environmental impact of waste by converting it into useful products.
   • The hydrochar produced has a higher energy density compared to the original biomass and can be used as a renewable energy source.

5. Applications:

   • Waste Management: Converting organic waste into hydrochar reduces the volume of waste and can produce a valuable product.
   • Soil Amendment: Hydrochar can improve soil properties by enhancing nutrient retention and soil structure.
   • Energy Production: Hydrochar can be used as a solid fuel or further processed into activated carbon for use in filtration systems.

HTC is seen as a promising technology for sustainable waste management and renewable energy production, particularly in applications where wet biomass is abundant.

Choosing the right inverters for an on-grid solar system

  is crucial for ensuring efficiency, reliability, and overall system performance. Here are the key considerations to guide you in making the right choice:

Types of Inverters

1. String Inverters

   • Pros: Cost-effective, simpler installation, suitable for areas with minimal shading.
   • Cons: Performance of the entire string can be affected by shading or malfunction of one panel.
   • Best for: Residential and commercial systems with consistent sunlight and minimal shading.

2. Microinverters

   • Pros: Each panel operates independently, reducing the impact of shading or individual panel issues, better monitoring.
   • Cons: Higher initial cost, more components to install and maintain.
   • Best for: Residential systems with complex roofs or shading issues.

3. Power Optimizers

   • Pros: Combine benefits of string inverters and microinverters, improving energy harvest from each panel.
   • Cons: Higher cost than string inverters, but typically less than microinverters.
   • Best for: Systems with partial shading or panels facing different directions.

4. Hybrid Inverters

   • Pros: Can work with both grid-tied and battery storage systems, future-proofing the setup.
   • Cons: Higher cost, complexity in installation.
   • Best for: Systems planning to add battery storage in the future.

Key Features to Consider

1. Efficiency

   • Look for inverters with high efficiency ratings (98% or above) to maximize energy conversion.

2. Monitoring Capabilities

   • Ensure the inverter offers robust monitoring options, such as real-time data on energy production, consumption, and system performance.

3. Warranty and Reliability

   • Check for a solid warranty (usually 10-25 years) and research the manufacturer’s reputation for reliability and customer support.

4. Grid Compatibility

   • Confirm the inverter is compatible with your local grid requirements and standards.

5. Safety Features

   • Ensure the inverter includes safety features such as ground fault protection, rapid shutdown capabilities, and anti-islanding protection.

6. Scalability

   • Consider whether the inverter allows for system expansion if you plan to increase your solar capacity in the future.

Leading Brands

1. SolarEdge

   • Known for power optimizers and strong monitoring capabilities.

2. Enphase

   • Leader in microinverters with high reliability and advanced monitoring.

3. SMA

   • Offers a range of string inverters known for their robustness and efficiency.

4. Fronius

   • Renowned for innovative technology and high-quality string inverters.

5. Huawei

   • Provides cost-effective solutions with advanced features and good efficiency.

Steps to Choose the Right Inverter

1. Assess Your Energy Needs

   • Calculate your energy consumption and determine the system size you need.

2. Evaluate Site Conditions

   • Consider factors like shading, roof orientation, and available space.

3. Set a Budget

   • Balance the initial investment with long-term savings and system performance.

4. Consult with Professionals

   • Engage with a reputable solar installer to get expert advice and customized recommendations.

5. Compare Options

   • Review and compare different inverter models and brands based on the features, efficiency, and cost.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose the inverter that best suits your on-grid solar system, ensuring optimal performance and long-term benefits.

Choosing the right solar panels for an on-grid solar system

 Choosing the right solar panels for an on-grid solar system involves several key factors to ensure efficiency, performance, and long-term savings. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Determine Your Energy Needs

• Assess Consumption: Review your electricity bills to determine your average monthly energy consumption in kWh (kilowatt-hours).
• Calculate System Size: Based on your consumption, calculate the solar system size required. For example, if your average monthly consumption is 1,000 kWh and you want to offset 80% of that with solar, you need a system that produces 800 kWh per month.

2. Evaluate Your Roof Space and Orientation

• Available Space: Measure the available roof space where the panels will be installed.
• Roof Orientation: South-facing roofs (in the Northern Hemisphere) typically receive the most sunlight. Consider the tilt and orientation for optimal sunlight exposure.

3. Choose the Right Type of Solar Panels

• Monocrystalline Panels: These are efficient and space-saving, ideal for smaller roofs.
• Polycrystalline Panels: Slightly less efficient but more cost-effective, suitable for larger roof areas.
• Thin-Film Panels: Flexible and lightweight, but generally less efficient and may require more space.

4. Check the Efficiency and Performance

• Efficiency: Higher efficiency panels produce more power in a given space. Look for panels with an efficiency rating of 15-22%.
• Temperature Coefficient: Indicates how well the panel performs at high temperatures. Lower coefficients are better.

5. Review the Warranty and Durability

• Product Warranty: Covers manufacturing defects. Look for a warranty of at least 10-12 years.
• Performance Warranty: Guarantees a certain level of output over time (usually 25 years). Panels should retain at least 80% of their original efficiency by the end of the warranty period.

6. Compare Cost and Value

• Price per Watt: Compare the cost relative to the power output. Lower cost per watt is generally better.
• Return on Investment (ROI): Calculate the payback period based on your local electricity rates and potential savings.

7. Select a Reputable Manufacturer

• Brand Reputation: Choose panels from well-known, reputable manufacturers with a good track record.
• Customer Reviews: Look for user reviews and feedback on performance and reliability.

8. Check Compatibility with Inverters and Other Components

• Inverter Compatibility: Ensure that the solar panels are compatible with your inverter, which converts the DC power from the panels to AC power for your home.
• System Integration: Verify that the panels work well with your overall solar system, including batteries, if you plan to add storage in the future.

9. Local Incentives and Regulations

• Incentives: Research local incentives, rebates, and tax credits for solar installations. These can significantly reduce the overall cost.
• Regulations: Ensure that the panels meet local building codes and utility requirements for grid connection.

10. Professional Consultation and Installation

• Solar Installers: Consult with professional solar installers to get detailed assessments and quotes.
• Installation Quality: Choose certified installers with good reviews to ensure quality installation and system performance.

By considering these factors, you can select the most suitable solar panels for your on-grid solar system, optimizing performance and ensuring long-term benefits.

Commercial Solar Rooftop Installation

Commercial solar rooftop installation is installing solar panels on the roof of a commercial building to generate electricity. Commercial solar systems are typically larger than residential ones, ranging in size from a few kilowatts to several megawatts.

The installation process typically begins with a site assessment to determine the suitability of the roof for solar panels. Factors such as roof orientation, shade, structural integrity, and available space are all considered. Once the site is deemed suitable, the solar installer will design and install a system that meets the specific needs of the building owner.

There are two main mounting systems for commercial solar panels: ballasted and attached. Ballasted systems use heavy weights, such as concrete blocks, to secure the panels to the roof. Attached systems use roof-penetrating hardware to attach the panels to the roof.

Once the mounting system is installed, the solar panels are attached. The panels are wired together in series and then connected to a solar inverter. The inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the panels to alternating current (AC) electricity, which can power the building's electrical needs.

The final step in the installation process is to connect the solar system to the building's electrical grid. This allows the building owner to return excess electricity to the utility company.

Here is a more detailed overview of the commercial solar rooftop installation process:

1. Site assessment: The solar installer will visit the site and assess the roof for suitability. This includes checking the roof orientation, shade, structural integrity, and available space.
2. System design: The solar installer will design a system that meets the specific needs of the building owner. This includes considering the building's energy consumption, budget, and desired payback period.
3. Mounting system installation: The solar installer will install the mounting system supporting the solar panels.
4. Solar panel installation: The solar installer will attach the solar panels to the mounting system.
5. Solar inverter installation: The solar installer will install the solar inverter, which converts the DC electricity produced by the panels to AC electricity.
6. Grid interconnection: The solar installer will connect the solar system to the building's electrical grid.

Commercial solar rooftop installations can be completed in a few weeks, depending on the system's size and the installation's complexity.

Commercial solar rooftop installations offer several benefits to businesses, including:

• Reduced energy costs: Solar panels can generate electricity for free, significantly reducing a business's energy costs.
• Increased energy independence: Solar panels can help businesses become more independent and reduce their reliance on the utility grid.
• Improved environmental performance: Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source, which can help businesses reduce their environmental impact.
• Increased property value: Commercial solar installations can increase the value of a business's property.

If you are a business owner considering a commercial solar rooftop installation, several resources are available to help you get started. You can contact local solar installers for quotes and consultations. You can also search for government and utility incentives that may be available to help offset the installation cost.

The general steps to compress syngas ,System and method for syngas clean-up

 Syngas, or synthesis gas, combines carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), and other trace gases. The compression of syngas involves reducing its volume while increasing its pressure. Here are the general steps to compress syngas:

Understand the requirements: Determine the desired pressure level and the flow rate of syngas that needs to be compressed. This information will help you select the appropriate equipment.

Select a compressor: Choose a compressor that is suitable for handling syngas. Centrifugal compressors and reciprocating compressors are commonly used for gas compression. Consider factors such as the required pressure ratio, flow rate, gas properties, and efficiency when selecting a compressor.

Prepare the syngas: Syngas may contain impurities and contaminants that could damage the compressor or affect its performance. Pre-treat the syngas to remove particulates, moisture, sulfur compounds, or other impurities. This may involve using filtration, scrubbing, or drying equipment. Gasification of municipal solid waste (MSW) with subsequent utilization of syngas in gas engines/turbines and solid oxide fuel cells can substantially increase the power generation of waste-to-energy facilities and optimize the utilization of wastes as a sustainable energy resource. However, purification of syngas to remove multiple impurities such as particulates, tar, HCl, alkali chlorides and sulfur species is required. This study investigates the feasibility of high-temperature syngas purification from MSW gasification, focusing on catalytic tar reforming and desulfurization. Syngas produced from a downdraft fixed-bed gasifier is purified by a multi-stage system. The system comprises a fluidized-bed catalytic tar reformer, a filter for particulates and a fixed-bed reactor for dechlorination and desulfurization with overall downward cascading of the operating temperatures throughout the system. Novel nanostructured nickel catalysts supported on alumina and regenerable Ni-Zn desulfurization sorbent loaded on honeycomb are synthesized. Complementary sampling and analysis methods are applied to quantify the impurities and determine their distribution at different stages.

Compressor setup: Install the selected compressor in a suitable location, following the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines. Ensure the compressor is connected to the syngas source and any necessary pre-treatment equipment.

Compress the syngas: Start the compressor and adjust its settings to achieve the desired compression ratio. The compression process will reduce the volume of syngas while increasing its pressure. The specific procedures and controls will depend on the type of compressor used.

Cooling: Compressing syngas generates heat, which needs to be dissipated to avoid damage to the compressor and ensure efficient operation. Employ cooling mechanisms, such as intercoolers or heat exchangers, to remove excess heat during compression.

Storage and distribution: Once the syngas is compressed, it can be stored in suitable containers, such as high-pressure cylinders or tanks. If the compressed syngas needs to be transported, ensure proper safety measures and follow applicable regulations.

It's important to note that compressing syngas can be a complex process, and the specific requirements and equipment may vary depending on the scale and application. It is recommended to consult with experts or engineers experienced in gas compression to ensure safe and efficient syngas compression.

The most reliable source of renewable energy& the world's first smart river turbine.

A new alternative

We estimate that 1.4 billion individuals across the world are without electricity, most living in rural and distant areas inaccessible to the national or regional electricity grid. The most common energy solution available is the use of gas generators which are polluting and can be expensive to maintain in the long term. As an alternative, the use of green technologies is rapidly growing.
Renewable energy solutions are gaining popularity especially in the residential market. Billions of dollars are invested every year on solar and wind systems. However these renewable energy products do not represent optimal solutions for meeting individual needs due to intermittent production of energy resulting in weather variations. In consequence, these systems are only used to 12% to 35% of their capacity implicating an over sizing of installations and storage systems to accumulate the energy when produced. However one regular and predictable energy source is unexploited: the river.

The ideal source of renewable energy

Among all renewable energy sources, only the river can provide a predictable and reliable source of energy, 24 hours a day. Idénergie’s turbine is the solution of choice to fully benefit from the continuous  production of energy offered by the river. This allows, among other advantages, the use of less batteries than the standard norm since the energy produced is uninterrupted and less subject to weather variations. Idénergie’s river turbine is the only water driven technology that meets the needs of a residence by directly supplying household appliances and recharging batteries. It equally represents an excellent emergency backup system because of the endless supply of energy it provides.

Easy to install

Our turbine can be dismantled in separate pieces in order to facilitate shipping to the the most remote locations and is ready to assemble on site. This allows for a simple and fast installation which requires only 2 individuals in less than a 24 hour period. The turbine is attached to a stable pillar from the front with a steel cable and is deposited on the river bed, self positioning in the fluid like a kite. Electrical DC connections are simplified by the presence of our embedded electrical converter. All that’s left to do is connect the output cable to your batteries, without any additional electric equipment.

The first smart river turbine

Idénergie’s river turbine has an embedded smart converter that allows the conversion of the energy harnessed from the water current into electricity to recharge batteries and power home appliances. In addition, it allows the user to have better control by automatically regulating the rotational speed of the turbine thus extracting maximum power from the current; it has a built-in motor mode to enable automatic start-up and emergency disconnect of the turbine on demand. In case water speed is very low, the smart turbine can use the generator in motor mode to initiate sufficient movement in order to produce electricity. The output power is set to DC current, from 24 to 48 and more in order to allow the transport of electricity over long distances.

Low maintenance

Idénergie’s river turbine uses a new type of electric generator which Idénergie is the inventor and sole manufacturer. The generator is very efficient at low water velocity and provides an energy production equivalent of 4 to 10 solar panels (between 2 and 6 kWh/day).  Our unique patented shaftless technology prevents any water intrusions within the generator’s electric casing, allowing an almost maintenance free subwater generator.

Robust design

 

Idénergie’s river turbine is composed of two Darrieus turbines. This model was chosen for its simplicity of manufacturing and installation. It accommodates a water depth of only two feet and with a minimum of 1,2 m/s water velocity, the turbine can produce 2.4 kWh/day. This represents the energy production equivalent of 16 x 250W solar panels. In addition the blades are inexpensive to produce, easy to replace and ship in case of damage. The structure and envelope of the generator are made ​​of aluminum chosen for its lightweight characteristics, structural rigidity and its resistance to corrosion. Free hanging turbines and upward rotational mechanism descreases the chances of debris accumulation. Its robust design has been proven to resist even heavy loads as trees.

In harmony with the river ecosystem

Mostly made of noble metals such as aluminium and other environmentally friendly components, the turbine is the greenest amongst all available renewable energy products. These material do not react to the environment and are easily recyclable ensuring a subtantial end of life value. In addition, the river turbine does not require a permanent structure reducing its impact on aquatic fauna.
By taking into account numerous studies estimating the interactions of the turbines with the ecosystems, Idénergie designed its product in order for it to have minimal impact on the aquatic fauna and its housing environment. Studies carried out by the Alden laboratories, an american entity, have proven that the Darrieus Turbines, used by Idenergie, represent no harm to the river’s ecosystem. In fact, extracting energy from a fluid tend to slow it down, resulting in faster velocity on the side of the turbine thus floating objects and debris, as well as fish, tend to naturally avoid the turbine resulting in 98% survival rate.
source http://idenergie.ca

Production of(fuel) Diesel From Non-Recyclable Waste Plastics

Thermal technique makes clean crude replacement from mixed plastic waste. 

Waste plastic could become a more valuable commodity after developing a process that turns mixed plastic waste into a hydrocarbon-based product. 

This is the assessment of Adrian Haworth, sales and marketing director of Recycling Technologies. This company has developed WarwickFBR, a recycling system that converts mixed plastic waste (MPW) into PlaxOil, a heavy fuel alternative that can be sold or used in localised on-demand combined heat and power (CHP) plants.

Haworth explained that its WarwickFBR system produces the PlaxOil following pyrolysis of MPW. To do this, the system first shreds and dries the MPW. It then injects blended product into a fluidised bed where the long hydrocarbon chains in the polymers are broken down by pyrolysis - a multi-step process in which organic materials are decomposed by heat in the absence of oxygen - to form an energy-rich gas. This gas is then filtered to remove contamination, cooled and condensed to provide PlaxOil.

“Pyrolysis is a fairly simple process, it starts by drying plastics to be processed. They are then shredded into smaller pieces and heated in a thermal chamber. The melted plastic is continually heated until it boils and produces vapours. The vapour is passed into cooling pipes and distilled into a liquid chemically identical to regular fuel.”

The art of refining liquid hydrocarbons (crude oil) into diesel, gasoline, and fuel oils was commercially scaled decades ago. Unfortunately, refineries are technologically limited to accepting only a narrow range of liquid hydrocarbons with specific properties and minimal contaminates. Hydrocarbon streams that fall outside of accepted refinery standards have traditionally been landfilled or melted into products of low value. Unrecyclable, hydrocarbon-based waste is a significant environmental problem increasing every year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 Facts and Figures report, over 92% of waste plastic is not recycled. With a growth rate of approximately 8% per year, a critical need for a viable and environmentally sound, general-purpose hydrocarbon-based recycling process exists. 

The barriers and challenges are so significant that previous attempts to refine waste plastics into fuel resulted in unviable batch-based machines producing low-value, unstable mixed fuels. However, for three years, JBI, Inc. (“JBI”) has broken through these barriers and has designed and built a viable commercial-scale continuous refinery capable of processing a wide range of hydrocarbon-based waste into ASTM specification fuels. 

Research and testing of scale-up through 1-gallon, 3000 gallon, multi-kiln, and 40 ton/day processors in a plant in Niagara Falls, NY. Technical challenges encountered and lessons learned during process development will be explained in detail. 

In 2009, our technology was “molecularly audited” by IsleChem, LLC (“IsleChem”) of Grand Island, NY. In 2012, SAIC Energy, Environment & Infrastructure, LLC (“SAIC”). Numerous sources of waste plastic and users of the resulting fuel products conducted extensive audits of the technology, process, and plant. However, this technology can be applied to other waste hydrocarbon-based materials such as contaminated monomers, waste oils, lubricants and other composite waste streams.

Plastic Fuel

All around the globe, companies and individuals are starting to produce fuel from waste plastic. As only 8% of waste plastic is recycled in the US, 15% in Western Europe, and much less in developing countries, this reuse of plastic could potentially keep enormous amounts of plastic out of landfills and out of the oceans. Over 500 billion pounds of new plastic is manufactured each year, and roughly 33% of that is single-use and thrown away. As so little plastic is recycled, we need to reframe plastic waste as an underused resource vs landfill destined. If all plastic waste made it into the dump, it would indeed be mined in the future, but currently, all plastic waste does not make it into our landfills. The United Nations estimates plastic accounts for four-fifths of the accumulated garbage in the world’s oceans. We need to stop polluting our oceans with plastic before it is too late and start collecting all plastics suitable for this new fairly simple technology, a technology that is available now.

Image via: coastalcare.org

The technology is not overly complicated; plastics are shredded and then heated in an oxygen-free chamber (known as pyrolysis) to about 400 degrees celsius. As the plastics boil, gas is separated out and often reused to fuel the machine itself. The fuel is then distilled and filtered. Because the entire process takes place inside a vacuum and the plastic is melted - not burned, minimal to no resultant toxins are released into the air, as all the gases and or sludge are reused to fuel the machine.

 

For this technology, the type of plastic you convert to fuel is essential. If you burn pure hydrocarbons, such as polyethene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), you will produce a fuel that burns pretty clean. But burn PVC and large amounts of chlorine will corrode the reactor and pollute the environment. Burning PETE releases oxygen into the oxygen-deprived chamber, thereby slowing the processing, and PETE recycles efficiently at recycling centres, so it is best to recycle PETE traditionally. HDPE (jugs) and LDPE (bags and films) are polyethene, so usable as fuel as well, just slightly more polluting as a thicker, heavier fuel is created. But additional processing can turn even HDPE into clean diesel.

 Source (Plastic To Fuel • Insteading)

“Polyethylene and polypropylene are pure hydrocarbons, only they are arranged in long chains. If you chop those chains into shorter ones, you get oil, if you chop them even shorter, you get diesel, and if you chop them again, you get gasoline and eventually burnable gas.” 

www.energeticforum.com

In Niagara Falls, NY, John Bordynuik’s ‘Plastic Eating Monster’ can even vaporise thick HDPE plastic into a cleaner-burning number 2 fuel. Put plastic in one end of the machine, and out the other end comes diesel, petroleum distillate, light naphtha and gases such as methane, ethane, butane and propane. The machine accepts unwashed, unsorted waste plastics, composites and commingled materials and returns about 1 gallon of fuel from 8.3 pounds of plastic. And the processor uses its off-gases as fuel, therefore using minimal energy to run the machine. John currently has two massive steel processors up and running, with financing secured for three more to be built shortly. 

In the Philippines, Poly-Green Technology and Resources Inc. was started by Jayme Navarro whose sister asked him to come up with a way to recycle plastic bags. A plant is being built that will produce 5,000 kilos of fuel per day. www.polygreen.com.ph 

Cynar in the UK likes to call their product ‘End of Life Plastic to Diesel’ or ELPD. Their technology converts mixed Waste Plastics into synthetic fuels that are cleaner, low in sulphur and in the case of the diesel, a higher cetane than generic diesel fuel. They have a plant running in Ireland , with another to open in Bristol, UK in January and many more in the planning stage. Each Cynar plant can process up to 20 tons of End of Life Plastic per day, producing 5,000 gallons (19,000 litres) of high quality liquid fuels at a conversion rate of 95%.

Cynar will be supplying Jeremy Rowsell, a British insurance industry executive who lives in Australia, with all the plastic waste fuel he needs to fly a single-engine Cessna from Sydney to London this winter. Fuel will be in place at about 10 locations along the 10,500-mile route. The solo journey dubbed ‘On Wings of Waste’ is intended to heighten awareness of this new fuel.

Of course, it would be best if widespread environmentally friendly plastics were in use, but in the meantime, recycling existing plastics into fuel would keep the plastics out of our waterways. This process is also excellent for difficult to recycle PP and PE plastics like bottle caps, appliance plastics, nursery planters and dirty plastics such as meat wrappings. This process is not suitable for PVC or polystyrene (styrofoam). This technology could also reduce carting issues, as companies that deal with plastic waste could build mini-burners on location. 

Companies:

Japan. Sells International: e-n-ergy.com

UK: Cynar produces a synthetic fuel suitable for all internal combustion engines: cynarplc.com

Washington, DC: www.envion.com
Boosts easy installation, high efficiency, no second-time pollution.
The plant converts 6,000 tons of plastic into nearly a million barrels yearly.

Circle Pines, MN and International:  polymerenergy.com
They have a modular unit that produces 775 litres of fuel for every ton of plastic waste processing. System capacity is rated at 185 tons per month.

New York/Canada: JBI, Inc. www.plastic2oil.com
20-ton processor, 4,000 lbs. of plastic feedstock per machine per hour.

Philippines: www.polygreen.com.ph
5,000 kilos of fuel per day

Hong Kong: Ecotech Recycling Social Enterprise
A prototype machine can process three tons of plastic waste into 1,000 litres of fuel oil per day.

Las Vegas, NV: general@quadraprojects.net

 

Resources:

UNEP Policy Brief on Plastic Waste: unep.org.pdf

Northeastern University turns plastic waste into energy to drive generators: phys.org

DIY for under $800.: energeticforum.com

Peswiki Plastic and Energy page: peswiki.com
This homemade device converts around 25 kg of shredded plastic into 24 litres of diesel in 4 hours. www.emuprim.lv

 

New solar device converts Sun's energy to hydrogen more efficiently than ever New solar device converts Sun's energy to hydrogen more efficiently than ever

An international team of scientists has invented a cheap solar device that can store energy from the Sun more efficiently than anything on the market.

One of the biggest problems with solar power becoming a more viable and cost effective alternative to fossil fuels is what to do when the sun isn’t shining. An international team of scientists has figured out a solution, and it just might be the most promising one yet.

Led by Michael Graetzel, director of the Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces at the Ecole Polytechnique in Switzerland, the team has created a device that can collect energy from sunlight and convert it to hydrogen, which can be stored and burned as fuel or fed through a fuel cell to generate electricity.

Named a ‘water splitter’, the device has been tipped as the next big thing in solar technology, says Kevin Bullis at MIT’s Technology Review, because it meets three of the four criteria needed to create a practical device. Firstly, it’s highly efficient. It’s made from a new type of material called perovskite, which was discovered in 2009 and found to absorb light much more efficiently than silicon, which is what solar cells are currently made from. According to Bullis, it can store 12.3 per cent of the energy in sunlight in the form of hydrogen, which is pretty huge, seeing as 10 per cent is the accepted benchmark for efficient solar-hydrogen converters.

Secondly, it’s cheap to produce, using only inexpensive materials. And thirdly, these materials are abundant to source, so the device is also easy to make. On top of perovskite, the device uses cheap nickel and iron to act as catalysts in its two 'water-splitting' electrodes - one that produces hydrogen and one that produces oxygen when they react with water.

"The catalysts built on previous work showing that nickel hydroxide is a promising catalyst, and that adding iron could improve it. The researchers added iron to nickel hydroxide to form a layered structure, and put the catalyst on a porous nickel “foam” to increase the area across which reactions can take place, speeding them up,” says Bullis.

The fourth criteria needed for a practical device is reliability, which the team is now working on increasing. Right now, it only lasts for a few hours before the solar cell's performance starts to decrease. This is because perovskite degrades much faster than silicon. But the team, including researchers from Switzerland, Singapore and Korea, has figured out how to extend this lifespan to over a month by adding a layer of carbon. They’ve published their results in the journal Science. They're now working on increasing this further.

What the device in action below:

New technique that turns air-polluting landfill gas into a fuel cell to produce a clean, efficient form of energy

Brazil's researchers have developed a new technique that turns air-polluting landfill gas into a fuel cell to produce a clean, efficient form of energy.

Hydrogen, the promising frontier of clean fossil fuel alternatives, holds immense potential. Unlike fossil fuels, which emit carbon dioxide upon combustion, hydrogen combustion results in the release of only water, making it a highly attractive option. 

So, energy companies are now working on developing hydrogen fuel cells to power cars and buildings. The hydrogen source they're looking at is the by-product of reacting methane gas with carbon dioxide. Which suddenly makes gas-emitting rubbish dumps a handsome prospect. "Smelly landfills are excellent sources of these gases," says Phys.org. "Microbes living in the waste produce large amounts of methane and carbon dioxide as by-products."

However, a significant hurdle in this pursuit is the search for an efficient catalyst to accelerate the methane and carbon dioxide reaction, as highlighted by researcher Fabio B. Noronha from the National Institute of Technology in Brazil, according to Phys.org.

"The heart of the process for the production of hydrogen from landfill gas is the catalyst, and this can be disrupted by the presence of carbon," Noronha explains. "Because of carbon deposition, the catalyst loses the capacity to convert the landfill gases into hydrogen.”

To solve the problem, his team has developed a new catalyst material that can remove the carbon as soon as it’s formed. They discovered this catalyst by studying the catalysts used by car manufacturers to control vehicle emissions.

The researchers say they’re still working on the reaction in the lab, but their new, highly stable catalyst would be ideal for the commercial market. "As a step in that direction,” says Phys.org, "the team plans to test it on a larger scale using material from a local landfill."

Source: Phys.org

Solar-panel windows are now possible

Researchers have created transparent solar cells using quantum dots.

Windows that double as solar panels could soon be a reality after a breakthrough in quantum dot research.

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory and the University of Milano-Bicocca in the US have created a new generation of quantum dots - nanocrystals made of semiconductor materials - that are able to be embedded in a transparent polymer.

These quantum dots can capture sunlight and transport it through the plastic matrix to a solar cell on its edge, the International Business Times reports.

The findings are published in Nature Photonics, and the scientists are calling this set-up a large-area luminescent solar concentrator (LSCs).

"The LSC serves as a light-harvesting antenna which concentrates solar radiation collected from a large area onto a much smaller solar cell, and this increases its power output," said Victor Klimov, lead researcher at the Centre of Advanced Solar Photophysics at Los Alamos.

The breakthrough could lead to house windows that soak up the Sun's energy. We can't wait.

Source: International Business Times

Algal oil to solve resource problems

JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY

Share on print Algal oils are a sustainable solution to solve future resource problems, according to Roger Huerlimann, a PhD student at James Cook University in Townsville. Mr Huerlimann said microalgae, tiny aquatic organisms related to plants, use light and the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide to produce oils similar to vegetable oils from plants. “Two of the major problems in future will be the shortage of food and fuel,” he said. “Microalgae have the potential to solve these two problems and more. Everyone going grocery shopping sees products claiming to be high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential in our diet since they cannot be produced by human or other animals, and need to be supplied through our diet. “There is also evidence that some of them even reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory responses, as well as increasing brain function." Mr Huerlimann said plants could produce omega-3 fatty acids only to a certain degree, but historically, the main source for the most useful omega-3 fatty acids were oily fish, which, he said, have become unsustainable due to overfishing. “However, the original producers of these omega-3 fatty acids are actually microalgae and they excel at this task,” he said. “These omega-3 oil-rich microalgae are at the bottom of the food chain and their oils are accumulated within the food web. Furthermore, the algal oils can be turned into biodiesel for cars and heavy machinery, as well as bio-kerosene for airplanes. This would provide the world with a clean, sustainable source of fuels. “Nature has given microalgae incredibly effective ‘tools’ in the form of enzymes to produce a high variety of valuable oils. My genetic work will make it possible to select specific microalgae which are suitable for the production of either biofuels or omega-3 fatty acids, among other possible applications.” The research will help in the search for more productive strains of algae, which produce the oils and fatty acids that are required for each individual application. Mr Huerlimann is part of a larger research team at JCU, led by Associate Professor Kirsten Heimann. The team explores cultivation of microalgae for the capture of carbon dioxide, a known greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. The microalgal biomass produced will then be used for generating value-adding products. This research is in partnership with MBD Energy, DEEDI Queensland and the Federal Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre. Editor's Note: Original news release can be found here.