Unlocking new energy possibilities with dead wood

Reuters (US) ^ | 2011 | Reuters

[bridgemanusa]

Could dead wood be the answer to the world's energy problems? Scientists at the University of Maine have invented a simple two-step way to turn wood and even garbage into fuel, that could power your car and heat your home.

[Roccus]

I watched the video. Why should I pay someone to take the steps described, pay for that product and incur the cost of switching to oil heat when I can gather wood on my own property and use it raw? What could be more “energy independent” than that?

[Leep]

that could power your car

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It could? I could fly if I had wings.
Let me know when you actually have a pellet car for sale. It better be less than 40k. Actually, MUCH LESS than 40k or forget it.

[RitchieAprile]

they were also doing that in WWII Europe esp. France
and Germany.

Called a gazogene or some such..these systems generated
methane, which was then burned in an internal combustion engine.

This process would I presume distill a liquid fuel that
could be used directly with a carb or FI fuel supply system.
Just take care that it doesn’t eat rubber or nylon seals.

[Roccus]

I’ve got a FHA wood/coal furnace, not as pretty as that, but the mess DOES stay in the basement.

[MrB]

We do have an energy disaster coming up,
but it was a manufactured one,
foisted on us on purpose.

[gleeaikin]

Several years ago I heard that millions of dollars were going to various companies to make ethanol from organce peal waste, lumber yard wast and half a dozen other sources. Is this one of those projects, and does anyone know whatever happened on the others?

[SampleMan]

There are pellet-powered cars?

[cuban leaf]

I did. Looks like a word document like the ones I create, right down to the executive summary.

Also looks like a LOT of work. You’d have to want it pretty bad. I’m bookmarking for TSHTF.

thanks!

[bridgemanusa]

The point of the video is it converts cellulose to OIL to say, power your car.

[blueunicorn6]

Oooooohhhhh.....well that explains it. Got into a fight with a beaver over the sticks. They’re tougher than you’d think. I kept tagging him with my left jab, but then, he dropped a tree on me. Dirty fighters those beavers.

[bridgemanusa]

In the video, what was the first product of the distillation process?

82 octane Gasoline!!

[blueunicorn6]

Oooooohhhhh.....well that explains it. Got into a fight with a beaver over the sticks. They’re tougher than you’d think. I kept tagging him with my left jab, but then, he dropped a tree on me. Dirty fighters those beavers.

[mountainlion]

During WWII wood was used to make charcoal and was used directly to power all sorts of engines. It is a lot of work and takes time. Wouldn't the simple solution be to drill for oil and be done with it?

[blueunicorn6]

Say! Now there’s an idea for a new mixed drink....THE WOOD CHIPPER.....mix even parts of moonshine and wood chips.....you’ll go blind, but at least you’ll be warm.

[bridgemanusa]

Whatever is the most efficient way to energy independence, I am for it. We all know that for the time being, electric cars are overpriced and not everyone is going to scrap their perfectly good running gasoline powered machine.

If drilling/refining works, I am for it but it's much tougher to get past our enviro-whacko leaders.

If refining waste is cheap and effective, why would you be against it? The goal is the same.. Energy Independence!!

[bridgemanusa]

mix even parts of moonshine and wood chips = Paint thinner!!

[count-your-change]

It won't do much for the paper mills even though it is a good way to get rid of wastes. But cellulose waste can also be reduced to a char and used like a fertilizer.

So it is an interesting process but the drilling rigs aren't going to slow down because of it.

[mainevet]

I believe wood has about 1/3 the gross btu content per equal weight of crude oil.

[IamConservative]

I've already got a two step process to heat my home with wood.

Wood actually heats three times. When you cut it, when you split it and when you burn it. :)

[WKUHilltopper]

All you need is a still...and if you have nowhere to go, just drink it.