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They make DDG for livestock as an output. Make the fuel out of corn stalks and cobs.
EIA: US fuel ethanol production capacity little changed in past year
US fuel ethanol production capacity, 1 January 2013. Source: EIA. Click to enlarge. US fuel ethanol production capacity was 13.852 billion gallons per year (903,000 barrels per day), as of 1 January 2013, according to the latest annual report released by the US Energy Information Administra...
Volvo is working with them on a 30kW unit to go into a new C30 model car. Just search for "Volvo HTPEM" to see the reformer that can turn diesel, gasoline or methanol into hydrogen for the fuel cell.
http://www.powercell.se/
PowerCell unveils 3kW PowerPac fuel cell APU that converts diesel into electricity
PowerCell, a Swedish energy technology company with roots in the Volvo Group, unveiled a functioning full-scale prototype of its PowerPac fuel cell system, which combines an autothermal reformer and a PEM fuel cell stack to convert diesel fuel into electricity. (Earlier post.) The main target g...
“will not be consistent with the public interest.”
The public interest would be served turning the NG into gasoline and selling it here to stabilize prices.
DOE authorizes 2nd proposed facility to export LNG; 1.4 Bcf/d for 20 years
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has conditionally authorized Freeport LNG Expansion, L.P. and FLNG Liquefaction, LLC (Freeport) to export domestically produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries that do not have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States from the Freeport LNG T...
fewer than 20 percent of agricultural waste could satisfy half of the world's gasoline demand by the year 2030.
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/farm-waste-may-demand-return-biofuels-1C9990084
Researchers propose evaluating alt fuel efficiency based on energy rather than volume; impact of ethanol on vehicle efficiency and GHGs
Relative changes in vehicle energy efficiency (VEE) (km/MJ) on ethanol/gasoline blends over those on gasoline for different blending levels. Credit: ACS, Yan et al. Click to enlarge. In a policy analysis in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology, researchers from the Universitie...
If they used CO2 from ethanol plants for algae or synthetic fuels, I would say they have something.
Canada backs demonstration-scale algal biorefinery project in the oil sands; Algal Carbon Conversion
The Government of Canada is supporting a three-year project that will result in the construction of a $19-million, demonstration-scale facility in Alberta that will use algae to recycle industrial carbon dioxide emissions from an oil sands facility into commercial products such as biofuels. The...
Fiber Forge advocates carbon fiber body panels for reduced weight and more strength. Car makers use steel because it is low cost and strong, weight was not a major concern and the perception was that weight meant safety.
With HEV/PHEV/BEV we may see an emphasis on reducing weight. Once they show people that the cars are even stronger and affordable, the buying public may be convinced that is the way to go.
DSM’s Stanyl and EcoPaXX polyamides used in SIM-CEL electric concept car to reduce weight
DSM’s Stanyl and EcoPaXX are used in the new SIM-CEL EV prototype. Click to enlarge. The latest prototype electric car from Japan-based SIM-Drive Corporation (earlier post) features parts based on DSM’s Stanyl and EcoPaXX polyamides that make the car lighter and more sustainable. SIM-Driv...
Synthetics can compete on price now, but the whole industry is geared toward drill, pump, transport and refine.
When the oil gets harder to find and costs even more, alternatives will show up. I could see 10% synthetic ethanol and 10% synthetic gasoline becoming popular, once they look at cleaner air, cleaner engines and less imported oil.
Synthetic Genomics and ExxonMobil in new co-funded research agreement to develop algae biofuels
Synthetic Genomics Inc. (SGI) announced a new co-funded research agreement with ExxonMobil to develop algae biofuels. The new agreement is a basic science research program that focuses on developing algal strains with significantly improved production characteristics by employing synthetic geno...
"..but not so strongly that they can’t be pulled away from a carbon/boron anode by a more attractive cathode."
This seems to be a key point for rechargeable cells. You want to "park" the ions but not bind them so they can return when charging. I think electro chemistry will find some interesting combinations in years to come.
Rice theorists suggest layered graphene-boron Li-ion electrode material could have twice the capacity of graphite
Calculations by the Rice lab of theoretical physicist Boris Yakobson suggest that a layered graphene/boron (C3B) Li-ion battery anode material should have a capacity about twice that of graphite, with comparable power density and small volume variation during discharge/charge cycles. A paper on...
We will see what comes of this, it would be my guess that those that said it was all a big conspiracy will be proven wrong, but they will be no where to be found to try to explain their previous positions.
DOE to award $62.5M over 5 years to USABC to accelerate development of next-gen EV batteries
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has selected the US Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) to lead an industry-wide effort to accelerate development of high-efficiency, cost-effective battery technologies for electric vehicles. USABC, managed by Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, and General ...
These are the guys that made the Eliica, the 8 wheel EV.
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2004/11/8wheeling_with_.html
The mileage numbers are impressive, but if you want to do some good you have to get them out there being used in great numbers. If the market does not like the looks and/or has safety concerns then they will not sell in great numbers. Do you want to have great design or great success? Sometimes they do not go together.
DSM’s Stanyl and EcoPaXX polyamides used in SIM-CEL electric concept car to reduce weight
DSM’s Stanyl and EcoPaXX are used in the new SIM-CEL EV prototype. Click to enlarge. The latest prototype electric car from Japan-based SIM-Drive Corporation (earlier post) features parts based on DSM’s Stanyl and EcoPaXX polyamides that make the car lighter and more sustainable. SIM-Driv...
"USABC, managed by Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors.."
Tesla is the exception not the rule, we saw that with CODA, Fisker and others. The big auto makers are the ones to bring cars to mass production.
If and when the next 2X battery advance happens, they will put out EVs in greater numbers. It does not take a conspiracy nor conflict of interest, the numbers and markets have to be there.
DOE to award $62.5M over 5 years to USABC to accelerate development of next-gen EV batteries
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has selected the US Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) to lead an industry-wide effort to accelerate development of high-efficiency, cost-effective battery technologies for electric vehicles. USABC, managed by Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, and General ...
At 3,315 lbs. (1,504 kg), ATS is among the lightest vehicles in its class.
The ATS ... features extensive use of aluminum, which not only helps cut weight but also contributes to the car’s nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution for improved driving dynamics.
excellent...
Cadillac increases use of structural adhesives and aluminum for lightweighting, performance and quietness
Cadillac is making greater use of structural adhesives and aluminum to reduce overall weight of the ATS and CTS sedans, contributing to better ride and handling and reduced cabin noise in both models. Structural adhesives, which can bond dissimilar substrates including aluminum, magnesium, and...
Cronies were Bechtel and Halliburton in the previous so called administration.
Obama Administration launches $200M competition for three new manufacturing innovation institutes; WBG power electronics, lightweight metals and digital manufacturing
The Obama Administration is launching competitions to create three new manufacturing innovation institutes with a Federal commitment of $200 million across five Federal agencies: Defense, Energy, Commerce, NASA, and the National Science Foundation. The effort is part of President Obama’s propos...
I see that value of bio synthetic fuels, but all factors have to be considered. If you grow Miscanthus on pasture land at the perimeter of farm land, you don't need to fertilize at all.
The carbon and root structures improve the land to where it could grow food crops. This study looked at cutting down forests, most forest land is not fertile enough for biofuel crops.
Study finds large-scale ramp-up in biofuel crops could result in warming in some tropical regions, cooling in temperate and polar regions
Global land-use changes caused by a major ramp-up in biofuel crops—enough to meet about 10% of the world’s energy needs—could make some regions warmer, according to a new integrated modeling study by researchers from MIT and the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole. Using an integrated as...
"We specifically consider heterogeneous catalytic routes to convert biomass into oxygenates and hydrocarbons, while ensuring that the gasoline blends identified satisfy all ASTM specifications."
Create synthetic fuels using biomass, coal and natural gas to blend with refined fuels to reduce OPEC oil imports. Sounds good to me...always has.
U. Minn. team proposes strategy for automated selection of optimal biomass-derived fuel blends and synthesis paths
Proposed strategy for connecting automated network generation and optimization. Credit: ACS, Marvin et al. Click to enlarge. Researchers at the University of Minnesota are proposing a novel strategy that simultaneously identifies (a) the most desirable biomass-derived chemical products for ...
Volvo is working on a C30 with HTPEM that not only reforms methanol, but other hydrocarbons like gasoline and diesel.
Team in Japan develops durable, high-temperature PEM fuel cell
Power density curves of the PVPA-doped MEA measured at 25°C (orange line), 40°C (pink line), 60°C (blue line), 80°C (green line), 100°C (purple line) and 120°C (red line). Berber et al. Click to enlarge. Researchers in Japan have developed a novel polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEF...
Provide 10% of our oil for 10 years and then what? After they frack the heck out of everything, we are scraping the bottom of the barrel.
New USGS oil and gas assessment for Bakken and Three Forks formations boosts estimates of recoverable oil two-fold, natural gas three-fold
Map showing the Williston Basin Province, Bakken Total Petroleum System (TPS), and the Bakken Formation Assessment Units (AUs). Major structural features are also shown. Inset map shows location of the Bakken TPS (dark blue). Source: USGS. Click to enlarge. The United States Geological Surv...
When gasoline in the U.S. went from $2 to $4 per gallon in the U.S. in 2008, you would expect everyone to go out and buy a Camry hybrid that turned 20 mpg into 40 mpg, they did not.
Expecting everyone to go out and buy a $30,000 BEV that gets a 100 mile range is not realistic. They may sell more with a battery improvement, a LEAF that sells for $20,000 with a 150 mile range would find some buyers.
Former president of Shell Oil calls for aggressive action on alternative fuels to break oil monopoly on transportation
John Hofmeister, former President of Shell Oil Company and founder and CEO of Citizens for Affordable Energy (CFAE), is joining the Fuel Freedom Foundation (FFF) Advisory Board. Fuel Freedom is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to opening the fuel market to allow alternative fue...
new investments in cellulosic biofuels, and increased use of CNG, LNG
good
Latest status report finds California fuel providers continue pacing ahead of requirements of Low Carbon Fuel Standard; sufficient credits to meet full 2013 obligation
Continued LCFS compliance will require continued reductions in CIs. Net credits generated is the number of credits or deficits generated in each period; banked credits after compliance is the number of excess credits banked from the current or previous compliance years. Source: Yeh et al. Cl...
If you are expecting $4 gasoline going to $8 gasoline in the U.S. causing 10% of the 200 million vehicles to become electric, I would ask what evidence do you have to support this?
Think back 10 years ago, gasoline was about $2 gallon and then in 2008 became $4 per gallon. We did not see a rush to buy hybrids. We have had 5 years since then with more expensive gasoline and we don't have 10% hybrids on the road.
Former president of Shell Oil calls for aggressive action on alternative fuels to break oil monopoly on transportation
John Hofmeister, former President of Shell Oil Company and founder and CEO of Citizens for Affordable Energy (CFAE), is joining the Fuel Freedom Foundation (FFF) Advisory Board. Fuel Freedom is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to opening the fuel market to allow alternative fue...
GTL synthetics
This is practical, the U.S. will not scrap 200 million liquid hydrocarbon fueled vehicles and replace them with electric any time soon. The replacement will not even be 1% in the next 10 years.
Former president of Shell Oil calls for aggressive action on alternative fuels to break oil monopoly on transportation
John Hofmeister, former President of Shell Oil Company and founder and CEO of Citizens for Affordable Energy (CFAE), is joining the Fuel Freedom Foundation (FFF) Advisory Board. Fuel Freedom is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to opening the fuel market to allow alternative fue...
That is one of the reason trucks handle and ride like trucks, they have all the weight of the axle and differential unsprung. Hit a bump or pot hole and you will feel it because the suspension response is not there.
Ford and Schaeffler demonstrate Fiesta-based e-WheelDrive car; follow-up research project in the works
Fiesta eWheelDrive. Click to enlarge. At Ford’s Lommel Proving Ground in Belgium, Ford Motor Company and Schaeffler demonstrated the Fiesta-based eWheelDrive car. (Earlier post.) Powered by independent electric motors in each of the rear wheels, eWheelDrive technology could lead to improvem...
Years ago Raser turned a Hummer H3 into a hybrid by putting a motor between the transmission and drive shaft.
VIA motors makes stock 3/4 ton pickups and vans into hybrid by putting a motor in the drive line. The more fuel we save the less oil we import, in that case it IS all good.
Honda progressing with transverse flux motor for hybrid powertrain
Left: Structure of original TF motor. Right: new TF motor. -32% is the relative reduction in axial length compared to a conventional motor. Takizawa et al. Click to enlarge. Honda has proposed and is developing a Transverse Flux motor (TF motor) in order to shorten the axial length of the mo...
Tesla has a 9 to 1 single speed reducer for their induction motor. Wheel motors may or may not have gearing depending on the number of poles.
With enough poles it is possible to drive the wheel directly without gears. The motor has to be low loss at higher frequencies to allow high speed performance.
Geely and Detroit Electric enter strategic partnership to co-develop EVs for China
The Emgrand EC7-EV at Auto Shanghai. Click to enlarge. Geely Automobile Group and Detroit Electric Inc. have entered into a strategic partnership to co-develop battery-electric vehicles and related electric drive systems for the China market. Under the terms of the partnership, the first EV...
In this case there is a need for a more powerful axial motor to go between the engine and transmission to take up less space.
They have made good advances here, the motor patents I saw from Honda were quite impressive. The market will decide which version from which car maker will be most popular.
Markets don't always pick the technically superior product. For example Beta was technically superior to VHS, but VHS out sold Beta 10 to 1. Perception and inertia are factors beyond technical superiority.
Honda progressing with transverse flux motor for hybrid powertrain
Left: Structure of original TF motor. Right: new TF motor. -32% is the relative reduction in axial length compared to a conventional motor. Takizawa et al. Click to enlarge. Honda has proposed and is developing a Transverse Flux motor (TF motor) in order to shorten the axial length of the mo...
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