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Plug Flow Digester Engineering, Information, Resources
and
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______________________________________________________________________
Plug Flow Digester
www.PlugFlowDigester.com
Plug Flow Digester
What is a Plug Flow Digester?
Plug flow digesters have
long, narrow concrete tanks with either a rigid or flexible cover. The plug flow digester (tank) is built partially or fully below grade to
limit
the demand for requiring additional heating. Plug flow digesters are used only
at dairy operations that collect manure by scraping. A cross-section
diagram of a plug flow digester follows.
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How
Anaerobic Digesters Work, and
How
Anaerobic Digesters Produce Biomethane:
The Greenest
of all Biofuels!
Anaerobic
Digesters
recover valuable biomethane from animal manure through a process called
anaerobic digestion.
The following information highlights the process of how Anaerobic
Digesters work.
Biomethane
and Anaerobic Bacteria
Biomethane
or "Renewable
Natural Gas" is practically the
same as is a gas that contains molecules of methane with one atom of carbon
and four atoms of hydrogen (CH4 ). It is the major component of the
"natural" gas used in many homes for cooking and heating. It is
odorless, colorless, and yields about 1,000 British Thermal Units (Btu) [252
kilocalories (kcal)] of heat energy per cubic foot (0.028 cubic meters) when
burned.
Natural gas,
or methane, is a fossil fuel - was created hundreds of thousands of years ago by the anaerobic
decomposition of organic materials (primarily algae). It is often found in association with oil
and coal.
The
same types of anaerobic bacteria that produce natural gas also produce biomethane
today. Anaerobic bacteria are some of the oldest forms of life on
earth. They evolved before the photosynthesis of green plants released large
quantities of oxygen into the atmosphere. Anaerobic bacteria break down or
"digest" organic material in the absence of oxygen and produce "Biomethane"
as a waste product. (Aerobic decomposition, or composting, requires large
amounts of oxygen and produces heat.)
Anaerobic
decomposition occurs naturally in swamps, water-logged soils and rice fields,
deep bodies of water, and in the digestive systems of termites and large
animals. Anaerobic processes can be managed in a "digester" (an
airtight tank) or a covered lagoon (a pond used to store manure) for waste
treatment. The primary benefits of anaerobic digestion are nutrient recycling,
waste treatment, and odor control. Except in very large systems, biomethane
production is a highly useful but secondary benefit.
Biomethane
produced in anaerobic digesters consists of methane (50%–80%), carbon dioxide
(20%–50%), and trace levels of other gases such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide,
nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen sulfide. The relative percentage of these gases
in biomethane
depends on the feed material and management of the process. When
burned, a cubic foot (0.028 cubic meters) of biomethane
yields about 10 Btu
(2.52 kcal) of heat energy per percentage of methane composition. For example, biomethane
composed of 65% methane yields 650 Btu per cubic foot (5,857
kcal/cubic meter).
Anaerobic
Digestion
Anaerobic
decomposition is a complex process. It occurs in three basic stages as the
result of the activity of a variety of microorganisms. Initially, a group of
microorganisms converts organic material to a form that a second group of
organisms utilizes to form organic acids. Methane-producing (methanogenic)
anaerobic bacteria utilize these acids and complete the decomposition process.
A
variety of factors affect the rate of digestion and Biomethane
production. The
most important is temperature. Anaerobic bacteria communities can endure
temperatures ranging from below freezing to above 135° Fahrenheit (F) (57.2°
Centigrade [C]), but they thrive best at temperatures of about 98°F (36.7°C) (mesophilic)
and 130°F (54.4°C) (thermophilic). Bacteria activity, and thus biomethane
production, falls off significantly between about 103° and 125°F (39.4° and
51.7°C) and gradually from 95° to 32°F (35° to 0°C).
In
the thermophilic range, decomposition and biomethane
production occur more
rapidly than in the mesophilic range. However, the process is highly sensitive
to disturbances, such as changes in feed materials or temperature. While all anaerobic digesters
reduce the viability of weed seeds and disease-producing
(pathogenic) organisms, the higher temperatures of thermophilic digestion result
in more complete destruction. Although anaerobic digesters
operated in the mesophilic
range must be larger (to accommodate a longer period of decomposition within the
tank (hydraulic retention time), the process is less sensitive to upset or change in
operating regimen.
To
optimize the digestion process, anaerobic digesters
must be kept at a
consistent temperature, as rapid changes will upset bacterial activity. In most
areas of the United States, digestion vessels require some level of insulation
and/or heating. Some installations circulate the coolant from their biomethane-powered
engines in or around the digester to keep it warm, while others burn part of the
biomethane
to heat the digester. In a properly designed system, heating
generally results in an increase in biomethane
production during colder periods.
The trade-offs in maintaining optimum digester temperatures to maximize gas
production while minimizing expenses are somewhat complex. Studies on digesters
in the north-central areas of the country indicate that maximum net biomethane
production can occur in anaerobic digesters
maintained at temperatures as low as 72°F
(22.2°C).
Other
factors affect the rate and amount of biomethane
output. These include pH,
water/solids ratio, carbon/nitrogen ratio, mixing of the digesting material, the
particle size of the material being digested, and retention time. Pre-sizing and
mixing of the feed material for a uniform consistency allows the bacteria to
work more quickly. The pH is self-regulating in most cases. Bicarbonate of soda
can be added to maintain a consistent pH; for example, when too much
"green" or material high in nitrogen content is added. It may be
necessary to add water to the feed material if it is too dry or if the nitrogen
content is very high. A carbon/nitrogen ratio of 20/1 to 30/1 is best.
Occasional mixing or agitation of the digesting material can aid the digestion
process. Antibiotics in livestock feed have been known to kill the anaerobic
bacteria in digesters. Complete digestion, and retention times, depend on all of
the above factors.
Sewage
Sludge or Effluent
The
material drawn from the anaerobic digester is called sewage
sludge, or effluent.
It is rich in nutrients (ammonia, phosphorus, potassium, and more than a dozen
trace elements) and is an excellent soil conditioner. It can also be used as a
livestock feed additive when dried. Any toxic compounds (pesticides, etc.) that
are in the anaerobic digesters'
feedstock material may become concentrated in the effluent.
Therefore, it is important to test the effluent before using it on a large
scale.
Anaerobic
Digester Types and Designs
Factors
to consider when designing an anaerobic digester system include cost, size,
local climate, and the availability and type of organic feedstock material.
Anaerobic digesters
can be manufactured from different materials depending on the location, climate
and waste to be processed. These materials include; concrete, steel, brick, or plastic.
Anaerobic digesters
are also manufactured in a variety of shapes, including; silos, troughs, basins or
may also be a pond or lagoon, and may be placed underground or on the
surface. All anaerobic digesters
system designs incorporate the same basic
components:
A
pre-mixing area or tank
A
digester vessel(s)
A
system for using the biogas
A
system for distributing or spreading the effluent (the remaining digested
material).
There are Two Basic Types of Anaerobic
Digesters; Batch and Continuous
Batch
Batch-type
digesters are the simplest to build. Their operation consists of loading the
digester with organic materials and allowing it to digest. The retention time
depends on temperature and other factors. Once the digestion is complete, the
effluent is removed and the process is repeated.
Continuous
In
a continuous digester, organic material is constantly or regularly fed into the
digester. The material moves through the digester either mechanically or by the
force of the new feed pushing out digested material. Unlike batch-type
digesters, continuous digesters produce biogas without the interruption of
loading material and unloading effluent. There are three types of continuous
digesters: vertical tank systems, horizontal tank or plug-flow systems, and
multiple tank systems.
Proper
design, operation, and maintenance of continuous digesters produce a steady and
predictable supply of usable biogas. They may be better suited for large-scale
operations.
Many
livestock operations store the manure they produce in waste lagoons, or ponds. A
growing number of these operations are placing floating covers on their lagoons
to capture the biogas. They use it to run an engine/generator to produce
electricity.
The
cost of designing an constructing an anaerobic
digester
and the associated "balance of
plant" can vary widely. Systems can be put together using
off-the-shelf materials. There are also a few companies that build system
components. Some sophisticated systems have been designed by professionals whose
major focus is research, not low cost.
Before you install one or more anaerobic digesters on your farm or ranch, food processing plant, or facility, you should explore its economic value and potential benefits. You will also want to consider an anaerobic digester "feasibility study" that specifically reviews your operation and requirements.
An
anaerobic
digester usually requires manure from more than 150 large animals to
cost effectively generate electricity. The anaerobic
digester and associated biogas production
can also reduce overall operating costs where costs are high for sewage,
agricultural, or animal waste disposal, and the effluent has economic value.
In the United States, the availability of inexpensive fossil fuels has limited the use of digesters solely for biogas production. However, the waste treatment and odor reduction benefits that anaerobic digesters provide are receiving increasing interest, especially for large-scale livestock operations such as dairies, feedlots, and slaughterhouses.
Multiple Environmental and Economic Benefits for Installing Anaerobic Digesters:
Anaerobic digesters generate numerous economic and environmental dividends:
Generate
practically free Biomethane (also
referred to as Renewable Biogas
or Renewable Natural Gas)
from waste streams. The Biomethane
can then be used as fuel for an onsite power plant such as a cogeneration
or trigeneration power plant.
Using
the free Biomethane
onsite to produce "green energy" qualifies your facility for
additional revenue streams in the form of a Renewable
Energy Credit, Carbon
Dioxide Credits and/or other Greenhouse
Gas Emissions credits.
Reduction
in biological oxygen demand in wastewater by over 50%
Reduction
in nitrogen in wastewater by over 50%
Reduction
in phosphorous in wastewater by over 50%
Dramatic
and significant reductions of odors, pollution of surface and groundwaters
and nutrient runoff from dairy farms (and other Concentrated Animal Feeding
Operations), wastewater treatment plants.
Better neighbors.... facilities that have installed Anaerobic Digesters have fewer complaints from their neighbors as a result of the reduction or elimination of odors.
|
Anaerobic Digester Systems in the U.S. and Europe |
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|
Country |
Biosolids |
Biowaste / Solid |
Agricultural |
Industrial Wastewater |
||
|
Industrial |
||||||
|
Austria |
100 |
3 |
100 |
25 |
||
|
Canada |
50 |
13 |
||||
|
Czech Republic |
10 |
4 |
||||
|
Denmark |
64 |
21 |
5 |
|||
|
Finland |
1 |
3 |
||||
|
Germany |
49 |
1,500 |
91 |
|||
|
Greece |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|||
|
Italy |
4 |
50 |
38 |
|||
|
Netherlands |
2 |
84 |
||||
|
Norway |
17 |
2 |
5 |
|||
|
Portugal |
94 |
3 |
||||
|
Spain |
1 |
6 |
27 |
|||
|
Sweden |
134 |
4 |
3 |
8 |
||
|
Switzerland |
70 |
11 |
69 |
20 |
||
|
U.K. |
200 |
1 |
25 |
26 |
||
|
U.S.A. |
1,600 |
28 |
92 |
|||
|
above
info courtesy of www.usda.gov
|
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______________________________________________________________________
What is Biomethane?
Biomethane is "renewable natural gas" made from organic sources - which starts out as "biogas" but then is cleaned up in a process called "Biogas to Biomethane" which removes the impurities in biogas such as carbon dioxide, siloxanes and hydrogen sulfides (H2S).
Biomethane is soon to be re-classified from the category of "Low Carbon Fuels" to "Super Low Carbon Fuel" due to it being the greenest of all biofuels!
"Cleaned-up"
and ready for use in an onsite cogeneration or
trigeneration power plant, the Biomethane could also be sold to a pipeline company and completely replace the
"natural gas" that is typically transported to markets via the vast
underground pipeline system.
Biomethane will some day replace the "methane" that is sold by natural
gas utility companies.
Biomethane has an unlimited supply, whereas the methane sold by gas companies has a limited supply. Biomethane is renewable, whereas the methane sold by your gas utility company is not renewable. Biomethane recovery, use and production generates "Greentags" or a "Renewable Energy Credit" for the owners and is GOOD for our environment.
As previously mentioned, Biomethane is "naturally" produced from organic materials as they decay. Sources of Biomethane include; landfills, POTW's/Wastewaster Treatment Systems, and every tree or agricultural product that is no longer living. Biomethane is also generated from animal operations where manure can be collected and the Biomethane is generated from anaerobic digesters where the manure decomposes.
Biomethane, after installation of the Biomethane equipment is essentially free, as opposed to buying natural gas, presently costing around $10.00/mmbtu.
Methanogenesis is the production of CH4 and CO2 by biological processes that are carried out by methanogens.
Unlike the price of natural gas, which has been very unstable, and wildly fluctuating from $5.50 to as much as $17.00/mmbtu this past year, Biomethane prices will tend to be more stable over the years. As more and more Biomethane is produced, and produced in reliable and sustainable methods that can fuel our energy needs now and for.
______________________________________________________________________
When
It Comes to Energy Independence,
Biomethane, Not Coal, is America's "Ace in the Hole"
and One of the Greenest of All Biofuels
It's
Time to Start Building Our Country's Biomethane Infrastructure &
Producing Biomethane, the Cleanest/Greenest Biofuel!
By: Monty Goodell, MBA
Biomethane Technologies
www.Biomethane.com
Biomethane,
NOT Coal, is America's True "Ace in the Hole" when it comes to our
energy future, economics, the environment, sustainability and America's
“Energy Independence.” And biomethane is also receiving recognition as one
of the greenest of all biofuels.
For
years now, the coal industry has been touting "coal is America's 'Ace in
the Hole'" when they discuss the abundance of our coal reserves here in the
U.S. and the role they hope coal will play in America's energy future.
But
coal is far from being the “Ace in the Hole” the coal lobby would have
everyone believe. That’s due to
the proverbial “black eye” not to mention the “black lungs” and other
problems that are inherent with “dirty coal.”
While
there may be a place for coal in America's energy future, coal must become
"clean" for America to value it as a possible energy resource. Plans
or building 18 new Coal fired power plants were cancelled in Texas last year due
to the fact that coal isn't clean, and utilities aren't interested in investing
the extra costs for building power plants that use "Clean Coal
Technology" or "Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle" power
plants that also now need to include "Carbon Capture and
Sequestration" technologies to remove the carbon dioxide emissions from the
stacks. Plans for many other coal fired power plants are being cancelled. And
even now, owners of coal fired power plants (pulverized coal) are switching from
coal, to biomass, and biomass gasification technologies, as the writing is on
the wall.
Unless
our society relishes the thoughts of moving back to the caves, and using
candles, and foregoing our modern-day comforts, we need to move forward with
renewable energy technologies such as biomethane, as the alternative is power
shortages and blackouts.
We
believe biomethane represents the best and greenest of all biofuels. There are
no supply problems with biomethane, and we have a virtually unlimited supply for
using biomethane wherever natural gas is presently used as a fuel.
It
should be pointed out that biomethane is chemically no different than natural
gas from the "fossil fuel" form of natural gas or CH4.
However,
one important distinction between biomethane and the fossil-fuel variety of
natural gas, is that the production and use of biomethane is “carbon
neutral” in that the greenhouse gas emissions from biomethane use do not add
any new net greenhouse gas emissions.
Biomethane
starts out as “biogas” but must be cleaned and purified before it can be
used as a renewable fuel. The
process of cleaning and purifying the biogas is called “biogas to biomethane.”
The impurities that are found in biogas include hydrogen sulfides,
siloxanes, and carbon dioxide. When the impurities are removed from biogas, it
is then referred to as biomethane and available for use as a clean fuel, just as
the fossil-fuel form of natural gas is used.
Biomethane reserves and supplies, unlike fossil-fuel natural gas, are virtually unlimited. Biomethane is produced from many sources including anaerobic digesters, wastewater treatment systems, landfills and most agricultural and forestry operations. Last year, the first Biomethane NGV refueling station was opened in Eugendorf, Austria. Like a gas station provides gasoline for cars, the the NGV Biomethane station in Eugendorf provides biomethane for NGVs (Natural Gas Vehicles). Presently, the station provides a blend of biomethane and natural gas. Eventually, they hope to provide 100% biomethane for natural gas vehicles. Companies and researchers in Germany and Austria have determined that “Cellulosic Biomethane” is the greenest of all biofuels, and the least expensive biofuel to produce. Germany and Austria are now planting vast amounts of a form of Kentucky Bluegrass which will be harvested for use in producing “Cellulosic Biomethane,” through anaerobic digesters and fermentation.
Researchers
from around the world, starting in Austria, are finding that grasses such as
Kentucky Bluegrass are easily converted into biomethane as well as organic
fertilizer. Cellulosic Biomethane production doesn’t require the fermentation
of sugars or starches - as the first generation of liquid biofuels – requiring
grains and oilseeds from food crops. As the Austrian Cellulosic Biomethane
project shows, biomethane can be produced from a cellulosic biomass feedstock
like grass. Yield estimates from the Austrian Cellulosic Biomethane research
indicate that one natural gas vehicle can travel 10,000 to 15,000 miles on just
one acre of Kentucky Bluegrass that was processed into biomethane.
At
a Jan. 8, 2009 public workshop held by the California Natural Gas Vehicle
Coalition, they documented the superior benefits and potential of biomethane as
a clean, renewable energy resource. The
California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition stated that Biomethane should be
classified as a "Super Ultra Low Carbon fuel."
Super Ultra Low Carbon fuel is defined as providing at least an 82
percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions - based on the California Air
Resource Board’s analysis of biomethane from landfill gas.
Biomethane
has a carbon dioxide emissions intensity of only 11 as compared with:
67.9 for natural gas
95.8 for diesel
96.7 for gasoline
Biomethane
can displace and substitute the equivalent of 29% percent of all petroleum
diesel transportation fuel used - almost immediately.
According
to the California Energy Commission and the Biomass Collaborative, landfills,
wastewater treatment, and dairy waste sources - which are "developable
today" and can start producing Biomethane almost immediately, with low
investment/high returns, could yield 121 billion cubic feet of Biomethane. At
$8.00/mmbtu, that's a $1 billion market opportunity in California alone.
The 121 billion cubic feet of Biomethane equals about 860 million gallons
of petroleum diesel. California alone uses about 3 billion gallons of diesel
annually for transportation. Emerging biomass gasification and Biomethanation
technologies could more than double Biomethane supplies.
Biomethane
- like natural gas from "fossil fuels" - can be compressed or
liquefied. And using "Compressed Biomethane" is a significantly better
choice as a transportation fuel than traditional "natural gas."
Biomethane
is the "natural, natural gas" and is far better for the environment
and the economy than natural gas. Biomethane, when "vented" to the
environment, is 21 times more hazardous to the climate than carbon dioxide
emissions which are the only emissions (and water vaport) from compressed
natural gas vehicles' engines when used as a fuel.
Again,
we are reminded that Biomethane is the same chemical compound as natural gas:
CH4, and completely replaces and substitutes for natural gas. Engines, turbines,
boilers and every other natural gas appliance can use Biomethane without any
adjustments or modifications - just like natural gas.
Biomethane
supplies, as opposed to natural gas supplies from the fossil fuel industry, are
available in an unlimited supply.
Moving
forward with a “Biomethane Infrastructure” is the direction our country
needs to be moving as one of our fuel choices as we become energy-independent.
Every MCF of Biomethane that we use displaces about 8 gallons of gasoline
and creates jobs that will never be outsourced or downsized.
(Some of the above information from the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition.)
______________________________________________________________________
Biomethane -
The Renewable Natural Gas & Greenest of all Renewable
Fuels!
www.Biomethane.com
The Unlimited Potential for Biomethane
and Renewable Natural Gas
Sweden is now leading Europe and the rest of the world in the pursuit of cellulosic biomethane.
According to
recent studies by researchers, professors and universities in Sweden, cellulosic biomethane
is significantly more economic and less energy intensive to produce today than
any biofuel (i.e. E100
Ethanol, B100 Biodiesel, Dimethyl
Ether, etc.).
If the U.S. were to similarly emphasize the production of cellulosic biomethane as Sweden is now doing, the U.S. could significantly increase the supply of Biomethane - a renewable, clean fuel with an unlimited supply.
Biomethane
can be produced from landfill gas, sewage and animal and crop waste. Besides supplementing
our existing natural gas supplies, Biomethane
would provide huge greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
Based on an analysis conducted for the Department of Energy in the 1990's, it appears that at least 1¼ quadrillion BTUs of methane could reasonably be produced using exiting landfill gas to energy sites, wastewater treatment systems and animal waste sources (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) alone.
If the Biomethane produces in the U.S. were used for natural gas vehicles, it would displace approximately 10 billion gallons of gasoline, per year! This is 10 times the amount (1 billion gallons of gasoline) per year projected for natural gas (the fossil fuel) in the Annual DOE outlook.
Regarding Greenhouse Gas
Emissions and
Biomethane/Renewable Natural
Gas vs. Gasoline
Gasoline produces about 110% more Greenhouse Gas Emissions than Biomethane which would have otherwise been flared or vented to the atmosphere.
In the U.S., it is now feasible to capture and use about 1.25 quadrillion Btu's of Biomethane from landfills, animal waste and POTWs (wastewater treatment systems) alone. This is equivalent to about 6% of all of the natural gas presently used in the U.S.
If
this Biomethane were used as a
transportation fuel in natural
gas vehicles, the Biomethane would displace 10 billion gallons of gasoline per
year!
Other
Benefits and Incentives of Biomethane:
The Federal Biogas/Biomethane Tax Credit:
Equal to 2.0 cents per KWH (approximately $5.66 per MMBtu) for electricity produced on-site from
Biomethane.
All other uses of biogas and Biomethane in vehicles and producing electricity off-site) do not
presently qualify for the Federal Biogas/Biomethane Tax Credit.
______________________________________________________________________
Biomethane
-
the Perfect Renewable Fuel
and Now the
Best of all Renewable Fuels?
As Biomethane
is a near perfect fuel, and since Biomethane
represents the best of all biofuels in terms of Recycling Carbon, and has the
highest Net Energy Balance, and as
Biomethane technologies such as Anaerobic
Digesters and Biomass
Gasification development increases and becomes even more commonplace, one of
the fundamental questions is: what is the size of the potential biomass resource
supply in the U.S.?
In April 2005, the DOE and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
co-published a report assessing the potential of the land resources in the U.S.
for producing sustainable biomass: Biomass as Feedstock for a Bioenergy and
Bioproducts Industry: The Technical Feasibility of a Billion-Ton Annual Supply.
Looking at forestland and agricultural land, the two largest potential biomass
sources, this study estimates that the U.S. can sustainably produce up to 1.3
billion tons of biomass feedstock by mid-century. This would be enough feedstock
to produce 60 billion gallons of B100 Biodiesel and
E100 Ethanol with today's
technologies.
This study doesn't address the opportunities for Biomethane production from biomass feedstock or Biomass Gasification technologies. Some recent estimates indicate that Biomethane could replace up to 50% of present natural gas consumption in the U.S. and in some countries, such as Iceland, Biomethane already provides 100% of the natural gas requirements.
There
are many assumptions in the Billion Ton Study report that impact these
estimates, but we believe the estimates reasonably reflect the potential
availability and impact of biomass resources.
Of the total estimated resource, the study suggests that forestlands in the
contiguous United States can produce approximately 368 million dry tons
annually. This projection includes 52 million dry tons of fuelwood harvested
from forests and woodlands, 145 million dry tons of residues from wood
processing mills and pulp and paper mills, 47 million dry tons of urban wood
residues including construction and demolition debris, 64 million dry tons of
residues from logging and site clearing operations, and 60 million dry tons of
biomass from fuel treatment operations.
Biomass to Biofuels
By "converting" biomass wastes – such as municipal solid waste, sewage sludge, crop residues, energy crops, and manure – into biofuels, this will resolve the energy, environmental and political problems in an economical and environmentally sound manner - that will produce over one million new jobs.
According
to Jeff Seisler, Director of the European Natural Gas Vehicle Association,
"Biomethane
has
an outstanding potential as a multifaceted solution to multifaceted social
problems: urban and agricultural waste management, water purification, and clean
air. Urban and agricultural waste can be processed into usable methane, as can
the sewage during the water purification process. Cleaning and compressing the
gas for use in vehicles then provides cleaner air than petroleum-consuming
vehicles."
Continuing, Mr. Seisler states about Biomethane;
"this environmental 'closed loop waste-to-energy-to-fuel used in vehicles
that again truck the next load of waste to the energy processing
plants-substitutes fossil fuels with a renewable resource and reduces greenhouse
gases 100% as compared to over gasoline vehicles (on a well-to-wheel basis).
According
to Peter Boisen Chairman, of ENGVA, "various well respected European
research institutes now estimate more than three times better fuel output per
hectare of land used than if going for ethanol or biodiesel. Sweden currently
has a 51% Biomethane
share,
and Switzerland 37%. France, Norway, Germany and Austria use smaller amounts for
vehicles. Iceland, completely without natural gas, uses 100% biomethane in its
NGVs," Boisen says. Continuing, Boisen adds, "China, India,
Korea, the Ukraine, Spain and Italy are other examples of countries now starting
up projects where Biomethane
will be used as a vehicle fuel."
"With the energy efficiency of the gas production process at 50% to 70%
it's hard to think of a more socially acceptable and economic energy value for
the transportation sector," Boisen says.
"Governments need to get out of their liquid fuel paradigm to refocus and
balance their policies and communications to support the development of a Biomethane
infrastructure. In Europe Biomethane
has the potential to replace 20% of the
petroleum consumed in the transport sector by 2030."
______________________________________________________________________
Biomethane
- The Best of All Renewable Fuels!
BIOMETHANE
FACTS
1.
Biomethane
is One of the Most Common and Harmful of All Greenhouse
Gas Emissions.
2. Biomethane
is 21 Times More Harmful to the Climate than Carbon
Dioxide Emissions. Stated another way, Biomethane
Causes Global Warming and Climate Change to Increase 21 Times Faster than Carbon
Dioxide Emissions.
3. Biomethane
Is A "Renewable Natural Gas."
4. Biomethane
is One of the Easiest and Most Profitable of all Greenhouse
Gas Emissions to Recover and Control.
______________________________________________________________________
California and Sweden Sign Agreement to Jointly Develop
Biomethane
and Other Renewable Fuels
Thursday, 29
June 2006
Sacramento, California USA and Sweden
In a ceremony held at the Ministry of the Environment in Stockholm,
representatives of the Kingdom of Sweden and the State of California signed an
agreement pledging the two governments and their related industries to work
together to develop bioenergy, with a particular emphasis on Biomethane.
“Through a strong working relationship between its industry and government,
Sweden is showing how bioenergy can be developed in a cost-effective manner that
benefits its economy and environment. We are extremely pleased to have signed
this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will provide a basis for intensified
collaboration between Swedish and California officials to develop a thriving
bioenergy industry in California,” said Joe Desmond, Undersecretary for the
California Resources Agency.
In particular, Sweden has been a global leader in terms of converting biowaste,
largely agricultural material and residues, into usable Biomethane.
This gas is then used to either generate electricity, residential heating, or as
a transportation fuel.
More than 8,000 vehicles in Sweden are powered by a combination of natural gas
and Biomethane.
The vehicles include transit buses, refuse trucks, and more than 10 different
models of passenger cars. There are more than 25 Biomethane
production facilities in Sweden and 65 filling stations. The Swedish Biomethane
industry has been growing at an annual rate of about 20 percent over the last
five years.
According to the Swedish Gas Association, more than 50 percent of the methane
used to power Sweden’s natural gas vehicles now comes from biological sources,
up from 45% last year. Natural gas vehicle sales in Sweden are increasing at the
rate of 25% per annum.
Sweden was motivated to develop its Biomethane
industry because it has no natural gas reserves, to more efficiently manage its
waste, and to meet its obligations under the Kyoto Accord. Since Biomethane
is developed from methane sources that would normally release into the
atmosphere, it’s considered one of the most climate friendly fuels. Methane
(and Biomethane)
is 21 times more reactive as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide (CO2). Sweden
is currently meetings its objectives and schedule as outlined in the Kyoto
accord.
Biomethane
is developed by heating up and breaking down biomaterials in an (Anaerobic
Digesters) digester. Among other raw materials, Swedish operators feed their
Anaerobic Digesters with
slaughterhouse waste, swine manure, and even grassy crops. After the materials
breakdown over a 20 day period, technology is then used to remove the impurities
and produce Biomethane.
Once cleaned-up, Biomethane
is 98 percent methane and easily meets the Swedish and California pipeline
standards.
The Memorandum of Understanding can be accessed on the California Resources
Agency Web site: http://resources.ca.gov/press_documents/CaliforniaSwedenBiofuelsMOU.pdf
About us:
We provide energy master planning, engineering, architectural and renewable energy project development services with expertise in:
Balance of Plant - BOP
Balance of System - BOS
Battery Energy Storage - BES
Carbon Emissions Consulting
Concentrated Solar Power - CSP
Demand Side Management - DSM
Economic Feasibility
Front End Engineering Design - FEED
Greenhouse Gas Emissions consulting
High Voltage Direct Current - HVDC
Interconnection Studies
Net Zero Energy - NZE
Net Zero Energy Buildings - NZEB
Organic Rankine Cycle - ORC
Power Purchase Agreement consulting & PPA fundingProject Development
Project Development
Project Management
Project Finance/Funding introduction to potential investors
Smart Grid
Our
work is performed on a strict adherence to "vendor-neutrality." We are
client and project focused and seek to maximize our client's return on their
investment while simultaneously minimizing their operational expenses and
environmental exposure.
For qualified clients we will design, build, finance, own, operate and maintain a new:
energy
system, through a Power
Purchase Agreement that guarantees
a minimum 10% reduction in our client's energy expenses.
(NOTE: Engineering and related interim project development
expenses may be at client's expense but will be
refunded at the close of Power
Purchase Agreement or other project financing. Some of our
engineering
and EPC services may be provided by one of our Top-ranked ENR Engineering/EPC
partner companies.)
To receive a preliminary no-obligation review of your energy, engineering or
project plans,
send an introductory email to us at the following email address:
and the
____________________________________________________
The market for Distributed
PV, also known as
"Rooftop PV"
will be a $60 billion/year market by 2013!
"Concentrating
Solar Power - The Technology That Will
Save Humanity." Dr. Joseph Romm.
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/04/14/solar_electric_thermal/index.html
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What is the "Unified Smart Grid"?
The Unified Smart Grid is the name used for the future transmission power lines that would carry green electricity from the many solar power plants and solar power parks and wind farms that generate the power, typically in remote areas, to the "load centers" or major cities that would use the green power.
Quite simply, our country's out-dated and inefficient National Electric Grid, lacks the ability to carry all the new green electricity being planned from hundreds of new solar power parks and wind power generation facilities.
The Unified Smart Grid will be a national interconnected network relying on a high capacity backbone of electric power transmission lines linking all the nation's local electrical networks that have been upgraded to smart grids. Europe's analogous project is sometimes referred to as the SuperSmart Grid, a term that also appears in the literature describing the Unified Smart Grid.
Cost estimates to rebuild the nation's electric grid as a Unified Smart Grid have ranged from $350 billion to $450 billion.
Support for
the unified smart grid came with passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act of
2007. Title 13 of this Act invested $100 million in funding for the
years 2008 – 2012 and establishes a matching program to states, utilities and consumers to build
unified smart grid capabilities. It also creates a Grid Modernization Commission to assess the benefits of demand response
and automated demand response and recommended a set of system protocols and
standards to be led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology which
would coordinate the development of smart grid standards. FERC would then promulgate
these standards and protocols for the unified smart grid through its official
rulemaking capabilities.
The Unified
Smart Grid received further support with the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 that set aside $11 billion for the creation of a smart grid.
Building
a Unified
Smart Grid
would
help jump-start the renewable
energy investments in solar power
parks. Thousands of megawatts of new solar
power parks (both Concentrating
Solar Power plants and Photovoltaic Power Plants) are being planned. Most
are located in the desert Southwest due to the solar energy resource. A Unified
Smart Grid
is
needed to move the large amount of power, which is fairly concentrated, to the
rest of the nation. Without the new Unified
Smart Grid, it
would be impossible to distribute the green power to the nation.
The new Unified Smart Grid is significantly more efficient than the present, nearly 100 year old technology that makes up our nation's present transmission and distribution network of how we get the power from central power plants to customers and major load centers.
Much of the new Unified Smart Grid will be comprised of "High Voltage Direct Current" transmission lines which is significantly more efficient than the present high voltage alternating current transmission lines.
The new Unified Smart Grid will provide economic development, thousands of new jobs, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
What would the new Unified Smart Grid look like?
Source: American Electric Power
__________________________________________________
For more information on the Unified Smart Grid, visit one of the following sites:
Central Power
Plant
www.CentralPowerPlant.com
Electric Power
Generation
www.ElectricPowerGeneration.net
High
Voltage Direct Current
www.HighVoltageDirectCurrent.com
National
Electric Grid
www.NationalElectricGrid.com
Transmission
and Distribution
www.TransmissionAndDistribution.net
Unified Smart
Grid
www.UnifiedSmartGrid.com
Wind
Power Generation
www.WindPowerGeneration.com
You Can't
Have a Unified
Smart Grid Without:
Advanced Metering System * Advanced Meters * Automated Demand Response * Automated Energy Management
Battery Energy Storage * Building Automation Systems * Carbon Free Energy * Clean Power Generation * Cogeneration
Compressed Air Energy Storage * Decentralized Energy * Demand Side Management * Dispersed Generation
Distributed Energy Resources * Distributed Generation * Distributed PV * EcoGeneration * High Voltage Direct Current
Load Leveling * Locational Marginal Pricing * Micro-Grid * Net Zero Energy * Net Zero Energy Buildings
Nodal Pricing * Onsite Power Generation * Pollution Free Power * Plug In Electric Vehicles * Renewable Energy Parks
Rooftop PV * Solar Cogeneration * Solar Power Parks * Trigeneration * Virtual Power Plants * Waste Heat Recovery
_______________________________________________________
What is Front End Engineering Design?
Front-end
Engineering Design, also known as Front End
Engineering or
"FEED," is the preliminary engineering and conceptual design completed
in advance of the start of EPC (Engineering, Procurement and
Construction). Front End Engineering usually concludes with the
engineering firm's presentation of an Engineering
Feasibility Study or Analysis.
Front-end
Engineering Design includes a design team that includes and integrates
all or most engineering fields such as mechanical engineering, electrical
engineering, environmental engineering, civil engineering, power engineering,
chemical engineering, etc. The FEED design team includes the project
visualization and conceptualization stages, including "what-if"
decision making analyses, integrating the client company's goals, objectives
into an efficient and economic engineering solution.
What is Balance of
Plant?
Balance of plant
or "BOP," consists of the remaining systems, components, and structures that comprise a complete power plant or energy system
- not included in the prime mover and waste heat recovery (ex.
gas turbines,
steam turbines,
heat
recovery steam generators (HRSG), waste heat
boilers, etc.) systems. In solar
power parks, BOP is referred to as BOS or balance
of system.
Engineering Procurement Construction, also referred to as; Engineer Procure Construct, "EPC" or Engineering Procurement and Construction, is the terminology used when an owner, for example, is seeking to build a new cogeneration power plant uses when the owner is seeking a "turnkey" project solution. EPC contracts are not only a very common form of contracting within the construction industry, but increasingly becoming the norm, particularly in the electric power generation (power plants) and utility sector.
The construction company, via the EPC contract with the owner, provides for the design, engineering, procurement of all related supplies, components, materials, labor, services, etc. The contractor, with approval/permit by EPC contract with the owner, may sub-contract part of the work.
Engineering Procurement and Construction or "EPC" contracts with long-term performance guarantees are becoming increasingly popular for some renewable energy technologies, such as commercial-scale Distributed Solar Generation / Distributed PV systems.
Engineering Procurement and Construction contracts give the owner unprecedented assurance that the system will provide the long-term energy benefits advertised without wasting time and money with the Architectural and Engineering ("A&E") firm or expensive change orders that take additional time and resources to process and integrate. These performance guarantees cover the entire installation and go way beyond manufacturer warranties that only cover specific parts and not the system as a whole.
EPC and performance guarantee contracts can be a wise choice for many reasons. Oftentimes, the Architectural and Engineering firms do not have the in-house expertise to understand fully how to specify renewable energy systems. Due to the newer nature of these technologies and the rapidly developing nature of many technologies, this is a specialized field of its own for each renewable technology type. If the Architectural and Engineering company specifies particular equipment, while it may be feasible, it may not be the optimal design or the most likely to be available at construction.
EPC contracts also provide more flexibility in equipment choices that can reduce change orders and construction delays. For example, many photovoltaic modules change specifications and dimensions on almost a monthly basis. Even the oldest and most reputable manufacturers are working to keep pace with fierce competition in the field today. Given that the modules are the heart of the photovoltaic system, it reasons that specifying a particular module in the construction documents might result in a change order and result in cost over runs and delays by actual construction.
In an EPC contract with a performance guarantee, the contractor has a strong financial incentive to use the most reliable and highest performing equipment and to ensure the highest standards are maintained throughout installation and that any details that could influence long-term performance are addressed. Practices ranging from cherry picking the highest output modules to over-sizing wiring and conduit to improved operations and maintenance (O&M) plans might not be necessary for inspection or commissioning but can contribute to meeting the contractor's long-term performance liability. These same practices in turn enhance the long-term energy performance to the greater benefit of the facility and those that operate it.
Performance guarantee contracts attract top renewable energy contractors with long-term success in their fields. Less capable or experienced contractors will not savor the extra liability involved, nor will they have the expertise or even access to the top quality equipment necessary to fulfill a performance guarantee.
Certain provisions should be included with any EPC contract to ensure coordination and consistency with the remainder of the project. All contracts and subcontracts related to the project should include provisions requiring participation in the integrated design process including coordination of design with other related aspects of the project.
The EPC contractor needs to work with the Architectural and Engineering firm to understand the building elements that are necessary to the integration of the renewable energy system. In addition, an EPC contract needs provisions to ensure coordination with the larger project construction team. While coordination is important, this type of design and construction contract allows the contractors to do what they do best and frees more of the agency's critical planning resources for other aspects of the project.
Additional provisions standard with other construction contract terms should also be included in the EPC contract. These include requiring the team to perform enhanced commissioning over the first year and developing an O&M manual and training for the system.
Through a combination of EPC contracts combined with long-term performance guarantees, the construction relationship is transformed from being sometimes adversarial to being a win/win situation for everyone involved.
Engineering Procurement
Construction and
Front End Engineering Design (FEED)
and
Project Development Services
______________________________________________________
What is "Cogeneration"?
Did you know that 10% of our nation's electricity now comes from "cogeneration" plants?
And
because cogeneration
is so efficient, it saves its customers up to 40% on their energy expenses, and
provides even greater savings to our environment through significant reductions
in fuel usage and much lower greenhouse
gas emissions.
Cogeneration
- also known as “combined
heat and power” (CHP), cogen, district energy, total energy, and
combined cycle, is the simultaneous production of heat (usually in the form of
hot water and/or steam) and power, utilizing one primary fuel such as natural
gas, or a renewable fuel, such as Biomethane,
B100 Biodiesel,
or Synthesis Gas.
Cogeneration technology is not the latest industry buzz-word being touted as the solution to our nation's energy woes. Cogeneration is a proven technology that has been around for over 120 years!
Our nation's first commercial power plant was a cogeneration plant that was designed and built by Thomas Edison in 1882 in New York. Our nation's first commercial power plant was called the "Pearl Street Station."
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What is "Trigeneration"?
Trigeneration is the simultaneous production of three forms of energy - typically, Cooling, Heating and Power - from only one fuel input. Put another way, our trigeneration power plants produce three different types of energy for the price of one.
Trigeneration energy systems can reach overall system efficiencies of 86% to 93%. Typical "central" power plants, that do not need the heat generated from the combustion and power generation process, are only about 33% efficient.

Trigeneration
Diagram & Description
Trigeneration Power Plants' Have the Highest System Efficiencies and are
About 300 % More Efficient than Typical Central Power Plants
Trigeneration
plants are installed at locations that can benefit from all three forms of
energy. These types of installations that install trigeneration
energy systems are called "onsite power generation" also referred to as
"decentralized energy."
One of our company's principal's first experience with the design and development of a trigeneration power plant was the trigeneration power plant installation at Rice University in 1987 where our trigeneration development team started out by conducting a "cogeneration" feasibility study. The EPC contractor that Rice University selected installed the trigeneration power which included a 4.0 MW Ruston gas turbine power plant, along with waste heat recovery boilers and Absorption Chillers. A "waste heat recovery boiler" captures the heat from the exhaust of the gas turbine. From there, the recovered energy was converted to chilled water - originally from (3) Hitachi Absorption Chillers - 2 were rated at 1,000 tons each, and the third Hitachi Absorption Chiller was rated at 1,500 tons. The Hitachi Absorption Chillers were replaced shortly after their installation by the EPC company. The first trigeneration plant at Rice University was so successful, they added a second 5.0 MW trigeneration plant so today, Rice University is now generating about 9.0 MW of electricity, and also producing the cooling and heating the university needs from the trigeneration plant and circulating the trigeneration energy around its campus.

Trigeneration Chart
Trigeneration's
"Super-Efficiency" compared
with other competing technologies
As you can see, there is No Competition for Trigeneration!
Our trigeneration power plants are the ideal onsite power
and energy solution for customers that include: Data
Centers, Hospitals, Universities, Airports, Central Plants, Colleges
& Universities, Dairies, Server Farms, District Heating & Cooling
Plants,
Food Processing Plants, Golf/Country
Clubs, Government Buildings, Grocery Stores, Hotels, Manufacturing
Plants,
Nursing Homes, Office
Buildings / Campuses,
Radio Stations, Refrigerated
Warehouses,
Resorts,
Restaurants,
Schools, Server Farms, Shopping Centers, Supermarkets, Television
Stations, Theatres and Military Bases.
At about 86% to 93% net system efficiency, our trigeneration power plants are about 300% more efficient at providing energy than your current electric utility. That's because the typical electric utility's power plants are only about 33% efficient - they waste 2/3 of the fuel in generating electricity in the enormous amount of waste heat energy that they exhaust through their smokestacks.
Trigeneration is defined as the simultaneous production of three energies: Cooling, Heating and Power. Our trigeneration energy systems use the same amount of fuel in producing three energies that would normally only produce just one type of energy. This means our customers that have our trigeneration power plants have significantly lower energy expenses, and a lower carbon footprint.
______________________________________________________
Our
New "Integrated" Cogeneration
and Trigeneration
Plants Have
Very High Efficiencies & Low Fuel Costs
The Effective Heat Rate is Approximately
4050 btu/kW & System Efficiency is 92%
Plants Have
Very High Efficiencies & Low Fuel Costs
Pictures (below) of a Cogeneration Plant Presently Being Built for New Customer.
This Cogeneration
Plant is Rated at 900 kW and Features:
(2) Natural Gas Engines
@ 450 kW each on one Skid with Optional
Selective Catalytic Reduction system that removes Nitrogen
Oxides to "non-detect."



Our onsite trigeneration power and energy system can be an ideal solution for
customers wanting increased power reliability and decreased energy and
environmental costs. A few of the types of buildings and businesses that
would benefit from an onsite trigeneration
plant include the following:
Airports
Casinos
Central Plants
Colleges & Universities
Dairies
Data Centers
District Heating & Cooling plants
Food Processing Plants
Golf/Country Clubs
Government Buildings and Facilities
Grocery Stores
Hospitals
Hotels
Manufacturing Plants
Military Bases
Nursing Homes
Office Buildings / Campuses
Radio Stations
Refrigerated Warehouses
Resorts
Restaurants
Schools
Server Farms
Shopping centers
Supermarkets
Television Stations
Theatres
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Waste
Heat Recovery in Cogeneration
and
Trigeneration power and energy
systems
In most cogeneration and trigeneration power and energy systems, the exhaust gas from the electric generation equipment is ducted to a heat exchanger to recover the thermal energy in the gas. These heat exchangers are air-to-water heat exchangers, where the exhaust gas flows over some form of tube and fin heat exchange surface and the heat from the exhaust gas is transferred to make hot water or steam. The hot water or steam is then used to provide hot water or steam heating and/or to operate thermally activated equipment, such as an absorption chiller for cooling or a desiccant dehumidifer for dehumidification.
Many of the waste heat recovery technologies used in building co/trigeneration systems require hot water, some at moderate pressures of 15 to 150 psig. In the cases where additional steam or pressurized hot water is needed, it may be necessary to provide supplemental heat to the exhaust gas with a duct burner.
In some applications air-to-air heat exchangers can be used. In other instances, if the emissions from the generation equipment are low enough, such as is with many of the microturbine technologies, the hot exhaust gases can be mixed with make-up air and vented directly into the heating system for building heating.
In the majority of installations, a flapper damper or "diverter" is employed to vary flow across the heat transfer surfaces of the heat exchanger to maintain a specific design temperature of the hot water or steam generation rate.
Typical
Waste Heat Recovery Installation

In some co/trigeneration designs, the exhaust gases can be used to activate a
thermal wheel or a desiccant dehumidifier. Thermal wheels use the exhaust gas
to heat a wheel with a medium that absorbs the heat and then transfers the
heat when the wheel is rotated into the incoming airflow.
A professional engineer should be involved in designing and sizing of the waste heat recovery section. For a proper and economical operation, the design of the heat recovery section involves consideration of many related factors, such as the thermal capacity of the exhaust gases, the exhaust flow rate, the sizing and type of heat exchanger, and the desired parameters over a various range of operating conditions of the co/trigeneration system — all of which need to be considered for proper and economical operation.
The Market and Potential for Waste Heat Recovery technologies and solutions
There are more than 500,000 smokestacks in the U.S. that are "wasting" heat, an untapped resource that can be converted to energy with Waste Heat Recovery technologies.
About 10% of these 500,000 smokestacks represent about 75% of the available wasted heat which has a stack gas exit temperature above 500 degrees F. which could generate approximately 50,000 megawatts of electricity annually and an annual market of over $75 billion in gross revenues before tax incentives and greenhouse gas emissions credits.
Waste Heat Recovery technologies represent the least cost solution which provides the greatest return on investment, than any other possible green energy technology or "carbon free energy" opportunity!
For more information on Waste Heat Recovery and Waste Heat Boilers, call/email us.
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Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Since the year 1750
|
## |
|
World CO2 since 1750 (cubic feet) |
World Carbon Dioxide Emissions since 1750 (cubic feet)
The
carbon clock tracks total carbon dioxide
emissions in metric tons since 1750.
Since 1750, humans have emitted over 5 trillion pounds of carbon
emissions into
the atmosphere. Roughly half of this has ended up in the oceans where it is
beginning to damage the coral reefs. The other half is still in the atmosphere
and causing global warming. Each pound of CO2 takes up as much space as a 500
pound person.
The formula (which should be good for a year or two) is:
C(t) = 2.58 ×1012 + 1240×t, where t is seconds since the start of 2007.
C is tonnes (metric tons) of carbon dioxide
emissions.
2205 x C gives pounds of carbon dioxide
emissions.
That comes to over 43 billion tons/year or over 86 trillion pounds/year.
Carbon dioxide (2) = 1 carbon atom with 2 oxygen atoms.
Carbon has relative weight 12 and Oxygen 16.
So it takes only 12 pounds of carbon to make 12+16+16 = 44 pounds of CO2.
___________________________________________________
Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
Linked to
the Loss of Polar Bears

Photo courtesy of Alaska Image Library. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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What is "Decentralized Energy"?
Decentralized Energy is the opposite of "centralized energy." Decentralized Energy energy generates the power and energy that a residential, commercial or industrial customer needs, onsite. Examples of decentralized energy production are solar energy systems and solar trigeneration energy systems.
Today's electric utility industry was "born" in the 1930's, when fossil fuel prices were cheap, and the cost of wheeling the electricity via transmission power lines, was also cheap. "Central" power plants could be located hundreds of miles from the load centers, or cities, where the electricity was needed. These extreme inefficiencies and cheap fossil fuel prices have added a considerable economic and environmental burden to the consumers and the planet.
Centralized energy is found in the form of electric utility companies that generate power from "central" power plants. Central power plants are highly inefficient, averaging only 33% net system efficiency. This means that the power coming to your home or business - including the line losses and transmission inefficiencies of moving the power - has lost 75% to as much as 80% energy it started with at the "central" power plant. These losses and inefficiencies translate into significantly increased energy expenses by the residential and commercial consumers.
Decentralized Energy
is the Best Way to Generate Clean and Green Energy!
How we make and distribute electricity is changing!
The electric power generation, transmission and distribution system (the electric "grid") is changing and evolving from the electric grid of the 19th and 20th centuries, which was inefficient, highly-polluting, very expensive and “dumb.”
The "old" way of generating and distributing energy resembles this slide:
The electric grid of the 21st century (see slide below)
will be
Decentralized, Smart, Efficient and provide "carbon
free energy" and “pollution
free power” to customers who remain on the
electric grid. The electric grid of the future will be comprised of
both Onsite Power
Generation plants and "utility
scale power plants" that are fueled/powered with Biomass
Gasification, Biomethane, Concentrating
Solar Power, B100 Biodiesel, Distributed
PV, EcoGeneration Systems, Geothermal
Power Plants, Synthesis
Gas, Rooftop PV, Solar
Cogeneration, Solar Energy
Systems, Solar Power Parks, Solar
Trigeneration and Wind Power
Generation - located at Residential, Commercial, Industrial
and City/Municipal Locations.
Some customers will choose to dis-connect from the grid entirely. (Electric grid represented by the small light blue circles in the slide below.)
The
transmission grid will be upgraded to a "Unified
Smart Grid" with green electrons now being wheeled via "High
Voltage Direct Current."
Typical "central" power plants and the electric utility companies that own them will either be shut-down, closed or go out of business due to one or more of the following: failed business model, inordinate expenses related to central power plants that are inefficient, excessive pollution/emissions, high costs, continued reliance on the use of fossil fuels to generate energy, and the failure to provide efficient, carbon free energy and pollution free power.
Carbon free energy and pollution free power reduces our dependence on foreign oil and makes us Energy Independent while reducing and eliminating Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
* Some of the above information from the Department of Energy website with permission.
______________________________________________________
America's "Clear and Present Danger"
America
Has INCREASED its' Dependence on Foreign
Sources of Energy by 50% Since 1973.
America
is even more "addicted" to foreign oil today, than we were in 1973 -
1974 when OPEC, Saudi Arabia and other suppliers
from the Middle-East
stopped selling us their fossil fuels, and created a significant blow to our
economy.
According
to the CIA Fact Book, the U.S.A.
PRODUCES: 7,460,000 bbls of oil each day
CONSUMES:
20,800,000 bbls of oil each day
EVERY
day, the U.S. must IMPORT over 13 million bbls of oil from foreign
countries and foreign suppliers to meet demand.
This
Means that 65% of America's Energy Supplies are Now Imported from Suppliers
from Foreign Countries which means that 65% of the gasoline in your car's gas tank, comes from a foreign
country.
At $100/barrel of oil, this also means that $1.3 Billion (American) Dollars leave
our country, EVERY DAY, and go to foreign countries/suppliers of our fossil fuels, to
pay for the energy we need.
That's
$1.3 Billion dollars EVERY DAY - leaving our economy, and going to support a foreign
country's economy, employ THEIR workers and talk
about our foreign trade deficit..... nearly $500 Billion EVERY year, leaves our
country to pay for our oil addiction and the energy we need. That's 1/2
TRILLION DOLLARS every year!
This is NOT acceptable.
America needs to quickly transition to Energy Independence. American Oil and Natural Gas PLUS American Renewable Energy is the Only Way America Can Achieve Energy Independence.
Millions of new and sustainable American jobs would be created here at home, if we would end our addiction to foreign fossil fuels, and quickly transition to an economy based on renewable energy and renewable fuels, produced here in the U.S.A.
The good news is that today, America already has all of the Renewable Energy Resources and Renewable Energy Technologies needed to make American Energy Independence a reality.
According to Monty Goodell, Founder and Chairman of the Renewable Energy Institute, "our increased dependence and reliance on foreign energy supplies represents a Clear and Present Danger to our national security, our economy, and the lives and livelihood of every American. Energy - including the energy we use from imported fossil fuels, is the very "lifeblood" of the American economy as it is for every industrialized country. An economy dies without it's lifeblood of energy. This Clear and Present Danger we face is far more serious than the problems related to greenhouse gas emissions. And while greenhouse gas emissions are very serious issue, in the long-term, pales in comparison to America's vital national security interests and America's economic stability in the short term. For this reason alone, America needs to transition away from its addiction to foreign energy supplies. And America's abundant renewable energy resources such as the energy we receive from the sun, and renewable energy technologies such as concentrated solar power (CSP) plants - can supply 100% of America's power requirements with a concentrating solar power plant measuring 75 miles by 75 miles, located in the Southwest U.S. By generating America's power from concentrating solar power plants, America resolves its' short-term Clear and Present Danger as it relates to importing its energy from foreign countries, and the long-term problems relating to greenhouse gas emissions."
Continuing, Mr. Goodell states that "too many Americans have forgotten what happened to us in 1973, when the Arabs and OPEC brought the United States economy to a screeching halt during the OPEC Oil Embargo. This happened because they (mainly the country of Saudi Arabia) disagreed with our foreign policy and is the reason why they "turned off the tap" of our need for their oil supplies. When Saudi Arabia and OPEC stopped the vital flow of oil to our country in 1973, they caused an "oil shock" that severely and negatively impacted our economy.
Mr. Goodell's question for us to ponder is, "do these countries who sell us 60% of our daily energy requirements, like us and our foreign policy, or might they leverage our addiction to their fossil fuels, and turn off the tap to make us adjust or revise our foreign policy?? Like any addict, America's foreign policy may be held hostage to its addiction, and in this case, our addiction to foreign oil, may over-ride our national interests."
Have
American's forgotten the gas shortages and long lines at
their gas stations to get
gas during the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973?
"Apparently so." Mr. Goodell states that "in 1973, America was 'addicted' and 'over the barrel' of foreign oil to the amount of 40%. Forty percent of our energy 'needs' in 1973 came from countries - many of which didn't like us then, and I'm afraid, many of them still don't. The difference between 1973 and today - is that today we receive 50% MORE foreign oil now than we did in 1973. And now we know about the problems relating to greenhouse gas emissions that we didn't know then. America needs to change course, and change course now, in terms of its' energy supplies and how we keep America's economy strong, without the threat of being held hostage to a middle-east tyrant or regime, that could once again, turn on us, and turn off our supply of foreign oil."
Remember ????

"Sadly,
most Americans have forgotten the long lines of people waiting in their cars
- lined up and waiting
for gasoline at their nearby gas station, with lines that were many blocks
long. And, after waiting 4-5 hours, many even waiting overnight in many places, to
finally take their turn to fill up their car with gasoline, only to find that
the gas station
had run out of gas."
"Let me Repeat.... That was 1973 when we imported 40% of our daily energy requirements in the form of crude oil from overseas, and from foreign countries - and many of these from countries that don't like us.
Today, over 35 years later, America has yet to learn the lesson. We cannot continue our reliance on energy from foreign countries that supply us with 60% of the crude oil that our refineries use as a feedstock for producing gasoline and diesel fuel for our cars and trucks comes from overseas.
America is "over the barrel" and it's not our barrel, but the barrels of oil that we are addicted by and owned by other countries. Why have we not learned the lessons we needed to learn in 1973 when we were cut-off from the vital energy supplies we need?
Countries like China, are growing rapidly, and have an insatiable need for crude oil. China, with their booming economy, is increasingly growing in its clout and control over international supplies of crude oil - whether they do this through their ability to buy as much oil as they need on a daily basis, or whether they simply but American drilling rigs, technology, and explore and produce oil and gas from their own fields. China, is buying large amounts of oil for their country, and causing upward pricing on declining supplies. What happens if Russia, with all of their oil and natural gas, along with China and Venezuela, with or without the help of OPEC, decided to NOT sell oil to us????
To be sure, greenhouse gas emissions are a problem, and to some, greenhouse gas emissions are also a Clear and Present Danger, but not to the extent that it presents an imminent Clear and Present Danger.
America's reliance for 60% of our energy "needs" coming from foreign suppliers is un-acceptable.
The "driver" to get America to begin reducing and eliminating fossil fuel use should be our nation's national security and the welfare and safety of its citizens. And this can all begin with developing and investing in our own renewable energy resources and renewable energy technologies, let's start by putting solar on every rooftop that has a clear and unobstructed view of the Southern sky. See www.RooftopPV.com or www.DistributedPV.com for more information. Let's create incentives begin with adopting a national "Feed In Tariff" as Germany did in 1990.
We simply do NOT have the luxury of time on our hands. We need to end our
dependence and reliance on foreign fossil fuels, especially from countries that
don't like us! We need to rapidly begin expanding renewable energy
resources and renewable
energy technologies from our vast and abundant renewable energy resources,
such as; solar, solar energy
systems, solar cogeneration,
solar trigeneration,
"solar on every roof," along with; Biomass
Gasification, B100 Biodiesel, Biomethane,
E100
Ethanol (from cellulosic, agricultural waste, sugar cane, etc., and NOT from
corn), Geothermal Power Plants,
Natural Wastewater Treatment,
Synthesis Gas, Waste
To Energy, Waste To Fuel and Wind
Power Generation where it makes economic and environmental sense."
For more information, call/email the
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- of which
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makes up 80% of all greenhouse
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reduce the need for inefficient and expensive central power plants owned by
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* reduce and eventually eliminate the use of coal and other fossil fuels.
* promote energy independence.
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Anaerobic Digester
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Battery
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www.BiomassGasification.com
Biomethane
www.Biomethane.com
Building Automation System
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Buildings
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Carbon
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www.CarbonDioxideEmissions.com
Carbon Emissions
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Carbon Free Energy
www.CarbonFreeEnergy.com
Clean Power Generation
www.CleanPowerGeneration.com
Cogeneration
www.Cogeneration.net
Concentrated
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Energy
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Energy Master Plan
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Net Zero Energy
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Net Zero Energy Building
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Plug
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www.PlugInElectricVehicles.com
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Free Power
www.PollutionFreePower.com
Rooftop
PV
www.RooftopPV.com
Solar Energy Systems
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Solar Power Parks
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Solar Cogeneration
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Solar Trigeneration
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Sustainable
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Sustainable Building
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Synthesis Gas
www.SynthesisGas.com
Trigeneration
www.Trigeneration.com
Waste Heat Recovery
www.WasteHeatRecovery.com
Waste to Energy
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Wind
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www.WindPowerGeneration.com
Zero Emission Energy
www.ZeroEmissionEnergy.com
Zero Emission Power
www.ZeroEmissionPower.com
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We support the Renewable Energy Institute by donating a portion of our profits to the Renewable Energy Institute in their efforts to reduce fossil fuel use through renewable energy and their goals to end fossil fuel pollution by reducing/eliminating Carbon Emissions, Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
The Renewable Energy Institute is "Changing The Way The World Makes and Uses Energy by Providing Research & Development, Funding and Resources That Creates Sustainable Energy via 'Carbon Free Energy,' 'Clean Power Generation' and 'Pollution Free Power' Through Expanding the use of Renewable Energy Technologies."
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