Renewable and alternative energy

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Comment by Greg Manning on March 10, 2009 at 23:03

Greetings everyone, I'm always looking for information about gasifiers (gasification) and came across this site, beacuse of Llywelyn's posts (sorry but I'm not positive on how I would say his name, let alone first or last is convention on this list).

Anyhow, for those intrested in Gasification in NZ, you have one of the "fore-runners" of gasifcation in your backyard, Doug Wlliams. In my eyes, I would classify him as one of the most knowlageable people involved in gasifcation, in the world.

for those interested, http://www.fluidynenz.250x.com/

Greg Manning

Comment by Amy Bankoff on August 19, 2008 at 11:38

I saw a biodieel making plant on Trade Me for $1350. It makes up to 180 litres at a time! Anyone interested in making their own or in going in on one together?

Comment by Geoff Cox on August 18, 2008 at 17:20

Hi Grant,

I am very interested in getting in touch and would love to see your plant. I have formed a group of interested parties to build a prototype plant to drive a small alternator to power my house, possibly as a stand alone source or in conjunction with a few panels + a solar water heating system. Please how can we get together.

Comment by Llywelyn Adlam on August 7, 2008 at 8:55

We had our first public presentation last Friday in Tutukaka. It was a very successful evening and there were some great discussions happening.

Here are some of the key ideas and topics that were discusses with regards to energy.

Before looking for an alternative/renewable solution to our energy needs, we need to re-asses what our energy 'needs' actually are. In the face of rising energy prices, only the wealthy few will be able to continue with their lifestyles of high energy consumption. There needs to be a 'mind shift' from high energy consumption to lower energy consumption.

We discussed solar water heating as an affordable and simple way to begin saving on energy costs. These systems typically cost around $3000 installed and can save up to 70% on water heating. If we set up a project to get these systems installed on 10 houses, we could probably do so at a reduced cost by buying in bulk.

Sharing the cost of setting up solar, wind, and small hydro systems was also discussed. Neighbours could come together to share the costs and the benefits of such systems. This could avoid many of the hurdles that would arise from setting up a community wide renewable energy project.

Other areas that were discussed include,

Wood gasifiers

Innovations in solar electricity (photovoltaic)

Building compressor units for refrigeration

Forms of alternative energy as researched by Nicola Tesla

Learning about low cost, low maintenance energy projects being set up in the third world

Websites to check out - www.eeca.govt.nz , www.sustainability.govt.nz, www.freepower.co.nz,

Comment by Llywelyn Adlam on July 24, 2008 at 15:34

Thank you Grant and Richard for your comments. The Woodgasifier sounds intriguing! Thanks for the literature recommendation Richard I'll try to source a copy. It seems to me in the early stages of my research that the technology to produce viable renewable energy from a range of sources is on the horizon but there is not the sense of urgency.

Comment by Grant on July 23, 2008 at 20:58

Hi there Every One
There are many renewable energy technolgies emerging but not many suit the needs of any one that owns a house or buildings.
We have two very promising technologies emerging for renewable energy that use raw materials most efficiently and can be sited almost anywhere.
The most well known is photovoltaic panels, these produce low voltage Direct Current for charging batteries normally. The D.C energy is converted to Alterating Current (A.C) with an inverter so as 230V AC appliances, motors and electronic equipment can be used.
The beauty of P.V panels is that Silicon and aluminium are used to manufacture them and Al and Si are two of the most abundant elements in the earths crust and easy to mine without causing irrepairable damage to the environment if done properly.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltaic_cell

The second most viable option for long term use is the Woodgasifier system than can convert wood waste or a dedicated fast growing fibre crop such as bamboo into hydrogen rich gas that can fuel combustion engines driving electric generators or any other application such as factory machines or heating boilers etc. Much more efficient than just burning wood and converting the heat.
If any one wants to view a working woodchip gasifier that is driving a 30KW generator then contact me and i can arrange it for you. The Unit is in Pukekohe, Auckland.
We are working on a converter that will produce liquid hydrocarbons similar to petrol and diesel from the Woodgas.
keep n touch about any projects you are keen to engage in or have already and perhaps we can help out. We just want to see people be prepared for the looming world situation.........Prepare now while you can afford it, thats all i need to say about that right now with out frightening anyone......... Dont want to do that!
Some info for you.
Best Wishes : )

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_gas

http://au.search.yahoo.com/search?p=wood+gasifiers&fr=yfp-t-501&ei=UTF-8

Comment by Richard Lee on July 21, 2008 at 20:03

Hi Llywelyn,

I have had a bit to do with renewable energy. Up until very recently we were running our household on a 2kw stand alone hybrid solar/wind system and I used to sell some renewable components for the Far North Environment Centre.

Unfortunately, we have had to move to Warkworth for family reasons and am very keen to explore community energy options rather than just for the household.

What they are doing elsewhere around the world with community owned windfarms etc is very inspiring. Medium size hydro is something I am also interested looking into. Kerikeri for example has got an old water turbine dating back from the early days in the Baisn Reserve. It used to power the town!

A good book to look for is Greg Pahls Community Powered Energy Handbook, published last year by Chelsea Green.....excellent book.

Cheers
Richard Lee

Comment by Llywelyn Adlam on July 18, 2008 at 18:32

I have taken on the task of researching renewable energy for our TT initiative (Tutukaka Coast). I am in the early stages and there is a wealth of information out there. If anybody has anything to share or is passionate about this topic please feel free to contribute.

Here are a couple of useful links specific to NZ for anyone in the same boat as me:

http://www.energywise.org.nz/

http://www.seanz.org.nz/

My aim is to identify viable (cost, efficiency, availability....), non-fossil fuel generated energy sources for individual homes and ultimately the community.