From Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society
Please note that, with the conclusion of the Year of Energy 2009, we are no longer updating this site.
You can read highlights from the Energy Symposium at our 2009 Annual Meeting and International Research Conference here, and view the speakers’ slides here.
Our series of white papers on energy is available here.
Thanks for visiting Sigma Xi’s Year of Energy site!
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J. A. Van Vechten, PureGeneration (UK) Ltd., Hillsboro, OR. email: javanvec (at) msn.com
posted November 10, 2009
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Abstract:
The overall problems for the energy-climate crisis are logistics and transportation (L&T), i.e., matching the locations, times, and amounts of supply to the location, times, and amounts of demand. The solution is to produce, at renewable and sustainable (R&S) source points, a chemical fuel that is practicable to collect, transport, store, and to distribute to demand regions. The most economic new R&S source now available is that of ideally located wind turbines. With current technology, electricity from wind turbines could be used to make enough ammonia-based fuel to relieve almost all our need for fossil fuel. In particular, this paper presents the fuel potential of guanidine, guanidine-urea alloys, and guanidine-alcohol solutions that could serve as carriers for ammonia or hydrogen. The potentials of ammonia and methanol are also discussed. If the hydrogen for any of these fuels is produced by electrolysis of saltwater, the resulting NaOH byproduct can remove CO2 from the atmosphere and allow for climate recovery. Meanwhile, the HCl byproduct can be used in local mining operations to produce valuable commodities, and/or it can be sequestered as chlorides. The sequestered chlorides, the carbonates, and the mined pits can be used to geoengineer hydroelectric facilities.
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We ran across this showy little interactive feature from Scientific American recently. It’s part of their ongoing coverage of energy issues, and goes along with their November cover story (which is available by subscription only.)
I’m very curious to hear what you all think of the feature. Has anybody accessed and read the full story? Is the online feature useful on its own? I know some of our white paper authors will take issue with the conclusions! In any case, comments are welcome!
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Kevin DeGroat, Antares Group Incorporated (kdegroat (at) antares.org)
Joseph Morabito, Alcatel/Lucent (morabito (at) alcatel-lucent.com)
Terry Peterson, Solar Power Consultant (terry.peterson (at) mindspring.com)
Greg P. Smestad, Sigma Xi Member, Sol Ideas Technology Development & Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells Journal (smestad (at) solideas.com)
posted November 1, 2009
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Abstract: A Systems Analysis for the solar energy industry and solar R&D is presented to identify key positive reinforcements that can accelerate the adoption of solar technologies through a process of solar value creation. Such an analysis can also identify constraints that can decelerate solar technology adoption, as well as points of leverage where investment and R&D can have the most positive impact. The approach can also be useful for explaining solar energy to a wide range of decision makers and to the public. It emphasizes two major, related challenges in achieving widespread, rapid adoption of solar energy technologies in time to have a significant impact on global energy and environmental problems. The first concerns integration of solar-generated electricity with the electric grid and this is facilitated by a “Smart Grid” infrastructure. The second challenge involves the means to continue to drive down manufacturing and deployment costs for solar energy systems and to expand manufacturing capability in order to accelerate deployment of solar energy systems. This is closely tied to market supply chain transformation that considers each step in the technology’s manufacturing and installation. The Systems Analysis suggests that there are three high leverage points: research on Solar Energy Grid Integration Systems (SEGIS), Systems Dynamics Modeling, and a Solar Industry Supply Chain Consortium. Although such an analysis is now widely accepted in the telecommunications industry, it has yet to be applied to the solar industry until now.
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James C. Townsend, Ph.D., World Harmony Organization; Genei, Inc.; Sigma Xi; DrJCTown@cox.net
Francis C. W. Fung, Ph.D., World Harmony Organization; Genei, Inc.; francis@worldharmonyorg.net
posted October 29, 2009
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Abstract: This paper describes innovations which are aimed at “overcoming the implementation lag” in solar energy commercialization within the utility industry. Existing sustainable solar energy technologies have been shown to be “good enough” for electrical utility generation; however, to promote their widespread adoption, they must be made more economical than non-sustainable fossil-fuel generators. New advances in solar thermal concentration for generation by Stirling engine technology, perhaps combined with thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technology, promise to reduce the cost of electrical power generation below that from natural gas powered generators. The solar concentrator is a large parabolic dish made up of a number of mirror panels, as in previous technology. The innovation is that the panels consist of many identical, interlocking, metallic flat-plate reflector elements. This construction provides many advantages. The recent advent of thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technology gives rise to a new “see-through” application — the combination of concentrator and PV technologies. This white paper discusses the possibilities and advantages to be gained through these innovations.
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David W. Emerson, Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV); Corresponding author
Jacimaria R. Batista, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, UNLV
Samir F. Moujaes, Department of Mechanical Engineering, UNLV
Thomas A. Nartker, School of Computer Science, UNLV
Spencer M. Steinberg, Department of Chemistry, UNLV
Posted October 23, 2009
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Abstract: Autoclaving (pressure cooking) municipal solid waste (MSW), and sieving the sterile product produces separable organic material, a substantial fraction of the original waste. This fraction contains most of the biodegradable material in MSW and can be treated to produce ethanol, a methane-rich gas, and other valuable components. The biodegradable material need not be put in a landfill but can be processed to make fuels such as ethanol and methane. This reduces release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from a landfill. After removing missed recyclables, on average 40% of the original waste, landfill diversion can be increased from 20% up to 80% in volume. The remaining waste, now mainly free of gas producing material, can be put in a landfill, thus reducing hauling costs and extending the lifetime of the landfill. Research on many aspects of this treatment protocol is needed to estimate the economic potential.
American Scientist magazine (which is published by Sigma Xi) hosts informal lunchtime lectures–with pizza–throughout the academic year. On September 24, Thomas Meyer came over from Chapel Hill to talk about the world’s energy supply, including solar fuels. Here’s an audio slideshow of his presentation.
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Norman D. Meadow, Ph.D., Doctor of the University, Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. and First Vice President, Maryland Conservation Council
meadownd@jhu.edu
William H. Biggley, Senior Researcher, retired, Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. and Vice President, Maryland Conservation Council
Ajax Eastman
Vice President, Maryland Conservation Council
posted October 9, 2009
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Abstract: We attempt to show that global ecology is unnecessarily threatened by the construction of large-scale installations of wind and solar energy sources as well as the use of biomass grown specifically to fire boilers. We believe that this situation has developed because many scientists, most germanely biologists, are unaware of the size of the renewable installations that will be necessary and which are being planned, and are also unaware of the quantitative health data from historic radiological events, whose harm has been badly exaggerated. We conclude that commercial nuclear reactors will adversely affect far less habitat than the renewable energy sources and are also highly unlikely to cause measurable harm to health. Nuclear power is a very acceptable compromise that has been criticized and overlooked with little scientific justification.
contributed by:
Donald B. Aulenbach, PhD, P.E.
Professor Emeritus
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY 12180
Home: 28 Valencia Lane
Clifton Park, NY 12065-5800
(518) 371-7572 daulenbach@nycap.rr.com
Abstract: Growth of algae is considered the most efficient method of converting solar energy into organic matter. The biomass produced can be used directly as a solid fuel, or the oil extracted and refined into liquid oil or gasoline. The growth of the algae depends upon the removal of carbon from its environment. Essentially no heat is produced in its growth. Treated wastes from a wastewater treatment plant can provide the needed nutrients for growth, and waste heat from a nearby thermal power plant can be used to maintain the optimum temperature for growth. The waste products are minimal, and the system would have only a minor consequence from a terrorist attack. Some research is needed to optimize a complete system.
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Stan Jakuba
posted September 11, 2009
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Abstract: This paper provides an overview of the potential of the sources of renewable energy for satisfying the U.S. energy needs. It analyzes real-life data as well as theoretical limits of the more promising among the solar sources such as biomass, wind, photovoltaic and hydro. Numbers correlate the land needed to its availability, and show the productivity and cost of various options. Tables list the contribution of various sources to the national energy pool and the growth of the last decade. Finally, the potential of nuclear energy is considered.
