Year of Energy 2009

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.
Read more »

(0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5)
Register or log in here in order to rate white papers. Registration is free and open to anyone.  Loading ...

Omokaro Obire and Ramesh R. Putheti
posted September 21, 2009

Download this paper in pdf format

Abstract: This paper highlights how fungi are suited for remediation of oil polluted environments. Many species of fungi are known to occur in oil-polluted environments, and to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons. Further, fungi are amenable to large-scale production, efficiency, genetic engineering or manipulation, cost effectiveness, and ease of transportation. First we examine the sources of crude oil pollution and its effect on the environment and on microorganisms. We also assess the methods currently employed in oil clean-up operations, and their side-effects on ecosystems. Finally, we highlight specific fungi known to possess biodegradation potential for crude oil. Bioremediation in oil clean-up operations is important since environmental pollution problems threaten the well-being of humans and other organisms. In particular, we argue that fungi may have an important role in oil clean-up in the Niger Delta, but further study is needed to implement the approach in that region.
Read more »

(4 votes, average: 3.75 out of 5)
Register or log in here in order to rate white papers. Registration is free and open to anyone.  Loading ...

Stan Jakuba
posted September 11, 2009

Download this paper in pdf format

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.

Read more »

UPDATE: Presentations from the energy symposium are now available in pdf format.

Energy is, of course, the theme of Sigma Xi’s Annual Meeting and International Research Conference in Houston, TX (November 12-15).

And we’ve announced our initial line-up of speakers for the energy symposium! They are still subject to change, but here’s how the symposium is shaping up:

John Ahearne (Moderator) - Executive Director Emeritus of Sigma Xi, former chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Energy and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense.

Michal Moore - Senior Fellow, Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy, University of Calgary in Alberta. Former Commissioner with the California Energy Commission.

Hans B. Püttgen - Energy Systems Management Chair and Director of the Energy Center at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne. Georgia Power Professor Emeritus of the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Vernon Roan - Director, University of Florida Fuel Cell Laboratory and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida.