Generate electricity from all kinds of waste! This is the role of the machine currently developed by researchers from the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the American University of Purdue (Indiana). This removable and transportable refinery was designed for the American army in order to reduce the amount of diesel carried by the troops at the fronts.
The 3 m high "mini-factory", which can fit on a 4 m long trailer, brings together three processes: a bioreactor transforms, using enzymes and other micro-organisms, organic debris (food, agricultural. ..) in ethanol; one unit transforms residual materials (paper, plastics, etc.) into gas (propane and methane); Finally, a diesel engine uses the manufactured gas and ethanol to power an electricity generator. About 1,3 tonnes of waste can power a 60 kW generator for a day. The only departure from this self-sufficiency is that the machine needs diesel fuel for its first hours of operation.
Dubbed "tactical refinery", "this machine is the result of numerous studies on military logistics," said Jerry Warner, director of Defense Life Sciences, a private company working on the project with Purdue University. "We identify two major problems on the fronts, explains this former soldier, the supply of the troops with fuel, in particular the first months of the conflicts and the management of large quantities of waste produced by the soldiers."
The machine could also be used for civilian purposes, especially in areas affected by natural disasters. Michael Ladisch, head of the research team, says "rescue teams can use it to turn wood debris into electricity." This technology would also make it possible to supply additional energy to factories already installed. Some researchers even think of regions without electricity in poor countries. "We want this system to benefit society. We are in discussions with several companies for ecological applications. But the priority for the moment is the military", adds Mr. Warner.
From the end of the year, two prototypes will be embarked on American military ships for a six-month experiment at sea. According to Jerry Warner, "from the results, a second, more powerful version of this machine will be designed to pass at the stage of large-scale production ".
Stéphane Ballong
Seen on: http://www.econologique.info/index.php/ ... e-le-monde
