Bio Fuels

BioFuels are made from plants or manure, and have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as reducing the dependence on imported oil and all the turmoil that seems to come with the imports.

 

Page Directory:

Information on making and using  BioDiesel, Vegetable Oil, and Ethanol as a replacement for petroleum fuels in vehicles:

Information on burning bio-fuels  such as wood, corn and methane as fuels for heating, cooking, power generation, and other uses:

Questions? 
Report Broken Links ...

 

Alternate Fuel References/Guides
EERE  Alternative Fuels Data Center

www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/altfuel/altfuels.html

 

 

The EERE's alternative fuels site.  A wealth of information on alternative fuels: properties, incentive programs, models, infrastructure...
 BioDiesel
Getting Started Making Biodiesel

Graydon Blair

Energy Self Sufficiency Newsletter

http://www.rebelwolf.com/essn.html

 

 

Good article on how the process of making biodiesel fuel works.  An easy to understand explanation of the chemistry involved and the processes used to go from vegetable oil to biodiesel.

A good starting point.

Mike Pelly's biodiesel method

http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_mike.html

http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel_library.html

Part of the Journey to Forever site:

http://journeytoforever.org

Nice clear explanation of how to make biodiesel, and some of the chemistry behind it.

The Journey To Forever site is very interesting, with a good collection of information on biofuels and many other fine projects.

The BioDiesel Community

http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/

 

A good site for getting started with BioDiesel.  Lots of free tutorials, equipment building, etc.

How-to on making the Appleseed Biodiesel processor.

Some good links to other Bio Fuel resources.

Homebrew Biodiesel and Biodiesel Equipment Building Classes,
Maria 'Mark' Alovert

http://www.girlmark.com/

 

 

Classes and a biodiesel guide book from the inventor of the Appleseed biodiesel processor described just above.
The New B100-WH Biodiesel Reactor

http://www.b100wh.com/

 

Quite a detailed how-to on making biodiesel from fryer oil (vegetable oil).

Lots of detail.

Green Myth-Busting: Biodiesel,
Clayton Bodie Cornell  -- From Green Options

www.greenoptions.com

 

A good and detailed article dispelling some of the myths surrounding biodiesel fuel.
Getting Off the Petroleum Grid with BioDiesel

Scott Durkee

http://www.watermotor.net/indexflash.htm.

Home Power Magazine -- Issue 93.

Good how to article on making biodiesel.

Utah Biodiesel Supply

http://www.utahbiodieselsupply.com

 

Some good good detailed tutorials on biodiesel, including a series of videos and pages on everything from biodiesel chemistry to making biodiesel.

There is some obvious commercial slant to the videos, but also lots of good and helpful information.


(Thanks to Karen for suggesting this)

Bozeman Bio-Fuel

http://www.bozemanbiofuels.com/index.htm

 

 

This is the site run by Paul, our own Bozeman biodiesel powerhouse.  Helpful information on biodiesel, EV's, and conservation.

Paul even offers a renewable energy cottage to rent while visiting the Bozeman/Yellowstone area.
Vegetable Oil (WVO)
Frybrid -- Vegetable Oil for fuel

Forum:
http://www.frybrid.com/forum/index.php?

Much Vege Oil Conversion Info:
http://www.frybrid.com/test.htm

This site has a wealth of information on conversion of diesel vehicles to run on straight vegetable oil.

The site also hosts a very active discussion forum on vegetable oil for fuel, conversions, etc.

VW Jetta Conversion to Vegetable Oil

Jeff

 

Jeff describes his conversion of a 1998 VW Jetta Diesel to burn straight vegetable oil.  VERY detailed.

 

Thank you Jeff!

The Fry Guys

http://www.green-trust.org/wiki/index.php?title=Fry_Guys

 

 

Quite a bit of information on WVO.  Collecting it, converting cars to use it, heating homes with it, ...
Heating with veggie oil,
Posted on the Fieldlines.com forum

Details ...

A posting on Fieldlines.com explaining how the poster uses veggie oil and other oils to heat his home.
Generating Power From a Lister Engine using Vegetable Oil

www.geocities.com/wastewatts/listers.html

 

A project in work to generate electricity and heat from a Lister diesel engine using waste vegetable oil as fuel.
Source for Lister Type Diesels

Central Maine Diesel ...

 

One source for Lister type diesels in Maine.

Information on powering generators and running on vegetable oil.

(Thanks to mark for finding this)

How do BioDiesel and straight vegetable oil compare?

 

 

There is a bit of a controversy between the BioDiesel folks and the WVO folks.  Here is one assessment from Journey To Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_svo.html

If you know of other good and factual material on this area, please let me know: Gary

Making Veggie Oil
They're Doubling The Value Of Their Soybean Crop, Walder Mfg.
From Farm Show Magazine

www.farmshow.com/issues/30/05/300506.asp

 

Fairly good description of a farmer made press that extracts about 1 gallon of oil per bushel of soy beans, and leaves a high quality protein meal.  The system uses two presses to get a better oil yield and higher quality meal.  From Farm Show Magazine
Making Ethanol
Make Your Own Fuel

http://running_on_alcohol.tripod.com/index.html

 

A wealth of information on all aspects of making and using Ethanol (alcohol) as motor fuel. 
Ethanol as a fuel

http://journeytoforever.org/ethanol.html

 

An assessment of Ethanol as a fuel for vehicles from Journey To Forever.
Making Methane


Picture from Auto Blog Green ...  -- a great green auto news site.

Utilizing Natural Design Parameters
for Methane Digesters, Al Rutan

Energy Self Sufficiency Newsletter

http://www.rebelwolf.com/essn.html

 

Article in ESSN Newsletter by Al Rutan covering the basics of methane generation with information on a small scale methane generator.  The ESSN has carried a number of good articles on bio-fuels.
Collection of Methane Articles
Home Power Magazine, issue 26

Al Rutan, the Methane Man

www.HomePower.com

Search the Home Power article archive for issues 26, 27, 28, 30, and 40, and order them.

How to get articles from Home Power ...

Some of this material may be available here:
http://www.green-trust.org/2006/11/self-reliance-in-troubled-times-al.html

More from Al Rutan.  Home Power Magazine articles, Issues 26, 27, 28, 30, and 40.
A very good collection of articles from Home Power by Al Rutan.   
 

 

Cows Power Plan for Alternative Fuel,
USA Today

www.usatoday.com

 

 

Dairy farm uses cow manure to make methane that power a generator producing electricity to sell to grid.

Reduces green house gas emissions, provides some added income, and "green" electric power.
Turning Waste Into Fuel -- Methane Biodigester Basics, Ilan Adler
 

How to get articles from Home Power ...

Home Power Magazine article, Issue 116.
Good practical article on how designing biodigesters that produce methane fuel.  Details on how to build a simple one from poly tubing.
Anaerobic Digestion: Biogas Production and
Odor Reduction from Manure

Jeannie Leggett, Extension Assistant
Robert E. Graves, Professor of Agricultural Engineering
Les E. Lanyon, Associate Professor of Soil Fertility
Penn State Agricultural Extension

Full Paper (85K pdf)

An overview of methane production from manure on farms.  Covers how it works and the major issues involved.
Methane Generator Calculator

http://biorealis.com/wwwroot/digester_revised.html

From Biorealis Systems

A calculator to estimate methane production based on various organic materials inputs.
Biorealis Methane Generator

http://biorealis.com/digester/construction.html

From Biorealis Systems

 

 

Complete plans for a small methane generator.
Small Biogas Plant Plans

Nepal Biogas Plant -- Construction Manual

Another farm size biogas plant with full construction plans.
3 - Cubic Meter BIOgas Plane -- A Construction Manual

VITA -- Volunteers in Technical Assistance

Full Plans

Very interesting paper on making a family scale BIO gas plant that produces methane from manure.

Lots of detail on the design, construction and operation.

How to Build a 100 cu. ft./day Methane Gas Plant,
Mother Earth News, November, 1971

http://www.motherearthnews.com ...

 

Fairly detailed instructionfs for building a 100 cubic ft per day that runs on 100 lbs of manure.
How to Generate Power from Garbage,
By the Mother Earth News editors,

Mother Earth News, May 1970

http://www.motherearthnews.com ...

 

Building and operating methane producing digesters fueled by manure.
Methane Generation in China

Mother Earth News

http://www.motherearthnews.com

 

Interesting article from 1981 Mother Earth News on the use of home scale methane generators in China. 

Wonder what the story on this today is?

The  Marvelous Chicken-Powered Car

Barry Grindrod

www.green-trust.org/2000/biofuel/batesmethane.htm

 

 

Article on converting a gas IC engine car to run on methane that was produced from chicken and pig manure.
The article is fairly detailed, and the car has been running for years.

Other useful methane generation and use information here:

http://www.green-trust.org/methane.htm

Wood Gas for Internal Combustion Engines

Please be careful!! -- There is a Carbon Monoxide poisoning hazard with all wood gasifiers

Wood Gas as Engine Fuel -- Design Manual

Food and Agriculture Organization -- UN
paper 72
(pdf)

 

 

A very complete 1986 design manual for wood gas generators to run IC engines.  Includes design, construction, and operating experiences for a number of types of wood gas generator applications.

Both vehicle and fixed applications are covered.

 

Plans for a Wood Gas Generator to Power IC engines

www.gengas.nu/byggbes/contents.shtml

 

Very complete set of plans for building a wood gas generator.  The gas produced by this generator can be used to power internal combustion engines.

A picture of it

WARNING -- One of the components of wood gas fuel is Carbon Monoxide -- a highly poisonous gas. 

Alternatives To Fossil Fueled Engine/Generators

Clifford W. Mossberg

How to get articles from Home Power ...

.

 

Home Power article in issue 21 covering how to produce wood gas, and how to use it as a fuel to power internal combustion engines.
The Gas Producer - Science and Construction

members.tripod.com/~highforest/woodgas/woodfired.html

 

 

Some material on constructing and using a trailer mounted wood gas generator to power a car.
Some Interesting Wood Gas Generator Experiments


Preheated air gasifier:
http://allpowerlabs.org/ ...

GMC Truck:
http://whatiamupto.com/gasification/woodgastruck.html

Some interesting experiments on various kinds of wood gas generators made from various materials.

All Power also offers various levels of kits for building their gasifiers as well as detailed free downloadable plans.

There is also a Wiki and a User Forum -- so much stuff its a little hard to keep it all straight, but lots of interesting stuff.

(thanks to Les for sending this in)

Wood Burning & Masonry Heaters
Hearth.com

http://hearth.com/info.html

 

 

Very extensive collection of articles, FAQ's, and a searchable data base of questions and answers. 
Wood For Home Heating,
FNR-79, Purdue University

http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-79.pdf

Residential Wood Stove Installation,
FNR-100, Purdue University
www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-100.html

Lots of good information on wood burning.  Heating value compared to other fuels, payback, wood burning and cutting hints.

Installing wood stoves.
Design, Construction and Performance of Stick-Wood Fired Furnace For Residential and Small Commercial Application, 
Richard C. Hill, University of Maine, 1977

Download this paper here:
http://hotandcold.tv/wood furnace.html

 

A research paper on the development of a fairly simple, clean burning, efficient wood furnace.
Quite a bit of good practical experimental work and measurements leading to this furnace design, as well as a number of variations that did not work and why.
The design shown is a water heating furnace.

(Thanks to Tom for suggesting this)

Advance Combustion Wood Fireplaces

Natural Resources Canada

Advance Combustion Fireplaces

 

 

Overview of advanced design fireplaces that achieve 50 to 70% efficiency and cleaner burning through the use of secondary combustion air and other features.
Masonry Heater Association of North America

http://www.mha-net.org/index.htm

 

 

A great site for learning about and building Masonry Heaters.  Information, pictures, plans, newsletter, ...

Note that the "bookstore" at MHA offers detailed plans for 5 masonry heater designs that they have built and tested.

A good sequence of pictures on how a Masonry Heater goes together....

Masonry Stove Builders

http://www.heatkit.com/index.htm

Construction and planning info:
http://www.heatkit.com/html/guide.htm

Helpful doc:
http://heatkit.com/docs/Man00.PDF

Quite a bit of construction information on masonry stoves and ovens.  The "gallery" pictures are good.

 
Hybrid Masonry Stove

http://geopathfinder.com/9597.html

 

 

"we used a style common in Germany, the hybrid masonry stove. It uses a steel or cast iron stove for the firebox but wraps masonry around the metal on 4 or 5 sides, excluding the loading door and, optionally, a cook-top. We added a large masonry chamber behind the stove to allow flue gases to circulate through some extra mass, boosting the total masonry weight to 2 tons."
 
Masonry Heaters from Gimmie Shelter

http://www.gimmeshelteronline.com/masonry/

 

 

Gimmie Shelter is a Wisconsin home builder that often includes masonry heaters in their homes.

Their website section on masonry heaters provides a lot of good detail on masonry heaters, including a pretty detailed construction series.  Lots of examples of heaters they have dome -- some works of art.
Doug's Masonry Stove ...

 

This is Doug Kalmer's version of the traditional masonry stove.  Doug constructed this massive and beautiful stove (along with the rest of his house).

It provides many of the advantages of the traditional masonry stove with less somewhat less mass, cost, and labor.

See all of Doug's solar projects ...

Building a Tiled Masonry Heater,
Vladimir Popovac,
Fine Homebuilding, January 1992

How to get articles from Fine Homebuilding ...

A nice and detailed Fine Homebuilding article on designing and building a masonry heater.

These heaters provide a very clean (hot) burn and the masonry retains heat and radiates to the room for hours.

Sawdust Burning Heater

Mother Earth News

www.motherearthnews.com

 

 

Plans for a sawdust burning heater from the Mother Earth News archives. 

Cautionary feedback on the sawdust heater:

www.motherearthnews.com - feedback

Heating Water With a Wood Stove

http://www.woodheat.org/dhw/dhw.htm

 

 

This excellent article on domestic water heating with a wood stove provides descriptions of several good systems, and covers the features a good system should have.

It also provides safety information which is MANDATORY READING for anyone adding water heating to a wood stove.
Preheating water with a Wood Stove

http://www.michigan-horse.org/preheater/

 

A similar arrangement from Mother Earth News:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/...

 

A design for a system to preheat water with your wood stove that does not require major surgery on the wood stove.

Be sure to read the material on safety in the article above -- especially on placement of valves and pressure relief.
Outdoor Wood Furnaces

www.ecy.wa.gov/ ...

 

http://www.vtwoodsmoke.org/index.html

www.motherearthnews.com/...

 

Outdoor Wood Furnaces burn wood in a furnace located in a separate enclosure away from the house.  They heat water, which is piped to the house for space heating.

Its an appealing concept, but unfortunately the current generation of these furnaces are half as efficient and 20 times more polluting than certified indoor woodstoves.

There is some effort underway to offer cleaner versions.  So, if you are interested in one these, do your homework on certified versions, and think about impacts on your neighbors.
BioMass Cooking Stoves

www.repp.org/discussiongroups/resources/stoves/

 

 

"This site exists to help people develop better stoves for cooking with biomass fuels in developing regions"

Especially good section on efficient stove design.

Woodstoves for Tub Heating (or for heating thermal storage tank?)

Chofu: supplier (one of many):
http://www.thesolar.biz/Chofu.htmMother Earth News article:
www.motherearthnews.com
 describing the Chofu


www.revolutionearth.com/download/ChofuDataSheet.pdf

Snorkel and Scuba Underwater Woodstoves:
http://snorkel.com

 

Chofu: This is a simple, wood fired heater for soaking tubs. 
It uses a simple thermosyphon system to circulate heated water (no pumps, no electricity).  The full stainless steel case is a water jacket for efficient heat transfer.


Snorkel & Scuba: These wood stoves for heating tubs actually live in the tub water, so heat transfer is directly from the stove walls to the water.



It seems like this might be a simple, and greenhouse gas friendly  way to add heat to a solar heat storage tank when there is not enough sun?

Corn Burning
Ontario Ministry Of Agriculture

Burning Shelled Corn as a Heating Fuel

 

A very good paper on the basics of burning corn as a heating fuel.  Covers the equipment, process, and economics.  Well written.
Burning Shelled Corn As Fuel

Penn State Agricultural and Biological Engineering

http://energy.cas.psu.edu/burncorn/shellcorn.html

 

 

Some good and reliable advice on burning shelled corn as a heating fuel.
"I Burn Corn"

http://www.iburncorn.com/

 

"I Burn Corn"  a fine personal site on the practicalities of burning corn for fuel.   Great source of practical, hands-on corn burning experience. 
Also provides a number of good links, references, and a discussion forum.

 

Corn Storage, Cleaning and Burning Pictures

 

 

Pictures of some of the odds and ends you need for a complete corn burning system.
Yahoo Corn Fuel Group This is a good Yahoo discussion group for getting the latest on using corn for heating, and for asking questions.

 

BioDiesel and Waste Vegetable Oil Burning
Journey to Forevers's Forced-Air BioFuel Heater

http://journeytoforever.org

More material on waste or veggie oil burning:
http://journeytoforever.org/...
(includes material on Mother Earth News burner)

The original Mother Earth burner that above are based on:
http://www.motherearthnews.com ...

From Journey to Forever: Plans and design information on burners that will burn biodiesel and/or WVO.

Quite a bit of design information and experiences with prototypes.

Heating with Compost
While often associated with greenhouse heating, these heat from compost schemes can and have been used for space or water heating.
The Composting Greenhouse At New Alchemy Institute - A Report On Two Years of Operation and Monitoring, Bruce Fulford

Heating a greenhouse with compost

The Report (pdf)

 

Very extensive and detailed report on heating a greenhouse with compost. 
Two years worth of testing on design and type of compost issues.
Heating from Large Wood Chip Compost Piles
Jean Pain

The Methods of Jean Pain: Or another kind of garden, Ida Pain, 1980.
This book is out of print, and I was not able to find any used copies of this for sale -- a pdf copy can be downloaded here... (thanks to Ken for finding this)

Mother Earth New article:
www.motherearthnews.com/ ...

Journey To Forever on Jean Pain:
http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel_library/methane_pain.html

A good two part video showing details of a large compost to heat and biogas pile and more:
http://www.youtube.com/...  (part 1)

http://www.youtube.com/... (part 2)

 

The book covers Jean Pain's  research in using compost for both agricultural and energy production.  There is some good, practical information on building large compost piles for the production of heat for water or space heating. 
One example 50 ton pile provided the equivalent of 200 MBTU over a 6 month period -- enough to heat a house.


Picture from the video -- finely shredded wood with plastic pipe to capture heat and fermentation vessel in middle to make biogas.

(Thanks to Curbie for finding the video!)

Heat free (nearly) with a compost furnace

http://energymd.wordpress.com/...

 

This is a very nicely thought out space heating scheme that uses a large compost pile to generate heat.

Marc has worked out a design that provides for aerating the pile, keeping it moist, collecting the heat, and insulating the pile for greater efficiency.

More from Marc and his results for the first year of operation...

The mb-soft compost heating schemes

Details here...

This is an interesting set of concepts that use the heat generated through the decomposition of organic mater for space and water heating.

Details...

Composting Greenhouse with Straw Bale Foundation, From Experiments in Sustainable Urban Living

www.appropedia.org/ ...

 

This uses surplus heat from a large compost pile under the greenhouse floor to heat water for the house.  You get water heating and greenhouse space with the same structure!

This is a pretty slick idea for heating water with heat generated from compost, as well as providing greenhouse space.
The thing that intrigues me is that you can apparently have working greenhouse space above the heat generating compost pile? 

I'd like to hear from anyone with composting experience on how workable this all seems? Gary