SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Politics : Rat's Nest - Chronicles of Collapse
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: Wharf Rat who wrote (4097)5/7/2006 6:14:07 AM
From: Wharf Rat  Read Replies (1) of 24211
 
How can ethanol EROEI be improved?
1)Change the feedstock. Farmers who now grow corn need to learn how to grow sorghum, sugar beets, etc.
2)Use less ammonia by converting to organic methods.
3)More fuel efficient farm equipment. Plug-in hybrid tractors?
4)More efficient irrigation methods. Inject pints under the crops instead of spraying gallons over the crops.
5)Build distilleries near powerplants to use waste steam for process heat. The temperatures needed for distillation and fermentation are relatively low and powerplants now send gigajoules up cooling towers.
6)Use silage as fuel for the fermenters and stills.
7)Heat pumps. This may be a stretch but if temperature differentials are low then coefficients of performance can overcome the inefficency of pump drives.
8)Differential solubility. There is a hydroscopic form of sulphur which causes the ethanol/water mix to split with ethanol sinking and water rising. Similar to how detergent separates grease from pots and pans.
9)Differential miscibility. Vegetable oil will absorb ethanol but not water. This reduces distillation energy requirements by roughly 85%. Don't distill and use the veggie oil/ethanol mix as biodiesel.
10)Cellulosic ethanol. Pushed by Bush which leads me to believe when seen. Any of this on the retail market yet?
11)The BRI process. Converts syngas to ethanol via a bioreactor with electricity as a byproduct.
12)Use solar/wind/hydro power. Takes fossil fuels out of the equation.

theoildrum.com
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News