Biodiesel is one of the biofuels that can be used to meet the energy needs of society. For example, ethanol is a very common biofuel produced from raw sugar cane, potato, corn, and manioc. But biodiesel is not ethanol because ethanol is a renewable biofuel for gasoline engines.The interest in biodiesel increased due to rising fuel prices, the need for energy independence (biodiesel can be generated from domestic sources) and the need for environmentally friendly energy sources.In this book, the reader will learn how to use the most common vegetable oil sources and transform them into fuel, by understanding the chemical processes and equipment involved, all with an aim in safety and security.
Make your own fuel, for a fraction of what you would pay at the pump. Small-scale home biodiesel production holds a singular attraction for the do-it-yourself enthusiast. While perhaps it can't save the world, this unique renewable fuel is economical, fun to make, better for the environment, and will help you reduce your dependence on Big Oil. And getting started is easier than you think. Backyard Biodiesel is written by two recognized experts in the field of small-scale biofuels. This comprehensive hands-on, practical, DIY guide includes: The basics of small-scale brewing-recipes, strategies, and technologies Advanced backyard analytics and troubleshooting Safety considerations and regulatory issues Topping up the tank-how to put your biodiesel to work for you. Making your own fuel is not only possible, it is rewarding. Designed to be accessible to everyone from readers with no prior technical expertise to alternative energy buffs, Backyard Biodiesel is a must-read for any aspiring brewer, packed with everything you need to get up and running quickly and safely.
Dwindling petroleum supplies and growing environmental concerns are significantly impacting the cost of petro-fuel and its infrastructure. The search for alternative fuel sources has led to ethanol, a gasoline substitute that is already in the marketplace as Gasohol and E-85. But large-scale production of corn-based ethanol is controversial as it threatens the world’s food supply. There are alternatives, however: Brazil uses sugar cane, which is up to six times more productive in energy conversion. After the energy crisis of the 1970s, there was a lot of misinformation about the cost of individual ethanol production. In order to achieve energy independence from gasoline, ethanol lends itself to small-scale production, and especially to cooperative ventures in rural communities, often using “waste” feedstock. Alcohol Fuel is a practical, grassroots book that will give readers all the information they need, covering every aspect of making and using ethanol for fuel, including: *Permitting and planning *Budgeting and setup *Sourcing feedstocks *Finding and building distillation equipment *Storage and safety *Practical applications for converting motor vehicles, farm equipment, and space-heating systems The practical, user-friendly information on basic equipment needs, fermentation recipes, and distillation designs will be of interest to readers looking for information, as well as to those ready to make the switch. Richard Freudenberger was research director of Mother Earth News, where he managed the Alcohol Fuel Program and developed solar and renewable solar and energy projects. He is publisher and technical editor of BackHome magazine and lives in Hendersonville, North Carolina.
There is a lot of different fuel you can make use, but the fact that you are reading this reveals your interest in ethanol as a fuel. In the world today, petroleum, solar, biodiesel are the common fuel people use today. Others may be considering ethanol because of its benefit to replace other fuel in cars, generators, tractor, or to power farm equipment or home. The majority of people who read this book to the end will likely have learned a lot about ethanol, such include; history of ethanol, how to produce ethanol at home, uses of ethanol, application of ethanol and so on. Ethanol has a long history, certainly as a beverage but also as a fuel which only comes to use in the 19th century for lighting. The path of ethanol from a light source to fuel, an additive for pure air testing and bridging technology enable us to move into an oil-free era which is exciting. The story is full of political issues, the effects of wars, industrial espionage and the pure energy of a popular movement. The most important story, however, is the fact that a full litany of common carbohydrates, not just food crops, but also agricultural slaughter, food waste, and plants that are normally bothersome, can actually become a viable fuel that is effectively distributed or produced. According to the approach adopted for the production of ethanol, it is entirely possible to maintain a fully autonomous, self-sustaining and environmentally responsible operation that produces not only fuel but also valuable by-products that can be sold, replaced, or recycled. In this way, ethanol has real advantages over other renewable fuels because it does not need many processes. Releasing unpredictable changes in traditional commodity markets can be a real advantage in long-term planning, insurance, and peace of mind.
Have some thoroughly green evil fun! This wickedly inventive guide explains how to create a variety of practical, environmentally friendly items you can use for yourself or resell for profit. Recycling Projects for the Evil Genius is filled with detailed directions on how to successfully complete each green project and discusses important safety issues. Using easy-to-find components and tools, this do-it-yourself book shows you how to brew up green cleaners, transform all types of paper into building materials, safety rid your home and yard of pests, and much more--all on the cheap! Recycling Projects for the Evil Genius: Features step-by-step instructions and helpful illustrations Covers essential safety measures Reveals the scientific principles behind the projects Removes the frustration factor--all required parts are listed, along with sources Make your own green: Household cleaners Laundry soap Citrus oil extract Pest and weed control solutions Recycled plastic lumber and landscape blocks Recycled asphalt shingle paver bricks and road patch compound Concrete paper mache blocks, garden walls, stepping stones, and structures Solar-powered composter Garden-friendly charcoal And more Each fun, inexpensive, and slightly wicked Evil Genius project includes a detailed list of materials, sources for parts, schematics, and lots of clear, well-illustrated instructions for easy assembly. The larger workbook-style layout and convenient two-column format make following the step-by-step instructions a breeze.
“A plethora of insights about nature and ourselves, revealed by one man’s journey as he comes to terms with human exploitation of our planet.” —Dr. James Hansen, climate scientist and former director of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies Life on one-tenth the fossil fuels turns out to be awesome. We all want to be happy. Yet as we consume ever more in a frantic bid for happiness, global warming worsens. Alarmed by drastic changes now occurring in the Earth’s climate systems, Peter Kalmus, a climate scientist and suburban father of two, embarked on a journey to change his life and the world. He began by bicycling, growing food, meditating, and making other simple, fulfilling changes. Ultimately, he slashed his climate impact to under a tenth of the US average and became happier in the process. Being the Change explores the connections between our individual daily actions and our collective predicament. It merges science, spirituality, and practical action to develop a satisfying and appropriate response to global warming. Part one exposes our interconnected predicament: overpopulation, global warming, industrial agriculture, growth-addicted economics, a sold-out political system, and a mindset of separation from nature. It also includes a readable but authoritative overview of climate science. Part two offers a response at once obvious and unprecedented: mindfully opting out of this broken system and aligning our daily lives with the biosphere. The core message is deeply optimistic: living without fossil fuels is not only possible, it can be better. “In this timely and provocative book, Peter Kalmus points out that changing the world has to start with changing our own lives. It’s a crucial message that needs to be heard.” —John Michael Greer, author of After Progress and The Retro Future
Biodiesel Basics and Beyond aims to separate fact from fiction and to educate potential home, farm, and cooperative manufacturers on the economic production of quality biodiesel from both waste and virgin oil feedstock. The book includes: detailed processes and equipment required to produce biodiesel fuel that meets North American standards how farmers can use excess oilseed as a feedstock for biodiesel production the use of the co-byproduct glycerin in the making of soap a guide to numerous reference materials and a list of supplier data This is North America's definitive guide to responsibly producing biodiesel from waste vegetable oil while minimizing your environmental footprint in the process.
An explosive, eye-opening expose of the corporate forces that have for more than a century sabotaged the creation of alternative energies and vehicles in order to keep us dependent on oil. There is enough truth in this book to revolutionize our way of life. Winner of four awards for editorial excellence: American Society of Journalists and Authors Best Book, Thomas Edison Award, Green Globes, and an AJPA Rockower Award.
