Driving with Bio-ethanol » Other products

Making electricity from bio-ethanol

Graham — Sun, 03 May 2009 19:19:11 +0000

It’s really a logical step if you think about it. There are petrol-driven generators and diesel-driven generators, so why not make one that uses bio-ethanol?

That’s what Germany’s Frauenhofer Institute have done according to this article, although they are referring to the item in question as a “fuel cell”.

They hold up to 300 litres of bio-ethanol and can generate 250 Watts of electricity. One idea for their use is in developing countries, eg. in hospitals. But perhaps there will also be a demand for this sort of generator in industrial countries as well.

Is doesn’t have to be a car #2

Graham — Sat, 02 May 2009 10:36:27 +0000

Last week I wrote about how bio-ethanol was being used for table-top fires.

Well, this week I came across a larger version that can even be used as a fireplace in a room. But while it does sound like a good idea to use alternative fuels and not have the coaldust to clear up afterwards, I still think the price tag of $6,900 is a bit high.

Find out more about it at ecofriend.

It doesn’t have to be a car

Graham — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 19:59:21 +0000

Of course, I guess you could use bio-ethanol in other areas where fossil fuels have been used until now.

Here is one example: a table-top bio-ethanol fire. It is made of glass and uses 1/2 litre of bio-ethanol to burn for 6 hours.

It looks very interesting, but will it keep you warm on a cold winter night?