ROUSH Offers New Propane Buses

Joanna Schroeder

A new paratransit bus fueled by propane is being launched during the Community Transportation Association Expo this week being held in Minneapolis, Minn. The bus is a result of the partnership between ROUSH CleanTech and National Bus Sales, who will sell the buses. Also involved in the project is Elkhart Coach, a division of Forest River, Inc., who will be using the first buses in Texas as part of the Capital Area Rural Transit (TX-CARTS) fleet that transports ambulatory and wheelchair passengers. ROUSH expects an order for eight buses within the next three months.

“National Bus Sales has been searching for a high-quality propane autogas solution, and we are thrilled to be partnering with ROUSH CleanTech to bring dedicated liquid propane autogas technology to America’s public and private bus fleets,” said John Walsh, president of National Bus Sales and Leasing, Inc. “In this time of high gas prices and the need for sustainability, this unequivocal product is guaranteed to lower harmful carbon emissions and operating costs.”

TX-CARTS currently has buses in its fleet that use traditional fuels. The new bus that they will be adding will feature the frame of a Ford E-450 cutaway with the shuttle bus body added by Elkhart. The buses will seat 20 passengers and two wheelchairs and be equipped with the ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel system.

“This new venture has the potential to revolutionize the way governments, municipalities, and the public view the paratransit industry,” said Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “No longer does the traditional image of dirty exhaust and compromised air quality from buses have to be the norm.”

Propane

QR Codes Defined

Chuck Zimmerman

So, we’ve got a little way to go as far as getting the whole QR Code thing going from the looks of our last ZimmPoll. We asked, “Have you ever used a smartphone to scan a QR code?” I was a little surprised to see the answer, What’s a QR code?, had the biggest response at 41%. But 37% of you responding said Yes and 22% said No. So what is a QR code? Here’s the Wikipedia definition:

A QR code (abbreviation for Quick Response code) is a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) that is readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera telephones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, URL, or other data.

So give it a try. The QR code shown is for Wikipedia’s main web page. You might need to get a QR code reader app for your smartphone btw. Are you using QR codes in your business?

Our new ZimmPoll is now live. We’re asking the question, “What’s your favorite meat?” If you have a choice not in our poll feel free to suggest it in comments. I can always add it to the poll.

And if you have any questions you want to suggest for future ZimmPolls please let us know.

ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.

ZimmPoll

ACE Invites Presidential Candidates to Energy Forum

Joanna Schroeder

The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is inviting the candidates for the 2012 Presidential Election to participate in an energy policy forum in Des Moines, Iowa on Wednesday, August 24, 2011. As part of the open invitation, ACE sent an open letter detailing the ethanol industry’s position on the ethanol tax incentive (VEETC).

Last month, former Minnesota Governor Pawlenty called for the phase out of ethanol subsides. He made this announcement during his first official campaign stop, Des Moines, Iowa. Then earlier this week, former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman announced he would bypass the Iowa caucuses due to his stance on biofuels and agricultural subsidies – he wants them to disappear.

Brian Jennings, executive vice president of ACE, said this forum is a way for supporters of ethanol to learn more about candidates’ positions on ethanol. The forum will also serve as a means for the presidential candidates to learn more about ethanol.

“With ethanol already becoming a hot topic on the campaign trail, we want the candidates to recognize how ethanol will help make the U.S. more energy secure and that we’ve been proactively working in Congress to reform the ethanol tax incentive,” said Jennings. “We are willing to responsibly reform and reduce the cost of the ethanol tax incentive. However, ACE does not believe budget cuts should just discriminate against American ethanol, while the taxpayer is still footing the bill for hundreds of billions of subsidies for the oil industry.”

ACE’s energy policy forum will take place during their 24th annual ethanol conference taking place in Des Moines, Iowa starting on Tuesday, August 23rd.

ACE, Ethanol, politics

Trojan Releases New Batteries Suited for PV Systems

Joanna Schroeder

Trojan Battery Company has expanded its product line with the release of the Industrial flooded line of batteries designed for use with renewable energy. The batteries were developed to support large daily loads where batteries are regularly cycled, the case with photovoltaic (PV) systems. Storage of the energy generated by solar systems has been a challenge for the industry.

“As its renewable energy business continues to grow, Trojan Battery is committed to investing in the right mix of products and services needed to maintain its leadership role in the industry,” said Bryan Godber, vice president of renewable energy at Trojan Battery. “Recognizing the importance of this emerging market, Trojan has directed its attention toward leveraging its expertise in deep-cycle battery technology to engineer products specifically for RE applications for large sized RE and backup power systems.”

The new line is designed for use in large off-grid PV systems, off-grid hybrid PV system, smart grid peak shifting systems as well as grid-tied PV systems with battery backup. The ability for use with various configurations of solar PV systems make these batteries ideal. The batteries meet all international standards including the International Electrotechnical Commission and the Battery Council International standards.

Godber added, “Trojan batteries are recognized around the globe for providing reliable power under the most challenging conditions. The addition of the Industrial line to Trojan’s extensive battery offerings that include the Premium and T2 flooded batteries and the AGM and gel products, strengthens the company’s position as one of the leading deep-cycle battery manufacturers in this marketplace.”

Electricity, Energy, Solar

Largest Electric Vehicle Trial Underway in Canada

Joanna Schroeder

The largest electric vehicle (EV) trial is underway in Canada. According to Hydro-Quebec, a number of Mitsubishi iMiEVs have been delivered to several Boucherville businesses selected to participate in the second phase of the EV trials. The iMiEV stands for Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle and is an all-electric, plug-in vehicle with zero tailpipe emissions. The iMiEV can travel 120 km, or 74.5 miles, on a single charge. Using a 240-volt outlet, the car can be charged in 6 hours, or 13 hours using a 120-volt outlet. However, using a quick-charge station, the EV’s battery can complete an 80 percent charge in 30 minutes.

“We are delighted with the response we’ve received from Boucherville businesses. This second phase brings us to the very heart of the project, focusing on the needs of businesses and their employees who work in Boucherville,” said Thierry Vandal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydro-Québec.

The EV testing was coordinated by Hydo-Quebec and have been designed to study users’ charging habits, driving experiences and overall satisfaction. In addition, the tests will study vehicle behavior when the cars are plugged in to the electric grid. On April 7, the Quebec government passed the Action Plan for Electric Vehicles and this EV testing program is part of that initiative.

“I hope that drivers working for the businesses selected in the second phase will be as delighted as I am to be driving an i-MIEV! The project has not only caught the attention of Boucherville businesses, but also sparked considerable interest among citizens,” said Jean Martel, Mayor of Boucherville and spokesperson for the project’s institutional users.

Koji Soga, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada said of the project, “Our partnership with Hydro-Québec and our joint pilot project have met with much success over the last four months. The data collected and monthly reports have demonstrated that the i-MiEV technology is well suited to the Canadian market. The second phase of our program will help us better understand all-electric vehicles and will give them more visibility, allowing Québecers to become more familiar with this technology.”

Electric Vehicles, International

Canadian Solar Launches ELPS Solar Cell Technology

Joanna Schroeder

Canadian Solar has released its latest technology, ELPS solar cell technology. ELPS achieves up to 19.5 percent cell efficiency for the monocrystalline and up to 18 percent for polycrystalline cells. The new technology will be debuted at Intersolar Munich, 2011.

“With the new ELPS Cell technology we again managed to significantly lower the production cost per watt while at the same time increasing the energy efficiency. In addition, the new solar cells easily integrate with our existing production lines,” said Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar.

The new ELPS solar cells will soon be in production and Canadian Solar expects to start shipping solar modules incorporating the new technology in the 4th Quarter of this year.

Electricity, Energy, Solar

Biodiesel Heads to Space

Joanna Schroeder

Biodiesel is going to outer space. Well, not exactly but the jatropha plant will be part of the shuttle Atlantis’ last mission to space launching this July. Assistant Professor Wagner Vendrame, who works in the department of horticulture at the University of Florida’s research center in Homestead, Florida will send the experiment to look at the effect of low gravity on the growth of the jatropha cells, a plant being researched for its viability to make biodiesel.

According to an article in The Gainsville Sun, Vendrame has sent similar experiments on previous shuttle flights. Vendrame hopes the experiments will result in the activation of dormant genes that could lead to increased oil content in the plant or bring out other factors that will improve biofuel production.

There are dozens of projects worldwide involving jatropha. Today, jatropha-based biodiesel has been successfully used in renewable jet fuel blends. However, it is still not grown in any significant quantities in the United States.

Many believe jatropha will be a good feedstock for biodiesel because it has a high oil content compared to other crops. Vendrame also hopes that his research can help make jatropha a viable alternative crop for Florida citrus growers who have faced setbacks due to disease.

Biodiesel, biofuels

Diesels, LLC Formed to Buy & Sell Biodiesel

Joanna Schroeder

A new company has been formed to aid biodiesel companies sell their product. Diesels, LLC, the new company, will be managed by biodiesel consulting group, Lee Enterprises, based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Wayne Lee, principal owner of Lee Enterprises Consulting said he is pleased his company has been selected to lead the new company.

“Diesels, LLC was formed by four individuals with lots of experience in the biodiesel industry,” said Lee. “Two of them own the engineering and design groups that have designed, built and installed more biodiesel plants than anyone I know of. All four have owned a biodiesel plant and have first-hand experience with the problems facing the industry.”

Lee believes his company will have an advantage because they will better help a biodiesel plant receive more of the benefit RINS and the biodiesel tax credit. Oftentimes, the purchaser of the biodiesel does not need the RIN (Renewable Identification Number) or the tax credit and instead by the biodiesel at competitive prices to rack prices of diesel fuel. Prior to forming the Diesels, the founders did extensive research on the rules and regulations to sell biodiesel without RINS of which there are only nine legal ways to do this.

Lee explained, “The RIN and the tax credit were designed to benefit the folks with the risk. Most biodiesel purchasers just want consistently, good quality product at competitive rates. While it may seem like a simple task to simply detach RINS and move on, I can assure you that it is more complex than it might appear. The attorneys, CPAs and other experts have spent quite a bit of time perfecting a system that will work.”

Lee claims the “Diesels’ system” creates a “win/win” situation for everyone.

Biodiesel, biofuels

Crimea Home to New Solar Power Project

Joanna Schroeder

The Ukraine has finalized the construction of a new solar energy power station in the Crimea with the help of Nature Energy. The new solar project is a part of the country’s National Projects aimed at lessening the imported energy consumption by 30 percent by 2015. The solar power system has the ability to produce up to 25 thousand megawatt-hours, enough to supply all the energy needed for approximately 5000 average sized homes. The project is also estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20,000 tons per year.

Ukrainian leadership launched its National Projects in 2010 and one of its goals is to produce electric energy from clean sources such as solar and wind. By 2015, the country wants 2000 MW of energy generated from renewable sources. The State Agency of Ukraine for Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation reports that the share of alternative energy shall make up to 30 percent of Ukrainian energy market before 2015. This is an important goal for the country – today nearly 60 percent of its energy, mainly natural gas, is imported.

To help build the solar industry in the country and to encourage businesses and consumers to adopt solar energy, the country created a green tariff system in September 2008. In April of 2009, the green tariff was modified to become a 20 year fixed feed-in tariff for renewable sources.

Ukraine believes that it has an extensive market for solar energy. The capacity of solar radiation in Ukraine reaches from 800 to 1450 W/m squared per year and several regions have the most potential including Crimea, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Odesa. Ukraine is the twelfth largest energy market in the world with an installed capacity of 54 GW as of 2009, exporting its excess electricity to such countries as Russia, Slovakia, Romania, Poland, Moldova, and Hungary.

Electricity, Energy, Solar

Chicagoland Speedway President Talks Ethanol

Chuck Zimmerman

The President of Chicagoland Speedway is Scott Paddock. He manages a beautiful racing facility. This is a bird’s eye view of the track before the NASCAR STP 300 race. I spoke with Scott who says they’re celebrating their tenth anniversary.

We talked about the fact that we were about to see the inaugural STP 300 race as well as the fact that this is the inaugural season for NASCAR to use a blend of ethanol in their fuel. He says that the partnership with American Ethanol and Illinois Corn Growers allows them to do something to help protect the environment. He says that the nearby drag strip and the track were essentially started by a group of farmers. If you visit the track you’ll see that it sits right in the middle of fields of corn. I was glad to see the corn because it added a visual connection to the whole home-grown fuel concept!

You can listen to my interview with Scott here: Scott Paddock Interview

STP 300 Nationwide Series NASCAR Weekend Photos

American Ethanol, Audio, Ethanol, NASCAR