Study Underway to Make Plastics From Soy Oil

Joanna Schroeder

University of Minnesota researchers are developing degradable plastics from soybean oil. These bioplastics could become a replacement for those made with petroleum and natural gas. Marc Hillmyer, Distinguished McKnight University Professor of chemistry and Director of the Center for Sustainable Polymers, believes that to wean the country from all things fossil fuels, including chemicals and plastics, alternatives based on renewable resources must be developed.

One of the greatest challenges that must be overcome is the fact that while polylactides (PLA) are degradable polymers that can be used in a variety of products, they tend to soften at higher temperatures. This rules them out for extensive use in food and beverage packing applications. Enter Hillmyer. He and his team have developed new types of polyactide-based materials that could overcome this challenge.

Hillmyer believes this discovery could be used in a wide variety of applications that require high temperature stability and toughness. These include plastic bottles, microwave trays, cell phones and more. Hillmyer believes sustainable polymers are the “materials of tomorrow.”

The plasticizers developed by Hillmyer and his team including Dr. Dharma Kodali, are derived from soy oil. Kodali explained that the new plasticizers are synthesized in their lab and could be a viable replacement for petroleum-derived plasticizers. They are comparable in price and performance but are safer, says Kodali, because they are made from renewable resources and degrade readily if leaked into environment.Read More

Agribusiness, bioplastics, Research, Soybeans

Spotted in DC

Joanna Schroeder

This advertisement was spotted in Washington DC this week and is part of a Beltway campaign being deployed by the Renewable Fuels Group (RFA). The ethanol organization is also advertising on politically geared websites as well as in DC political magazines such as Roll Call. This is just one element of a broader campaign the group is currently engaged in to educate policymakers about the benefits of ethanol.

Ethanol, RFA

Algae to Omega Chooses LumiGrow

Joanna Schroeder

Algae to Omega, an algae company focused on producing algae crops in vertical indoor farms, has chosen LumiGrow to provide its lighting solutions for its facility in Oakland Park, Florida. The LED efficient lights are being utilized to increase algae crop yield. The algae is used for high-value products including cosmetics, fish meal and nutritional supplements. During the day the algae farm receives natural sunlight, and now at night the algae will get constant light from the LED lights. Algae to Omega said that without these lights, they would need to double its space to produce the same amount of crops.

“As a company committed to green technologies, we were drawn to the LumiGrow solution’s demonstrated ability to cut energy use and costs by half versus traditional greenhouse lighting systems,” said Geronimos Dimitrelos, CEO of Algae to Omega. “But what really drove our selection is that the LumiGrow system’s adjustable color spectrum makes it the best choice for boosting algae growth. The algae grown under the 23 LumiGrow fixtures we have already installed is a vibrant healthy green.”

LumiGrow said that unlike other greenhouse lighting systems that emit broad swaths of color spectrum that plants cannot use, all the light emitted from their lighting system is used by the plants improving plant growth and health. In addition the system can be adjusted to meet the algae’s specific photosynthesis needs.

“Algae to Omega sets an example of how forward-thinking growers innovate to keep abreast of changing market conditions,” said Kevin Wells, CEO of LumiGrow. “We’re delighted that the LumiGrow solution is helping Algae to Omega realize their vision of a highly productive and cost-efficient vertical farm.”

algae, biomaterials

Solar Panel Efficiency on the Rise

Joanna Schroeder

The efficiency of solar panels are on the rise with several companies making recent announcements that new products have increased sun to energy conversion rates. Today SunPower Corp has launched the SunPower E20 series of solar panels that achieve total area efficiencies of 20 percent or more. The 96-cell E20 solar panels are available in 333 watt and 327 watt models for rooftop installations and feature the company’s 22.4 percent efficient patented Maxeon cell technology.

According to the company, the Maxeon solar cell captures more sunlight and conducts more electrical current than other solar cells on the market. The cells hold the world record for efficiency among all commercially available mass-produced solar cells. The new cells also offer positive power tolerance rating and comprehensive inverter compatibility.

“With the E20 series solar panels, SunPower has once again broken a world record for efficiency,” said SunPower CEO Tom Werner. “SunPower consistently delivers the most efficient and reliable solar technology on the market, guaranteed to deliver the greatest return on investment to our customers.”

To help with the development of the E20 solar cells, SunPower received funds provided by the U.S. Department of Energy as part of its Solar America Initiative. The funds were awarded four years ago. The E20 efficiency rating was confirmed by the DOE’s National Renewable Energy Lab. The solar cells will be available in Europe and Australia this year with North American and Asia rollouts in early 2012.

Electricity, Energy, Solar

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