The Workermonkey

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Stockholm stay extended 

# posted by Damon @ 11/27/2005 01:25:00 PM

Hey all, I've just decided, after speaking with the coach of Djurgården IF about joining the Amerikansk fotball team, that I will stay in Stockholm until at least September, when the season ends. This means I need to immediately put on weight and muscle and will be rather busy when practice starts in February if I continue work. I also now need to either frame my thesis such that I can do it here, or delay it until fall. Any topic suggestions? I am considering the feasibility of large scale biodiesel distribution in Vermont if there is enough diesels to justify this (unlikely.) But given that more than 70% of the state's emissions are from transporation, it seems a nice solution, maybe ethanol instead? And if rural VT could get biodiesel to a wide variety of filling stations, anywhere could. Really though, any suggestions on a research topic "within the domain of Sustainable Energy Engineering?" Also, now you can start saving for airfare to come visit in summer when there's 18 hours of daylight, and I'll probably playing football part time (3x/wk), working part time (16hr/wk), and chilling full time.

5 comments

I like those ideas. They're down to earth and not abstract, meaning they're potentially applicable as soon as written.

"The Sweedish Anomaly: Why it Helps the Environment when Sweedish Girls Fart"

By  DJ Booze Piñata, at Monday, November 28, 2005 10:17:00 AM  

I bet 100% of VT's emissions arent even 5% of California's. I'd swing at some better pitchs. If VT switched to biodiesel, it wouldnt be anything more than a political statement (which wouldn't be bad at all).

some quick ideas.
- impact of carbon sequestration
- how to bring clean diesels to the US so I can drive a Lupo
- feasibility of SOFC fuel cells for home use.
- the wood burning car. 10 miles/log
- lightening, the untapped potential.

By  ron, at Monday, November 28, 2005 12:33:00 PM  

Very good Ron. It's funny that I don't want to work in Sweden because of the same reason you point out: changing VT will not make a difference, they are too clean already. True, but with over 60% of the electricity supply emission-free and soon to expire, they could get dirtier. Also, VT has the wind, hydro, and boimass to become a power exporter to Boston, NYC, and Montreal, providing the whole Northeast with clean power.

I am not sure about manufacturers' plans, but many European models cannot meet US emissions demands with the high sulfur fuel in the US. Since there are new fuel requirements in '06, it is expected that more diesels will be available. I hope consumers take advantage and prove to manufacturers, now is the time for diesel. I'd like a Polo. (They don't have Lupo's here, so I haven't fallen for them.)

I'll do the feasibility for home SOFC right now: It cost even more than PV! Dear lord are you joking!!

Wood logs are even more difficult for transport than H2, but people used to do it, have wood fuel gasifiers onboard when all the oil was going to World Wars.

Ah lightning, every engineers' wet dream. How oh how to harness such violent release of our highest, best type of energy?

Thanks for the input.

By  Damon, at Monday, November 28, 2005 2:39:00 PM  

if you're looking for something that is specific to VT try farms. the amount of manure hanging around is incredible. Small wind farms in the fields can power anything they may need to run. think smaller. Tractors are going to be running on oil for a long time, as are big rigs. making them more effcient would be a huge boost, they are in constant service and cause a ton of damage to roads. Shipping things is a huge life line in america since we are so spread out.

By  Supreme Monkey Overlord, at Monday, November 28, 2005 3:29:00 PM  

SOFC's are pretty awesome. I'd love to see them not only provide some electric juice but replace the furnace, hot water heater and chiller units. If they were mass produced (therfor cost less), I bet it would be feasible. The natural gas infastructure is in place in alot of areas.

I came to terms myself about alternative energy a year or two ago. It wont happen until we run out of oil or the cost of oil competes with the cost of alternatives. There simply is no reason to switch, other than being conscious minded about environment issues. Its just like your said, it all comes down to a cost feasibility.

fuckin' a, why would I heat my home for say... 4000$ a winter when oil would cost me 1200$. (costs may vary, I dont own a home and have no idea but you get the point, it just costs too much)

By  ron, at Monday, November 28, 2005 5:25:00 PM  

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