Green Energy News | February 20, 2000

February 20, 2000 – Vol.4 No.47

ENERGIES... week of February 20, 2000

POND SCUM POWER. Bright green pond algae could be a major source of hydrogen, if scientists at the University of California Berkeley and the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory are correct. Researchers have discovered that when algae known as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii are deprived of sulfur they produce the enzyme hydrogenase. Hydrogenase can split water into hydrogen and oxygen - a biological version of electrolysis.

For now hydrogen production is too low for commercial use; however scientists feel hydrogen production can be increased ten-fold with mutant versions of the algae. At higher levels of production a small-pond (of unspecified size) could power a dozen cars (of unspecified size) for a week. Hydrogen could power fuel cells or combustion engines. The full text of the research is in the January edition of Plant Physiology.

FUEL THRIFTY - PRICE THRIFTY HYBRID. U.S. Federally sponsored Partnership for New Generation of Vehicles program (PNGV) is not about building an 80 mile per gallon concept car. It’s about building an energy efficient family sedan that people can afford to buy.

With the unveiling of DaimlerChrysler’s PNGV contribution the ESX3, the company is within range of building an affordable, super-efficient car. In full production the third generation the diesel-electric hybrid would carry a price premium of only $7500 per vehicle compared with one of today’s mid-sized sedans. Predecessors were $15,000 and $60,000 too expensive.

The ESX3 achieves its 72 miles per gallon in part because of a 1.5 liter diesel assisted by a 15 kilowatt electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack - and its light weight of 2250 pounds.

To slim the ESX3, DaimlerChrysler considered every part, but most notably the body structure. Combining thermoplastics, structural foam and aluminum, the structure weighs 46 percent less and cost 15 percent less to build than a comparable steel body. The entire structure has only 12 pieces, is estimated to be 80% recyclable and in simulation meets crash requirements.

Other efficiency improving features are an electronically shifted manual transmission, regenerative braking, anti-idling devices, a self-ventilating-while-parked interior, solar reflective glass, periscope rear view mirrors and light-weight seats. DaimlerChrysler has not announced plans to produce the ESX3. Visit them at http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/ .

PURE ELECTRIC HYBRID. Electric Fuel has a different approach to electric vehicle technology. Don’t waste time recharging a discharged battery pack - just remove and replace it with fresh one. The company’s battery technology combines a zinc-air battery and battery recycling system. Zinc-air batteries are fully charged when installed and cannot be recharged through conventional means.

The U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and the Israeli Ministry of National Infrastructures (MOI) have agreed to work together to retrofit two similar buses with electric propulsion systems for comparison testing in both nations. One bus will be supplied by Electric Fuel.

A battery/battery hybrid, the Electric Fuel bus will have two battery packs. The company’s zinc-air battery will be the main source of power. The other battery will supply energy for acceleration and will be recharged through regenerative braking. Urban buses seem ideal for this configuration since they start and stop frequently. The DOE bus will use battery technology developed by them.Visit Electric Fuel at http://www.electric-fuel.com/ .