My Desultory Blog

Posted By RichC on July 6, 2006

Southwest Windpower has introduced a new residential small wind generator called the Skystream 3.7â„¢ that can produce 4,800 to 6,600 kWh of energy to the average home. The unit is designed to be affordable costing around $10,000 and is intended for ‘on the grid’ power users. In average installations the residential unit should pay for itself in 5 to 12 years by offsetting power purchase from the grid with clean, renewable power. According to the companies co-founder Andrew Kruse in a press release, “Skystream will change the way many Americans power their homes and take control of their energy costs. Wind energy for the individual homeowner is finally main-stream.”

The company, Southwest Windpower is the world’s largest producer of small wind generators (400 to 3000 watts). The 20-year old company has been a pioneer in the development of wind technology and has produced over 90,000 generators that provide power to residential homes, remote cabins, telecom transmitters, offshore platforms, water pumping and sailboats.

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Posted By RichC on July 5, 2006

Biodiesel Magazine published an article their April 2006 issue titled “Simple, effective B100 quick field test available.” CytoCulture International has developed “a practical tool for use throughout the entire biodiesel supply chain.” It is a handy field test, available now (see below), that according to the author is “effective and simple.”

The test, called the pHLip Test by its creator, uses visual identification in a test vial. The most practical test is one that determines the age of biodiesel — the most acidic the sample, the older the biodiesel. As pH level drops, the solution changes from red to orange and eventually yellow if the biodiesel is more acidic … older.
Another test is for the left over catalyst. When trace amounts of hydroxide are still present, the indicator color changes from red to purple if too much catalyst is still left in the fuel. Other indicators are tests for soaps, monoglycerides, diglycerides adn triglycerides. These test require visual inspection of residues and is less definitive, yet a good indicator of a less than ASTM standards fuel.

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Posted By RichC on July 4, 2006

Happy Birthday America! What an outstanding way to celebrate Independence day. STS-121 and the Shuttle Discovery made a near picture perfect launch today at 2:35PM lifting a heavy weight from anyone associated with the Space Program. The crew of seven are now in space and during this 12-day mission will continue evaluating new safety procedures while they visit the International Space Station. The team plans two spacewalks and attempt a series of repairs. STS-121 will be the first of an ambitious 18 planned trips to space over the next 3 years. It would be great to see America Shuttle program phase out on a high note leaving a positive legacy in its wake.

Today’s launch brought back memories of watching NASA launch men into space as the US raced to the moon — to disastrous moments that reminded us of the risk. For Americans and the many involved with the space program, today was a true celebration. I didn’t intend on archiving this moment, but decided last minute I wanted to include such a highlight in my blog. Let’s hope for a safe and successful mission.

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Posted By RichC on July 4, 2006

While our country and its citizens have enjoyed “Independence” for 230 years now, let’s be sure to stop and thank those who earned it, maintained it and fight to keep it. Thank you America, and those who have fought and continue to fight, to keep it free and secure. On a personal note, I’ve made a tradition of replacing our flag each fourth of July — its a good day to do it. (Treo 700p Smartphone photo above using the 2x feature)

What would a national holiday be without looking at a bit of our history. Some of you that read my posts do with and interest in alternative fuels whether it be for national security, a cleaner environment or just to improve our energy future. I spotted this quote from President Richard M. Nixon that I found to be well-suited.

“As we move toward the celebration 2 years from now of the 200th anniversary of this Nation’s independence, let us press vigorously on toward the goal I announced last November for Project Independence. Let this be our national goal: At the end of this decade, in the year 1980, the United States will not be dependent on any other country for the energy we need to provide our jobs, to heat our homes, and to keep our transportation moving.”

The more we think we change the more we stay the same.
🙁

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Posted By RichC on July 3, 2006

Senator Joseph Lieberman dropped a bombshell today as he made a calculated move to ensure his name will be on the ballot either as a Democrat or and Independent this fall. Under Connecticut law, one can be put on the ballot if he has 7,500 signatures by August 9th — so just in case Lieberman loses the primary on August 8th, he will be prepared to run against his party’s nominee by doing just that. “I’m essentially taking out an insurance policy,” Lieberman told CNN. “I’m opening up an option that will guarantee me that I will be able to make my case to all the voters in Connecticut in November.”

Senator Lieberman has been at odds with many in the Democratic party by supporting President Bush in the “War on Terror.” He an a few other Democrats have supported both the war effort in Afghanistan and Iraq, something that has divided and brought anger from many Democrats. For Senator Joseph Lieberman it has also brought on challenger Ned Lamont, something he has not had since 1989. Mr. Lamont is a multi-millionaire who is running a notable anti-war campaign in hopes to defeat Lieberman in August primary.

Currently the polls show Lieberman is still maintaining a slight lead, but in a midterm primary who knows what a few million dollars could do oust Senator Lieberman? CNN had a good interview with Lieberman who detailed his reasoning for announcing the signature petition, but strongly maintains his allegiance to the Democratic party.

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Posted By RichC on July 3, 2006

Nasa’s Space Shuttle program waits once again as the experts analyse new photos taken overnight of foam damage possibly due to rain water leaking near the fueling/defueling connection. If water was able to seep in and freeze to be warmed later by the daytime heat, that could be the reason for this small fracture. STS-121 has been delayed twice now and is waiting for a go signal in order to launch on July 4th.

The STS-121 mission is to head to the International Space Station (ISS) delivering a new ISS crew member, Thomas Reiter from Germany as well as test new safety and repair techniques on the Shuttle itself. This technique were developed following the Columbia disaster of February 2003. The Shuttle will also deliver supplies, equipment to the Space Station which has been recently supplied by an unmanned Russian space craft.

Due to weather conditions near Kennedy Space Center, the planned launch was scrubbed for Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2. The launch is currently scheduled for Tuesday, July 4, 2006 at 2:38 p.m. EDT.

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Posted By RichC on July 2, 2006

Biodiesel Magazine had an update on JatroDiesel, a Mason Ohio based company, in its June 2006 issue. The facility under construction in Miamisburg Ohio, just outside of Dayton, is nearly completed and has some biodiesel buyers already in place according to Rajesh Mosali, chief executive officer of JatroDiesel. JatroDiesel’s process is somewhat unique as their plant will not use water in the production process which according to the company increases the shelf life of the final product. “A major advantage that we carry is that we are also the equipment manufacturer” states Mosali. The article reveals that the JatroDiesel plant will have multi-feedstock processing capabilities, but will use mostly yellow grease and soybean oil. The company will also run a cooking oil recycling service for area restaurants. Bunge, a soybean crusher and oil blender, and Darling International, a recycler and renderer of animal waste products, will provide additional feedstock. Mosali also indicated that the JatroDiesel facility will also have a testing laboratory on-site “to guarantee fuel will meet the requirements specified by the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM).” Also the company indicated that they have identified two more plant sites for future projects.

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Posted By RichC on July 1, 2006

Just like employees in any struggling industry, NASA employees are pinning their hopes and jobs on a successful launch and mission. Discovery is scheduled to launch at 3:49 p.m. Saturday from the Kennedy Space Center, in Florida and could be NASA’s last chance to get it right. NASA’s administrator Michael Griffin gave a prelaunch news conference stating, “I worry that we spend so much time worrying about foam that we won’t worry about other things that could get us. We try to address them all.”

Over the past 3 years the shuttle fleet has been grounded twice for fuel tank redesigns and has had only one test flight last year with the shuttle Columbia. Discovery’s mission is a bit more ambitious although the primary goal is to safely launch and return of the shuttle and the astronauts. There are scenarios for reentry options: One, the astronauts could dock and/or repair at the space station. Two, Discovery could be ditched in the ocean on reentry and three it could be land leaving the astronauts behind on the space station.

The other question is the launch weather; as of this writing there is only a 40% chance of launch because of thunderstorms which mean the launch would be postponed until Sunday.

As a boy growing up, I watched the space program begin and saw our country proudly put a man on the moon (Neil Armstrong). I would like to see NASA continued to explore and succeed confidently again putting men and women in to space. Although I’m proud to see the international communities unite on the space station and private venture put a man into space, nothing compares to America’s national space program. Let’s hope the improvements in tank foam and repair tricks will work flawlessly. Discovery and her astronauts need to have a safe and successful mission to continue NASA’s future.

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Posted By RichC on June 30, 2006

Although the Smart car has been around in Europe since 1998, Americans have been reluctant to accept it here in the US. (government, consumers and importers alike) When you look at it next to most car and trucks on American roads you understand why … its tiny! Most I have asked about it say its “cute” but “I wouldn’t want to be in a crash with an SUV.” I echo their sentiment.

The general manager of a new Mercedes dealership in West Chester Ohio secretly pointed out the showroom design that was built to showcase both the Mercedes Benz models and the Smart Car. I’ll let you guess which division was given the most space but as of last month he didn’t know if or when they would get their first Smart.

Yesterday DaimlerChrysler AG announced that it would begin importing the Smart Car to the US the first quarter of 2008. Obviously gas price focused city commuters will be a targeted customer. The micro-sized Smart is barely 9 feet long, has two seats and is reported to be able to get 40 miles per gallon in the city. Yes … that’s what several of the articles are saying … 40 mpg city. For those of you thinking “oh that’s pretty good” — that’s not my point at all. Let’s consider that most hybrids that are much larger, some 4 place non-hybrids and the majority of Volkswagen TDI Golfs, New Beetles and Jettas are getting over 40mpg. My 2003 Jetta TDI running 100% biodiesel has a lifetime average of 44-45 mpg mixed driving, and that’s with a bit of a boost from oversized injectors and an aggressive stage 3 chip.

The Smart Fortwo (model) is expected to list for a tad less than $15,000 which is about the same as a handful of other small cars. (a relative term considering that the Mini-Cooper is 3.5 foot longer than the Smart) According to DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche, the cars will be distributed by United Auto Group which is owned by Roger Penske. They have nearly 300 dealers in 19 states as well as a presence in Europe, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Currently they sell about 40 brands of vehicles. I’m not sure how this plays into my local Mercedes Benz dealership?

Under the hood of the Smart Fortwo, is a 3-cylinder engine capable of 40 mpg in the city and 60 mpg on the highway. It has small 10-gallon tank for gasoline which gives it a range of 400 miles. (although sitting for a 400 mile trip in a Smart Car might be the bigger challenge?) The US will be getting the next-generation Fortwo which will get a new engine by Mitsubishi which is expected to be a 3 -cylinder, but rumor has it that it could be a 4-cylinder. The Fortwo will come in three models, one is the coupe, one a convertible and an unnamed version. For those having the same thoughts I do, it will be loaded with safety hardware, including air bags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control, but its hard to imagine feeling safe being rammed by a Hummer?

Fuel economy is probably not the reason most people will purchase the Smart, as just like the VW Beetle or the Mini Cooper, its the “cool factor.” It is something different and will be the only pocket car on the road. According to Penske, they will initially sell the Smart in about 30 to 50 dealership around large cities or vacation destinations.

As a business unit, Smart has lost $3.6 billion, according to analysts. Criticism from within the automotive industry suggest that even though the Smart cars have sold well, 750,000 vehicles in the last 8 years, they offer too many models and continue to expand the line with new models before each becomes profitable; the future of the Smart car may continue this trend. Dieter Zetsche commented that the Smart may offer a hybrid version as well as a diesel for the U.S. too. That would be interesting, but is it a wise business move considering the criticisms above? Although, diesel Smart is already available in Canada, it doesn’t meet new strict U.S. emissions mandates for 2007 and therefore would have to undergo significant modification as well as additional emissions testing. This from a business only standpoint would most likely be too costly to justify in a US market that doesn’t particularly embrace diesel cars.

Leave me a comment if you hear more.

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Posted By RichC on June 29, 2006

Thankfully this is the internet and not the Civics classroom because there just wouldn’t be a way to discuss this particular story comfortably. I’ve written about Judge Cashman, parttime Judges in my county and Judge Connor, but this judge holding a murder trial while … well .. multi-tasking is impossible to believe. I let the Greta Van Susteren “On the Record” video clip speak for itself … you won’t believe it.

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