Power Pallets and GEK Gasifiers are at work, currently supplying carbon-lean energy around the globe.
Click below to learn more.
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| Developing World | Commercial Power | Waste Management | Research & Education | DIY Power & Play |
Developing World Electrification
This shortfall is persistent and structural, and the amount of capital required to fix it is tremendous. Therefore, this problem will not be resolved anytime soon with the usual approach to centralized generation and distribution.
Currently, businesses and households that can afford it resort to using diesel generators. Since diesel is sold at world prices, the electricity generated is very expensive, as high as US$0.50 per kilowatt hour or more.
The lack of electricity is by far the largest impediment to development in many parts of the developing world, and resolving this problem will reduce poverty, enable progressive wealth creation and unleash enormous potential.
Happily, there is an available, affordable tool that is highly optimized to use local fuels to make on demand energy: biomass gasification. The ALL Power Labs Power Pallet is now being used in projects around the world to provide affordable, reliable, renewable energy. They are being used both as stand alone systems and as parts of micro-grids, combining power from numerous sources and supplying the transformative power of electricity to whole communities. (To learn more about microgrids, read this excellent report co-authored by our board member Prof. Dan Kammen. )
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Commercial Power
Replacing diesel gensets with a biomass-gasifier-based gensets can substantially reduce costs and climate impact.
Waste Management
APL is proud to be one of the recipients of a California Energy Commission grant to develop Modular Bioenergy Systems for Forest/Urban Interface Areas. Right up our alley!
We will be using the grant to continue our development of our Powertainer Project to deploy it here in California to convert forest conservation waste into power near the location of the forest waste. Overall this is to solve a serious problem that has been created by our modern fire suppression policies, in which our increased presence in wild areas means we can no longer allow sustaining wild fires to burn through our forests, thinning the trees and renewing the ecosystem. To solve this, the foresters manually thin and chip the trees (necessary to prevent blooms of destructive pests) resulting in enormous quantities of wood chips. If left to decompose, these would release their carbon into the atmosphere not only as CO2, but also as Methane (CH4), which has twice the greenhouse effect of CO2.
GEKs and Power Pallets go to work in many commercial contexts. Jobs include making use of waste feed stocks on the farm (agricultural residue), wood working operations (saw mills, wood shop lathings, slash), zoos and animal husbandry (animal waste combined with bedding material), food processing (nuts, pelletized waste), energy consulting companies (demos, pilot plants, development), etc. etc.
Research and Education
ALL Power Labs works with universities, high schools, and government institutes around the world to advance the science of gasification, and educate the next generation of gasifier experts and operators. We can can help teachers and students alike build programs, set up research projects, and teach classes on a broad array of biomass thermal conversion processes.
Customer Highlight: Eastern Illinois University
Eastern Illinois University uses the GEK PowerPallet to educate students about gasification. They have set up real time gas detection to analyze the wood gas while running the system. In this ~9 minute video, they walk through their experiences with start-up and running the PowerPallet and how it fits with their intentions to sustain their energy needs from local resources from consistent energy sources. They are investigating a variety of their local feed stocks with the system and are looking into larger scale projects at their Renewable Energy Center (http://www.eiu.edu/sustainability/eiu_renewable.php)
“Dr. Jerry Cloward, an Assistant Professor in the School of Technology at Eastern Illinois University, talks about the School of Technology’s Gasifier Experimenter’s Kit.”
In this video, they show a good shot of the way we recommend sampling the wood gas from the system. In order to ensure that condensate does not foul the analyzer equipment, attach a long copper coil in between the sampling port and the analyzer. It is recommended to include a small trap right before the gas analyzer. If you do have condensate, this can be collected for analysis as the liquid fraction by other means.
Click below for other projects by GEK research and educational users.
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Utah state University
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George Markt&Russ Lanchance, PhD
West Point, NY thermal imaging camera |
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University of Minnesota, Morris
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John Kinstler’s GEK:
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Ethan’s GEK fabrication and research project at Appalachian State Univ. |
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Gerardo Diaz:
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Adam Asquith: University of Hawaii |
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Analysis of GEK wood gas with GC at Mississippi State University |
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Rogue Community College: |
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University Of West Virginia |
Full list of research and education institutions with GEKs, BEKs or Power Pallets:
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BEE Lab (Bio-Energy Efficiency Lab)University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy |
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Art Institute of ChicagoChicago, Illinois, USA |
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University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanks, Alaska, USA |
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Appalachian State UniversityBoone, North Carolina, USA |
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Aston UniversityBirmingham, UK |
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Minnesota State UniversityInternational Renewable Energy Technology Institute |
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Louisiana State UniversityLouisiana Forest Products Development Center School |
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Masdar institute of Science and TechnologyAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
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McGill University, MacDonald CampusMontreal, Quebec, Canada |
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Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, Michigan, USA |
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Morrisville State CollegeMorrisville, New York, USA |
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Queens University, Department of Mechanical and Materials EngineeringKingston, Ontario, Canada |
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Suzuka National College of TechnologyJapan |
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University of MinnesotaMorris, Minnesota, USA |
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University of Cape TownWestern Cape, South Africa |
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Griffith UniversityAustralia |
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University of Rome Tor VergataDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringRome, Italy |
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University of CaliforniaMerced, California, USA |
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University of CaliforniaDavis, California, USA |
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University of IllinoisCollege of Agricultural and Biological EngineeringUrbana, Illinois, USA |
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Uppsala UniversityDepartment of ScienceUppsala, Sweden |
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West PointWest Point, New York, USA |
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Laguna Creek High SchoolElk Grove, California, USA |
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Lambton CollegeSarnia, Ontario, Canada |
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Maharashtra Institute of TechnologyAurangabad |
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Rogue Community CollegeGrants Pass, Oregon, USA |
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Windward Education and Research CenterKlickitat, Washington, USA |
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University of HawaiiKauai Agricultural Research StationKapaa, Hawaii, USA |
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Pioneer AstronauticsLakewood, Colorado, USA |
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State of Israel Agricultural Research OrganizationVolcani CenterBet-Degan. Israel |
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Tyndall Air Force Base |
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INX LabsGroveland, Florida, USA |
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Natural Resources CanadaOttawa, Ontario, Canada |
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US Army Corps of Engineers Energy OfficeChampaign, Illinois, USA |
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USDA Agricultural Research Service |
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Mississippi State UniversityChemistry DepartmentStarkville, Mississippi, USA |
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University College of DublinUCD Lyons Research FarmBelfield, Dublin, Ireland |
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Univ. of ExeterCamborne School of Mines, TremoughPenryn, Cornwall, UK |
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AnthroTerraAustralia |
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Applied Research AssociatesFlorida, USA |
Choosing a Project:
If you don’t have any equipment yet, its best to match your GEK system with your educational goals. (We recommend contacting us at sales@allpowerlabs.org to ask about our current lead times so that we can be sure to get you set up before your semester starts).
- GEK Gasifier Kit: This kit is intended for running the GEK Gasifier with an engine and genset you supply. It comes with all gasifier components and controls already mounted to the same skid base as the Power Pallet. It can also be adapted to provide producer gas for use in any other experimental or educational projects
- Power Pallets: The Power Pallet is highly recommended if you want to start out engaging students in how gasifier technology can be applied in real world applications. Students can develop their understanding starting with a working unit, and expand their knowledge by running, maintaining and disassembling the machine to uncover the details behind the functions they observe. We are always happy to provide additional documentation to facilitate this process with the parts of the Power Pallet that may not be accessible.
- Process Control Unit (PCU): The PCU is required for meaningful research as it has everything you may ever need for testing, data logging, and control. The PowerPallet series already comes with a PCU, but you will need this in addition to the other kits if you do not already have a testing equipment. Along with the PCU, you will also want to purchase the NEMA Enclosure and Mounting Hardware which is a water proof project box equipt with mounts for the PCU, switch mounts, DIN rails, and connectors for example. This is essential for protecting the PCU and keeps your project reliable and organized.
- Research Experimenters Kit: This is a really good kit if you are interested in researching the further details of the science of gasification concerning flow rates, flow control, tar testing, and thermal profiles.
- Gas Analyzer: If you don’t already have dedicated equipment for your gasification research, you will want to add this to your list. Check out the link to see if the specs fit your research needs.
While our most current gasifier technology is no longer open source, plans, CAD files and instructions for all our earlier versions are still available from our wiki to allow you to begin research on gasifier design and engineering.
Facilities:
We get many questions about where to set up the GEK Gasifier and Power Pallets for research purposes. Some things that you may want to consider:
- Only operate or conduct maintenance on the GEK Gasifier or the Power Pallet in a well ventilated place. We have seen universities install hoods, negative pressure flues, or build a small single walled shed or roof structure to accommodate the equipment.
Projects and other helpful links:
- Multi-Fuel Run Comparison
- Convert Engines and Generators
- Data Logging and Control with the Process Control Unit (PCU)
Next steps:
- Send us a sample of your curriculum or syllabus- While we are interested in how teachers are using the GEK in the classroom, we could also give you advice on time lines, interactive projects, and offer teaching material and documentation. Send to support@allpowerlabs.org.
- Promote your program- Many people contact us that also want to enroll in classes to learn about gasification and other renewable energy technologies. Promote your program by sending pictures of your GEK tosupport@allpowerlabs.org and posting on the GEK Gasifier Forum so that we can point them in your direction.
DIY Power and Play
From backyard tinkering to your own personal Mr. Fusion, the GEK gasifier will help you build it. GEK users have impressed us with everything from wood gas vehicle conversions, art school design projects, green house integrations, odd reactor modifications, and even fuel cell and gas-to-liquids experiments. Don’t try this at home!
Customer Highlight: Frank Mannix: GEK powered VW Thing; Colorado
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Frank writes:
“Please post this picture, taken this afternoon, Thursday Sept 17 after I made it to the top of Berthoud Pass 11,307. My house is at 8665 ft, which makes the climb over 2750 feet in approx 15 miles, average grade over 6%(it’s downhill to Fraser, then up). The GEK performed flawlessly going up hill, but I always have trouble going downhill, and had to boost it with gas a few times (3 or 4 ticks of the electric fuel pump) It’s like the throttle being closed down strangles it. But it flies uphill (steady load- wide open – 2nd or 3rd gear, and I even get some reaction from my “carburetor”- the butterfly valve. Usually, I am on full woodgas- I suspect I have some vacuum leaks.
Frank”
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Here’s a few of our customers that have used the GEK as a development platform for their projects. People have used the GEK Gasifier systems to develop or integrate projects such as electrical generation, vehicle conversions, heating, combined heat and power (CHP), automation and control, or inventing and developing novel uses and designs.
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GEK workshop in Michigan |
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Marcus Bryner: Grants Pass, Oregon |
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Terry’s Riding Lawnmower: Michigan |
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Dave Conway’s DIY GEK – Canada |
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Guy Robinson and Don Larsen: Minnesota |
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GEK Fabrication in Alabama |
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DIY GEK by Chandra in |
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Kenny in Nevada |
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Rogue Community College: |
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07ADuncan |
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Larson runs small engines with the GEK |
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Bruce Chovnick’s Trailer mounted GEK using horse bedding/manure. Morriston, Florida |
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Gerd: GEK Fabrication from solar energy, California |
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Dave’s DIY PowerPallet |
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Ethan’s GEK fabrication and research project at Appalachian State Univ. |
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Adam Asquith: University of Hawaii |
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Bilder’s GenGas Blog |
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Walt and Opalyn at windward.org: Columbia Gorge, Oregon |
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Brian Gautreau |
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Gabe and Nathan:GEK fabrication, Colorado |
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Grant Shotwell
running a 4cyl Continental genset |
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Luc Gosselin |
Links for DIY projects, experimenters, and inventors:Choosing a Project: If you don’t have any equipment yet, its best to match your GEK system with your intended end use.
This kit is intended for running the GEK Gasifier with an engine and genset you supply. It comes with all gasifier components and controls already mounted to the same skid base as the Power Pallet. While our most current gasifier technology is no longer open source, plans, CAD files and instructions for all our earlier versions are still available from our wiki to allow you to begin research on gasifier design and engineering. Facilities:
Projects and other helpful links: |