Chem321:Discussion 7
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This discussion is based on discussing two questions, and it is set to take place on the wiki, over the next few days (until midnight on Thursday, 25th July). Be sure to watch both videos: Prof. Robert Ewy on growing willow, and Prof. Ken Visser on small wind turbines. Consider the question with two scenarios in mind - (a) where fracking has given the world a plentiful supply of $100/barrel oil (maintaining gasoline prices at around $4/gallon in the US) or (b) where use of fracking has been limited after an environmental disaster, and global oil demand has surged ahead of supply, so there is a price spike for gasoline and similar liquid fuels.
We will leave comments on the page below, in response to (and under) the questions posted or the related responses. Be sure to start your text with a *, and sign your responses with four tilde marks at the end. You should post one original response to each question, and then post one followup comment on another student's posting. I will respond to each.
Biofuels in the North Country
What the the possibilities for biofuel production in the North Country? Could willow or something similar provide a major cash crop for local farmers with marginal land? (Post answers below here)
- There are several possibilities for alternative and renewable energy development in St. Lawrence County. As we observed in the video by Dr. Ewy, willow is one particular alternative. Though it was also apparent that while some varieties of willow thrive, others are less adequate or prone to do well in colder climates or in marginal soil that has not been used exclusively or recently for agricultural development. Industrial hemp is another good alternative energy resource that easily proliferates in colder climates. In fact, industrial hemp has been known to grow well even in Northern and Central Russia. Industrial hemp has been cultivated near the Northern Border of Agriculture (66° N, approx.): from Arkhangelsk the northern limit of hemp-cultivation was extended to Mezen, then reached Pechora River (Ust-Tsilma), to Tobolsk Province, Surgut (61° 17'N)(http://vir.nw.ru/hemp/hemp2.htm). Hemp is not only well suited to cold climates with low temperatures in Spring and short Summers, in fact farming just 6% of the continental U.S. acreage with biomass crops like industrial hemp would provide all of America's energy needs(http://www.hempcar.org/hempfacts.shtml#one).Haw7thorne (talk) 17:18, 24 July 2013 (EDT)
Small wind turbines in the North Country
Suggest some suitable applications for small wind turbines in St. Lawrence County and nearby counties. (Post answers below here)
- I think that the most suitable usage for small wind turbines would likely include either private use or use by public entities such as colleges, universities, or publicly owned utilities in order to supplement local power supplies. However, private use would naturally only be viable if the individual(s) in question were able to afford the cost for purchasing and installing a small wind turbine, and its use even on a small scale would of course be limited. For instance, the small three blade turbine shown in the video and which is being tested by Clarkson University generated only 1KW per hour I believe. A smaller privately owned turbine like the one I am describing however would would be great for powering a heat pump in order to heat say a small house.Haw7thorne (talk) 18:43, 24 July 2013 (EDT)
